RESPITE NUMBER ONE CONCERN AMONG CARERS

Specialists involved in Stockport’s first ever Caring Week 2015 said today that respite is one of the main concerns for those caring for others and lack of it will only get worse if not tackled now.

The issue is high on the agenda at next week’s ‘Meet The Experts’ event on Thursday 5^th March at Gorvins Solicitors in the town centre which is designed to give carers one stop access to advice on a range of matters including respite.

A recent study from Carers UK reported that eight in 10 carers have felt socially isolated because of their care responsibilities and in another poll, commissioned by The Carer’s Trust, 48% of young carers aged 8-15 said that being a young carer made them feel stressed. 

Mary Edwards, a principle influencer at leading care organisation Stockport Advocacy – ‘stress and isolation were commonplace and she was often dealing with young carers confused about budgeting and respite.’

“They are unsure on how to manage their dependent’s personal budget and have hardly ever considered putting provisions in place for a much needed break. They need a break so that they can continue to provide the best care for those who need them.”

Left: Organising advice on care: MIke Smoult from Gorvins and Sue Whitehead, Head of Therapy at the Together Trust.

Sue commented:

“Carers often don’t speak up enough about it, which can infringe on the quality of life not only of the carer, but also the quality of care they provide. With young carers the issue becomes even more prevalent.”

Sue and Mary will be highlighting real life working examples of how to manage a budget and plan respite at Caring Week next Thursday.

Christine Thornley, Partner and Head of Wills, Trusts & Probate at Gorvins, said:

“Our event aims to give parents and carers of young people living with a disability or illness access to the right information provided by senior people from organisations across Stockport.

“There is a fantastic network of support and advice services that are available to carers, if only they knew about them.”

Sue Whitehead again:

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Gorvins to tackle what could easily become a crisis in care provision. Respite is a necessary part of care and should not be overlooked.”

Other topics on the day include putting care in place for your loved ones and understanding rights. Joining Gorvins, Stockport Advocacy and the Together Trust will be Signpost, Flag, Stockport MBC and Greater Manchester Fire Service.

For more information or to book your place on ‘Meet the Experts’ contact Natasha D’Arcy today on 0161 930 5101 or e-mail Natasha.darcy@gorvins.com.