National Carers Week highlights need for more support

Sixty per cent of us will be directly responsible for a loved one’s well-being at some point in our lives. Yet a quarter of carers have never taken a holiday, rising to over a third (31%) for long-term providers. Carers Allowance is also the lowest benefit, set at just £53.10 a week.

Carers across Britain are this week celebrating the first anniversary of the Respite for Carers Charitable Trust, which provides essential funds for those who give £87 billion of unpaid full-time care each year.

In its inaugural year, the Saga Respite for Carers Charitable Trust has provided the money for family breaks and replacement care for people all over Britain, and it is hoped the number of people helped by the trust will expand in years to come.

The week of June 8-14th is Carers Week, the ideal opportunity to celebrate the success of the trust’s first year. Coinciding with Carers Week 2009 will be the launch of a second Saga initiative ‘Care Share’. Continuing in the recognition of the daily sacrifices that carers around the country make, the ‘Care Share’ campaign aims to raise awareness amongst friends and family of carers, to make them aware of the difference that small gestures like picking up the shopping can make to carers’ lives.

Carers need to be empowered and informed to the help currently available, and what they can do to improve the quality of life – for both themselves and recipients of care.

Saga is currently at the forefront of attempts to lobby for change. The current system of caring in Britain is unsustainable, and government must clarify its role in the provision and finance of long-term care for those in need. This includes increased support and respite for the country’s six million carers – a figure that will only increase due to an ageing population.

Emma Soames, editor-at-large for Saga Magazine, says: “Offering some time would help a carer do something that the rest of us take for granted.

“As a nation we raise millions of pounds each year for worthwhile causes. Today’s campaign shows that help doesn’t have to be financial, it can be just a worthwhile to give up your time.”

For more information visit Saga.co.uk.