Lockdown end ought to signal start of new era of respect for carers

The lifting of lockdown must usher in an uplift in care for our carers, claims national health campaigner, Dr Zahid Chauhan OBE.

Speaking at the climax of National Carers Week (June 8-14), the Oldham family doctor pointed to new figures showing that 4.5 new volunteer carers are now helping Britain through the Coronavirus crisis.

And since many had put their lives on the line to look after others, he said Government ought to reward this by deploying much needed resources into everything from better pay and conditions for residential care staff, to increased expenses for volunteers who staff soup kitchens.

Said Dr Chauhan: “This tumultuous time has created new heroes who have shopped for their neighbours and sewed masks for our frontline NHS staff.

"It has also reminded us of the vital role our doctors, nurses, social workers, teachers and employment and addiction services have done.

"All of these people have a common denominator.

"Their compassion means they have put other people’s lives ahead of their own, sometimes at great cost.

"That sacrifice cannot and should not be forgotten.”   

Organised by major charities, the theme of this year’s National Carers Week was making caring visible, by raising the profile of those who do so much good in our communities.

The campaign is also endorsed by Government – though Dr Chauhan argues they need to do far more than simply put their name to a campaign.

He added: “People tell me with the Coronavirus and the aftermath of George Floyd’s death that the world is in crisis.

"I actually think we are at a pivotal moment in history.

"These tragedies afford us the time to look at where we are going and what we consider to be important.

"My feeling is that it will be a turning point and people will now realise that caring for themselves - and more importantly each other - is vital.

"Together, we can make that happen.” 

Dr Chauhan is a national campaigner for health equalities plus the founder of the Homeless-Friendly health programme for rough sleepers and those experiencing homelessness.