More funding wanted for unpaid carers in Norfolk
This National Carers Week, a light is being shed on the challenges that unpaid carers face
Last updated 10th Jun 2021
The Government are being called on by Carers UK to urgently increase funding for unpaid carers’ breaks by an additional £1.2 billion, so all carers providing significant hours of care can take a break. It comes as the charity’s research highlighted how exhausted carers are after caring for loved ones over the course of the pandemic
Figures show fewer than one in five (14%) unpaid carers are confident that the support they receive with caring will continue following the pandemic, and do not know how they can carry on without a break.
The survey of 2,754 current carers and 96 former carers, carried out by the charity in April, found that carers lost on average 25 hours of support a month they previously had from services or family and friends before the pandemic.
The survey also shows 72% have not had any breaks from their caring role at all. Of those who got a break, 33% used the time to complete practical tasks or housework, and 26% to attend their own medical appointments.
74% reported being exhausted as a result of caring during the pandemic, and more than a third said they feel unable to manage their unpaid caring role.
Sara Nurse is from West Norfolk Carers:
“Unpaid family carers often feel invisible, a lot of people don’t see themselves as a carer, just somebody looking after a loved one.”
It comes in time for National Carers Week, where a light is being shed on these challenges that unpaid carers face.
3 in 5 of us will become a carer at some point in our lives.
West Norfolk Carers provide specialised carer support for anybody who needs it, including help with emotional support, help with benefits, referrals to social services and support workers.
Sara tells us:
“A lot of the time we’re there for a listening ear, so carers can offload their problems and if we can do anything to help. If we can’t do it- we usually know somebody who can”
On behalf of Carers Week charities Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said:
“Unpaid carers need hope and support in the future and they must be at the heart of the Government’s plans for social care reform.”
For more support with being a carer for a loved one, or to find out more about Carers Week, visit here