Story: John Lawson
I work for the Sheffield Carers Centre and my job is to identify and support the many thousands of hidden carers living north of the city centre.
Are you a carer?
If you look after someone who has a long-term health problem or disability and you offer regular and substantial support, by Government definition, you are a Carer.
‘Regular’ means twenty hours or more per week. ‘Long-term health problem’ means an illness like arthritis, asthma, autism, Asperger’s, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, cancer, dementia or mental health problems – the list is endless.
The kind of support you give will be things like helping to dress someone, doing the shopping, handling the money, getting them up and down stairs, trying to keep them cheerful, and a million other tasks besides!
You might be a parent whose child has a learning or physical disability and you struggle to cope with temper tantrums, getting the right support at school, or being able to give your other kids the attention you would like.
If these situations apply to you (and there are many more), you are not only a wife or husband, mom or dad, brother or sister, relative or friend, you are a Carer, and legally entitled to help. If you think you are carer and need help please contact me at the Carers Centre on 278 8942.