We are asking GP surgeries to help unpaid carers get the essential support they need. Carers Week from 10-16 June will raise awareness of unpaid carers. The national campaign aims to ensure more people realise they are a carer, and help them get support.
Across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough 70,000 people care for a family member or friend due to illness, disability, frailty or mental health needs. Being a carer can be exhausting, with half of carers having health issues of their own. Carers can become burnt-out, isolated or even reach crisis point where they feel unable to cope. This is why GPs recognising carers, and telling them about the support available to them, is essential.
Our chief executive Miriam Martin said, “It is shocking that three quarters of us who are looking after someone don’t even realise we’re a carer.
“This means thousands of people are missing out on the support we and others can offer.
“GPs have a vital role in ensuring carers are identified and supported – they see carers with the person they care for and for their own appointments. Carers have told us how much difference it has made when their GP surgery has recognised them as a carer.
“We have sent a noticeboard pack and information for display screens to surgeries across the area. We want to help GPs make it easier for people to realise they are a carer, and get the support they need and deserve.”
Our Carer Friendly Tick Award recognises organisations that are doing good work to identify and support carers. Burwell Surgery, Cambridgeshire, is one that holds the award.
Amy Clark, Patient Services Lead at the surgery, said, “Being an unpaid carer can be a huge responsibility.
“It is very important to support carers and help equip them so they can continue caring for those who need their help without becoming burnt-out or isolated.”
The surgery helps people realise they are a carer and then tells them about support available.
We offer unpaid carers a range of services including a specialist helpline, support groups, an emergency planning service, breaks from their caring role and help to get to their own medical appointments.
To find out more yuo can email [email protected] or call 0345 241 0954.
