Monday 8th June marked the start of Carers Week, a week long campaign, to raise awareness of caring, the many challenges faced by unpaid carers and an opportunity to recognise the contribution they make to families and communities across the country.

Carers are those that look after a family member or a friend who has a disability, mental or physical illness, or who need extra help as they grow older. Caring for someone includes giving them emotional support as well as practical and physical help.

Professor Oliver Shanley OBE, NELFT Chief Executive, said: “I wanted to express my thanks to carers for everything they do. The selfless dedication and commitment they show, often without recognition or reward, is simply amazing.

“I know that the NHS relies heavily on carers and it’s vital we use every opportunity to express our gratitude, perhaps more so than ever at the moment, as we try and meet the impact of COVID-19. I hope that in carers week you are able to pause for a moment and recognise how incredible you are. Thank you.”

Research by the carers’ charity, Carers UK, estimates that nearly a quarter of a million NHS workers (247,000) in England are juggling work and caring for a loved one who is older, disabled or seriously ill.

Libbie Miller is a Mental Health Worker, at NELFT’s Children & Young People’s Mental Health Early Intervention Service, and also a full time carer for her father. In October 2019, Libbie received the devastating news that her father has terminal brain cancer.

“I’ve taken on 100% of his care and he is staying me with and my daughter at the moment. It has been very tough but it has taught me so much. I’ve had to cut my hours at work and build a relationship with my dad as I didn’t really know him that well before.” Libbie said.

 “Being a carer has its ups and downs, you have treasured moments you wouldn’t want to miss but become very tired and have to remember to look after yourself even more. It’s given me an outlook on certain things I hadn’t had before which helps when relating to certain young people at work.” Libbie added.

In order to look after her own wellbeing, Libbie has taken up gardening and creative outlets such as painting and sketching.

There are 6.5 million people in the UK who are carers and that number is likely to rise as a result of COVID-19. During the past few months, the responsibility of carers has become even more difficult, as they face the burden of keeping themselves and those they care for healthy and safe.  

To support carers during this time, CarersUK has pulled together a variety of resources and information together specifically to help carers navigate the impact that COVID-19 has on their role. It is available on their website at carersuk.org/coronavirus. The government has also provided guidance for carers which can be found on their website.