Carers’ Resource is offering unpaid carers help with the cost of living crisis this winter.
The crisis is having a huge impact on people all over the UK, but people who are looking after a relative, friend or neighbour are being hit particularly hard during these difficult financial times.
With the cost of energy, food and other essentials spiralling, Carers’ Resource staff are trained to advise carers about their rights and the sources of help available to them. This includes information, advice and support on issues such as finances, benefits and grants. Staff can also offer emotional support and a non-judgemental, friendly, listening ear.
The charity will also be running a number of groups and activities through the winter which will offer warm places for carers to meet and talk to each other, and receive support from their peers, members of staff, and volunteers.
Carers’ Resource has created a dedicated page on its website to help carers across the Bradford, Craven, Harrogate and Selby districts with the cost of living crisis: https://www.carersresource.org/help-with-the-cost-of-living-crisis/
Here carers can find some of the possible sources of financial help available to them. The webpage includes links to a checklist of energy saving tips and cost of living payments, information about different schemes that could help with household finances, including bills, childcare and income, details about clothes and school uniform banks, foodbanks and more.
Chris Whiley, Carers’ Resource CEO, said: “Unpaid carers often suffer more than most in times of crisis. If you are looking after a loved one, you are more likely to struggle financially. If you’re caring for someone who is ill, it’s even more crucial that you can keep your home warm.
“We have put together a vast resource of support for unpaid carers across Bradford, Craven, Harrogate and Selby districts. If you can’t find the information you need on our website, please do get in touch and our trained advisers will guide you towards the best sources of help. All the details of our groups and activities are also available on our website and we welcome all unpaid carers to these groups, whether you are new to caring or have been supporting a loved one for many years.
“We will continue to campaign for unpaid carers to receive greater recognition and funding, including an increased Carer’s Allowance, but in the meantime Carers’ Resource will do everything it can to support those in need this winter and beyond.”
The rocketing cost of living is piling further pressure and stress on those caring for family members and friends.
New research by Carers UK has revealed that family members caring round the clock for loved ones who are older, disabled or seriously ill are being plunged into debt and struggling to afford food and bills during the cost of living crisis. A survey by the charity of more than 12,400 current unpaid carers found that one in six (16%) are now in debt as they try to manage their monthly costs. The proportion of carers unable to afford their utility bills has more than doubled since last year – from 6% in 2021 to 14% in 2022. Those in receipt of Carer’s Allowance are also more likely to be cutting back on food and heating (35%) compared to all carers (25%).
It’s thought there are over 13 million unpaid carers in the UK today, although figures vary and many people do not recognise themselves as carers. A carer is someone who, without payment, provides help and support to a friend, neighbour or relative who could not manage otherwise because of frailty, illness or disability.
To find out more about Carers’ Resource and the support available, visit www.carersresource.org, call 0808 50 15 939 or email info@carersresource.org
