We have nothing but respect and admiration for those who give so tirelessly…
Caring for someone else can be incredibly rewarding but also very difficult. It’s often a 24/7 job with a lot of responsibility and it can take its toll on a carer’s mental and physical health and wellbeing. Despite these huge challenges, millions of unpaid carers across the UK look after those more vulnerable than themselves with selfless love, care and attention, every single day of their lives.
November 25 is Carers Rights Day and we want to take a moment to applaud each and every person who works tirelessly to look after someone else. Here are all the reasons we think you’re absolutely amazing:
- Carers are passionate. They give their all to the person in their care, showering them with the love, attention and dignity they deserve.
- They’re inspiringly selfless. Carers often struggle to find time to socialise with friends or for hobbies, which can be isolating and lonely. That’s why it’s so important to support unpaid carers – they deserve time off to relax and live their lives.
- Carers are guardian angels. They hold the hands of those who are sick, upset or scared and give comfort and love.
- Those who are carers genuinely want to make a difference to the world. They’re compassionate, caring individuals.
- They are a bright light in someone’s world. When all seems dark, a carer is there to make it better.
- Young carers often have to deal with tasks and responsibilities far beyond their years. This means they often miss out on fun with friends or struggle to keep up with schoolwork. If you are a young carer and you need more support, click here.
- Carers have amazing empathy. They can place themselves in other people’s shoes and understand their struggles and pain.
- Carers are often positive people who try to see the best in every situation. This helps the person they look after to do the same when they’re having a bad day or feeling particularly low or ill.
- They’re friendly and giving. A carer gives their heart, love, laughter and friendship to make someone else feel loved and special.
- Many carers across the country do all of this with little or no support. Many have had no training and give up their life and ambitions to care for a family member. A recent survey by Carers UK found that:
- Four in five unpaid carers are providing more care for relatives
- 78% reported that the needs of the person they care for have increased during the pandemic
- Two thirds (67%) worried about how they will cope through further lockdowns or local restrictions
These are worrying statistics and something we should all be concerned about. This Carers Rights Day, Carers UK want to ensure carers across the country know what help they are entitled to. They want to help them access information and find the support they so badly need. If you need to find out more about your rights as an unpaid carer, click here.
