Bedfordshire charity recognise family carers
Carers in Bedfordshire are celebrating the unsung heroes
The local charity are looking at the vital contribution unpaid family carers make across the county.
It comes as part of Carers Week which is an annual campaign that not only raises awareness of caring, but highlights the challenges unpaid carers face.
Carers in Bedfordshire is a not-for-profit registered charity that provide support to unpaid carers of family members and friends throughout Bedfordshire.
A carer can be someone of any age, who provides support to a family member or friend who could not manage without their help. With an estimated seven million carers in the UK, 40,000 of those are in Bedfordshire.
Chief Executive Officer Chris Stelling said:
“This year, more than any, carers need to be made visible and valued. They are the unsung heroes who behind closed doors throughout the Covid pandemic have played an essential role supporting their relatives and friends. They have forgone breaks from caring and much of the support they would normally have relied on. This is why we’re supporting Carers UK’s campaign to urge the Government to urgently increase funding for carers’ breaks.
“As restrictions ease it is also vital that we acknowledge the enormous contribution they continue to make day in day out. Looking after someone is sometimes difficult and carers need to get the right support. That's where we step in to provide essential health and wellbeing support, advice and information. There are an estimated 40,000 carers across Bedfordshire and whilst we support many in their caring journey, we know there are thousands we are yet to reach.
"Many carers do not see themselves as carers, because they are just doing what they can for a relative or friend. But if that person couldn't cope without your support, you are a carer and we encourage you to register with us so you too can be supported, visible and valued."
Thousands of individuals and organisations are coming together this week to provide support for carers, run activities and highlight the vital role carers play.
Events in Bedfordshire include a professionals conference, photography competition, a neon run and lots more. You can find all the details on their website.