This week is National Carers Week, an annual campaign aimed at raising awareness about the vital support unpaid carers provide to their loved ones daily, along with the challenges they often face.

There are an estimated 28,000 people in Barnsley caring for a friend or family member who is ill, frail or disabled.  They give their time, energy, and care freely, many for more than 35 hours a week. 

This year’s theme is ‘putting carers on the map’, to highlight the invaluable support of unpaid carers nationwide and to ensure their voices are being heard.

One of the ways you can support carers voices being heard is by signing Carer’s UK open letter to the government.

The letter outlines what Carer’s UK believes the government priorities for unpaid carers should be over the next five years and appeals for more support for carers across the UK.

This includes:

1. Reform and significantly increase Carer’s Allowance and other social security payments for carers. 
2. Deliver an ambitious and fully funded National Carers Strategy. 
3. Invest in breaks, respite services, and introduce new legislation so all carers have the right to regular and meaningful breaks. 
4. Make the NHS the most carer-friendly health service in the world. 
5. Introduce a right to paid Carer’s Leave for working carers. 
6. Recognise caring as the 10th protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010. 
7. Invest in social care services so no one has to care alone, and so Local Authorities are able to meet their existing duties to unpaid carers. 
8. Provide more support to help carers manage their health and wellbeing. 

The letter will be delivered to 10 Downing Street following the General Election that is taking place on 4^th July.

To sign the letter please visit: Open letter to the future Prime Minister | Carers UK

If you can spare a few pounds to help Carers across Kirklees, you can donate via the link below. Your donations will be greatly appreciated: Cloverleaf Advocacy: Help Support Unpaid Carers in Barnsley! (enthuse.com)

For more information on carer support near you, contact:

• Barnsley Carers Service on 01225 288772 or barnsleycarers@cloverleaf-advocacy.co.uk