Thousands of people within the region are looking after someone day in and day out in a role which does not come with pay and holidays. It can be a tiring job, with lots of responsibility.
A break or activity can provide carers with support or a boost to their own wellbeing, helping to enable them to continue in their role.
And one charity is trying to encourage as many carers locally as possible to take up the chance of some respite.
The Dumfries and Galloway Carers Centre exists to support carers of every kind. As well as providing information and advice through its support workers across the region, it offers grants through its Short Breaks Fund to pay for breaks and activities for carers who desperately need them – including a short holiday, a new hobby or a craft course.
Sara Jackson is the Carers Centre young carers manager, and she said: “Every day we hear from carers across Dumfries and Galloway who are desperately tired and in need of respite.
“It doesn’t take much to lift that load off them for a while – to allow them to take a weekend away, to learn a new hobby, or even just allow them to meditate or chat online to their friends for a while.
“I’d encourage any carer who needs a break to get in touch – the Short Breaks Fund is there to help, and our support workers around the region are ready to give any information, advice and help they can. It’s very important that carers know that they’re not alone and that they can turn to us if they need to.”
The fund is open to all carers whether or not they have registered with the Carers Centre.
More information, including how to apply, is available online at www.dgalcarers.co.uk/short-breaks-project.php or by calling the centre on 01387 248600 or emailing [email protected]
