Time for Yorkshire’s unpaid carers to have their say

A major survey of carers has been launched.

IT is estimated that there could now be as many as 729,000 people in Yorkshire and the Humber caring unpaid for a loved one who is older, disabled, or seriously ill.

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Their situations vary. Some people care round the clock, others for a few hours a week. Some look after a relative in their own home, while others travel miles to care for a friend.

The issue of social care has risen up the political agenda.

We know that 72 per cent of carers have suffered mental ill health as a result of caring, and 61 per cent have suffered physical ill-health.

Eight in 10 carers say they have felt lonely or socially isolated. Every single day, 600 people give up work to care.

It’s thanks to carers telling us about their experiences that we are able to explain to politicians and policy makers the serious challenges they face, and fight for lasting change.

By filling in Carers UK’s 2020 State of Caring survey (at www.carersuk.org/2020survey) unpaid carers in Yorkshire can help inform the UK’s most comprehensive study into experiences of looking after a loved one.

With a Government plan for social care reform currently in the making, it has never been more important for unpaid carers to share their  experiences.