The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on the lives of unpaid carers and those they care for. Research from Carers UK has found that 4 in 5 unpaid carers (81%) are currently providing more care than before lockdown, and most carers (64%) have not been able to take any breaks at all in the last six months.
An unpaid carer is anyone who looks after a family member, relative, friend, or neighbour because of a long-term physical or mental ill health or disability. For someone caring for their loved ones it is important that they also get time to themselves, to relax, enjoy hobbies or just have a chat with a friend.
Unfortunately, the pandemic has meant that many carers are having to provide more care and as a result are close to burn-out. Our Annual Carers Survey found that 2 in 3 Carers felt that increased caring responsibilities because of Coronavirus have contributed towards increased feelings of tiredness, anxiousness, and loneliness.
“I’m suffering from depression & anxiety”, said one carer. “I’m exhausted.”
Carers urgently need support this winter, and over the course of the last few months we have been working hard to recruit new volunteers to support more carers and their loved ones with tasks such as essential food shopping, prescription collection and befriending.
If you would like to find out more about volunteer roles at Crossroads Care Surrey, visit our Volunteers Page.
