Carers Week 8 – 12 June 2020
This year, Carers Week comes during a challenging time for all of us. The pressures and concerns that the pandemic has raised have been unprecedented, none more so than for those who care for others.
The theme for this year's Carers Week is 'Making Caring Visible', with hidden unpaid carers and hidden disabilities being at the heart of this campaign particularly during the Covid-19 crisis where unpaid carers and their cared for are at even greater risk of loneliness and isolation.
Councilor Wendy Rider, Portfolio Holder for Adult Services said "There are thousands of carers in Bedford Borough, providing unpaid care and support to a family member or friend who has a disability, illness, mental health problem or who needs extra help as they grow older. With many people taking on more caring responsibilities for their relatives and friends during these particularly difficult times. Each and every one of them is doing an incredible job, and we want to make sure they have access to as much advice and support as possible they can at this time."
Bedford Borough Council have published a range of information about service changes and new developments, accessible from the Council website. There is also a dedicated link where information and advice can be found for people living with dementia and their carers during the pandemic. Carer support includes work to support the cared for person.
Carers in Bedfordshire remain open and continue to provide invaluable support, advice and information to unpaid carers of all ages, by adopting new ways of communicating, including by telephone, via video calling and by social media. For more information, to make a referral or find out what activities are running this week, visit Carers in Bedfordshire.
The Carers Digital Resource is available to anyone who would like to access this, simply visit the Bedford Borough Council website and scroll down to the link. The Digital Resource provides a wide range of tools and resources, which are completely free of charge. This resource is delivered in partnership with Carers UK.
Bedford Borough's commissioned dementia support service, Tibbs Dementia Foundation, has moved to telephone support and video calls. Tibbs are producing materials to send via email or by post so that carers and the person with dementia are able to continue activities if they wish to do so. Weekly newsletters have increased to twice weekly along with increased use of Facebook and plans to further utilise their YouTube channel.
The Council have made a range of Wellbeing and Staying Active at Home information, activities and classes available via the website. These services will support carers who may be experiencing anxiety and increased stress during this time. The Bedfordshire Wellbeing Service, Bedford Borough Council's Active Minds scheme offer further avenues of support along with a Community Hub to further support members of our community during the current situation.