With Loneliness Awareness Week taking place from 9 to 15 June, we find out what support is available to help relieve feelings of isolation for unpaid carers
When you become a carer, life can change overnight. From maybe having to quit your job to care full-time, to struggling with your mental and physical health due to lack of time for yourself and the toll that caring can take on your body… It’s a lot to deal with.
One thing that can really have an impact is the loneliness that comes with being a carer. Some carers find their social circle gets smaller as their caring responsibilities increase – you may no longer have the time or money to commit to social activities, and friends may even drift away from you as they struggle to come to terms with your changed situation. Caring takes up headspace too, with appointments to schedule and manage, treatments to research, and forms to fill out. Not to mention always being ‘on call’ and worrying about the future.
ISOLATED
Loneliness doesn’t discriminate either – young or old, Carers UK has found that “Eight out of 10 carers have felt lonely or isolated as a result of looking after a loved one.” With 5.8 million unpaid carers across the UK, you’re not on your own, even if it may feel that way.
Knowing you’re not the only one going through something can be a comfort, but practical solutions are even better. Loneliness Awareness Week is hosted by Marmalade Trust, and aims to empower people to make connections that combat loneliness. This might be as simple as finding ten minutes to reconnect with an old friend, starting a conversation with staff at your local library, or joining an online forum – like the one available through the Mobilise Hub app – to chat with others in a similar situation.
YOU TIME
Getting a break from your caring responsibilities can do you the world of good – perhaps you could join a local knit and natter group, go for a walk in nature, sign up to a course, or simply take a nap.
If you haven’t already done so, contact your local authority to request a Carer’s Assessment. This will identify your needs as a carer, hopefully leading to a support plan which may include things like practical help with housework, equipment for your home, emotional support for you and – crucially – respite care to enable you to take a break from caring.
Your local Carers Centre is an invaluable source of support too – from online chats and social meetups, to signposting services like Carefree, a charity which works with accommodation providers to turn empty hotel rooms into short breaks for carers. Visit carers.org to find your nearest Carers Centre and discover what’s available.
We all go through phases of feeling lonely and isolated. As a carer, you deserve support too, so take that first step towards finding the connection and help that’s available to you.