Cheshire East Council is urging the many thousands of unpaid carers to register for help and support via the Cheshire East Carers Hub on Carers Rights Day.
It is estimated that Cheshire East has more than 40,000 hidden carers, who are people from all walks of life, young and old who provide support to family or friends, who couldn't manage without this help. Many feel that they're doing what anyone would do in the same situation in caring for a mother, father, wife, husband, son, daughter or best friend. It is estimated that around three in five people will be carers at some point in their lives.
The Cheshire East Carers Hub provides information, advice and a wide range of specialist support services, designed to help adult and young carers continue in their caring role for as long as they choose and reduce the impact the caring role can have on their own health and wellbeing.
Anyone who thinks they are a carer is urged to register with the Cheshire East Carers Hub by calling 0300 303 0208, emailing enquiries@cheshireeastcarershub.co.uk or by visiting www.cheshireeastcarershub.co.uk. Help is on hand which includes a 24/7 carers helpline, support to access funds and grants, access to counselling and help with health and wellbeing activities.
The call for carers to register with the Carers Hub comes on Carers Rights Day on Thursday 26 November – a day that aims to ensure that carers are aware of their rights, lets them know where to get help and supports and raises awareness of their needs.
Recent research by Carers UK shows that:
- Four in five unpaid carers (81 per cent) are currently providing more care than before lockdown;
- More than three quarters (78 per cent) of carers reported that the needs of the person they care for have increased recently;
- Most carers (64 per cent) have not been able to take any breaks at all in the last six months; and
- More than half (58 per cent) of carers have seen their physical health impacted by caring through the pandemic, while 64 per cent said their mental health has worsened.
Councillor Laura Jeuda, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for adult social care and health, said: “We recognise the impact that this pandemic is having on our unpaid carers, and without help and support, they can find themselves struggling and isolated with what can be very physical and emotional demands, and potentially risking their own health and wellbeing as a result.
“Whether you are a new carer or have been caring for someone for a while, it’s really important that carers understand their rights and are able to access the support that is available as soon as they need it.
“I ask anyone who thinks they are a carer to take those first steps to getting the support you are entitled to. Please get in touch and register with our Carers Hub, giving you access to a wealth of services and support including a caring voice at the end of a phone who really understands.”
Alec, a carer from Middlewich, said: “It took me a while to make that first step and register with the Carers Hub, and I’m so glad I did. Through the hub, I talk to other carers where we chat about things ranging from dementia to cake-making! It really does help me when I talk to other people who know what you are going through and pick up lots of hints and tips.
“You can be involved with the hub as much or as little as you want, it’s up to you really but it’s so reassuring that they are at hand if you need it. For example, on Carers Rights Day we are receiving free advice from a solicitor on powers of attorney.
“It’s so important that people like me, who spend time caring for someone they love, look after themselves, which is where the Carers Hub comes in. I would encourage anyone to give it a go. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. They really do care and go the extra mile and I appreciate it.”
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