Today is Blue Monday (17 January 2022), the most depressing day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and, Carer Support Cumbria is encouraging unpaid Carers in the county to get in touch for support.
Calculated taking into account debt level (the difference between debt accumulated and ability to pay), weather conditions, low motivation and time since Christmas during which new year resolutions have been broken, this is a time which can hit the 56,400 unpaid Carers in Cumbrian hard.
The CSC website, www.carersupportcumbria.org.uk links to your local carer organisations which have advice and information on activities and support available to help unpaid Carers, particularly with energy and food price rises, which could make this Blue Monday worse than ever.
Dani Leslie, CEO of Carer Support Eden said: “The most recent research shows over one-in-five unpaid Carers (21%) are worried they may not cope financially over the next 12 months. This is on top of deep concern about practical support where just 13% of Carers are confident they will get the practical support they need in the next 12 months.”
The charity Carers UK’s survey of over 8,000 people currently caring unpaid for family or friends, the majority of whom provide well over 50 hours of care every week, reveals the huge personal and financial cost of caring for a loved one.
Debi Marsden, CEO of Carer Support South Lakes added: “Nearly one in four Carers (23%) do not have enough money to cover their monthly expenses. Many Carers are worrying about how they will cope this winter, face rising energy prices and increases in the cost of living.
“As well as providing significant levels of care themselves, almost two thirds (63%) of Carers are also using their own income or savings to cover the cost of care, equipment or products for the person they care for. On average Carers spend an estimated £1,370 a year on services or equipment for the person they care for.”
Craig Backhouse, CEO of Furness Carers said: “The situation has got worse during the pandemic with over one-in-three Carers (36%) saying that their financial situation has worsened since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. And a quarter (25%) are spending more on equipment or products for the person they care for.
“As a result, many are struggling financially and unable to save for their own retirement. Almost two-thirds of Carers (65%) say they are worried about their ability to save and plan for the future.”
Angela Longrigg, CEO of West Cumbria Carers added: “The financial strain is also damaging Carers mental health with over half (52%) reporting they feel anxious or stressed about their finances. Over one in three Carers (35%) providing more than 35 hours of care a week said they have been or are in debt.
“Carers are still having to take on more hours of care for the person they care for, with 55% of Carers having reduced or no access to day services and a third of Carers reporting reduced or no access to paid care workers.”
All Carer Organisations in Cumbria are open and here to support unpaid Carers through; assessments, support plans, health and wellbeing support, social activities and associated personalised support services.
Angela added: “Though it may feel like it, you are not alone if you are caring for a loved one. It may feel isolating however, there are activities and events where you can meet other Carers, and free support services include, depending on your area Here to Hear, Carers Cafes, voluntary sitting services and Carer groups.
“We recognise the responsibilities of being a Carer can change Carers lives and, we aim to help Carers’ maintain their own health and wellbeing, finances, employment, education, training, leisure and social life.
“This may be the most depressing part of the year however, there is support in your area of Cumbria. Please get in touch with your local Carer organisation. We are here to help.”
Blue Monday was first defined by Cliff Arnall, formerly of Cardiff University, marking the symbolic time in January when people suffer from a series of combined depressive effects.
You can contact your local Cumbrian Carer organisaton by emailing or calling their office:
- Carer Support South Lakes, Email: admin@carersupportsouthlakes.org.uk Tel: 01539 815970
- Carlisle Carers Email: admin@carlislecarers.co.uk Tel: 01228 542156
- Carer Support Eden Email: enquiries@edencarers.co.uk Tel: 01768 890280
- Furness Carers Email: admin@furnesscarers.co.uk Tel: 01229 822822
- West Cumbria Carers Email: general@westcumbriacarers.co.uk, Tel 01900 821976
