National Carers Week 2024

National Carers Week 2024

10th-16th June

This National Carers Week we got to hear from Donna, our Director of People and Culture…

Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the invaluable contributions they make to families and communities throughout the UK. It also aims to help people who don’t initially identify as carers to recognise their roles and access much-needed support.

For me, this week is especially meaningful. I have been supporting my elderly parents for several years. My dad had dementia, a challenging and heart-wrenching journey that came to an end last October. Losing him was incredibly painful and I miss his cheery smile each day.

My dad was the kindest, sweetest person ever. He never judged anyone, accepted all, never tried to change anyone, and always saw the best in people. I always felt he was on my side no matter what – even when I was in the wrong!

Caring for my dad was an intense experience, one that required constant attention and energy, but it’s a journey I would undertake all over again in a heartbeat. My responsibilities continue with my mum, who is facing her own health issues and struggling to cope without dad after 64 years of marriage. As my fellow carers know, it’s a delicate balance managing full-time work whilst worrying about what crisis might emerge in your absence.

If you are a carer, please know you are not alone and don’t be too proud to reach out for support. I know what it’s like to arrive at work after being up all night. I am grateful to work for an organisation where I can be open about these challenges. I am also grateful to my colleagues who are so supportive and understanding.

I encourage you to speak with your manager and utilise all the policies available to you along with our Employee Assistance Programme.

In the midst of caring for others, working, bringing up families etc, it’s easy to neglect your own needs. However, taking care of yourself is essential to maintaining your ability to care for your loved ones. Whether it’s finding moments for rest, meeting friends, reading a book, or watching the latest TV series, self-care is not a luxury but a necessity.

As we mark National Carers Week, take time to breathe and be kind to yourself. Remember, you are doing your best and you are valued. You are enough!

Let’s use this week to share our stories and support one another.

Support Services:

Leeds: 
Carers Leeds- https://www.carersleeds.org.uk/

TIDE – www.tide.uk.net.

Calderdale:
Carers Wellbeing Service  
Call: 01422369101
Email: carers.wsc@makingspace.co.uk

Kirklees:
Carers Count Kirklees 
Call: 0300 012 0231

Bradford:
Support for Young and Adult Carers – Carers’ Resource (carersresource.org) 
Call:0808 50 15 939

Wakefield:
Carers Wakefield Wakefield Carers – Helping Carers Care (carerswakefield.org.uk)

For details on Carers Services outside of the West Yorkshire area the best starting point is
Home – Carers Trust – there is a ‘support in my area’ directory available.