East Lothian is putting Carers on the map this Carers Week

East Lothian is preparing to ‘put carers on the map’ as part of week of planned activities to raise awareness and support during Carers Week, Monday 10 to Sunday 16 June 2024.  Unpaid carers play a vital role in the provision of care.  Carers UK estimate the value of unpaid care in Scotland at £10.8 billion per year.  But is this support recognised? 

Many carers feel their role is unseen and undervalued.

Three out of five people will become carers at some stage in our lives.  For many, caring is something that happens gradually as someone close to them grows older or has a progressive illness.

For others it comes suddenly, after an accident, a stroke or other illness. Some parents will become carers for children with additional and complex needs. Many young people also care, offering support to parents, grandparents or siblings who need extra help.

The impact of caring for another individual is highly underestimated.

Caring can have a significant impact on all aspects of an individual’s life.  It can be physically, emotionally, mentally and financially draining, as well as time consuming.  Too many carers feel as though they are unable to look after their own health and well-being.  They feel isolated, unable to achieve a healthy balance between caring and what is important to them.

This Carers Week, Mon 10 to Sun 16 May, East Lothian is putting carers on the map, highlighting the incredible roles they play, and directing them to the various support organisations that can help them personally. 

Carers of East Lothian have organised a range of events to highlight the support available to carers of all ages, including:

• Mon 10 June, 5pm - 7pm, An evening of mindful creativity including short mediation sessions and the creation of a handmade keepsake book.
• Tues 11 June, 10am -1pm, Enjoy fulfilled, exhilarating activities with the team at Foxlake Adventures.
• Wed 12 June, 10:15am - 12:15pm, A walk with a countryside ranger – meeting at Gifford Town Hall.
• Thurs 13 June, 1:30pm-4pm, Cinema screening of ‘The Great Escaper’ followed by a buffet lunch at the Fraser Centre.
• Fri 14 June, join a series of wellbeing sessions including seasonal yoga, laughter yoga and forest bathing at Cockenzie House.

For details on all events and how to book, visit www.coel.org.uk.

Support for Carers
Carers of East Lothian can support adults across East Lothian to get information and services to support their individual caring role, enhance their own well-being and strengthen their collective voice to improve services.

They offer adult carer support plans, help with benefits and welfare rights, short breaks through their ‘Time for Me’ grants, peer support, workshops, training and events, counselling, befriending and advocacy services.  Visit www.coel.org.uk or call 0131 665 0135 to find out how they can help you.

Support for Young Carers
East Lothian Councils Young Carers Service work in schools to identify young carers, support them to complete Young Carers Statements, get Young Carers views on issues that affect them, raise awareness of young carers rights with staff and pupils, set up local support/activity groups, provide advice and support and offer young carers opportunities for breaks from caring. Visit Young Carers for more information.

Supporting those who care
There are approximately 20,000 unpaid carers (1 in 5 people) in East Lothian – probably more.  It’s therefore very likely that we all know at least one person, if not more, who provides unpaid care for family members or friends due to illness, a disability, mental health condition or addiction.

If you know someone who is a Carer, you can make a huge difference by being there for them, and offering your understanding, support, and time.  

For more help, support and advice visit www.eastlothian.gov.uk/support-for-carers