Do they know they're carers?

Angela Dias joined North West Carers Centre in the summer.  She talks about how the project supports local carers – and how NWCC could help YOU:

North West Carers Centre (NWCC) has been part of the furniture in the local area for nearly 20 years, and you might know us. You might be a Carer who has used our services, or you might be one of the many people who don’t know that they are Carers!

So what is a Carer? A Carer is anyone who cares, without pay, for a family member, neighbour or friend who cannot cope without this support. The person you support may have a disability or be ill, have age related conditions such as dementia, or mental health needs, or be addicted to alcohol or drugs.

There are many reasons people need this support, and Caring is not restricted to helping someone with tasks like bathing and going to the toilet – Carers could be giving emotional support, supporting someone to deal with letters and bills, helping with medication, shopping – the list is extensive.

Carers come from all walks of life, backgrounds and can be any age. NWCC supports Carers from the age of 5, and our oldest Carers are in their 90s!

We offer different kinds of support, from support groups for different ages (including Children who care for others), respite care, and can help you find services you need – if you need help in your caring role which we can’t provide, we usually know someone who can!

Carers also want to have fun, so we organise outings and activities, which some people like to come to with the person they support, others alone.

If you’re a Carer who would like to know more, or have some support, or maybe you’d be interested in volunteering for us, get in touch. We’d love to hear from you!

Angela Dias, Manager, North West Carers Centre

Picture: Young Carers at this summer’s Scottish Young Carers Festival

For further information visit:

www.northwestcarers.org.uk or telephone 315 3150