Carers Week has just come to an end but the job of unpaid carers goes on… and on… and on.
While many unpaid carers say that they are caring for a family member or friend out of love, it comes at a huge cost. They face a greater risk of poverty, social isolation, poor mental and physical health. They may have to give up careers, or educational opportunities and/or curtail their personal lives. While the image of the carer is a middle-aged woman – far more women than men are unpaid carers – there are still many men who fill the role and some carers are still children and others are old and frail themselves. Some people don’t even think of themselves as carers but still spend hours a week caring for someone.
Carers UK is working to support unpaid carers and there is plenty of useful information on their website, including what support is available. Click on the links for their Looking after someone guides and factsheets. The website also provides sources of practical support. Carers Trust has network of local services providing support to carers and a grants programme for one-off payments for support.
Local councils can tell you what rights you have and what is available to support you and the person you care for.
A talk by Alexis Quinn Friday, July 21st, 7.30pm St Mark’s Church, Upper Hale
International speaker and neurodiversity expert Alexis Quinn will draw on the latest research and her lived experience to speak about:
Neuro-affirming ways to think about difference and diversity;
Autism and mental well-being;
Common challenges faced by neurodivergent people and their families;
How to helpfully support neurodiverse people.
Alexis Quinn is a former schoolteacher and professional athlete and the author of two books: her ground-breaking memoir Unbroken, and Autistic and Expecting, a guide for autistic parents-to-be. Alexis speaks globally on neurodivergence, mental well-being and building the right support. She works as Manager of the Restraint Reduction Network, is mother to two neurodivergent children and is studying for an MSc in Psychotherapy at University of Greenwich.
The talk is free and there will be a chance to ask questions. Alexis will also sign personalised copies of her book, Unbroken, at the discounted price of £10.
Rev’d Lesley Crawley said: “We are so fortunate to have Alexis to speak at St Mark’s and to give her expert insight into how we can best support neurodivergent people and their families. More and more research is being carried out into how the make-up of our brains affects our everyday lives and how our surroundings and interactions can have an impact on us. If we have a greater understanding of each other it can help us to be more accommodating and compassionate and also allow us to connect with greater authenticity.”
The Parish of Badshot Lea and Hale 