Carers Voice news

Add your name to their open letter to the Chancellor, calling for more support for unpaid carers to help them care safely during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on the lives of carers and those they are caring for. A majority have had to provide extraordinary hours of care for loved ones with increasing needs during the crisis, often without the usual help from family and friends, and with limited or no support from local services.

It has left them exhausted and close to breaking point, that is why Carers UK are calling on the Government to provide more support to unpaid carers to help them through the COVID-19 pandemic.

To mark Carers Rights Day 2020, they have released new research which found that unpaid carers have provided £135 billion worth of care in the first 8 months of the COVID-19 pandemic– that means, each day during the pandemic, unpaid carers are saving the UK state a staggering £530 million in the care they provide.

Previous research shows that the two thirds of carers have not been able to take any breaks at all during the COVID-19 pandemic and this is impacting on carers physical and mental health, over half have seen their physical health impacted by caring through the pandemic, while 64% said their mental health has worsened. The majority (67%) are worried about how they will continue to care safely through the coming winter.

As a result, Carers UK are calling on Government to urgently provide unpaid carers with additional support and to give back to them by prioritising their health, well-being, and resilience through the COVID-19 pandemic.

To celebrate Carers Week 2020, Carers’ Voice have created a short video about the work we do to ensure carers views are heard by those providing health and social care services in Northamptonshire. The strength of Carers’ Voice comes from its members and we are always keen to hear from carers about their experiences.

If you are interested in joining Carers’ Voice or would like to let us know about your experiences, please get in touch by emailing us at carersvoice@connectedtogether.co.uk or find us on Facebook @ Carers’ Voice Northamptonshire

Nominations are now open for the 2020 Carers Awards. This annual celebration allows an opportunity to raise awareness and say ‘thank you’ to all Carers whilst highlighting those who have overcome additional challenges or have made an extra special difference.

Coronavirus and the subsequent lock-down has affected Carers more than most with many emotional calls to our Carers Support Line. Examples include, shielding alongside a loved one in an at risk group, shortages of essential food and supplies, financial difficulties and any respite being put on hold.

There are 70,000 unpaid carers in Northamptonshire all of which demonstrate amazing levels of dedication, love and support for friends and relatives with a disability, special needs, or a mental health condition. Every year, the Carers Awards allows us to recognise and thank Carers for all they do. Northamptonshire Carers are asking you to nominate someone who you feel has gone above and beyond to make an extra special difference. 

The categories for nominations are:

• Jane Roebuck Carer of the Year (18+)
• Young Carer of the Year (under 18)
• Shining Star (a professional, volunteer or team who have gone that extra mile to support carers i.e. teachers, social workers, volunteers etc)
• Working Carer of the Year (balancing unpaid caring role with paid employment)

Carers need to be recognised for the difficulties they are experiencing, respected for all they are doing, and provided with information, support and understanding. Therefore during Carers Week different organisations are coming together to help make caring visible. 

Northamptonshire Carers is running a ‘virtual campaign’ on social media platforms to invite Carers, services and businesses to come together during Carers Week, called #CarersCan. Each day they are hosting events with the aim to connect Carers and raise awareness of support that may be available to them and celebrate all they do. Themes include: Carers can Make Music, Move, Support Each Other, Drive Change, Take Time Out, go to Work and Learn and Have Fun! 

To find out more about events in Northamptonshire visit https://www.northamptonshire-carers.org/about-carers-week-2020 and read the summary below.

You do not need to have a social media account of your own to take part and enjoy these activities. Just click on these links to view their social media accounts:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northamptonshire.carers/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NorthantsCarers

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEnfygT6Y4–TFCu7UmC9lA

Northamptonshire Carers #CarersCan Campaign and Carers Week events:

8th June: Carers Can Make Music
9am – Launch of Carers Week and the TikTok dance competition
9.15 – Daily fun 15 minute energiser
Ukulele tuition, sing-a-thon, quiz, an evening music gig and much more

9th June: Carers Can Move
9.15am – Daily fun 15 minute energiser
Seated exercise, high intensity, dance class and much more

10th June: Carers Can Create
9.15am – Daily fun 15 minute energiser
Creative competition entries, flower arranging demonstration, lock-down project Zoom share, willow weaving and much more

11th June: Carers Can Take Time Out
9.15am – Daily fun 15 minute energiser
Tapping, mindfulness, hand massage, well-being workshop, flower arranging, sitting service and much more

12th June: Carers Can Support Each other and Have Some Fun
9.15am – Daily fun 15 minute energiser
Live Pilates, dance, laughter Therapy, Parent Carer support Zoom, fishing group, the winner of the creative competition announcement and much more

13th June: Carers Can Work & Learn
9.15am – Daily fun 15 minute energiser
Videos from Working Carers, employers, Workbridge, a workout with physio to support home working and much more

14th June: Carers Can Drive Change
9.15am – Daily fun 15 minute energiser
Partner organisations, Long Buckby Surgery and much more