Do they know it’s Christmas?
In a word – no.
For unpaid carers, this season brings dread instead of joy. No visits from Santa, no party hats, no walks in the snow, no present wrapping.
Just endless, thankless work.
But it gets even more cruel since Surrey County Council cut funding for respite breaks. Unpaid carers are being pushed beyond what any human should have to endure.
Because of this, the NHS – already crippled – is being swamped with yet more people who have reached crisis point.
“I was an unpaid carer, I know how hard it is when you love that person so much but you’re at breaking point. I can’t believe how little thought is given to them.”
This ruthless decision suggests these politicians have little to no idea what it is to be an unpaid carer. Well, to them we say: you better “thank God it’s them instead of you.”
Do they know it’s Christmas time at all?
There’s no break from caring for unpaid carers. Not for Christmas. Not ever.
Sue, a dedicated mum of three, hasn’t slept properly for almost a decade. And it’s not because she’s a mum. It’s because she’s an unpaid carer for one of her children.
“I worry about my own health most days. I can’t even put a sentence together. When I talk to people, I get shy as I know I can’t talk properly anymore as my brain is so tired. I feel pressure in my head constantly.
I used to be able to meditate and paint pictures, I had to give that all up. I have no space to be myself. To be in touch with nature.”
Sue can’t wait for politicians to inch their way through a glacial-paced u-turn.
“I cry in silence.”
As we attempt to throw our arms around the world at Christmas time, we know we can’t reach everyone. Not on our own.
We need your help. Sue needs your help. Now.
Lucky for us, there’s a way to let in the light…
This December 2nd – 9th only: the Big Give
When the clock strikes 12 noon on Tuesday 2nd December, till noon Tuesday 9 December, every £1 you give to Crossroads Care Surrey will be doubled by generous Big Give donors!
Every one hour break donated becomes two hours of freedom for someone like Sue.
Not charity. Not pity. Actual, tangible hours where she can:
- Sleep without listening for calls in the night
- Remember what it feels like to be herself
- Get a piece of her life back
Every hour of respite you fund becomes two hours. Time that someone like Sue doesn’t have to spend hidden away, trying to muffle her crying in case her children hear. Time when she and others like her can be more than just unpaid carers. They can have a small piece of their lives back.
Give £60 to fund four hours of respite care, or whatever you can afford.
Even £1 will help.
“Let them know it’s Christmastime again!”
This is more than a donation. This is giving unpaid carers their lives back.