The Deputy Minister for Social Services, , has marked Carers Rights Day
today (November 23rd) by praising the important role of unpaid
carers in communities across Wales and highlighting the support
available to them.
Deputy Minister, said:
“On this day, every year, we mark Carers Rights
Day and our commitment to ensure unpaid carers receive the
recognition and support they deserve.
Unpaid carers play a vital role in caring for family members,
neighbours, and others in our communities who need additional
care and support.
They are dedicated to supporting those they love and care for –
ensuring they, in turn, are able to access the support they need,
at the right time, helps to support their wellbeing and balances
the daily demands of their lives.
There are more than 370,000 unpaid carers in Wales, who provide
help and care for a relative or a friend with an illness,
disability or who need additional help as they grow
older.
Unpaid carers are often balancing their caring role with
education, training, or employment. Or they may be retired and
could have disabilities or health conditions of their own.
A key priority of the Welsh government is to improve support for
unpaid carers of all ages and ensure they have more opportunities
to meet their own needs.
The ‘Short Breaks Scheme’ enables unpaid carers in Wales to enjoy
periods away from their caring role – to help boost their mental
and physical wellbeing.
Since 2022, £6m has been invested into the scheme by the Welsh
Government, which will enable an additional 30,000 carers to take
a break to relax, socialise, or do activities that they have an
interest in.
The Deputy Minister met with unpaid carers at Carers Trust Wales
and heard about their personal experience of the Short Breaks
Scheme.
An unpaid carer who accessed a short break through a
group activity said:
“After our day trip, I felt less isolated, and I also felt that I
belonged to a group of fellow carers who understood the pressures
of caring.
This has helped me to understand and appreciate the pressure of
caring and that help is there if needed to enable me to continue
my caring role in the future.
Sometimes you just need a break to be able to see the way ahead.
We have even set up a group chat to keep in contact and support
each other in the days to come.”
Liz Wallis, Programme Lead for Short Breaks Wales
said:
“The National Short Breaks Scheme has already been a
lifeline for thousands of unpaid carers across Wales. Thanks to
Welsh Government funding, Carers Trust has been able to work at
pace with third sector organisations in all areas of Wales to
create more person-centred opportunities for carers to take a
break from their daily caring role.
“We are delighted that Welsh Government has invested in this
transformational scheme which is an essential first step towards
ensuring unpaid carers can get the rest, relaxation and
fulfilment they need and deserve.
“The value of the short breaks programme is immeasurable not only
because of the positive impact a short break has on unpaid
carers’ health, wellbeing and ability to sustain their caring
role but also the important message it conveys that unpaid carers
in Wales are recognised, valued and a priority for support.
“Carers Trust is committed to working with Welsh Government and
other partners to put ambitious plans in place to enable even
more carers to access meaningful and fulfilling breaks.”
The Carers Support Fund for 2022-2024, has also enabled 24,000
unpaid carers on low incomes to buy basic essential items or
access information and advice to manage their caring role.
Notes to editors
