Supporting the Island's unpaid carers
Published: 22 June 2022
Running from 6 June to 12 June, the Isle of Wight Council, with its partner, Carers IW, set out to showcase the extensive range of support and activities available to local unpaid carers.
The annual awareness campaign is an important opportunity to highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the Island.
It also helps people who don't think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support.
Councillor Karl Love, Cabinet member for adult social care, said the role of the unpaid carer was crucial in enabling people to live well and remain independent. Many are close loved ones, partners, family and friends.
Councillor Love said: "Often this can be exhausting as carers are so busy helping the person they are caring for that they neglect their own health and well-being.
"I have listened to the personal stories of those who provide care and heard their concerns. They are a hidden army of workers, caring out of love for one another.
"This is why Carers IW is so very Important, offering amazing support so no-one has to feel isolated or alone."
The role and challenges of the unpaid carer were highlighted to hospital staff during an open day at the Carers Lounge, based at St Mary's Hospital, Newport.
The service offers personalised one-to-one emotional and practical support for carers.
Elsewhere, the Carers Centre, located behind the Riverside Centre, threw open its doors for National Carers Week with carers, and those they care for, invited along for tea and cake, fun and chat.
New members were also invited to join in the fun at the centre's weekly arts and craft group, which provides an opportunity for carers to learn new skills.
Other highlights of National Carers Week included:
• a mental health carers drop in event at the Carers Lounge at Sevenacres;
• an opportunity to attend the Dementia Forum which meets monthly providing support to those who care for people with dementia;
• a Vectis Radio interview with Elizabeth Martin, Carers IW manager, about unpaid carers and the support they need.
If you are a carer and in need of support, please contact Carers IW on (01983) 533173 or visit https://www.carersiw.org.uk/
The annual awareness campaign is an important opportunity to highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the Island.
It also helps people who don't think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support.
Councillor Karl Love, Cabinet member for adult social care, said the role of the unpaid carer was crucial in enabling people to live well and remain independent. Many are close loved ones, partners, family and friends.
Councillor Love said: "Often this can be exhausting as carers are so busy helping the person they are caring for that they neglect their own health and well-being.
"I have listened to the personal stories of those who provide care and heard their concerns. They are a hidden army of workers, caring out of love for one another.
"This is why Carers IW is so very Important, offering amazing support so no-one has to feel isolated or alone."
The role and challenges of the unpaid carer were highlighted to hospital staff during an open day at the Carers Lounge, based at St Mary's Hospital, Newport.
The service offers personalised one-to-one emotional and practical support for carers.
Elsewhere, the Carers Centre, located behind the Riverside Centre, threw open its doors for National Carers Week with carers, and those they care for, invited along for tea and cake, fun and chat.
New members were also invited to join in the fun at the centre's weekly arts and craft group, which provides an opportunity for carers to learn new skills.
Other highlights of National Carers Week included:
• a mental health carers drop in event at the Carers Lounge at Sevenacres;
• an opportunity to attend the Dementia Forum which meets monthly providing support to those who care for people with dementia;
• a Vectis Radio interview with Elizabeth Martin, Carers IW manager, about unpaid carers and the support they need.
If you are a carer and in need of support, please contact Carers IW on (01983) 533173 or visit https://www.carersiw.org.uk/
