We care about our carers
Making caring visible
Published: 8 June 2020
This week is Carers Week, and more than ever, these past few months have highlighted the significant and valuable contribution unpaid carers are making to our communities.
Unpaid carers provide a substantial amount of unpaid care to a loved one who is ill or disabled. We want all unpaid carers in East Renfrewshire to be recognised, involved and supported, not just over the challenging year ahead, but going forward into the future.
As part of our commitment to supporting unpaid carers in East Renfrewshire, the Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) has appointed a Carers Lead role. The appointed officer will work closely with colleagues across the HSCP, NHSGGC, the Council as well as third sector organisations to ensure that carer's voices are heard in the work we deliver.
Julie Murray, Chief Officer of East Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership said: 'Carers Week is an important opportunity to acknowledge all of the unpaid carers in East Renfrewshire who are making such a significant difference for their loved ones. Being an unpaid carer is far from easy - many do this role in addition to employment - and often this goes unseen. We want to make the work unpaid carers do visible. They deserve support and recognition so throughout this week, and beyond, we will be raising our voices, talking about the importance of unpaid carers and helping to make caring visible through the work we do.'
The HSCP works closely with the East Renfrewshire Carers Centre which is a fantastic support resource for unpaid carers. As well as groups, day trips and peer support, they also provide information and advice on income maximisation and legal advice amongst many other topics.
Visit the East Renfrewshire Carers' Centre website.
Mark Mulhern, Manager of East Renfrewshire Carers Centre said: 'During these unprecedented times, carers continue to play a vital role in keeping the person they care for safe and as well as they can be. However, this often comes at a cost to the carer themselves. It is so important that we all identify, recognise and support East Renfrewshire's carers, let them know that there is help and support available for them, even now during these really tough times. If you are a carer, or if you know a carer, encourage them to contact the Carers Centre for a range of help, support and advice.'
