Aberdeenshire is Making Caring Visible and Valued this Carers Week
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Carers Week is an annual awareness campaign that celebrates and recognises the vital contribution of the UK’s unpaid carers – supporting family members and friends who are older, have a disability, mental or physical illness or need extra help as they grow older.
During Carers Week 2021 (June 7-13) Aberdeenshire Council and the Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership are inviting health and care services, schools, employers and businesses across the community to recognise the vital contribution made by unpaid carers in Aberdeenshire.
Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Communities Committee and vice-chair Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership’s Integration Joint Board councillor Anne Stirling said: “Carers play an invaluable role, so it is only right, fitting and proper that their contribution is recognised, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic which has brought sharply into focus the vital role many carers play.
“During Carers Week I would like to acknowledge the support carers provide and the personal sacrifice they make to improve the lives of those they care for better.
"Both Aberdeenshire Council and the AHSCP will do all they can to make caring visible and valued.”
Aberdeenshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services Committee chair councillor Gillian Owen said: “There are many carers who themselves are children or young people looking after family members or friends.
"Often they may not even be aware they are a carer.
"We work in partnership with Quarriers to make sure young carers in Aberdeenshire receive the support they need as well as time out to enjoy themselves or complete school or course work.
"This Carers Week please take a moment to reflect on the role carers play and consider how you can help make caring more visible and valued.”
On behalf of the Carers Week charities, chief executive of Carers UK Helen Walker said: “Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic unpaid carers have played an essential role supporting older, disabled and seriously ill relatives and friends, doing so most of the year on their own behind closed doors.
"They have forgone breaks from caring and much of the support they would normally have relied on.
“As restrictions ease it is vital that we acknowledge the enormous contribution that unpaid carers continue to make day in day out.
"I am delighted that many individuals and organisations are getting involved with virtual activities, helping carers to connect to others and access advice and information locally.
“Looking after someone can be a hugely rewarding experience, but it sometimes comes with difficulties, including getting the right support.
"This Carers Week I hope all parts of the community – family and friends, employers, businesses, schools, health and care services – do their bit to make caring visible and show it is valued.”
For Carers Week 2021 charity Carers UK is joining forces with Age UK, Carers Trust, Motor Neurone Disease Association, Oxfam GB and Rethink Mental Illness to help raise awareness of caring around the country.
The six charities driving Carers Week 2021 are calling on individuals, services and organisations to do their part in Making Caring Visible and Valued – recognising the contribution made by carers and helping them get the practical, financial and emotional support they need to care for a loved one.
Hundreds of activities are taking place across the country during Carers Week and many people have Added Their Voice on the Carers Week website to make caring visible this year.
To find out more about activities in Aberdeenshire you can visit www.carersweek.org.
