One of the reasons we raise awareness during Carers Week each year is to help people who don’t think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support. While some of us may never consciously cross the line between being a family member and being an unpaid carer, many people do become unpaid carers without realising it – simply by helping a family member who needs them. Four in five unpaid carers are currently providing more care now than before the national lockdowns (Carers UK). People who gradually move into this role without recognising themselves as carers are ‘hidden carers’.

Carers Week 2021 aims to make carers visible and valued, by reaching out to hidden carers – ensuring they know where to find help and support. To achieve this, Carers Count, Carers Trust Mid Yorkshire, The Kirkwood, Locala and Kirklees Council have been supported by Locala Community Fund to create feel-good packs which will be created and distributed by Ruddi’s Retreat Vintage Treat Rooms in Slaithwaite, and delivered during Carers Week from 7th to 13th June.

These feel-good packs will contain a beautiful card, words of encouragement, a handmade biscuit and a teabag. The packs were carefully designed by Carers Count, and encourage carers to take a break, seek support and feel supported by their community.

Take a look here: https://ruddis.myshopify.com/products/hidden-heroes-carers-gift

If you know someone in Kirklees who provides unpaid support to another person, helping them because they have a disability, or are older, frail, or have a long-term illness, then you can nominate them to receive a pack. There are 200 packs available on a first-come-first-served basis.

E-mail Carers Count at info@carerscount.org.uk or call us on 0300 012 0231 to tell us about your hidden heroes!

A big thank you to our carers who contributed their fantastic artwork for our cards: