We need to keep caring for our carers
Calls have been made for Renfrewshire Council to do more to support unpaid carers.
This comes after a study revealed dozens feel emotionally and financially impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
A survey of more than 350 carers - carried out by Renfrewshire Carers Centre - showed almost half had had money troubles during the outbreak and were providing more care as a result of services being reduced locally.
The study also indicated almost every carer had felt their well-being had been affected and almost threequarters were worried about the person they cared for.
Now Councillor James MacLaren is calling on the council to respond urgently to carers’ concerns and ensure they can access the right financial and emotional support.
The Bridge of Weir, Bishopton and Langbank representative has said the local authority should be appointing a carers champion to give carers with worries a direct point of contact.
Councillor MacLaren said: “Our unpaid carers do a terrific job at all times, but they have gone above and beyond during the Covid-19 pandemic in caring for loved ones.
“It is concerning to see that almost half of them [the carers who took the survey] have been affected financially and I hope that Renfrewshire Council will urgently take these concerns on board.
“Renfrewshire Council needs to ensure it is aware of all of our unpaid carers and have systems in place that enable them to have access to the right financial and emotional support.
“I believe the time has come for Renfrewshire Council to look into appointing somebody to be a carers champion, giving a direct point of contact in order for them to know the council is championing their interests.”
In the survey, many carers said they had been unsure about how to get help during the lockdown period due to being unable to access support from family and services with restrictions in place.
A total of 65 per cent of the people surveyed said they were worried about what would happen if they became ill, while almost 40 per cent confessed to being concerned about exhaustion and no longer being able to care for someone.
Thirty-four per cent of respondents said they had fears about loneliness and isolation.
The majority of respondents were parent carers who were looking after someone with a learning disability or autism, with almost 40 per cent saying they were providing more than 50 additional hours of care each week.
A Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said: “Unpaid carers provide a vital lifeline for those they care for and we are committed to supporting all our staff who have caring responsibilities.
“The council is a carers positive employer and we are currently working towards the highest level of accreditation, exemplary, as we look to support our staff with the flexibility they need.
“Our carers leave policy provides staff who are primary carers with up to five days paid leave per year, while carers can also use our flexible working and special leave provision should they require.
“In addition, we run a networking group for our staff called Carers Connected and this runs in partnership with Renfrewshire Carers Centre to ensure awareness of the service that they provide.
“We’re committed to supporting all our staff and will continue to work closely with the Carers Centre and our Health and Social Care Partnership colleagues to ensure the most appropriate support is available.”