Medway Council is encouraging residents who are looking after loved ones to find out more about the support that is available to them.
This week, 8th - 14th June, is Carers Week and the council and its partners are working together to ensure hidden carers know that they are not alone and that help and support is available.
A hidden carer is anyone of any age who is helping to look after a friend or relative without being paid. They can be from a wide range of social and economic backgrounds and could be a child, an older person or suffer from a long-term illness themselves. They may not recognise themselves as a carer but rather as a parent, husband or wife, son or daughter or a friend or neighbour who is supporting a loved one.
As part of their contract with Medway Council The Better Together Consortium, a collaboration of organisations from Medway’s voluntary community sector, work together to ensure carers of all ages, from all parts of the community, are identified and offered support. Once carers are identified they are referred to the council’s carers service, Carers FIRST who work directly with unpaid carers to provide personalised information, advice and support including signposting residents to community support networks and group activities.
Cllr David Brake, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder covering Adult Services, said:
“The health and wellbeing of all of our residents is of the upmost importance to us. I would encourage anyone who helps look after a friend or relative to get in touch and see what support might be available to them. It is incredibly important that they know they are not alone and we will continue to work with our partner agencies to do all we can to help carers across Medway.”
Maggie Cane, manager of Healthwatch Medway, said:
Maggie Cane, manager of Healthwatch Medway, said:
“Looking after someone can be tough on a normal day, but during lockdown it becomes much harder. We know lots of people may be struggling and we really want to chat to as many of you as possible to ensure you know what support is available to you. It’s also important that we understand how you are coping so we can make sure the emergency planners hear what you need.”
Alison Taylor, Chief Executive of Carers FIRST, said:
Alison Taylor, Chief Executive of Carers FIRST, said:
“The lockdown has created many additional challenges for carers. It has cut many off from their normal support systems, taken away the opportunity for respite and increased isolation and anxiety. Carers FIRST is pleased to be part of The Better Together Consortium and hope that the initiative will help us to reach those carers who may be struggling to access the support they need at this time.”
Penny from Gillingham looks after her mother who has dementia. She said:
Penny from Gillingham looks after her mother who has dementia. She said:
“It’s been useful to find out what support is available to me, so I know where to call if I need help. I would encourage people to get in touch and find out what is there for you.”
Carers FIRST Medway has been supporting a 14-year-old boy who cares for his dad who has terminal brain cancer. At the moment his father is living with his own parents but the Covid-19 lockdown has made it difficult for him to visit his dad. Carers FIRST organises lunch clubs, after school support groups and summer holiday activities for young carers. During lockdown the group has been holding weekly video calls which he really looks forward to.
He said:
Carers FIRST Medway has been supporting a 14-year-old boy who cares for his dad who has terminal brain cancer. At the moment his father is living with his own parents but the Covid-19 lockdown has made it difficult for him to visit his dad. Carers FIRST organises lunch clubs, after school support groups and summer holiday activities for young carers. During lockdown the group has been holding weekly video calls which he really looks forward to.
He said:
“Young carers have been absolutely amazing for me, it is a safe place to talk about how you feel and will support you in any way possible. It is filled with such kind, friendly and caring people who love to make new friends. It’s a place to feel normal again and understand you're not the only one. They will comfort you and support you to ensure you feel good not only within yourself, but in all aspects of life.
Lockdown means that young carers can’t physically meet up and enjoy the company of each other. I can’t wait for lockdown to release or become less strict so that travel is less stressful and hopefully everyone can meet afterwards. A massive thank you to everyone for being so helpful, supportive and kind to me.”
If you’re a carer phone 03003 031555 or visit www.healthwatchmedway.com and a member of the team will get in touch.
Medway Council
Lockdown means that young carers can’t physically meet up and enjoy the company of each other. I can’t wait for lockdown to release or become less strict so that travel is less stressful and hopefully everyone can meet afterwards. A massive thank you to everyone for being so helpful, supportive and kind to me.”
If you’re a carer phone 03003 031555 or visit www.healthwatchmedway.com and a member of the team will get in touch.
Medway Council
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