Support and advice available for unpaid carers in Perthshire

Unpaid carers in Perth and Kinross are being encouraged to seek support from local agencies.

The Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership and Perth and Kinross Council can help in a variety of ways, such as putting people in touch with other carers, organising a break from caring, complementary therapies, support to get back into work and information on access to benefits.

A council spokeswoman said carers were performing an essential role and it was vital they access the support they deserve.

“If someone looks after a person who is family member or friend who needs support because they have a disability, an illness, a substance misuse issue or because they are elderly, and are not paid to do so, they qualify as an unpaid carer,” she said. “They may help the person in a variety of ways including shopping, collecting medication, cooking, cleaning, providing personal care or helping them to get out and about.

“People may not realise they are a carer as it may be just what they do as a husband, wife, partner, parent or friend.

“However, new national legislation ensures that unpaid carers have a right to access a range of support and help to make their lives easier.”

Robert Packham, chief officer with Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “Looking after someone can be challenging and exhausting both physically and emotionally.

“That’s why there is a range of information and support available to help unpaid carers.”