The National Carers Week campaign starts on Monday, June 9, and aims to raise awareness of the support available for unpaid carers and the huge contribution they make to their families, communities, and society.
The Vital Role of Unpaid Carers
A carer is anyone, including children and adults, who provides unpaid support with day-to-day living tasks or personal care to a family member, partner, or friend. The person they care for could be ill or frail, suffer from a physical or mental health condition or impairment, be autistic, live with dementia, or be drug—or alcohol-dependent.
These dedicated individuals form the backbone of our care system, often juggling their caring responsibilities alongside work, family commitments, and their own health needs. However, caring can be physically and emotionally demanding, which is why it’s vital that unpaid carers receive the support they need.
How Professional Home Care Can Support Unpaid Carers in Derbyshire
While the love and dedication of family carers is irreplaceable, professional home care services can provide essential support to help sustain caring relationships and prevent carer burnout:
- Regular care visits allow unpaid carers time to rest, work, or attend to their own needs
- Overnight care services provide crucial breaks for family carers who may be sleep-deprived
- Short-term care during holidays or emergencies ensures continuity of care
- Professional carers bring specialised knowledge for complex conditions like dementia, stroke recovery, or palliative care
- Training in safe moving and handling techniques protects both the care recipient and family carers
- Medication management and health monitoring complement family care
Emotional and Practical Support
- Professional carers can provide companionship, reducing isolation for both the care recipient and family
- Assistance with personal care tasks that family members may find challenging
- Support with domestic tasks, freeing up quality time for families to focus on relationships rather than chores
Peace of Mind
- 24/7 support options provide security when family carers can’t be present
- Digital care planning and monitoring apps keep families informed and connected
- Professional oversight helps identify changes in condition or care needs
Carers Week Events in Derbyshire
The events in Derbyshire during Carers Week are hosted by Derbyshire All Age Carers Support Service (DAACSS). They include:
- Carers Roadshow – Monday 9 June, 11am to 3pm. Clay Cross Social Centre, Market Place, S45 9JE. No booking is required.
- Carers Roadshow– Tuesday 10 June, 11am to 3pm, Glebe Community Centre, Crich, DE4 5EU. No booking is required.
- Ashgate Hospice Drop-in – Wednesday 11 June, drop-in 10am to midday, Ashgate Road, Old Brampton, Chesterfield, S42 7JD.
- Carers Roadshow – Wednesday 11 June, 1pm to 5pm, Hartington Village Hall, Hall Hide Lane, Hartington, SK17 0AP. No booking is required.
- Celebration of Carers at Derby Cathedral – Tuesday 10 June, 11am. Derby DE1 3GP. No booking is required.
To access the events and activities, you’ll need to be an unpaid carer for a person living in Derbyshire.
For more information, contact DAACSS on telephone: 01773 833 833 or email: info@derbyshirecarers.co.uk
The Derbyshire All Age Carers Support Service (DAACSS)
DAACSS is delivered by Derbyshire Carers Association. It includes:
- an information and advice helpline
- face-to-face, home visits and telephone support
- Planning for emergencies
- support groups
- carer’s assessments
- skills for caring
- financial advice and grants
- social activities and events
- volunteering and more
Creating a Comprehensive Support Network
The most effective care often comes from combining the dedication of family carers with professional support services. This partnership approach:
- Ensures the person receiving care gets the best possible support
- Helps prevent carer burnout and maintains family relationships
- Provides flexibility to adapt as care needs change over time
- Creates a safety net during emergencies or when family carers are unwell
If you’re an unpaid carer in Derbyshire, remember that seeking professional support isn’t giving up—it’s ensuring you can continue caring sustainably while maintaining your own well-being. Call us today on 01623 810 100 to discuss your support options.
During Carers Week and beyond, let’s recognise the incredible contribution of unpaid carers in Derbyshire and further afield, whilst ensuring they have access to all the support available to help them in their caring journey.
