Social Awareness Corner

This week from the 11th June until 17th June is CARERS WEEK
more information at CarersUK.org
This sort of sums up what it is about
There are six million people in the UK who provide unpaid help and support to a relative or friend who is frail, ill or has a disability
There are two million new carers each year, many of whom remain unknown to statutory agencies.Carers Week,which is being held from 11th to 17th June in 2007, has as its main objective enabling new and hidden carers to access support and services;
Being a carer for many people is an all-consuming and life-changing responsibility which can result in carers becoming socially isolated. 1.25 million carers effectively carry out their role 24/7 and that three million carers juggle work and care,Carers miss out on opportunities because of their caring role.
There is currently a Review of the National Carers' Strategy, which presents an opportunity to address key issues for carers such as benefits, how carers can find suitable services to help them and the person they care for, and how carers can maintain their own health and wellbeing.
A full time carer as in 24/7 365 days a year gets paid £48 a week as a reward for doing so.An absolute insult.The cost of putting the cared for person in care would be this for just 2 hours.