This year, carers across the country are continuing to face new challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people are taking on more caring responsibilities for their relatives and friends who are disabled, ill or older and who need support. They need to be recognised for the difficulties they are experiencing, respected for all they are doing, and provided with information, support and understanding. So during Carers Week, Carers Leeds are coming together to help Make Caring Visible and Valued. There are 6.5 million people in the UK who are carers. They are looking after a family member or friend who has a disability, mental or physical illness or who needs extra help as they grow older. Caring’s impact on all aspects of life from relationships and health to finances and work can be significant, and carers are facing even more difficult circumstances this year. Whilst many feel that caring is one of the most important things they do, its challenges should not be underestimated. Caring without the right information and support can be tough.  Carers Leeds feel it is vitally important that we recognise the contribution carers make to their families and local communities, workplaces and society, and that they get the support they need. Carers Leeds we have listened to Carers and one of the things they have asked for is a Carers Emergency card. As part of celebrating Carers week they are promoting their new Carers Emergency Card which allows you to register with Carers Leeds and receive the card or request a card if you are already registered with us.

Carers Leeds understand that carers can become isolated and lonely as a result of their caring role.  Although many carers live with the person they care for, they still feel isolated, particularly if they have lost contact with friends and family and find it difficult to leave the home. They work with carers to reduce this isolation, finding solutions unique to each carer. To help tackle this, Carers Leeds have two dedicated projects that aim to reduce social isolation in carers across Leeds. The projects are divided into two groups, one for carers aged under 50, and the other works with carers over 50.

Not everyone realises that “in looking after somebody” they have become a carer. A carer is someone who, without payment, cares for a friend, family member, neighbour, or in fact anybody who could not manage without their help. This could be due to age, physical or mental health issues, substance misuse or disability. Carers come from all walks of life, can be all ages and are in different caring situations; often they have other commitments such as work, family and study. At the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust we value the important role that carers play and know that being a carer can sometimes be difficult, demanding, both physically and emotionally, and isolating. We also appreciate that carers have a lot of knowledge about the person they care for and their condition, and that it is important to listen to carers and involve them in decisions about a patient’s care.