Carers Oxfordshire marks first year

Carers Oxfordshire celebrated its first birthday during Carers Week 2012 with a theme of ‘In Sickness and in Health’.

A week of events examined the impact of wellbeing on carers, many of whom face increasing demands financially, physically, mentally and in many other ways.

Early intervention

'It was amazing to meet so many carers who, before Carers Week, were unaware what help was available to them,' said Catherine Blaxhall, Carers Support Service Manager. 'This early intervention helps reduce the likelihood of carer breakdown.'

This busy and very important week began with a press release from Carers UK which called for urgent action on the care crisis as shocking new Carers Week research showed that two in five carers were sacrificing their own health by putting off medical treatment to care.

The report continued: ‘New joint research, published today by Carers UK and the seven other Carers Week charities, shows that over 8 in 10 carers have seen a negative impact on their physical health as a result of caring. Almost 9 in 10 reported caring taking a toll on their mental health and over a third had suffered a physical injury as a result of caring.'

Breakfast Show discussion

Carers Oxfordshire was invited to take part in a Radio Oxford Breakfast Show discussion in response to this report. It was a great opportunity for a lively and helpful discussion and a great start to Carers Week as the subject was high profile and widely reported.

‘Your Oxford’ magazine, which is distributed to 62,000 homes in the city, featured an article about Carers Oxfordshire, pharmacies filled 10,500 prescription bags with our leaflets and fridge magnets and the team set up information stands outside supermarkets, garden centres, GP surgeries, hospitals, Resource and Wellbeing centres to name but a few all around the county.

Supported

We were also supported by MPs Nicola Blackwood and Sir Tony Baldry who helped by meeting with carers in Abingdon and promoting the Emergency Carers Support Service in the media. Simon Bolton, Head of Marketing, commented: 'Last week more people were made aware of our services enabling identification of carers at a time we can really help them.'

Feedback

For feedback on the national event from Carers UK please visit http://ctt-news.org/15AY-V0WE-D75PXXG497/cr.aspx