MS welcomes message of ‘making caring visible’

NEIL HAMILTON, MS for Mid & West Wales, and Leader of UKIP Wales is urging his constituents to back a national campaign to raise awareness of carers.

He said:

“I am very aware of the enormous contribution made by unpaid carers, and their value to the nation as a whole cannot be underestimated, particularly during these challenging times of Covid – 19.

“I welcome this annual Carers Week and fully support the message of ‘Making Caring Visible’. I am sure it will be hugely beneficial in raising the profile of the army of carers, who make such an invaluable contribution to families and communities throughout the UK.

“Without the right support, caring can have a devastating impact on individuals and cause ill-health, poverty and social isolation. If caring is intensive and unsupported, people can struggle to hold down a job, get a decent night’s sleep and maintain relationships with other family members and friends.

“This is why it is so vital that the population at large is aware of the situation and of how they can help.  Sometimes, a small gesture or help can make all the difference to a carer who is struggling.

“I am pledging my support for Carers Week and will be doing everything I can to raise awareness throughout my Mid & West Wales Region.”

Carers Week is brought to life by individuals, groups and organisations coming together from around the UK. 

This year, people across the country are continuing to face new challenges as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. Many people and current carers are taking on more caring responsibilities for their relatives and friends who are disabled, ill or older who need support. And now, more than ever, it’s important that we highlight the challenges that the 6.5 million people caring, unpaid, across our nations are facing.

This Carers Week, the organisation is recognising that now, more than ever before, it’s time for us to come together and help Make Caring Visible.

Everyone has a part to play in making sure these carers are seen, heard, and understood; and helping them to get the support they need to care.

This could include an employer setting up an online carers’ network, a GP practice offering an annual health check or alternative appointment times to carers, or a business offering special deals or priority access for carers. Or it could be each of us reaching out to our family, friends or neighbours, who we know are caring for someone, and letting them know that we are there for them too.

For more information or to pledge your support go to www.carersweek.org.