500 unpaid carers across Liverpool have been surprised by a delivery of a Cream Tea to their home, to celebrate National Carers Week. The team at Liverpool Carers Centre, who support carers throughout the year have delivered the cream teas with a note inside saying, ‘You are doing an incredible job through the hardest of time. We really hope this treat brightens your day.’
The theme for Carers Week 2020 is ‘Making Caring Visible.’ The role that carers play is often invisible and under-reported. One in 6 adults in the UK have caring responsibilities, with many providing over 50 hours of care a week. Many carers feel invisible and continue their caring role without their friends and in some cases their wider family being aware of the support they are giving to a loved one.
The current Covid-19 crisis has exacerbated the isolation and loneliness that carers experience. Carers have been unable to see friends or family members who usually provide respite; day centres have been closed and carers have been unable to access the usual activities and support that are so vital to their own wellbeing.
“These cream teas are a very small token to let carers know that even during this time they are not forgotten. We want to give them something that is just for them to enjoy. Unpaid carers have such an important role in our communities so this week if you know someone who is caring, maybe just ask if they are ok. We never want them to feel invisible this week, or any week.” Hazel Brown, Head of Carers Services, Local Solutions.
Liverpool Carers Centre is part of Local Solutions and is funded by Liverpool City Council to support carers through the assessment process and work with them to develop a support plan based on their individual need. Cllr Paul Brant, Cabinet Member for Adult Health and Social Care, said:
“This year more than ever it is so important that we take some time during Carers Week to acknowledge the support that unpaid carers give to our vulnerable residents.
“Carers Week will look different this year. I know that the Carers Centre team will be disappointed not to be able to run their annual event which has now become such a tradition in the city but the cream tea delivery is a great way of showing our carers that their support is valued and that we are still here for them.
“Thank you to the Carers Centre team – their expertise and commitment is so important in Liverpool and I would encourage any carer who has not had an assessment to do so.”
Support for carers has continued throughout lockdown with Liverpool Carers Centre’s popular Health and Wellbeing programme moving online and carers taking part in virtual Yoga, Exercise, Quizzes and Coffee and Chat sessions from their homes. This has been a lifeline to many carers who have been able to take a short break from their caring role and meet other people, facing similar challenges.
If you are a carer, or you know someone who is, why don’t you find out what support is available to you? You can call the team on 07934 205609
