Carers Week: Make caring visible, valued and supported
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.
Running from 6-12 June, the theme for this year’s Carers Week is ‘Make caring visible, valued and supported’. Unpaid carers and the challenges of caring should be recognised in all areas of life. Caring should be valued and respected by everyone in our society, and carers should have access to the information and support they need, where and when they need it.
Marjorie Wallace, Chief Executive of SANE, mark Carers Week with the following comment:
“SANE remains concerned that carers, and especially families, of mentally ill people continue to be sidelined, and whose own health may suffer as a consequence of the lack of support they receive.
“We hear regularly from callers to our helpline who are desperately worried about the loved ones they care for, many of whom have seen their condition worsen due to prolonged isolation during lockdowns. Young carers have also been much more exposed to the illnesses of their parents during this time, and have had to take on greater responsibility for their care.
“In the wake of the pandemic and continuing staff shortages in mental health services, we worry about what will happen to the thousands who care for those with mental illness, many of whom find themselves lonely and adrift while looking after people who may be in acute distress, with little or no information let alone support.”
Find out more about Carers Week at www.carersweek.org
A key aim of the services we provide at SANE is to offer emotional support to carers. Find out the many ways you can get in touch with our trained team at www.sane.org.uk/support
