AS MANY as 9,000 Redditch residents are acting as unpaid carers – without realising the vital role they’re playing.
The astounding figure comes from town centre-based charity Carers Careline which is reaching out to that army of carers in a bid to ease their burden.
“If someone you love falls ill, perhaps has a stroke, people see it as their duty to look after them – and often they don’t see themselves as carers,” said Erica Gibson di Meo from Carers Careline.
However, she says the act of caring can become all-consuming, leading to a sense of isolation and abandonment for the carer.
“It’s this sense of isolation that we are trying to address,” said Erica.
“We’ve also found that with everything online these days – for instance to access advice and benefits – a digital divide has developed.
“As a carer you are expected to be a computer guru as well as having the patience and compassion of a saint.”
Carers Careline offers a pro-active telephone support service for carers, runs social events and offers computer help for those having difficulty filling in forms in online.
“The telephone support service is massive for us. People can reach the end of their tether, frustration can build yet we are there for them,” said Erica.
Get-togethers are important too.
“We are always looking to forge links with local businesses. For instance, through Aroma Cafe in the town centre we run monthly coffee mornings,” said Erica. “If carers can come out then they will get so many benefits simply from meeting other carers and gaining peer support.”
The charity also offers a bereavement service which has recently been boosted by a cheque for £300 from Redditch Round Table.
Also showing their support are Carefree and The Respite Association as well as the supermarket champions at Asda, Morrisons, and Tesco.
Meanwhile, residential care home Haywood Lodge in Mappleborough Green is stepping up its backing by hosting a Coronation Tea Party for the charity.
For more on Carers Careline or to access their support, call 01527 66177 Monday to Thursday, 10am to 1.30pm, or visit the website at www.carerscareline.co.uk.
