Celebrating Unpaid Carers

THE WORK AND DEDICATION OF UNPAID CARERS within the East Riding is being recognised and celebrated to mark National Carers Week - which starts today.

There are currently 3,179 unpaid carers registered with the East Riding of Yorkshire Council, an increase from last year of 850. The majority of unpaid carers are female and 45% of all carers are themselves over the age of 65. Carers deal with a variety of illnesses and conditions, including physical disabilities, mental health issues – including dementia – and learning disabilities.

In the past year, East Riding of Yorkshire Council has increased their support for unpaid carers. There is a dedicated Carers Support Service in Wednesday Market in Beverley, while for a small contribution, a respite cottage is available for carers in Sewerby.

Vicky Taylor, project and practice development officer at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “I am sure the opening of the Carers Support Service in Beverley is one of the reasons we have seen an increase in the number of unpaid carers. The figures we have are for the people we know about but I am sure there is a hidden army of people within the East Riding that we don’t know about who provide care for relatives, family and friends.”

Councillor Richard Harrap, portfolio holder for adult and carer services at the Council, said: “The work that carers do is invaluable and we recognise the sacrifices they make personally to enable the person they care for to remain in the family home. Recent developments include the opening of a new carers centre in Beverley and a holiday cottage in the grounds of Sewerby Hall in Bridlington, which is designed to offer the opportunity of short breaks for both carers and those they care for.”

Also see Local MP supports Carers Week