International Stress Awareness Week (November 2-6) is raising understanding about stress prevention, and carer organisations across Cumbria are providing events and activities to support unpaid Carers manage their stressful lives.
International Stress Awareness Week has developed as a major annual event focusing on stress management and campaigning against the stigma associated with stress and mental health issues. And in Cumbria, Carer support organisations have a range of activities around the year to help over 56,400 people who are juggling unpaid Caring for a loved one with their work and other personal commitments.
Angela Longrigg, CEO of West Cumbria Carers said: “Our Guided Relaxation session for adult carers are very popular and available to anyone online as a Zoom activity from Stressless Therapies.
“Our regular afternoon tea meetings and poetry group all provide an opportunity for unpaid Carers to come together and enjoy time for themselves, which is so important when you can be caring for someone 24-hours a day.
“It is so important Carers are caring for themselves, and having a date in the diary to meet up with others, especially those in similar situations can have a really positive effect on mental health and wellbeing.” Pictured, West Cumbria Carers Poetry Group Fun Day with willow artists Phil Bradley.
Craig Backhouse, CEO of Furness Carers said: “Figures from the Cumbria Intelligence Observatory show the majority of Carers’ in the county, more than 13,300 are providing care for over 50 hours a week.
“Trying to balance the demands of work and caring for a family member or friend can cause extreme stress for the unpaid Carer.
“Ensuring you are getting all the help and support you need in your unpaid Carer role is one way of helping manage this stress. We want to reach out to those who are unpaid Carers to let them know we and other Carer Organisations across Cumbria are here to help.
“If you are a Carer, you are legally entitled to a Carer’s Assessment, which identifies your needs as a Carer. Your local Carers Organisation can do the Assessment with you once you get in touch and then work together to draw up a support plan. The support plan can include things that you feel will help you, such as respite care, information or involving other agencies.”
Furness Carers also run a calendar of activities for adult and young Carers to enjoy a break from caring and share support with other unpaid Carers’.
Mike Seaton, CEO of Carer Support South Lakes said: “Carers Support Cumbria exists to enable support to be delivered to unpaid Carers throughout Cumbria’s six Districts. We support all Carers; young, adult, working, and parent carers.
“Whatever age you are, being an unpaid Carer can be stressful and isolating. We are here to provide a listening ear and practical support and Carers Support South Lakes we provide a 1-to-1 listening service as well as other activities for Carers of all ages.”
Eden Carers has stress, relaxation and wellness videos to watch on their website, as well as activities across Eden such as a cuppa and chat sessions.
Dr Dani Leslie, CEO of Eden Carers said: ” At some point in our lives, three in five of us will be a Carer. A Carer is someone who is looking after a relative or friend who, due to a disability, illness or old age, cannot manage at home without their help. Ensuring those who are unpaid Carers get the support and advice they need is vital to reduce the stresses on Carers and protect their health and wellbeing.”
If you are an unpaid Carer, your local Carer’s organisation can provide you with information and support. You can contact them 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
- Eden Carers 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
