Ads help us keep this site online
9th June 2020
Posted by Johnny Jenkins
Essex County Council is joining organisations across the UK in raising the visibility of all carers in the county while thanking them for their unpaid and often unseen work.
During National Carers Week, which takes place from Monday 8 June to Sunday 14 June, Essex County Council is joining organisation across the UK to increase the visibility of carers’ vital work.
There are thousands of people in Essex who provide care to their loved ones; be it looking after a family member or friend who has a disability, mental or physical illness, or who needs extra help as they grow older.
Carers jobs often involve shopping, housework or more personal care and carers take on these responsibilities out of love and compassion.
Latest national figures show there are 6.5 million people in the UK who are carers and there is a 50:50 chance that any member of the public will become a carer by the time they are 50 years old.
Being a carer can be a lonely task, it can be hard to get out and meet people. Many carers report feeling isolated and feel that their caring role is hidden.
Caring impacts all aspects of a carer’s life, from relationships and health to finances and work, and caring without the right information and support can be tough.
This year, when carers have the additional worry of how to keep themselves, and those they care for, safe during the coronavirus outbreak, it is important that carers have the information, guidance and support they need.
Essex County Council is keen to make it known to carers that their vital role is recognised and help is always available via the Essex Welfare Service.
Cllr John Spence, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said:
“My first message to all carers in Essex is thank you for caring.
“We know that your caring is carried out with love, compassion, and good neighbourliness, for the people who need your help and we know that sometimes your role is unrecognised by the community. We do recognise the role you play and want to help ensure, through National Carers’ Week, that it is equally recognised and valued throughout the community.
“Ultimately the role of Essex County Council is to help carers care.”
Support for all carers in Essex can be accessed via the Essex Welfare Service at www.essexwelfareservice.org or on 0300 303 9988.
Throughout the week Essex County Council will be sharing stories and links to support carers on social media linking to #ThankyouEssexFor further information about Carers Week and for a range of resources available to carers visit https://www.carersweek.org/about-us/making-caring-visible