Celebrating Carers Week UK 2024: Recognising the Unseen Heroes

Paul Edden, Director, with North Staffs Carers mascot, Snuggles, at the networking event on 12th June.

Carers Week, taking place from 10th to 16th June 2024, is a time to shine a light on the millions of unsung heroes across the nation. This year’s theme, ‘Putting Carers on the Map’, is not just a call to action but a reminder of the invaluable contribution made by the millions of unpaid families and friends in the UK.

Unpaid carers are the backbone of our healthcare system. Yet, despite their crucial role, many carers remain invisible, their efforts unseen and undervalued.

The challenges faced by family carers are multifaceted, impacting their finances, employment, health, and wellbeing. Carers have expressed concerns about the impact of caring on their physical and mental health with many indicating that being valued as a carer would significantly improve their wellbeing.

We all have a role to play in supporting carers.  As a company that supports older people in their own homes, Home Instead sees countless families in a desperate state as they seek to give their loved one the best life possible.  Sadly, that often leads to compromising their own welfare.  The key is to understand what help for you is out there.  When families come to us, they often don’t know what they’re entitled to or what their options are.  We’re here to work with families to establish the best solution for them.  With the right home care company, it will feel like you have additional family and friends helping out.  It means you’ll be able to spend more quality time with loved ones.

Whether it’s offering a helping hand to a neighbour, connecting with a family member who is caring for someone, or simply spreading the word about Carers Week, every action counts. You can find out more about how to get involved and support the cause at the official Carers Week website www.carersweek.org.

Here at Home Instead, we are committed to ‘Putting Carers on the Map’ so let’s acknowledge the challenges they face and celebrate their unwavering spirit. It’s time to recognise the true value of family carers and provide them with the support they deserve.  If you feel you would like Home Instead to support you or a family member then please contact us via the website (Here) or telephone 01782 622330 to find out more.

To mark Carers Week, our Director, Paul Edden, was invited to attend a networking event held at North Staffs Carers Association.  North Staffs Carers “provide personalised individual support enabling Adult and Young Carers from the age of 5 upwards to feel better supported, reducing the impact of the caring role”.

For more information about the information, advice and guidance North Staffs Carers provide visit their website www.carersfirst.com/home.