‘Breaks or Breakdown’ the reality for Carers
A new report by Carers UK has been released to coincide with the start of Carers Week (7th - 13th June 2021). The report details the issues carers faced during lockdown and highlights the ongoing difficulties they are having to manage. The survey, carried out online, gathered the views of 2,754 current carers with over a third of respondents caring for 15 years or more. It highlights that during the pandemic carers lost 25 hours of support a month on average. The following statistics provide a stark illustration of the impact that caring can have and the need for further support:
- 63% are worried about continuing to care without a break
- 74% are exhausted because of caring
- 72% have not had any breaks in the pandemic
- 65% feel isolated and lonely
The report recommendations include:
- increased funding for breaks,
- better funding for social care and
- a more supportive healthcare system for carers themselves.
If you know you have carers within your school community consider how, during Carers Week, you can reiterate your support for them. It could also provide the opportunity to work with carers to review how effective support currently is and if any further support could be made available.
