What is a carer?
When people need help with their day to day living they often turn to their family and friends. Looking after each other is something that we do. A carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to a family member or friend who has a disability, mental or physical illness, substance misuse issue, or who needs extra help as they grow older. Up and down the UK there are millions of people caring unpaid for an ill, frail or disabled family member or friend. These people are called carers but they would probably say that they are just being a husband, a wife, a mum, a dad, a son, a daughter, a friend or a good neighbour. Find out more here.
Carers Week 2020 – Making Caring Visible
Caring can be rewarding but also challenging, and many carers are currently dealing with more challenges than ever before. It is important that they know how to look after their own health and wellbeing, and that we all recognise the contribution that carers make.
Caring impacts all aspects of life, from relationships and health to finances and work, and caring without the right information and support can be tough. This year, when carers have the additional worry of how to keep themselves and the person they care for safe during the coronavirus outbreak, it is important that they have the information, guidance and support they need. This Carers Week, we’re recognising that now, more than ever before, it’s time for us to come together and help Make Caring Visible. To find out how you can help make caring visible, click here.
Local support for carers
If you are a carer, you are not alone and support is available across Sunderland and South Tyneside. Many organisations continue to offer support to carers during the current pandemic via telephone or online and you can find out how to access support by contacting them directly. Follow the relevant link below to find out how to access local support:
