Feature Piece: Carers in the UK

In the UK, the vast majority of its 6.5 million carers are family members and friends. Services such as a NHS and Social Services rely heavily on carers’ willingness and ability to provide such care. Without this support, the systems in place would undoubtedly be stretched beyond their capacity. It is also estimated that 38% of these carers are providing care for over 100 hours a week. Combined with working full-time, looking after others and themselves, the stresses and responsibility can often be overwhelming. Thankfully, there are services in place nationwide which are there to take the weight off their shoulders when they need it the most.

When talking about carers, it would be fair to say that most people picture an adult, looking after an elderly parent or other relative. Yet, this is not always the case. A survey carried out by the BBC in 2010 found that there are an estimated 700,000 young carers in the UK, with 12 being the average age. Not only are these young carers living such different lives to their peers, they are also under various barrages of stress. About 68% of young carers are bullied in school, exacerbating their already stressful lives. However, specialist charities and organisations are there to provide a well-deserved break.

Charities such as Solihull Carers provide an amazing array of care services for both young and adult carers. The centre offers support for 4,000 young carers with an age range of 5 to 25. Along with trips, they also offer a nine to five support phone line, support groups and clubs for the children to attend. Members of the centre can also undertake assessments which mean that any available and relevant support can be provided when necessary.

In March 2015, with the help of Solihull Land Rover and Santander to name a few, the members of Solihull Carers were able to raise £11,000 in order to send 12 of their young carers on a skiing trip to Austria. The group were able to fully relax and take time out for themselves, temporarily alleviating the daily tasks they deal with.

Charities such as Solihull Carers are essential for younger carers as shouldering so many responsibilities can often lead to a feeling of guilt, worry and frustration. Not having others to share their load with can often result in them feeling different or lonely – something which Solihull’s centre can help to resolve. Having a support unit that aids them to develop as individuals whilst offering them the chance to engage in new experiences is imperative; without this, young people could lose out on their freedom and right to enjoy their youth.

In September 2015, the centre organised a trip to Ryton Organic Gardens in partnership with the Dementia project. Here, people with dementia were provided with ‘an opportunity to gain access to activities they may have previously enjoyed’, as well as ‘new social activities that provided enjoyment and stimulation’. The visit included a range of gardening tasks where staff were able to guide and encourage participants to enjoy the experience in a safe way. As a result of this, the carers were given a much needed break, allowing them time to relax and focus on themselves.

A couple of carers said how it was “Lovely to have a few hours to myself knowing Len is being looked after” with another saying how “I was able to join friends and socialise [which] I didn’t previously have time for.” Evidently, trips such as this benefit all of those included, with careful consideration taken to accommodate everyone’s needs.

According to Carers UK and the Carers Trust, by 2037 it is anticipated that the number of carers in the UK will increase to 9 million, with 3 in 5 people being cares at some point of their lives. With this in mind, it is essential to consider the break that carers need in order to ease their mind and reduce the stresses they face. At Limitless Travel, ensuring a stress-free break for all is our main goal – we take away the hassle and worry that the elderly and those with disabilities often face when travelling. Through experience and extensive knowledge, our team can advise carers of suitable, accessible locations where they can arrive safe in the knowledge that their holiday will be enjoyable.