The theme for Carers Week this year was ‘The True Face of Carers’. The aim was to highlight the fact that the 6.5 million unpaid carers in the UK come in many shapes and sizes, they can be younger or older than we might expect, male or female, working and not working. Ten per cent of the population are carers for a family member, friend or neighbour and many of them have their own health issues as well.
Carers Support Service took to the streets to highlight this situation with information stands in Worthing, Littlehampton and Storrington. Support worker Liz Henry said; ‘we met lots of carers and they were surprised and grateful for the information available from Carers Support Service, many carers think they are on their own and don’t realise there is any help for them’.
On the lighter side, Carers Support Service organised outings for 50 carers to the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Nash Manor, the Weald and Downland Museum and the Bluebell Railway.
A group of Mental Health Carers went to the idyllic South Downs for a workshop and some pampering and some Learning Difficulties Carers went to the Wetlands Trust at Arundel for a walk with the ducks, boat trips to see water voles and a chance to relax by the water.
The group visiting the Weald and Downlands Museum enjoyed perfect weather for their visit which included a guided walk around the historical buildings. Office Manager Kim Cooper said; ‘As well as enjoying a day away from their caring responsibilities, several carers also got advice from us on benefits and on short break respite opportunities and funding’.
The Male Carers Group enjoyed their annual outing to the Bluebell Railway, visiting the new museum and the coach works where they marvelled at the fine carpentry skills of the volunteers working there. ‘It is like a trip down memory lane’, said one of the group beaming broadly as he relaxed into the plush seats of the 1930s carriage during their ride to Horsted Keynes.
Carers Support Service facilitate many groups for carers, giving them the opportunity to meet with other carers, staff, and other professionals in an informal setting where views and questions can be freely aired in a confidential and safe space. Many Carers feel alone and talking to others who understand is a great benefit. As one put it recently; ‘it’s relief through sharing’.