Monday 8 to Sunday 14 June is Carers Week, a time to recognise the extraordinary efforts of Lincolnshire’s unpaid carers.
Carers Week is an annual awareness campaign that celebrates the vital contribution of unpaid carers both young and old. This year's theme is Building Carer-Friendly Communities – places where unpaid carers are recognised, understood and valued. They make support part of everyday life, ensuring carers get the opportunities and help they need.
There are an estimated 70,000 unpaid carers in Lincolnshire, supporting family members and friends who have a disability, a mental or physical illness or need extra help as they grow older.
In Lincolnshire, there’s a need for more people to come forward to help support unpaid carers. You can volunteer for a range of useful roles, such as a telephone befriender, a digital champion or an events organiser. Visit www.carersfirst.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering/ for more information on the opportunities available.
One person to benefit from support is Fred from Skegness. Fred first attended the Skegness Chill and Chat group in 2023 after feeling emotionally overwhelmed. He had been caring for his wife, Janet, who had vascular dementia.
Fred said: “When I first attended Chill and Chat, I felt isolated, unsupported and unsure where to turn. The Lincolnshire Carer Service provided a listening ear, guidance and emotional support, friendship and connection, and the confidence to move forward. I don’t believe I would have managed the different stages of my journey without that support.”
Cllr Steve Clegg, executive member for adult care and health, said: “Carers are the backbone of our communities, providing vital support to friends, family members and loved ones every day. All too often the challenges facing carers can be overlooked, but small changes can be of real benefit. This could be an employer offering carers flexible working, or a community group creating opportunities for them to connect with others. Together, we can create carer-friendly communities, making a lasting difference to the lives of carers and those they support.”
Cllr Natalie Oliver, executive member for children’s services, added: “It’s particularly important that we make sure our many young carers are fully supported. Our local schools and colleges already do a lot of work to identify young carers and put support in place to help them reach their potential. However, we can always do more, and we all have a role to play in ensuring these extraordinary young people get the chance to achieve their aspirations like others their age.”
Are you an unpaid carer who wants to find out more about the range of support available? Visit the Lincolnshire Carers Service’s website at www.lincolnshirecarersservice.org.uk. You can also call the Lincolnshire Carers Service on 01522 782224 (8am-6pm, Monday-Friday).
You can find a list of upcoming events for carers in Lincolnshire at www.carersfirst.org.uk/lincolnshire/groups-and-events/#groups+and+events. The Lincolnshire Wellbeing and Recovery College is also running some events during Carers Week. You can find their timetable here: www.lpft.nhs.uk/our-services/adults/recovery-college/recovery-college-timetable
To find out how the Lincolnshire Young Carers Service supports young carers up to the age of 19, go to Young carers – Young carers service - Lincolnshire County Council. For information about Lincolnshire Young Carers, email youngcarers@lincolnshire.gov.uk or call 01522 553275.