Carers who look after loved ones or friends have been sharing their personal experiences with Monmouthshire County Council at the start of Carers Week 2020. The annual campaign, which runs from the 8th – 14th of June, aims to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities across the county.
This year’s theme – ‘make caring visible’ hopes to shine a light on the thousands of unsung heroes across the country who aren’t often recognised for the work they do. The campaign also aims to help people who do not think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support.
To help raise awareness of unpaid carers Angela Harris, who looks after her 92-year-old father, has shared her experience of caring during the pandemic and the challenges it has presented. She said: “This pandemic has affected us all. My dad is finding it difficult not going out but we have explained to him we must stay in, we must be safe. At this moment in time we are just taking one day as it comes.”
Carers Week is often a highlight of the year for the Monmouthshire Carers Project, with the team offering a full programme of events. 2020 has seen the team thinking outside the box due to the current pandemic and the team has put together virtual events and training for carers including virtual coffee mornings to help keep people connected.
The Monmouthshire Carers Project is also using the week to highlight the support available to carers. They are calling on any carer who might need help or advice to get in contact. Support available includes social workers, community nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists and the reablement team.
Cabinet Member for Social Services, Health and Safeguarding, Cllr Penny Jones said: “I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the work of so many wonderful carers across Monmouthshire. No matter what type of caring you do, whether it’s caring for a family member or looking after a friend, you make a real difference to their lives. This week is all about you and praising the fantastic roles you play. Thank you!”
Any carer wanting to be involved and try out some of these new opportunities using digital technology is asked to register with the team.
Email Tracey Davies – Carers Co-ordinator – tracey.davies@gavo.org.uk or Telephone 01291 675474