Trust calls for help ‘revealing the True Face of Carers in the UK’

The local provider of mental health and disability services is calling on local carers to have their say in the Carers Week’s annual survey.

The South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, which provides services to the people of Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield, recognises the valuable role carers play and is supporting the charity Carers Week by encouraging local people to have their say by taking part in the survey.

As part of the survey Carers Week is asking carers to tell them about the reality of caring in the UK. How hard is life as a carer? What are the biggest surprises that you encounter? What can really make a difference to the lives of carers?

The results from this survey will be used to create the overall picture that will be at the centre of Carers Week in June this year. During the week, which is the biggest carers awareness week in the UK, carers will be centre-stage to speak about The True Face of Carers and sweep away the myths.

The UK’s carers are, quite literally, indispensable. By providing unpaid care for someone they know who is ill, frail or disabled, they save the economy an incredible £87 billion.

The Trust’s chief executive Steven Michael said, "It is important for us to remember the needs of carers as well as the needs of people who use our services, and support them as best we can. As well as running dialogue and support groups for carers, we also organise a variety of events throughout the year. I hope carers take part in the Carers Week survey and have their say to not only highlight the issues carers face, but to also celebrate their vital role and let people know what support is available."

The UK-wide survey can be completed online now and is open to every carer in the UK. Carers Week is also on Facebook and Twitter.

More information about Carers Week and how to take part is available on their website www.carersweek.org or call the Carers Week hotline on 0845 241 2582