THE voluntary group which supports carers in Clydebank, and across West Dunbartonshire, has highlighted the pressure facing unpaid carers during the coronavirus crisis.

Kim McNab, care services manager with Carers of West Dunbartonshire, described how many unpaid carers have faced financial hardship as well as the new challenges presented by the pandemic.

But speaking to the Post for Carers Week 2020, Kim said that despite the difficult circumstances, many unpaid carers have found positives in the less hectic, slower pace and the opportunity to spend more quality time with the person that they care for.

Kim said: “Many unpaid carers would have already been experiencing challenges such as financial hardship, stress and isolation.

“For those carers, the coronavirus has made those challenges worse and for carers who were managing okay, it has brought about new challenges.

“For example, their caring responsibilities have increased and they have not had the same access to respite or a short break, which has meant they feel more stressed and/or tired.”

Carers of West Dunbartonshire helps unpaid carers access support to fulfil their caring duties.

However, due to the Covid-19 lockdown, the delivery of that support has had to be done remotely.

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The service is still offering information and advice, emotional support, help with emergency planning, small grants to help with their caring role, and ways to help manage stress, such as online yoga and cognitive behavioural therapy.

Kim said: “We have support in place that can help with financial difficulties and together with West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership we have established a system which distributes PPE to carers.

“It ensures that PPE is getting to the right people quickly and easily.”

The Scottish Government has also offered additional financial aid to those caring for family members.

Kim continued: “Unpaid carers are a vital part of our community and what they do often goes unrecognised and under-valued.

“It could be your neighbour, friend or colleague that is in a caring role. Recognising that and offering support should be everyone’s business.

“Many carers have told us that friends and neighbours have been amazing, bringing shopping and checking in on them.

“There are lots of good examples of how the current situation has brought people together.

“If we can retain that sense of compassion and pay a little more attention to each other then something positive will have come out of this as well.”

If you are looking after someone and need support you can contact Carers of West on 0141 941 1550, you can visit CWD at carerswd.org.