For ‘invisible’ army

Dundee Carers Centre is there to help all age groups

WHILE people take to the streets to clap for NHS heroes during the C o v i d -19 p a n d e m i c , an “invisible” army of unpaid carers are battling on their own frontline.

And the numbers have grown, with many taking on caring responsibilities for relatives and friends who are disabled, ill or older and who needed support.

Since the outbreak began, Carers UK estimate 78% are providing more care – either because of reduced local services or because they fear paid staff being in contact with a vulnerable person.

Unpaid carers are vital. In ordinary times it is estimated carers save the Scottish economy £10.3 billion – a sum close to the cost of providing NHS services to the whole country.

But many of them carry on without help – or don’t identify themselves as carers at all.

As a result Dundee Carers Centre is aiming to “Make Caring Visible” as the team marks Carers Week 2020 with a focus on the need for carers to be recognised, respected and provided with information, support and understanding.

Christie Duncan, 18, was just eight when she started caring for her mum, Sharon, who has MS, fibromyalgia and severe arthritis. A teacher referred her to the young carers project.

Christie said: “I was then able to get a better understanding and the support I needed. Now that I am older, I can see that I was a carer long before I started to receive support, but I didn’t at that point see that I was doing anything different to other kids.

“Today I am still an unpaid carer for my mum. This involves helping with finances, shopping, collecting prescriptions and cooking. It has been difficult over lockdown as I am a key worker so have only been seeing her from a distance as she is high risk.

“I still continue to help where I can and having the E-Shopping card from Dundee Carers Centre has been a huge help”.

Errin Mathieson, 19, has cared for her mum, Ally Smith, since she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

She remembers that time being one of loneliness and confusion but said the support she had received from Dundee Carers Centre was “endlessly positive”.

She added: “The staff are so enthusiastic and friendly which makes it easy to open up and have those serious conversations. They are always ready to help you and – more importantly – always listen to you. Since working with the centre I have been able to take part in group activities, obtain certificates, and meet other young carers.”

Errin added: “I’d encourage anyone who thinks they may have a caring role to pick up the phone and give the centre a call.

“Communication is absolutely the key to being a carer, it is so important to set up a support network for yourself so that you never have to feel alone in your journey. Being a carer for my mum has brought us closer together, and I am so proud to call myself her carer.”

Dundee Carers Centre has recently started locality working, where staff work with key partners, carers and volunteers to provide the right support required for that area.

For information contact the centre on 01382 200422 or visit dundeecarerscentre.org.uk or youngcarers.co.uk.