Essex County Council celebrates county’s carers

This Carers Week, Essex County Council is thanking the county’s carers for the valuable contribution they make.

Carers Week, which runs from today, Monday 7 June to Sunday 13 June is an annual campaign which aims to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities.

It is also an opportunity to help people who don’t think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as unpaid carers and access much-needed support.

There are an estimated 146,000 people caring in Essex. Many provide support for others as part of a paid role, however, even more are unpaid. Unpaid carers 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.

Cabinet member for Adult Social Care, Cllr John Spence said:

“My first message to carers in Essex is thank you for caring.

“We know that your caring is carried out with love and compassion but that it is not always recognised. This week is all about you and our opportunity to highlight the fantastic and life changing work you carry out.

“Carers come from lots of different backgrounds, however the issues they face are often similar. We are committed to ensuring that the needs of all carers across the county, alongside those they care for, are met and that there are clear opportunities available for them to live an enriched and fulfilled life outside of their caring responsibilities.”

In Essex, there are also a number of young carers; inspirational young people taking care of family members who may be ill, disabled or who use alcohol or drugs.

Cabinet member for Children’s Services and Early Years, Cllr Beverley Egan said:

“Carers week is a great opportunity for us to say thank you to the young people in our county that, in many cases, are sacrificing parts of their childhood to care for family members.

“Although taking care of family members can be rewarding, it can also be especially hard for young people. It may make things more difficult at school and it might mean that young carers don’t have time to go out with friends, do homework, or do things that their peers do.

“We are so proud of the young carers in our county and remain committed to supporting them.”

All young carers are eligible for a young carer’s assessment, this allows the county council to decide what support can be offered.

In addition, Essex County Council commission local charity, Carers First, to deliver a county-wide carer support service, aimed at supporting carers in areas such as respite, employment and how to access help from the carers allowance and carers assessment.  

For more details visit the Carers First website or call their freephone helpline on 0300 303 1555.