Carers Week 2021

Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution that they make to families and communities throughout the country.

This year’s theme is Making Carers Visible and Valued. Its aim is to make sure people are able to identify themselves as carers, and to make sure that they know what support is available to them locally.

Rob McCulloch-Graham, Chief Officer, Health & Social Care, said: “Carers Week is an amazing opportunity to recognise the contribution unpaid carers have in our community and across the country. It is important that people in the Borders recognise when they are a carer and that they know how to access the emotional and practical support available to them. You are a carer if you provide, or intend to provide, unpaid help and support to someone who is ill, frail or has a disability, mental health issues or addiction. This could a parent looking after their child who needs extra support or you could be helping to look after your parent, neighbour or spouse.”

Lynn Gallagher, Manager at Borders Carers Centre, said:  “This year, more than ever before, it is vital that we recognise and value unpaid carers. The majority of whom have continued to provide care ceaselessly throughout the pandemic without a break and without access to the usual support within communities.

“Unpaid carers are unsung heroes, caring for the most vulnerable, often putting the needs of others over their own health and well-being. Throughout the pandemic they have been part of the frontline and Carers Week provides us with an opportunity to recognise their invaluable contribution. We continue to value and support unpaid carers and going forward we will provide increased opportunities and access for support, rest and recuperation.”

For more information on local support available from Borders Carers Centre via their website or by calling 01896 752431 (10am to 4pm Monday to Thursday & 10am - 2pm Friday).

There is further information for carers on the Scottish Borders Council website. The Scottish Borders Council website also has information for young carers.  

For more information on national support available to carers is available on the NHS Inform website or by calling 0800 011 3200 (lines are open Monday- Friday, 9am – 5pm).