Caring magazine Issue 41, April 2016 | Page 3

Welcome In this edition we’re celebrating carers’ creative solutions to some of the problems encountered when we’re looking after someone. Our creativity often stems from our desire to help loved ones be more mobile, more independent, more stimulated. It can also stem from our desire to manage our caring role – to have more sleep, more peace of mind, less stress. On page 4, we tell the story of Unforgettable, a social business which embodies Carers UK’s determination to find practical ways to make caring easier and less isolating. James Ashwell, the founder shares creative solutions he developed to help his mother with dementia – and some of the solutions he’d love to have known about. As carers, stress is to some extent inevitable, as we can experience intense demands on our time, energy and emotions. But the added stresses of financial strain and inadequate practical support are not a given. In this issue... 4 Our mission is to make life better for carers: Our State of Caring survey paints a vivid picture of these pressure points. It is vital that we take opportunities such as the National Carers Strategy in England and elections in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and London to speak out about the need to improve support for carers. Through Carers Week (p12) we’re getting all corners of the community engaged in making life better for carers. Please join me in recommending organisations and services which are already carer friendly and inviting others to take action. As members of Carers UK, it’s important to remember that whatever we’re facing, we’re not alone. As Stephanie’s story on page 22 shows, no matter how stressful life can get, there’s a growing community of people who understand what we’re going through and can offer support and encouragement. David Grayson – Chairman 10 20 We give expert advice, information and support We connect carers so no one has to care alone We campaign together for lasting change We innovate to find new ways to reach and support carers. JOIN US! To become a member of Carers UK T 020 7378 4997 E [email protected] KEEP IN TOUCH Carers UK 20 Great Dover Street, London SE1 4LX T 020 7378 4999 E [email protected] carersuk.org Carers Scotland T 0141 445 3070 E [email protected] carerscotland.org Carers Wales T 029 2081 1370 E [email protected] carerswales.org Carers Northern Ireland T 028 9043 9843 E [email protected] carersni.org An Unforgettable journey: Making caring less isolating Taking a break Advice & support We need you! How you can help Carers UK Adviceline T 0808 808 7777 E [email protected] Carers UK is a charity registered in England and Wales (246329) and in Scotland (SC039307) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (864097). Registered office: 20 Great Dover Street, London, SE1 4LX. © Carers UK April 2016 3