The importance of Eastbourne’s carers

Woman in her late twenties embracing a senior lady. Stock image for National Carers Week SUS-160519-084448001

Throughout this sometimes overwhelming year, one thing stands out: the importance of carers.

Those working in care homes or supporting vulnerable people at home, and the millions of unpaid carers looking after loved ones themselves.

Carers Rights Day was at the end of November. Here in Eastbourne, Carers UK estimate that over 11,000 of us are unpaid more than, a number that will have increased significantly since Covid.

Throughout this year, nearly half of unpaid carers say the needs of the person they care for have increased.

A disproportionate number of unpaid carers are women, with many on low incomes.

Three in five unpaid carers have been unable to take any kind of break from caring throughout the pandemic, and believe their mental health has worsened as a result.

If you’re not sure you know someone who’s a carer, I’d encourage you to pause and think – whether it’s family, friends, or work colleagues, chances are you will know someone who’s taken on that responsibility, one that will fall to about half of us in our lifetime.

For Carers Rights Day we were joined at our virtual coffee morning by Care for the Carers and the Association of Carers, both locally based, plus Carers UK. I want to thank them for the work they do, supporting people who often don’t know where to turn, feeling trapped and isolated in their caring role.

I’ll be working with these organisations and Eastbourne Borough Council to deliver specific training to customer-facing staff and towards obtaining Carer Friendly employer status.

While we continue to wait for the long-promised government review of social care, local unpaid carers can get help and advice from the organisations above.

Perhaps more importantly given the events of this year, they can also reach out for a friendly ear or a shoulder to lean on in the knowledge that they are not alone.

There are many good causes that deserve support, especially at Christmas, but I would urge you to consider the army of unpaid carers who have worked tirelessly through this year, often alone and juggling many other responsibilities.

If you can spare just £5, you can help provide respite for someone at the end of their tether; pay for a friendly phone call in the run up to Christmas, and ensure our carers don’t feel uncared for themselves.

You can donate via https://www.cftc.org.uk/ or text MAYORCRD to 70085 to donate £5.