North Lincolnshire Council have made a pledge this Carers Week (6 to 12 June) to make caring visible, valued and supported and highlight the fantastic job that carers do for their loved ones.
In North Lincolnshire there are approximately 19,000 carers who are looking after a family member or friend who needs support, has a disability, illness, or mental health condition. The role of a carer can vary but may involve tasks such as, giving medication, attending appointments, and completing jobs around the home.
Caring for someone can be very rewarding and often part and parcel of family life and friendships but it can also impact all aspects of their life, from health, work, finances, and relationships. A result of the Covid-19 pandemic saw carers face huge challenges, with increased levels of isolation and financial pressures over the past couple of years.
Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, the information and advice available for people in a caring role and the challenges carers face.
It also provides an opportunity to recognise carers in local communities and thank them for their vital contribution and ensure they are identified early and supported, to access advice and information to support their needs.
As part of Carers Week organisations across North Lincolnshire are coming together for a Carers Conference to celebrate carers and give them the opportunity to shape local priorities. The fun filled day will involve wellbeing sessions, information stalls, discussions, and activities, plus more.
North Lincolnshire Council are committed to raising awareness and identifying carers of any age at an early stage to ensure they have access to the right support; champion carer needs and link carers together for peer support.
Cllr Richard Hannigan, cabinet member for Adults and Health said:
“Caring for someone is a challenging and selfless thing to do and it is vital that carers who have taken on this huge responsibility know that they are not alone, and support is available, when they need it.
“The council offers advice and support for all carers, which could include the carers having a break away, having a chat and coffee with someone, or meeting up with other carers.
“In North Lincolnshire we have thousands of individuals who are carers, and it is only right they are recognised for their contribution and the important role they play within our communities.”
North Lincolnshire Council commissions the Carers’ Support Service and is the first port of call for carers in North Lincolnshire; they provide support to all carers whether you are a parent carer, a working carer or an adult carer, whether you are new to caring or have been providing care for a long time.
The service can provide:
• Information and advice,
• Emotional Support
• Counselling
• Befriending
• Training and wellbeing activities
• Support from peers who have similar experiences to yourself, which can help you to continue in your caring role.
For more information, please call 01652 650585.
Following access to the Carers Support Service, and where a need for further support has been identified (because of a more intense caring role), North Lincolnshire Council Family Carer Team will also work alongside carers.
The team can offer a Carers Needs Assessment to consider and plan future support and can work alongside adult social services to support the family unit. People can contact the team by emailing familycarerteam@northlincs.gov.uk or calling 01724 298393.
The Young Carers Team work alongside young carers aged five to 18 and their families and are committed to offering information, advice, and support. The team can offer a Young Carers Assessment to consider and plan future support and work alongside services to help. For information and advice call the Young Carers team on 01724 297000.
Make a pledge online to show your support this Carers Week.
