Covid-19 crisis highlights the role of Barnet’s 32,000 carers
Carers Week 2020
Barnet’s residents are being called on to recognise the work of the borough’s estimated 32,256 unpaid carers of all ages during this week’s annual Carers Week.
The national campaign highlights the huge role informal carers play in providing support to family, friends and neighbours. According to Barnet Council data, 6,224 Barnet residents provide 50 hours of unpaid care to their loved ones every week. A recent report by Carers UK revealed that this national body of carers saves more than £132bn in care costs every year.
The theme of this year’s Carers Week is for people to pledge their support for our unpaid carers, which has become particularly poignant during the Covid-19 crisis in which those in need of care have required extra support.
Barnet’s residents are being asked to add their pledges to a national digital wall.
Barnet Council Leader Cllr Dan Thomas said: “Tens of thousands of us provide care to our loved ones 365 days a year, which is incredibly selfless and a huge responsibility.
“The Covid-19 crisis has really highlighted the hidden work that our unpaid carers do. It’s important for us all to recognise how vital carers are to our communities and I ask that you pledge your support to them and do what you can to support them. Let’s raise our voices together and help make caring visible.”
Cllr Sachin Rajput, Chairman of the council’s Adults and Safeguarding Committee, said: “Our unpaid carers are amazing. Family and friends that are providing care for a loved one ensure that the people they are caring for are able to live independently in their own homes and to all of them, we say: thank you.”
Barnet Council works with Barnet Carers Centre to support the borough’s informal and unpaid carers. The organisation provides them with advice, information, emotional and practical support, as well as counselling and training.
Mike Rich, CEO of Barnet Carers Centre, said: “Carers play a massive part in our society. Often unthanked, often unrecognised and often ignored. Carers Week is an opportunity for us to make their vital role visible to the community.
“Carers have been under even more pressure since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic and for many carers, the easing of the restrictions that will make a difference to many of us will not impact on them. Now, more than ever, carers need our support and recognition. Barnet Carers wants to keep doing that for as long as we are needed.”
For more information on the support available to Barnet’s informal carers and to download the free Carers Community app visit: barnetcarers.org
Add your voice to the Carers Week national pledge wall.