Carers in Bradford share their experiences
On Carers Rights Day in November 2023, Carers’ Resource invited unpaid carers to share their stories, challenges, and hopes for the future, at events in Bradford, Harrogate, Craven and Selby.
People who look after their relatives or friends were asked: “What are the biggest challenges for you as a carer?” and “What would make your life as a carer easier?”
Carers’ Resource held events at its offices in Skipton, Harrogate and Shipley, and at the Selby Carers Coffee Morning, as part of the national Carers Rights Day.
North Yorkshire Council and Bradford Council are currently developing new strategies for unpaid carers, and Carers’ Resource wants to ensure that the voices of people looking after relatives and friends are heard.
The new report collects together the comments received from carers during the events, along with comments from carers who contributed to the conversation by filling in an online form, if they were unable to attend any of the meetings.
Key challenges identified by carers included:
Health, education and social care
Accessing health services
Waiting lists for mental health services
Accessing the right support for the cared-for person
Accessing educational support
Services not linking together
Respite and breaks
Accessing affordable respite/breaks
Accessing suitable paid-for care
The carer’s own emotional and physical wellbeing
Feeling overwhelmed
Struggling with mental and physical health issues
Dealing with challenging behaviour
Lack of time to themselves
Financial and employment issues
Carer’s Allowance too low
Difficulties balancing work and caring
Expenses of being a carer
Download the full report below.
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