It's believed there are around 1,000 young carers on the Island
Efforts are underway to create environments on the Isle of Man where carers can stay ‘healthy, connected and empowered’ in their caring role.
Carers' Week is being marked on the Island.
It runs until 14 June and has the theme ‘Building Carer Friendly Communities’.
Data from the Isle of Man Census in 2021 suggests there were 4,869 unpaid carers on the Island then.
However, it’s believed that figure may actually be double as many people don’t identify themselves as holding that role.
Carers can be anyone who supports someone who wouldn't be able to cope without their support:
- Parents with a child who has a disability
- Children supporting their parent/s
- A friend or a neighbour
- Or someone looking after their partner
'The quiet heroes of our Island'
Health and Social Care Minister Claire Christian says it's 'so important' to identify carers and give them support as she believes they are the 'quiet heroes of our Island':
Crisis
Public Health Manager Lisa Saunders told Manx Radio around 40 percent of carers don't go to the GP when they should because they prioritise the needs of the person they are caring for.
This, she says, can be dangerous to their own health:
"If you are in a caring role make sure you take 10-15 minutes a day. Take a break, sit down, don't skip meals and stay hydrated."
- Lisa Saunders (Public Health Manager)
Details of drop-in sessions for carers can be found HERE.
Young carers
Children aged 18 and under who provide unpaid care are considered young carers.
What do young carers do?
- Support practical activities
- Housework
- Cooking
- Accompanying a loved one to appointments
- Looking after themselves or a younger sibling because adults aren't able to do so
Alyssa Isaac is an external services coordinator and equality lead at the Department of Education, Sport and Culture.
She says it's important young carers get the individualised support that's needed:
"Young carers are resilient and deserve the same support and care that they provide to others."
- Alyssa Isaac (External Services Coordinator and Equality Lead)
You can find out more about Carers' Week HERE.
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