THERE are 6.5 million unpaid home carers in the UK and without this unpaid care by friends and family the health and social services would simply collapse.
But there’s a vital lifeline and helping hand thanks for local carers thanks to Carers Trust Solihull.
The trust us currently supporting carers with a new telephone support scheme during Covid 19 lockdown having stepped up to challenge of the pandemic.
And their work has been so successful that the charity is supporting some 3,800 unpaid adult carers in the borough.
A call for volunteers resulted in excess of 30 applications, including some from Solihull Council’s ‘here2help’ scheme.
Volunteer co-ordinator Emma Hunter then shortlisted, trained and matched applicants to get the telephone befriending scheme running in just four weeks.
“Carers Trust Befrienders are there to listen to carers that may be isolated or feeling the pressures of caring for a loved one,” said Emma.
“The service gives them a chance to have time for themselves or help to achieve personal goals such as sourcing local community based activities or to provide information on other services we offer.”
Currently the charity has a calendar bursting with activities delivered via Zoom for both young and adult carers ranging from support groups, reflexology for self-care and online quizzes. And for very Young Carers the programme includes magic shows and Karaoke.
Chief executive Brandon Scott Omenka said: “It has been essential to adapt our services to meet the challenges of social distancing and lock down.
“We have supported people facing acute social isolation a in high risk of contracting the virus.
“Often a carer and the person they care for are isolated from family and networks.
“Our befriender service is already starting to become a life line for these carers.
“If you are an unpaid carer and would like more in depth information on this service or any of our support services then please call
Emma on 0121 788 1143.”
