Carers’ Week, taking place from 10–16 June, is a UK-wide awareness campaign seeking to increase visibility for carers with decision-makers, services, employers, communities and businesses.

The theme for the week is Putting Carers on the Map.

And Professor Soumen Sengupta, Chief Officer of South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership, underlined the deeply held appreciation for unpaid carers in the area – and reiterated an unremitting commitment to working with partners to support them.

“While these are demanding times for health and social care I am very aware of the challenges that individuals and families right across all of our communities are faced with, many of whom are unpaid carers.

“Every case and story of someone carrying out a caring role is different. Indeed, many people who are caring for a loved one or someone close to them do not identify themselves as a carer.

“That is why this year’s national campaign is especially timely in highlighting the supports that are available.

“We remain absolutely committed to making the best use of the resources that we do have, and to working with partners to promote the advice and supports that are available for unpaid carers within South Lanarkshire.”

A series of events is being held for staff to share insights and consolidate links with unpaid carers. South Lanarkshire University HSCP commission two main organisations to provide a vast array of supports and services to adult and young carers.

These are Lanarkshire Carers, Adult Carers Services and Action for Children – Young Carers Services.

Both organisations have plans in place to coordinate activities throughout Carer’s week.

Barbara McAuley - CEO, Lanarkshire Carers, commented: “Lanarkshire Carers is a carer-led and carer-facing organisation, we value carers for everything that they do.

“We are here for carers throughout their caring journey and will try to help them live life to the full. We understand the impact that caring can have and work with carers to raise awareness of, and address the things that are, important to them.

“Bringing carers together to make connections, share experiences, receive recognition, enjoy something new and a break from caring has shaped our programme of activities for Carers Week 2024.

“South Lanarkshire Carers Partnership and our Carers Connected Forum are important aspects of our work. We will continue to build on this collaboration with health and social care colleagues, wider partners, and carers to achieve positive outcomes for carers in South Lanarkshire”

A spokesperson for Action for Children – Young Carers Services echoed that sentiment.

“The young people we have the pleasure of working with provide care and support to their loved ones through their most difficult times.

“This responsibility can place a burden on them that they do not even know is there. By highlighting their role as a Young Carer and offering the support they need, we can lighten the weigh on their shoulders and make them feel less alone, as well as giving them more time to just be young.

“If you think you might be a young carer, then please get in touch for more information on how we can support you. “ 

For more information visit:

Carers Week - Lanarkshire Carers

http://www.southlanarkshireyoungcarers.org/

Looking out for those doing the looking after – IJB members set to look at long term commitment.

At its meeting to be held later this month, members of the Integration Joint Board of South Lanarkshire will hear about a refreshed strategy for the future for unpaid carers.

The approach will represent a significant commitment to supporting carers in South Lanarkshire, having been co-designed by HSCP officers, partners agencies and, crucially, carers themselves.

Professor Sengupta added: “These are extremely challenging times for health and social care. Having collaborated closely with carers to develop the strategy, we believe that this approach will make a real and sustainable difference to the lives of carers.

“We look forward to presenting it to our IJB.”