Caring for the Carers

With all the chaos created by the Covid pandemic it could be easy to forget that those in our communities who care for others also need someone to look out for them at times.

Local charities are going the extra mile to make sure these unpaid carers have someone to turn to.

Carers WD has a team on hand to answer enquiries and concerns from home carers.

One of the main concerns is how to access personal protection equipment such as gloves and masks through the Scottish Government’s PPE scheme for home carers.

Kim McNab, Carer Service Manager for Carers of West Dunbartonshire, explained the process.

“West Dunbartonshire has a central hub for equipment, carers should call us at Carers WD and we will ensure they receive the right equipment and it is getting used correctly.

“The carers will then either be asked to go to the hub to pick up the equipment or, if they are unable to do so, a delivery will be arranged.

"If there is a delay in getting PPE from the hub, we will supply the equipment directly to cover the period of delay.’

The charity has also set up what Kim described as ‘a carer call service’ with two of their workers manning a helpline to deal with enquires.

With over 10,000 unpaid carers in West Dunbartonshire their support and advice can be a lifeline for many families at this time.

Local youth charity Y-Sort It also provides specialist support to young carers in West Dunbartonshire and manager Gillian Kirkwood said they have seen an increasing number of referrals from West Dunbartonshire’s education department during the Covid pandemic.

Carers WD: telephone number 0141 941 1550 Web: www.carerswd.org

WD Kinship Carers: telephone number 0786 069 4883 email: kinshipcarewestdunbartonshire@gmail.com

Carers Trust: telephone number 0300 772 9600 email: info@carers.org