Did you know?
- 1 in 10 people are a carer. Soon, it will be 1 in 5.
- People can become carers in a moment. A wife diagnosed with cancer. A child born with disabilities. A father develops Parkinson's.
- Anyone can become a carer; carers come from all walks of life, all cultures and can be of any age. Amazingly, many carers do not consider themselves to be a carer; they are just looking after their mother, son or best friend - just doing what is needed to care for a loved one.
Supporting the carer
Caring 24/7 can cause massive strain. Carers are often:
- In danger of self harm or even suicide
- Depressed and unable to cope
- Suffering poverty - 1/3 either cut back on food or struggle to afford heating in the winter
With carers centres placed all over the UK, Carers Trust (The Princess Royal Trust for Carers in Scotland) is a lifeline for many carers:
- Providing desperately needed breaks by enabling a fully trained care worker to come into someone’s home and take over their caring responsibilities, so they can have a precious few hours’ break every fortnight.
- Providing vital equipment and relief
- One-to-one crisis support and counselling
- Giving information, training and advice to look after their loved ones
Why we support them
As a social welfare insurer we are only too aware of the tremendous amount of work and responsibility taken on by individual carers. We believe that carers who give so much for others, deserve to be given the help they need to carry on. With a combination of corporate and staff fundraising initiatives, including dress down days, sponsorship and challenges, we seek to generate funds for this charity so that they can maintain their vital services. Plus, £1 per every new policy, is contributed to this good cause. As of the end of 2011, over £130,000 had been raised.