Calling hidden carers

Local charity User and Carer Involvement (UCI) is seeking out carers in Dumfries and Galloway to offer them support and advice about their rights.
The project has been commissioned by the NHS and the council following concerns that many
carers locally are unaware of the services that are out there to support them and which can also offer a few day’s respite or financial support.
UCI manager Carolyn Little MBE said: “A carer is anybody who cares for somebody else without financial reward. They are also described as unpaid carers. Those who are harder to reach might be from
remote geographical areas, or ethnic minorities.
“However, perhaps the largest group of harder to reach, unpaid carers are those who simply don’t recognise they are carers. A mother caring for a child with disabilities, or a husband caring for his wife who is receiving cancer treatment might be reluctant to recognise themselves as unpaid carers.”
She added: “It is often a very demanding role and without support, the carer’s own physical and mental health may decline – perhaps to the point where they are no longer able to care for their relative or friend. “That’s what this project is aiming to avoid, while ensuring that each and every carer throughout the region
receives good quality and up-to-date information and advice, and the help and support they need.”
For more information, contact Carolyn by email at [email protected] or call 01387 255330.