National Carers Week

Today marks the start of Carers Week, an important date in our calendar as we recognise the 6.5 millions carers living in the UK.

It is estimated that unpaid carers save the economy £60bn per year. That’s why, as a charity we are passionate to do all we can to support unpaid carers and ensure they all have access to good quality respite.

I work for Revitalise, an amazing national charity that creates holidays for disabled people and carers at our three accessible respite holiday centres in Chigwell in Essex, Southampton and Southport.

Our guests often tell us just how important their break has been for their well-being; June cares for her daughter Sally-Ann and tells us about their relationship and life at home:

“It was so important for us to have the respite and it was a really good rest for both of us. I could let my hair down and for once in a blue moon I didn’t have to worry about the responsibilities of home.

Some people would say that Revitalise is just a break but it’s so much more than that.”  

Many carers dedicate their entire life to looking after those they love. For these people, their own happiness and well-being is determined by the happiness of those they care for.

An estimated 6,000 people take on caring responsibilities every day. That’s why, I’d like to take a moment to reassure your readers that we are here to help.

Revitalise is a place where carers and their loved ones can come at the times when they need us the most and simply spend time together.

Carers can choose to accompany their loved one or enjoy a break elsewhere. Either way they can hand over the caring role to us and have a rest.

Our centres are open to our guests all year round, and we have hardship funding for those that need it.

We passionately believe that everybody deserves a break and are determined that nobody should miss out on the opportunity for financial reasons.

To find out more about Revitalise, our breaks, or ways that we may be able to support you please visit: www.revitalise.org.uk or call: 0303 303 0145.

Abby Kessock-Philip, Revitalise

 

The views expressed are those of the author of the letter and not those of Oldham Chronicle.