Carers Week 8-14 June 2020
What is Carers Week?
Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. It also helps people who don't think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support.
This year, people across the country are continuing to face new challenges as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. Many people are taking on more caring responsibilities for their relatives and friends.
Carers Week has released new research which finds an estimated 4.5 million people have started caring unpaid since the coronavirus outbreak began. When combined with those already providing care pre-crisis, that means there could be as many as 13.6 million unpaid carers across the UK – 26% of the UK population. Read the full report:
Carers need to be recognised for the difficulties they are experiencing, respected for all they are doing and provided with information, support and understanding.
We Care You Care is coordinating the local campaign to Make Caring Visible which is the theme for this year's Carers Week.
What is happening in Middlesbrough?
Due to the pandemic we are focusing our campaign on utilising technology recognising that many more people are now sourcing information and advice online or via social media. Like and follow our Facebook page to keep up to date with our activity throughout the week.
Here is what we are going to be doing throughout Carers Week 2020:
- Launching our We Care You Care Website (congratulations you have found us, welcome!)
- Showcasing the diversity in local support for carers which not only reflects Middlesbrough's diverse community but also the diverse needs of carers.
- Sharing some, not to be missed, appreciation posts by a range of people you will hopefully recognise.
- Providing insights in to experiences of some local carers.
Please feel free to share and comment on our Facebook activity; we are keen to reach as many people in Middlesbrough as possible.
If you have stories to share or have some useful information that will help local carers, please get in touch. We are working hard all year round to recognise, value and inform carers. Contact Kelly Baxter by e-mail: kelly.baxter@mvdauk.org.uk
Local supporters:
Dr Hollingsworth said: "Here in Middlesbrough we have a huge number of carers who work tirelessly to keep the cogs of our community turning. As a GP I am constantly reminded of the vital work carers play in supporting the health and wellbeing of our community. Whether you care for a family member, a neighbour, a friend, for an hour a week or full time, thank you. You are recognised, you are appreciated and we are proud to have you as part of our team."
David Gallagher, Accountable Officer for Tees Valley Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Carers week is a time where we can make sure our local carers are recognised and appreciated for their amazing contribution throughout the year, and the difference they make to those they care for.
There are around 1.4 million people nationally providing 50 or more carer hours a week for a partner, friend or family member, making a significant contribution to society and the NHS.
The new ‘We Care You Care website’ will be the first place for carers to go in identifying support and we’re keen to support the site’s further development.
The Coronavirus pandemic has been a difficult time for everyone. However, alongside our health and social care professionals, carers continue to put others before themselves and their commitment and hard work is valued every day, not only during carers week.”
