As we mark Carers Rights Day this year, we look at how identifying yourself as a carer and taking part in the Short Breaks Scheme can open the door to wider support and recognition.
In Wales, there are over 310,00 unpaid carers. That number is probably much higher, as many people who carry out a caring role are hidden, not realising that they count as a carer.
As highlighted by Carers UK, it can in fact take a couple of years for someone to realise they are a carer by which point they are probably exhausted and stressed and may be in in financial difficulty.
Understanding your rights and entitlements, whether it be about access to carers leave or free flu injections can help lighten the burden.
Co-ordinated by Carers Trust Wales, the Short Breaks Scheme has provided a much-needed break to over 13,000 carers in Wales. This is also playing an important role in helping carers to get the wider help and support they need. It has been very successful in bringing many cares into contact with carers organisations for the first time. Almost half of the carers who have received short break funding are new to their local carer’s organisation. Applying for a short break is an important first step for many carers, helping them to recognise themselves as a carer, and opening the door to a range of additional help and support.
Adferiad, who have supported over 280 carers across Wales to have a short break, tells us, “Where there have been other identified needs we have made referrals to Citizens Advice Bureau, Adferiad’s Mental Health and Money Advice Service and other avenues of support, including food banks, community fridges and small grant schemes.”
One carer who enjoyed a short hotel break through NEWCIS, says:
I feel so much more positive knowing there is more help available than I realised.
NEWCIS explains, “Sometimes, the hardest thing is to reassure carers that they need to take the time out for themselves and to realise how much a break will benefit both them and the loved ones they care for. Also, the opportunity to speak to other carers, well-being officers and professionals is a real added-value of the Short Breaks Scheme.”
Carers themselves are not only grateful for the breaks they receive, but also for the recognition they feel they get through the scheme. Cancer Aid, who offered short breaks via delivery partner Interlink, say,
This project has extended the scope of existing services and introduced brand new services to our patients.
They go on to talk about the impact of the Short Breaks Scheme, “The carers thoroughly enjoyed themselves, but they also realised the impact of their caring, that they are not only recognised by their family, but acknowledged for their impact by wider society. The fact that the project is supported by Welsh Government is important to carers where they feel their journeys as carers are understood and supported by our government.”
Knowing your rights can be empowering, arming carers with the information they need to ease their lives, just a little. The Short Breaks Scheme is proving for many to be a gateway to this understanding, recognition and support.
Carers Rights Day takes place on Thursday 21 November 2024. It is focused on raising awareness of the rights to which the UK’s 5.7 million unpaid carers are entitled, and to help them get the support and recognition they need and deserve.