A round up of the local - and national - news affecting carers
A new report suggests there are more young carers than identified in the Census. The research, commssioned by Action for Carers, also found initiatives to support young carers clearly leads to schools identifying more young carers.
Action for Carers is committed to supporting carers from all Surrey's diverse communities, and we aim to deliver services that feel welcoming, appropriate and beneficial to all.
New research released this week by Carers UK finds that an estimated 4.5 million people have started caring (unpaid) since the COVID-19 outbreak began. When combined with those already providing care pre-crisis, that means there could be as many as 13.6 million carers across the UK – 26% of the UK population.
Action for Carers Surrey is delighted to report that we have been accredited as a 'Carer Confident' employer, the Employers for Carers' benchmarking scheme. Noticeably, we are the first carers’ charity to be accredited, and only the second charity.
Calling all Surrey young carers in year 9, 10 and 11! The University of Surrey offers young carers a 'Discover University' Summer School - this year online, from 7-9 July. Please apply now! The deadline for applications is Sunday 7th June. The Virtual Summer School will include interactive University subject tasters, University finance and support sessions and activities to support your development and knowledge of your post 16 options.
Action for Carers Surrey launches an art competition in support of Carers Week, asking carers to design a poster with the theme of 'Making caring visible'.
Unpaid carers have been added to the key worker list making them eligible for COVID-19 testing.
There’s new support in Surrey if you, or someone you love, is struggling with depression, anxiety or low mood. Surrey Virtual Wellbeing Hub offers interactive mental health and emotional wellbeing support, plus activities and access to further services.
One of our young carers, Harry, spoke on BBC Radio 5 about the challenges lockdown has brought.
Despite these difficult times, many of Surrey's Muslims will be observing Ramadan, which starts Thursday 23 April. For carers, it can be a particularly challenging time.
The Government has launched its new Coronavirus Adult social care action plan, covering carer workers and provision in care homes and in the community.
Unfortunately lockdown and isolation have seen a steep increase in the number of domestic abuse cases, however the current situation makes it much harder for people to access help and to report incidents. We are joining agencies across Surrey to make people aware of the support which remains in place and to raise awareness of what you can do if you suspect someone may be at risk.
