Published: Monday, 7th June 2021
The Royal Borough of Greenwich wants to raise the visibility of and celebrate the amazing work that unpaid carers do across the borough and the nation this Carers’ Week (7 to 13 June).
- In the UK, 1 in 8 adults are carers – that’s about 6.5 million people.
- This number increased in 2020 because of COVID-19 to – it’s estimated – 13.6 million people.1
- In Royal Greenwich, over 2,500 people are an unpaid carer for a relative or loved one.
Carers’ Week is an annual campaign aims to raise awareness of unpaid carers and make caring more visible to and valued within the wider community.
Councillor Danny Thorpe, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: “To all unpaid carers in the borough – you show great tenacity and resilience and we applaud you. It’s been an especially hard year with the pandemic, with many new and existing carers facing extra challenges and taking on additional caring roles for relatives and friends who are disabled, ill, older or in need of support. I encourage you to explore what support is available to you in Royal Greenwich, and take some time out for yourself, if you can, this Carers’ Week and beyond.”
Taking care of others can be rewarding but it can also take its toll. In new research published for Carers’ Week, three-quarters of unpaid carers said they are exhausted as a result of caring during the pandemic, and more than a third said they feel unable to manage their unpaid caring role.2 If you’re caring for family member or friend and you need support yourself, help is available. Greenwich Carers Centre provides telephone support and online activities and can link you to other support services.
For Carers’ Week 2021, Greenwich Carers Centre, in partnership with Don’t Tone Alone, is running a programme of activities, which you can register for by emailing activities@greenwichcarers.org:
- Online exercise class – 7 June, 6.30pm
- The Big Carers’ Week Get-Together – 24 June, 12pm
By visiting the Don’t Tone Alone website you can also sign up for:
- 1 on 1 time with a health and wellbeing specialist – 7 to 12 June, 6.30pm
- Morning habits webinar – 7 to 12 June, 6.30pm
The Royal Borough of Greenwich has partnered with Mobilise, an online organisation that gives advice, information and support for carers. If you’d like to connect with other carers for a virtual cup of tea and learn more about the services on offer, visit the Mobilise website.
References:
- Facts and figures from Carers UK
- Breaks or Breakdown report from Carers’ Week