Carers Week starts today (7-13 June 2021) with the aim of celebrating and recognising the vital contribution of the UK’s unpaid carers.
This year the theme is ‘making caring visible and valued’ and we want to highlight the value and importance of young people under the age of 18 who help to look after someone in their family who has a disability, is older, ill, or who has a physical or mental health condition.
Commenting on the week Helen Forrest, Chief Executive of Children’s Health Scotland said: “Young carers play a really essential role in supporting their loved ones, but their value is often overlooked or forgotten. This year, young carers have been under even more pressure due to lockdowns, and many have taken on even more caring responsibilities to help relatives and friends who have needed their help. This Carer’s Week we want to raise awareness of these young carers, say a big thank you to each and every one, and celebrate the contribution they make to our society.”
There are 6.5 million people in the UK who are carers. They are looking after a family member or friend who has a disability, mental or physical illness or who needs extra help as they grow older.
Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said: “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic unpaid carers have played an essential role supporting older, disabled and seriously ill relatives and friends, doing so most of the year on their own behind closed doors. They have forgone breaks from caring and much of the support they would normally have relied on. As restrictions ease it is vital that we acknowledge the enormous contribution that unpaid carers continue to make day in day out. I am delighted that many individuals and organisations are getting involved with virtual activities, helping carers to connect to others and access advice and information locally. Looking after someone can be a hugely rewarding experience, but it sometimes comes with difficulties, including getting the right support. This Carers Week I hope all parts of the community – family and friends, employers, businesses, schools, health and care services – do their bit to make caring visible and show it is valued.”
Caring’s impact on all aspects of life from relationships and health to finances and work should not be underestimated, and carers are facing even more difficult circumstances this year. 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.
“We deliver training that is always focused on the healthcare needs and rights of children and young people,” adds Anne Wilson, Head of Development with Children’s Health Scotland. “We take the time to look at how these can best be supported, especially in relation to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. So, if you would like to know more about issues and challenges surrounding the healthcare needs and rights of children and young people, then I would encourage you to get in contact with us.”
For more information our training, please contact:
Anne Wilson, Head of Development
Children’s Health Scotland
Tel: 0131 553 6553 | Mob: 07485 462435
Email: anne.wilson@childrenshealthscotland.org
