Who Are The Carers?
Carers, are people, like you and me, who look after family; partners or friends in need of help because they are ill, frail or have a disability. The care they provide is unpaid.
Carers give so much to society yet as a consequence of caring; they experience their own health, poverty, discrimination, and social isolation.
Carers UK is an organisation of carers endeavouring to end this injustice. They will not stop until people recognise the true value of carers’ contribution to society, and carers get the practical, financial and emotional support they need.
Portsmouth and South East Hampshire is the local Branch.
In Portsmouth alone, there are around 15,000 known carers (2001Census). In times of need carers become very stressed and confused as to what help is available for them.
During the year we hold bi-monthly social evenings, fundraising events, Carol Service,New Years party, and much more. There is also a bi-monthly magazine which gives details of national and local information for carers.
We also give talks to groups, organisations or anyone that requires information on caring.
Carers are, quite literally, indispensable they save the economy £119 billion a year. If all carers withdrew their care for one 24 hour period, it would cost the government £8 million to replace this care.
The main consequence of this lack of recognition is that carers suffer more than they need to. Carers struggle with their finances, health, job, social life and general wellbeing. Carers Allowance at £58.45 is the lowest benefit of its kind, (for 24 hours a day, 7 day a week this works out at 30p an hour). Many carers do not receive this allowance due to overlapping benefits. (THIS IS UNFAIR).
On top of that, when retirement age is reached the allowance is usually stopped as pension is classified as a benefit. (STATE PENSION IS NOT A BENEFIT).
FACT: 1 in 5 people will be carers at some point in their lives –they will often face a lack of recognition from health, employers, GPs and very often even friends and family.