About you carers?
You care for a loved one, simply because you care for them or love them but who cares for you. Would you know where to turn if you needed help or support? Would your GP be sympathetic and supportive if your caring duties were grinding you down?
It is well documented in the media that carers often feel isolated, undervalued and just plain worn out. Respite breaks are not freely offered when they are so badly needed. One carer I know waited 13 years for a break, 13 years caring for her Brother who has dementia.
I care about you carers paid or unpaid and try to get your voices heard. I posted a poll in a FB group called, and I will name and shame “The Association of Care Assistants and support workers” and when carers started to share what was wrong with their sector I was blocked from the group and the poll removed. So much for Freedom of Speech!
I have since joined forces with Paul Featherstone, to work to promote NACAS, National Association of Care & Support Workers. We genuinely have the wellbeing of carers at our heart and want to work towards them being valued and recognised for the wonderful job the vast majority do.
I also wanted to share groups and charities who support carers and whilst this list many not be exhaustive it can be added to.
Whilst not caring for carers directly, the Royal British Legion may be able to help with lots of useful and practical items such as disability aids and home modification.
If you are in the Bristol or Gloucestershire area the Carers support service is local to you. Lots of help and advice here.
If you are in Scotland there is a Gov. website which explains what help is available and how to source it.
The Carers Trust one of the original charities with the Princess Royal as their Patron.
Carers UK is another well know and respected charity. Locally you may have organisation that have helped you. We have the Devon Carers Trust, part of the carers trust, please let me know who you have locally so I can add them to this list. Devon County Council also sign post to organisations that can support carers in this county. What does your county or local authority offer?
