7th June 2021
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.
During the Covid-19 pandemic carers were presented with challenges and continue to face new challenges as a result. Many people are taking on more caring responsibilities for their relatives and friends who are disabled, ill or older and who need support.
Carers need to be recognised for the difficulties they are experiencing, respected for all they are doing, and provided with information, support and understanding. So during Carers Week, we’re coming together to help Make Caring Visible and Valued.
Carers can look after a family member or friend who has a disability, mental or physical illness or who needs extra help as they grow older. Caring impacts on all aspects of life from relationships and health to finances and work which can be significant. Whilst many feel that caring is one of the most important things they do, its challenges should not be underestimated.
Caring without the right information and support can be tough. It is vitally important that we recognise the contribution carers make to their families and local communities, workplaces and society, and that they get the support they need.
Dr Cathy Jack, Belfast Trust Chief Executive said: “We know there are over 50,000 carers in Belfast who provide regular and substantial care to support their loved ones. They are unsung heroes with many putting their own lives on hold in support of another.
“In Belfast Trust we are committed to ensuring that carers have the support to help them in their role. This includes having access to the right information, advice and support at the right time to enable them to continue their valuable caring role.”
Many people are taking on more caring responsibilities for their relatives and friends who are disabled, ill or older and who need support.
They need to be recognised for the difficulties they are experiencing, respected for all they are doing, and provided with information, support and understanding.
Over Carers Week Belfast Trust is hosting a number of activities for carers, click here to find out what is going on and how to sign up.
Would you like to find out more information about Belfast Trust Carers Service? Click here to visit the Carers Service.