The support available to carers is being highlighted during Carers Week 2021, alongside a celebration of the contribution they make to their loved ones.
Carers Week is an annual event to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK.
Approximately 6.5m people in the UK are carers, which means they may be looking after a family member or friend who has a disability, mental or physical illness, or who needs extra help due to advancing age.
We are hosting a virtual coffee morning between 10am and 12pm on Friday, 11 June, for all carers across the region to share the support available for them.
The coffee morning, with guest speakers Jane Galloway and Lancashire Carers Service and Support, is available to join online.
Paul Jebb, Associate Chief Nurse Patient Experience and Engagement, at LSCft, said:
“Carers are invaluable part of our community. Their care is instrumental to the health and wellbeing of those they look after. While their experience and expertise is vital to their loved ones, often their own needs are neglected so it is right we offer our support to them.
Our coffee morning is for any carer to drop in, find support and learn how we can help them as they help others. We have also just relaunched our Carer’s leaflet, to support families, carers and loved ones of those admitted to our services. We hope this provides the guidance needed at what can be a challenging time.”
In 2018, we joined the Triangle of Care scheme, a scheme which strengthens links between carers and professionals.
An ongoing survey has found:
- 93% of LSCft staff were respectful, kind and showed concern for the needs of carers
- 88% of carers across Lancashire and South Cumbria feel their views and knowledge was sought throughout assessment and treatment process
- 78% of carers felt they were regularly updated and involved about care plans and treatments
Comments from carers included:
- We have been treated with kindness and respect by the Trust’s very hard-working and caring staff
- Overall a great, fast, effective service with really good communication
- Excellent staff, very supportive and knowledgeable. We were well informed of all the services provided
