COMMUNITY
CHARITY CAN HELP MAKE UNPAID CARERS’ ROLE EASIER A carers charity is reaching out to the missing 80 per cent of carers in North Argyll who it could be helping. There are an estimated 3,200 carers across Oban, Lorn and the Isles but North Argyll Carers Centre says only about 20 per cent are registered with them. The charity wants to get word out about the work it does to support unpaid carers and see if there is anything it can do to make the caring role a little easier or help them take a bit of time out for themselves. An unpaid carer is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who, due to illness, disability, frailty, a mental health problem or an addiction, cannot manage without their support. North Argyll Carers Centre
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manager Judith Hawcroft says there are lots of reasons why unpaid carers do not access the support they need. ‘Many people do not want to identify themselves as unpaid carers. Often people feel that looking after someone they care about when they need it is a natural part of life. ‘They do not feel they need to be recognised for this or
deserve to have help for themselves. ‘Most of us will be a carer for someone during our lifetime and also need someone to care for us. ‘Unpaid carers will put the person they care for before themselves and often do not take breaks and get the rest, medical attention and support they need. This can lead to them feeling exhausted, isolated and stressed and becoming unwell. ‘The demands of the caring role can increase so steadily that these feelings can creep up on someone and they can suddenly find they are at breaking point without realising how physically and mentally tired they have become. ‘Some feel there is a stigma about being a carer and asking for help from a charity.’ Judith says the mission at North Argyll Carers Centre is
| SUMMER 2022
Mull & Iona Life issue 46.indd 28
17/06/2022 14:52:19
