Carers Week 6-12th June 2022

Across the UK today 6.5 million people are carers.

Every day 6,000 people become carers, many don’t know how or where to get help and it can be frightening and very lonely. For some it can be sudden for example if someone you love is taken ill or has an accident or your child is born with a disability. For others, caring creeps up unnoticed for example your parents may not manage on their own any longer or your partner’s health may get gradually worse.

What is Carers Week?

Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. It also helps people who don't think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support.

The campaign is brought to life by thousands of individuals and organisations who come together to provide support for carers, run activities, highlight the vital role carers play in our communities and draw attention to just how important caring is.

Who are Carers?

A carer is someone who provides practical and/or emotional support to an adult or child with an illness, disability, frailty, mental health problems or addiction. Remember to inform your GP that you are a carer for someone . You will be entitled to a free flu vaccine, plus your surgery might offer more flexible appointment times and help you to better support the person you care for at their appointments. 

Further information and support available:

Sheffield Carers Centre

The Sheffield Carers Centre offers a range of support and information services to all unpaid adult carers in the Sheffield area looking after a family member or friend who is frail, or has a disability, illness, or mental health problem.

Tel: 0114 272 8362 

https://sheffieldcarers.org.uk/

Sheffield Parent Carer Forum

Established in 2008 to bring together parents and carers of children and young people with disabilities and/or special educational needs from across Sheffield to support each other, share information and influence policy. Their main aim is to make sure the needs of children are met.

Tel: 0300 3214721 - Local call rate applies

https://sheffieldparentcarerforum.org.uk/

Sheffield Young Carers

Sheffield Young Carers offer support to children and young people aged 8-25 who live in Sheffield and are young carers. Being a young carer means they provide care for one or more family members who have disabilities, long-term physical illnesses, and/or mental health difficulties. They may be providing physical, personal, financial and/or emotional care.

Tel: 0114 2584595

https://www.sheffieldyoungcarers.org.uk/

Carers UK

Carers UK provide expert telephone advice and a support service to talk about caring. If you're looking for answers, their online information and support is the best place to start.

Tel: 0808 808 7777 

Email: advice@carersuk.org

https://www.carersuk.org/home