Posted on: Thursday 11 June 2020
This Carers Week Torfaen Social Care teams continue to support unpaid carers in our communities, having positive conversations with them and offering information and support.
Unpaid carers continue to use their skills and determination each day to support their cared for, whether that's as a couple, a family group or within unique friendships.
Due to the current pandemic, front line care teams have further increased their use and understanding of social media and technology to support unpaid carers in many creative and imaginative ways.
An integral part of this creative way of working was to keep human, empathic conversations flowing and working positively with families as we support them during this crisis and share our learning and knowledge that will benefit of our communities.
Over the past year social care teams have supported more than 350 adult and young carers, with other support services provided to offer day care or residential respite for carers.
We pledge that information will continue to be shared and made widely available across different media and to flow easily from professional to carer.
Executive Member for Adult Services, Councillor David Daniels said, "The Coronavirus outbreak has put considerable pressure on us all and changed how our communities interact.
As many of us look forward to restrictions beginning to lift, I am struck that for many couples, families and friends, particularly those caring for someone, feelings of isolation and loneliness can be ongoing, regardless of whatever is going on in the world.
Many carers and their cared for are hidden from our view and the roles they play and the tasks they undertake can sometimes be very intense and repetitious. Over the years, I've had the privilege of knowing a number of carers and their families and more recently I've seen, through my own family, the immense responsibility and challenges involved with being there for a loved one.
The work unpaid carers take on each day is truly inspirational and I would like thank them all for their continued efforts in looking after their loved ones, particularly during these tough times."
Unpaid carers that require support are encouraged to contact either Adult Carers support worker Louise Hook (louise.hook@torfaen.gov.uk) or Young Carers Social Worker Nikki Prince Iles (Nikki.PrinceIles@torfaen.gov.uk) by calling 01495 762200.
For more information about Carers Week 2020 please visit: https://www.carersuk.org/