This month the nation celebrated Carers Week and I’d like to take a moment to tell your readers how our charity is just as devoted to supporting carers as carers are to supporting their loved ones.
We understand that many of the UK’s estimated 6.5 million carers work relentlessly to provide support for their loved ones, but what if the carer is simply unable to carry on coping?
We’ve conducted plentiful research in recent years into the impact that a lack of time away from caring can have. We found that 80% of carers put the health of their loved ones ahead of their own and 60% said that a lack of time away from caring led them to feelings of depression.
With as many as 4 out of 10 carers not having taken any time off from caring in the past year, often working 24/7, it is vital that we provide as many carers as possible with the opportunity to take regular respite breaks and help to restore their ability to cope.
That’s why we want to remind carers that we’re here to help! I work for Revitalise, an amazing national charity that provides respite holidays for disabled people and their carers. We understand the significance of being able to leave the stresses of everyday life behind, if only for a short while – that’s why our breaks serve to restore, rejuvenate and reinvigorate – just like our name suggests!
If you would like to find out about Revitalise, our breaks or ways that we can help you, please call 0303 303 0147 or visit www.revitalise.org.uk.
Stephanie Stone, Revitalise
www.revitalise.org.uk