CARER SERVICE

There are almost 7 million Carers in the UK with an estimated 13 million people expected to become Carers in the next decade. Over 1.25 million Carers provide over 50 hours per week of care and 42% of the Carers are men. From these:

• 1 in 3 report depression
• 1 in 2 report disturbed sleep
• 1 in 4 report back and other strains
• 40% have significant stress levels
• 3 in every 4 carers are worse off financially as a result of caring

Only 25% of carers have had a ‘Carers Assessment’ and over 50% were unaware they have an entitlement to an assessment of their own needs, as a ‘Carer’.

Unfortunately many carers do not identify that they are a carer, although they may identify themselves as a concerned other, and can identify that their lives are impacted through a family member or friends illness or disability, such as:

• Learning disabilities
• Physical disabilities
• Mental ill health issues
• Drugs and/or Alcohol issues

The Carers Service understand all too well the impact that these issues can have on carers and because of this, they work tirelessly to identify and support carers and concerned others to ensure they have early help and support without the need for issues to reach a crisis point.

Blackburn with Darwen Carers Service exists to provide a ‘one stop’ carers centre that offers support, information and advice to all unpaid carers within Blackburn with Darwen. "We want to raise awareness of the needs of carers, encourage carers to participate and have a voice”.

For more information, please contact:

The Carers Service

Tel: 01254 688440

Email: office@bwdcarers.org.uk