Carer wellbeing campaign relaunches in face of rising numbers of carers in Scotland

Orkney Health and Care is highlighting a national campaign running til the end of March aimed at encouraging people who care for others to seek the support that will help them look after themselves too.

It comes after studies suggest the number of carers in the community is increasing in the wake of the pandemic.

The Scottish Government is re-running its Carers’ Wellbeing campaign which originally ran in November 2020 aimed at raising awareness and uptake of the emotional and practical support available to carers, by law. It will run across TV channels in Scotland and on social media.

Before the pandemic there were an estimated 690,000 carers in Scotland - but YouGov polling in June 2020 suggests this figure could have increased to over a million during the pandemic.

Lynda Bradford is Head of Health and Community Care for Orkney Health and Care - she says it’s likely that caring responsibilities have increased in the Orkney community too:

“The pandemic has impacted families and communities here. I think many of us are all too aware of the impact it’s had on people’s mental health, and that’s often linked to a decline in physical health too.

“We are concerned there are people in our community who may have seen their caring roles intensify, or perhaps they’ve become carers for the first time - and they may not be aware that there is support they can tap into, to help them look after themselves and continue caring if that is what they wish to do.

"That support can include free respite care for carers to be able to take a break from caring, to counselling and access to training, online relaxation courses, equipment and support groups.

“Our message as this Scottish Government campaign relaunches is that local help and support is here in the county, through Crossroads Care Orkney as the dedicated carer support service in Orkney, along with Orkney Health and Care.

“We want all carers in Orkney to be aware of their right by law under the Carers Act to support for their own wellbeing, as they carry out vital and valued acts of care for their loved ones.”

The Carers Act, passed by the Scottish Government in 2018, enables unpaid carers to seek help and support from Councils and other support organisations. In Orkney, Crossroads Carers Orkney is appointed by Orkney Health and Care to coordinate that support.

An unpaid carer is typically someone looking after a loved one or friend who has a long-term health condition. That can include a young person looking after a parent, a person helping a frail neighbour, or someone caring for their elderly parents or a partner who is struggling with their mental or physical health.

Arlene Montgomery is Manager at Crossroads Care Orkney: “People who care for others in our community do such a vital job keeping vulnerable people connected and enjoying life.

“Our message to anyone giving their time and energy to this important mission is that you are not alone, you are entitled to support, and we are here to offer that.”

All carers in Scotland have a right to a personalised plan to explore what support would be helpful for them. For more information on the support available to carers, you can contact Crossroads Carers Orkney on carers@crossroadsorkney.co.uk, calling them on 01856870500 or by contacting Social Work on 01856873535.

There is also a dedicated email address for young people who care for others (aged under 18 or in full time education) - youngcarers@crossroadsorkney.co.uk

Or you can visit nhsinform.scot/caring or call 0800 011 3200. Lines are open Monday- Friday, 9am – 5pm.

Look out for the campaign being supported locally via Orkney Islands Council's 'OIC Updates' facebook page.