Carers Week is an annual campaign to highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognising the contribution carers make to families and communities. Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin is backing the campaign and puts a spot light on the support their staff and volunteers provide carers in Shropshire.
During the coronavirus pandemic many people across the county are facing new challenges, taking on more caring responsibilities for family and friends. With day centres and dementia support groups closed during the pandemic, every week the day services team at Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin are making numerous phone calls to offer support.
One carer receives a weekly phone call from a member of the team which she finds invaluable, Lynne Dykes cares for her mum and said: ‘I have a phone call every week to check on how mum and I are doing, I cannot express how much the help and kindness I have received has mattered to me, I will be forever grateful.’
Kevin Moore, Director of Operations at Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin, said: ‘We’ve adapted our services during the coronavirus pandemic to ensure we continue to provide support for carers. Caring for a loved one can have a huge impact on all aspects of life, ranging from health, relationships, finances and work. It’s so important that we recognise the role cares play in our communities and offer them support.’
Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin is a registered charity supporting local older people. You can call the charity on 01743 233 123, leave a message with your name and telephone number.
Pictured: Carer Lynne Dykes receiving a weekly phone call from the team at Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin.