Post: GPs call on people to help support carers

GPs call on people to help support carers

This content has been archived. It may no longer be relevant

GPs in Havering, Redbridge, Barking and Dagenham are celebrating the vital work of the borough’s carers – and backing a national call to ensure they are looked after themselves.

Caring is often one of the most difficult tasks to undertake. Although it can be very rewarding, caring without the right support or information is very tough, so it is important to let carers know they are not alone.

During this year’s Carers’ Week (10-16 June), the focus is therefore on getting carers connected, with the aim of helping them share the load and managing their own wellbeing.

Carers UK, which leads the national awareness campaign, has identified several areas of connectivity that must be improved. The charity says carers should be:

  • Connected to advice and information, to ensure they know all they need to about what is available to them and what others in their situation do
  • Connected to services that allow them to receive various different forms of support. Getting a carer’s assessment is a great start to this
  • Connected to friends and family, preventing loneliness or isolation and ensuring understanding from those around them
  • Connected to others, including fellow carers as this provides a welcome support network when it is most needed, particularly when people understand your situation
  • Connected to technology, such as simple devices and apps that can help on a day-to-day basis, helping someone live independently where possible and giving their carers peace of mind when they are away.

You don’t have to be a carer to support the campaign. You can pledge your support online, host an event raising awareness, and spread the word both online and in person.