Carers Facts and Figures

(information provided by Carers UK)

■ In South Lakeland there are over 11,000 carers, 2000 of whom do more than 50 hours every week caring for their loved one.

■ There are almost 6 million carers in the UK - around 1 in 10 of the population

■ 3 in 5 people will be carers at some point in their lives - 7 in 10 women and 6 in 10 men.

Our ageing population, and the policies of successive governments to deliver more care at home, may see this increase in the future

■ Carer's unpaid contribution is worth £87 billion a year - the equivalent of a second NHS

■ Carer population turnover is high - 2.3 million a year become carers. The same number cease either because the person they care for has died, or someone else has taken over responsibility

What is a 'Carer' ?

A carer is a person of any age who, on an unpaid basis, looks after a relative or friend who cannot manage at home without help.

At South Lakeland Carers Association we aim to enable carers to manage their caring roles to their own satisfaction by providing a quality service of information, support and advocacy. How to contact us

Caring with Confidence
a free knowledge and skills based programme which aims to help carers make a positive difference to their lives and the lives of the people they care for. For full details of this government initiative please visit www.caringwithconfidence.net

Carers Watch

This is a campaign group for carers across the UK run by independent, unpaid carers. Post your experience to tell them how you would like the care system changed. More ...

We call for Carers' Card
Our local MP, Tim Farron, has started a petition for the implementation of a carer’s card scheme.

The proposed scheme would allow participating carers to take disabled people in their care to events and activities either for free or at least for a greatly reduced price. You can add your support to this petition by signing the copy we have here at the office  or contact Tim Farron’s office 01539 723403 or go to www.timfarron.co.uk

South Lakeland Carers Association

The Big Care Debate

Some of you may be aware that the Government is consulting on the future of social care.

There is a lot of information available on the internet and some of you may have already attended meetings discussing this.  Those of you with internet access can find numerous ways to give your views. The main Government site is www.careandsupport.direct.gov.uk.

The Princess Royal Trust for Carers have also set up a consultation process that can be found at www.carers.org - go to the News section and scroll down to The Big Care Debate.

We would strongly encourage you to take part in the debate and give your views.

If you do not have internet access there is a leaflet questionnaire available from GP surgeries and Pharmacies.  We have ordered a supply of these questionnaires for the office, if you would like one please contact us.

Problems Carers Experience(information provided by Carers UK)

■ Many carers have to give up paid work in order to care; others struggle to combine paid work with their caring role

■ Employers and the employment service can be unaware of carers' needs, and sometimes lack the flexibility to make a combination of caring and paid work possible. Former carers often have difficulty returning to the workplace for similar reasons

■ Carers often feel sidelined by health and social service professionals, who sometimes fail to involve them in decisions about the cared-for. Many need treatment for stress-related conditions since starting their caring role

■ Many carers do not recognise or define themselves as carers, two-thirds saying it took over a year to realise they were carers - this can mean they miss out on available help and support.

Contact us - we may be able to help

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Boots Supports Carers
Boots has launched a new free service for carers designed to help them look after themselves as well as those in their care.

Caring Made Easier Packs are available in large stores, and can be ordered from any store. Anyone over 60 is entitled to free membership of the Boots Health Club, which gives 10% discount on all Boots brands. More information at -
www.bootswebmd.com/caring.