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Who is a carer?

A carer is someone who supports a family member, friend or neighbour who has a long term condition, disability, illness or who is frail. They are husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, daughters or sons, friends, or even a caring neighbour. In Kent, 12.58% or 127,848 people are carers according to the 2001 census. Of these:

25,203 provide care for over 50 hours per week
21% of carers who provide care for over 50 hours a week are in poor health

Many carers do not realize that they are carers and are not accounted for in these numbers. This is especially true of children who provide a caring role for a family member.

Carers Consultation 2011-2015

Carers Enjoy Eastbourne

Paul Burstow, MP, Minister for Care Services, has announced a consultation on what the Government should prioritise to support carers from 2011-2015. This will focus on how best to deliver the five goals for carers in the current Carers’ Strategy to attain the vision that was set that, by 2018:

“Carers will be universally recognised and valued as being fundamental to strong families and stable communities.

A group of carers enjoyed a trip to Eastbourne for fish and chips and a walk along the sea front. Thanks to Age Concern Sevenoaks for providing the use of a minibus and driver.