Let’s Hear it for the Carers

Would you even recognise yourself as a carer?

We’re pleased to be marking the start of Carers Week, by discussing a really important topic – that of the ‘unidentified carer.

This year, the Carers Week campaign focuses heavily on the idea of ‘making carers visible’ and honouring the fact that so many people – adults AND children – exist in a world whereby they are carrying out caring duties, but wouldn’t consider themselves to be a ‘carer’.

Take for example the mother, who can no longer have a full-time job because her child (or perhaps multiple children) need her attention and support for their life-limiting disease.

Is she a mother….or a carer? She’s both.

Take the 32 year old man who only married his wife last year.

He now has to work from home running his business and managing his staff, because for much of his time he now also needs to be able to look after his wife. Sadly, she had an accident last year and now cannot get about the house independently.

Is he a carer, or a husband? He’s both.

Take the teenager who is up at 5am every week day to help wash and dress her mum, before getting ready for school and racing home in time to sort out her mother’s medications and get her studying done before bed.

Is she a child, a daughter, a schoolgirl, an aspiring doctor, or a carer? She’s all of these.

Of course, for the many thousands of people in our society carrying out roles of this nature for those they love, they don’t do so to wear a separate badge or label.

Indeed, many won’t identify themselves as anything other than a loving child, sibling or spouse.

But, they deserve recognition as a carer, and they deserve to know that they too can reach out for help when they need it.

We all know, that when it comes to the world of eating disorders, it can be incredibly tough for a parent or partner to look out for someone on a daily basis. Whether it’s comforting and encouraging them at mealtimes, accompanying them to hospital appointments, or being on top of medication needs and booking counselling sessions – it can be a particularly heavy load to bear for that supportive individual.

At Wednesday’s Child, we constantly applaud the role of those of you who are performing the informal carer role – whether you’re a child, parent, partner or very close friend.

What you do for that person with an eating disorder, is never underestimated, and should certainly never go without appreciation.

This Carers Week, please give thought to whether you should be getting help for your caring activities, or whether you know someone who needs further support.

Wednesday’s Child can point you to carer organisations which will advise about financial entitlements, as well as access to other support.
And don’t forget, we offer befriending sessions for you carers too.

If we can help, please email hello@wednesdayschild.co.uk