During Carers Week 2020 Katherine Fletcher MP is inviting residents and businesses across in the community to recognise the vital contribution made by unpaid carers in South Ribble.
As a former carer herself, Katherine said:
I worked as a nursing assistant in an elderly care home many years ago understand the importance that caring support can have on people’s lives and families.
The whole concept of caring has become much more visible throughout this pandemic, and I don’t doubt how tough it will have been for some families during lockdown. It takes many forms and has shown that everyone can do their bit to look after one another, whether this by providing support to those self-isolating or volunteering at a local hospital through the NHS GoodSAM app.
This is sometimes a 24/7 commitment however and carers provide a selfless contribution all year around, and with growth in numbers of those needing care, I want to use my role within parliament to give every person the dignity and security that they deserve.
On behalf of the Carers Week charities, Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said:
This year it is more important than ever to raise the profile of caring and recognise the enormous contribution made by unpaid carers, who throughout the COVID-19 outbreak have played an essential role supporting friends and family who are older, disabled or seriously ill. I am delighted that so many individuals and organisations are getting involved with virtual activities, helping carers to connect to others and access advice and information.
Looking after someone can be a hugely rewarding experience, but it sometimes comes with difficulties, including getting the right support. This Carers Week all parts of the community – family and friends, employers, businesses, schools, health and care services – should do their bit to make caring visible and recognise carers’ vital contribution to society.
For Carers Week 2020 charity Carers UK is joining forces with Age UK, Carers Trust, Motor Neurone Disease Association, Oxfam GB and Rethink Mental Illness to help raise awareness of caring around the country. The headline sponsor is British Gas, part of Centrica, and Nutricia Advanced Medical Nutrition is the supporting sponsor.
The six charities driving Carers Week 2020 are calling on individuals, services and organisations to do their part in Making Caring Visible – helping carers get the practical, financial and emotional support they need to care for a loved one.
Hundreds of activities are taking place across the country during Carers Week and many people have already Added Their Voice to make caring visible this year. To find out more about activities in South Ribble visit https://www.carersweek.org/get-involved/events-near-you.
