Matthew Carlson
Family carers in Ireland account for six million unpaid hours of work. This approximates to about €4 billion each year. According to Liam O’Sullivan, executive director of Care Alliance Ireland, their organisation has €10,000 less this year to use for initiatives to reach out to carers, and that more help from the Government should be provided.
This Monday launched the 12th annual National Carers Week in Ireland.
The week began with a launch that featured Liam O’Sullivan of Care Alliance Ireland, Michelle Merrigan of the Central Remedial Clinic and several former family carers.
Carers Week will consist of over 100 events across Ireland, each one celebrating and thanking the carers of that community.
“The objectives this week are threefold. Firstly to raise awareness, secondly to deliver events across the country and thirdly to drive new engagement with family carers,” said Mr O’Sullivan.
Sabina Brennan is a dementia advocate, psychologist and a former carer for her mother. Her research shows that a majority of people who are caring for a person have at least some ailment of their own and many have several. Her research also revealed that many of them are seldom offered help by family members or neighbours.
“There’s a reason that on an airplane, you are told to put your oxygen mask on before helping others,” said Ms Brennan. “Only when you look after yourself are you able to care well.”
Support
Care Alliance Ireland and their supporting partners for National Carers Week hope to not only provide aid this week, but continue to be a source of support for carers throughout the year. A list of National Carers Week events and locations can be found at the Carers Week website.