If you’re a carer, you should know that help is out there – Joan Griffiths

This is the start of National Carers Week and never more than now has caring for others been so discussed and quite rightly recognised as being so incredibly important. This year’s theme is ‘Making Caring Visible’, which is very appropriate as we need to also recognise the incredible contribution unpaid carers are making to our society in what are currently extremely challenging circumstances.

I would like to give my heartfelt thanks to the estimated 65,084 unpaid carers living in Edinburgh – 13.7 per cent of the city’s population. What’s really important is acknowledging the hard work and dedication of every person carrying out this role as well as identifying and making sure that everyone caring for a loved one is given the support they need for their own health and wellbeing.

Unpaid carers are people of all ages who look after family members, partners, friends or neighbours due to their physical and mental health needs. Often, the person could not live in their own home unsupported without this care. It’s not unusual for an unpaid carer to be looking after someone for some time and not realise that is what they are doing. This year, people across the country are continuing to face new challenges as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. Many people are taking on more caring responsibilities for their relatives and friends who are disabled, ill or older who need support. If this applies to you, I want you to know that you can receive help, support and advice from a range of different carer organisations and services in Edinburgh.

Usually, this support can be provided face to face with a carer support worker but at the moment we are living in unprecedented times and this has to be offered on the phone or by video conference following government guidance.

What’s important though is that help is still available and carer organisations would be delighted to speak to anyone who thinks they are caring for a loved one in this way. There is a lot of support available such as access to relevant information and learning and social opportunities. Alternatives to short breaks under the current circumstances can be discussed as well as counselling services and help with finances.

Unpaid carers are also entitled to request an Adult Carer Support Plan or a Young Carers Statement and again these can be completed over the phone or by video conference.

Each day this week we’ll be highlighting different themes including identifying carers, information and advice, carer health and wellbeing, short breaks, young carers and personalising support for carers. Over the course of this week I would appeal to everyone to share this information as widely as you can through your own networks and social media if you have it. This will help us to make sure that our unpaid carers can access the help and support that they need now and in the future. Together let’s ‘Make Caring Visible’ in 2020.

If you need support with your caring role or would like to talk to someone please contact the Edinburgh Carer Support team on 0131 536 3371. They will be able to support you directly or connect you to the relevant service. You can also contact them online at www.edinburghhsc.scot/support-for-carers/further-support-for-carers/

Further information for unpaid carers during the current coronavirus pandemic can be found at www.edinburghhsc.scot/coronavirus-information/carers/

Cllr Joan Griffiths is Edinburgh’s Carers Champion