Carers’ Resource launches Do I Look Like I Care campaign

12:10pm Saturday 14th January 2012 in News

2012 heralds the start of a new era for a Craven charity as it launches a raft of major initiatives – spearheaded by a campaign to heighten awareness of the district’s hidden army of unpaid carers.

Do I Look Like I Care is the slogan devised by The Carers’ Resource to highlight the important but often invisible role played by those family members, friends and neighbours who look after loved ones on a day-to-day basis.

It will form a key theme to the Skipton-based charity’s work throughout the year – and it is producing and selling a range of eye-catching merchandise to spread the message far and wide.

The charity’s head of development, Anna Jackson, said: “Thanks to the generosity of the local community, we are looking forward to a positive start to 2012 after a very tough year. We are determined to build on this platform, reaching out into Craven’s caring community in new and exciting ways, and creating new jobs as a result.

“At first glance, many people may see the ‘Do I Look Like I Care’ message as a negative one. But it has been created with input from our carers in a positive bid to challenge people’s misconceptions about caring and demystify the pivotal role that carers play against a backdrop of unrelenting pressures.

“Awareness of the needs of carers is now much higher than it once was – but we want to do a lot more.

“This is because the demands on carers are growing. They are expected to look after relatives and friends with far more complex needs than was the norm. People are living longer and stays in hospitals are shorter. Services are often over-stretched.

“Finding help can be confusing and support that our team can offer does often prove a lifeline to those who have nowhere else to turn to.”

The campaign is being rolled out across the Craven district as the charity, based at Broughton Park, finalises an action plan designed to enhance and expand the range of specialist support and advice that it provides.

There will be a particular focus on helping young carers, with the introduction in Craven of a team dedicated to meeting the needs of children who care, and their families.Young carers are children and teenagers who look after a parent, grandparent, brother or sister who is ill, has a disability or experiences mental health, drug or alcohol issues. They might help by cleaning, washing, ironing or cooking; providing personal care for a parent; giving medication or reminding them to take it; or worrying a lot about someone while at school or out of the house A high proportion of young carers live in families who are managing on a low income and who also might have additional fuel costs or other expenses related to illness or disability.

The Caring Families Project will pave the way for the launch of day trips and residential weekends, youth clubs and after-school clubs, as well as family support and information.

The Carers’ Resource supports carers of all ages, from all walks of life and different cultures, and plans are well-advanced to develop further its Home From Hospital Project.

It has been designed to assist in the safe and timely discharge from hospital of patients who are unable to draw upon the support of carers when returning home. The project has the added aim of saving the NHS a significant amount of money and meeting people’s preferences to continue living at home, by preventing re-admission to hospital.

The third new initiative for the district will see the launch of its Craven Independent Support Planning (CRISP) project.

The charity will work alongside carers and vulnerable people to help them draw up a plan that enables them to live the life they wish to lead. This may include how to access services, planning for the future or for emergencies.

“We want 2012 to be the year of the carer. We all know someone who cares for a loved one – a family member, friend or neighbour – but all too often their role goes unrecognised,” said Anna.

“Carers don’t choose to become carers, it just happens and they have to get on with it. If they did not do it, who would, and what would happen to the person they care for?”

Proceeds from the sale of merchandise will be channelled into developing the charity’s work. Goods will be available soon through the website carersresource.org but can be ordered now by calling (01274) 449660.

http://www.cravenherald.co.uk/news/9468474.Carers____