Publish date: 10 June 2024
As the Trust celebrates Carers Week from 10 to 16 June, Gillian Kelly, Chief Nurse at West London NHS Trust, says we need to do more to raise awareness of caring and the challenges that come with it.
The annual campaign is aimed at raising awareness of caring, highlighting the challenges unpaid carers face and recognising the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK.
A carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to a family member or friend who has a disability, illness, mental health condition, addiction, or who needs extra help as they grow older. It isn’t someone who volunteers or is employed to provide support.
In the UK, one in 7 people are juggling work with caring responsibilities.
In the NHS, one in three staff members are carers. But many people who have caring roles do not think of themselves as carers, and may be unaware of their rights and support available to them.
Gillian said: “This is why it’s so important that we raise awareness so we can make sure that no carer struggles on their own, and to make sure that every carer knows how to get support when they need it. All carers should be aware of their rights and the support that’s available to them; Whether they care for patients who use our services or they are employed here at West London and they care for a loved one at home.”
Caring has an impact on all facets of a carer’s life, with many carers struggling financially, with their health and employment. Research shows that carers from Black and ethnic minority groups are more likely to struggle financially, while LGBT carers are more likely to feel lonely. 27 percent of carers have a disability.
This year’s theme is ‘Putting carers on the map’ and the Trust is proud to support this campaign, so we can help highlight the invaluable contributions made by our carers, and ensuring their voices are heard.
Gillian Kelly, Chief Nurse said: “We are pleased to work with carers in our community to help raise awareness. Thank you to all of our patient and staff carers everywhere, for all that you do. Special thanks to carers Matthew McKenzie and Maggie Stovold who we will be hearing from this week.”
Information on how to get support as a carer: Information for carers | Carers Week