Carol Hawman’s Post

So, today I discovered there are essentially two types of people in the world... Those who think this 'poem' is a wholesome representation of what being a carer involves. And those who think it is the most patronising nonsense they've ever read. Not a single carer that I have heard from today has said that what they need is more "love, hugs and thoughts" to help them with their caring role🙄 What they do need however, is: ✅Fully resourced replacement care ✅Services for the people we care for ✅ Flexible employment opportunities ✅A government that values and invests in social care Poems like this may be well intentioned, but are hugely problematic and fail to understand the reality of what it actually means to be a carer for someone who requires constant care and support. Nobody takes on a caring role for the thanks or gratitude. Many of us fall into the role because of love or obligation to the person we are caring for. But neither love nor obligation will (sadly) ever sustain a caring role. So for Carers Week this year, can we please commit to less platitudes and more real action to address the inequalities experienced by carers and the people they support.🙏🏽

It’s Carers week this week 🫂🥹❤️ a subject that has been incredibly close to my heart 🫶🏾 For those that don’t know what that is.. Carers Week is an annual campaign in the UK that aims to raise awareness of caring responsibilities and support unpaid carers. During this week, the focus is on highlighting the challenges faced by unpaid carers, including the impact on their finances, employment, health, and overall well-being. The celebration week also advocates for better recognition and support for carers' needs. In a recent report, it was found that around 10 million adults have taken on unpaid caring roles due to a lack of other care options. Did you know that I am 1 of those 10 million adults? 👀 What’s interesting looking back to when I was growing up I never considered myself as a young ‘carer’, but actually, family dynamics can change and from that it can impact what the young persons role plays in the family unit. For me, that role altered when my parents separated changing my role as a young person in the house to adapting to be my mums carer at times when she needed me the most. Personally, being a carer has been a complex journey that I have had to navigate (& still try to navigate), whether that be in school or work but really more work needs to be done to ensure policymakers and politicians take steps to address these challenges and provide essential support to carers.. just saying 🤷🏾♀️ This year’s theme for this year is 'Putting carers on the map' and whilst progress has been somewhat made, more needs to be done to by us all to show empathy, understanding and breaking down the stigma by being transparent that anyone can become a carer, and it’s essential to support those without judgment. #CarersWeek #PuttingCarersOnTheMap

In recognition of #NationalCarersWeek, CarerHelp is sharing carers' voices as they share their experiences of being a family carer. From the highs and lows, to struggles and triumphs, it's important to hear from carers about their perspective. Hear more from the carer perspective in this CarerHelp blog with rural carer, Susanne 👉 https://lnkd.in/gYA6gYJ9

Have your say on the (draft) West Northants Carer Strategy 2024-2029 West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) are asking for local carers or someone supporting a carer to share their views and feedback on the newly drafted five-year Carer Strategy which has been developed together with local carers, ensuring their voices drive forward progress over the next few years to provide the right support and information for them. 17 priorities have been identified to focus on improving over the next five years, as well as specific measurements to track progress which the Council would like to seek views on. Each priority has a set of actions that will support achieving the priority over the five-year period. More details on each of the priorities and how they will be achieved and how to submit your views can be found at: https://lnkd.in/etRz966s

Honoured to be part of this important session with Jane Johnstone and Family Carers Ireland. Well done to FCI and AIB Merchant Services and all organisations that attended for bringing these critical issues to the fore. Over 70 percent of employees are experiencing at least one symptom of burnout. The stress burden that the 500,000 family carers in Ireland have is even higher than that of the general population. According to a study by FCI, carers have a 33% greater risk of a chronic health condition within 8 years of their caring role ending than non carers. Carers have higher levels of ‘allostatic stress’ - the negative impact of chronic stress on the immune, cardiovascular and metabolic system functioning. It is so important to address carer wellbeing and stress early on - to create better outcomes for all.

Breaking Barriers: Rethinking Disability Transport In 2024, it’s time we challenge the status quo of disability transport. Despite advancements, many individuals with disabilities still face significant barriers when it comes to accessible transportation. This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about equity, independence, and individual freedom! Imagine a world where every bus, train, and taxi is fully accessible. Where people with disabilities can travel without anxiety or obstacles. This vision isn’t just a dream; it’s a necessity. Why does this matter? Economic Inclusion: Accessible transport opens doors to employment opportunities, allowing individuals to contribute to and benefit from the economy. Social Integration: It fosters a more inclusive society where everyone can participate in social, cultural, and recreational activities. Personal Independence: Reliable transport means greater autonomy, reducing reliance on others and enhancing quality of life. Let’s commit to creating a world where transport is a right, not a privilege. Together, we can drive change and ensure that no one is left behind and I'm proud to say we are leading the charge! https://lnkd.in/g3cpw-PC #Accessibility #Inclusion #DisabilityRights #TransportEquality

Why Caring For Ourselves Matters

Carers NSW welcomes the release of the report on the Federal inquiry into carer recognition; Recognising, valuing and supporting unpaid carers. Carers NSW was pleased to see the Committee overseeing the inquiry acknowledge that there is a need to strengthen the Commonwealth Carer Recognition Act 2010 and create greater accountability to achieve true carer recognition. The Committee made 22 recommendations, including: - Proposed changes to the Act to expand the definition and create greater accountability for public service agencies, - Further exploration of the establishment of enforceable rights for carers through legislation - Improving access to and effectiveness of support for carers, - Proposed priority areas for the forthcoming National Carer Strategy - Better addressing the financial impacts of caring You can read the report at: https://lnkd.in/gCgad3nU

💙 Becoming an unpaid carer? Here’s what you need to know first! 💙 At Crossroads Care Surrey, we know starting your journey as a carer can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created the Unpaid carers hub - a guide to help you understand the essentials: ✔️ Your rights as a carer ✔️ How to access support services ✔️ Financial and practical advice ✔️ Tips for balancing your well-being Let us help you take the first steps with confidence! 👉 Start here: https://ow.ly/BO2V50TrSf2 #UnpaidCarers #CarerSupport #CaringForCarers

Carers: Share Your Story and Make a Difference! Are you a carer, providing invaluable support to a loved one? Your story is powerful, and your voice matters. As part of our upcoming information campaign, we're inviting carers from all walks of life to share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Your insights can help raise awareness, inspire others, and shape the way we support carers in our community. 🤝 Whether you're caring for a family member, friend, or neighbour, we want to hear from you. Your story can offer comfort, guidance, and solidarity to fellow carers who may be facing similar struggles. Together, we can create a supportive and understanding environment for all carers. So, if you're ready to make a difference and be a voice for change, we encourage you to share your story. Your words have the power to educate, empower, and uplift others in our community. To share your story or learn more about our information campaign, please reach out, or follow the link, below. https://lnkd.in/eJe68ftD