National Carers Week

National Carers Week 18th – 24th June 2012

Most people with diabetes do not need carers but some people have diabetes and other conditions and they may well require a carer. IDDT is supporting National Carers Week by providing useful links which give information on Charities that can offer support to reduce the isolation that many carers experience.

A carer can be someone of any age who provides unpaid support to family or friends who could not manage without this help due to illness, disability, mental ill-health or a substance misuse problem.

Being a carer may mean:

  • Facing a life of poverty, isolation, frustration, ill health and depression.
  • Many carers give up an income, future employment prospects and pension rights to become a carer.
  • Many carers also work outside the home and are trying to juggle jobs with their responsibilities as carers.
  • The majority of carers struggle alone and do not know that help is available to them.
  • Carers say that access to information, financial support and breaks in caring are vital in helping them manage the impact of caring on their lives.

If you are a carer or know someone that is, these are organisations can offer support and information:

IDDT’s leaflet ‘For Family Carers’ for people living with diabetes
https://www.iddt.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/for-family-carers.pdf

Finance and Benefits:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/caringforsomeone/moneymatters/carersallowance/index.htm

http://www.carers.org/carers-allowance

http://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/help-with-money

Organisations that can help:

Carers Trust
http://www.carers.org

Carers UK
http://www.carersuk.org/

http://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice

Carers Matter
http://www.carersmatters.co.uk/

Community Care – Care Matters
http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/21/06/2007/104895/essential-information-on-time-for-change-care-matters.htm

The National Carers Strategy is available here:
http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_4006522