Highlighting the plight of North West Carers

As the number of carers in the North West tops 724,000[1] – enough to fill Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium almost tenfold the Together Trust is highlighting the importance of support services in helping carers fulfil their indispensible role.

Almost three quarters (72%) of people in the North West looking after an ill, frail or disabled loved one do not have a life outside of their caring role, according to new research issued to launch Carers Week (18-24 June). The results also show that huge numbers of carers are left isolated and lonely, missing out on opportunities that the rest of the population takes for granted. 77% have been forced to give up leisure activities or going out socially since becoming a carer.

Responding to these daily lifestyle pressures, the Together Trust has developed a range of services to support carers and make their, and the lives of the people look after, that little bit easier. The Together Trust is able to offer specialist outreach support for children, young people and adults with complex needs including community support which can promote life skills and ongoing learning opportunities.

The Together Trust also provides a sitting service for those who deliver round the clock care to others. This service enables carers to have a break from their daily routine and pursue their own lives and interests.

In addition to its family-focused services, the Together Trust operates community day services within the North West, which support individuals with disabilities as well as complex needs, including autism. These services are run by staff and volunteers. Dan is a volunteer at the organisation’s Newbridge service in Stockport: “I previously worked in the travel industry, but when I was made redundant, I looked to do something more positive with my time. I now regularly volunteer at Newbridge and provide day-to-day admin support and as well as joining in sessions with service users. Supporting others is incredibly rewarding and it’s fantastic to watch the service users flourish.

“Day services such as Newbridge are critical, as they provide a space for service users to interact and develop independently. For carers, these centres are equally important as they deliver respite, and mean families can be safe in the knowledge that their loved ones are being looked after by trained specialists.”

Concluding, Amanda Hampson, Principal Manager for Domiciliary Care at the Together Trust, said: “Carers play an invaluable role in our society, yet sometimes their hard work and sacrifice goes unnoticed,” In developing our services, we’ve made it easier for families to enjoy spending time together, and aim to ease some of the daily pressures that carers experience.”

About Carers Week

Carers Week takes place from 18th to 24th June. Over 10,000 events and activities are taking place across the country, to ensure that all carers know that they are not alone, and that help and services are available.

[1] Figures released as part of Carers Week. 3,282 carers from UK took part in the survey, both online and by post, which was carried out by Carers Week between 18th February and 7th April 2010, of which 352 were from the North West. 65% of those surveyed were heavy-end carers, responsible for 50+ hours of care each week.