Carers Week 2024: Amplifying the Voices of Unsung Heroes

Invisible heroes walk among us daily, their incredible acts of selflessness and compassion often go unnoticed by those around them. However, they are given the spotlight every second week of June for Carers Week. This important annual event highlights the remarkable individuals who care for their loved ones. At Solent Mobility Centre, we encourage everyone to celebrate Carers Week 2024.

In this blog, we'll explain what it means to be a carer, the importance of Carers Week, and how you can support carers around you. Their patience, dedication, and spirit deserve our deepest respect.

What is Carers Week?

Carers Week takes place every year to bring awareness to all unpaid carers across the UK. It helps them feel seen and can even help those who don't recognise themselves as carers get the support they need. This years theme is "Putting Carers on the Map" highlighting the important voices of carers all over the nation.

What is a Carer?

A carer is someone who provides unpaid support and care to a family member, friend or a loved one who has a disability, illness, mental health condition or any other needs for additional help. There are around 5.7 million people in the UK who are caring for a loved one. Many of those people don't even recognise themselves as carers.

Are you a Carer?

Some of you may be wondering, am I a carer? Many individuals are considered carers without even realising, leaving them unsupported. If you help people regularly, on a daily basis with daily living because they are unable to, then you may be a carer. If you are unsure, take a look at the following questions:

Do you..

• Help with personal care, getting washed and dressed?

• Support with cooking meals or encouraging eating and drinking?

• Take a person to doctors or hospital appointments?

• Help to keep the house and garden clean and tidy?

• Help a person stay socially connected?

• Offer to support to take medication as prescribed?

• Offer support with administration including finances and paying bills?

• Help to keep someone safe and well?

And most importantly, without your support, would the person not be able to cope at home?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then it's likely that you are a carer. But don't worry there is plenty of support available to help you through your journey. The best way to start gaining support is to contact your GP surgery.

Support for Carers

There's plenty of support options available for carers, we've listed just a few below:

Carers UK

Carers UK is a charity that supports Carers. They give expert information and guidance, supporting you to manage at home and at work. Visit their website for more information: UK | Carers UK

Solent Mind

Solent Mind supports people with any mental health issues they may have, they are people you can turn to for advice and support. For further information, check out their own website here: Solent Mind | For better mental health in Hampshire

How we can help

At Solent Mobility Centre, we can help when it comes to any mobility products a carer might need for those they are looking after. From essential daily living aids to wheelchairs and furniture, we have a wide range of products ready to improve the lives of carers and those they are caring for.

Visit us today at our shop in Lee-on-the-Solent's lively high street to meet our friendly expert team who will happily assist you in finding the perfect products your loved one may need.