Sunderland commits to stronger support for unpaid carers

Last week Sunderland celebrated Carer's Week (8-14 June), a national campaign which runs every year to shine a spotlight on the people who support others.

As part of the awareness week, Sunderland City Council signed up to a regional commitment which recognises the vital contribution unpaid carers make to society.

The commitment focuses on four key priorities:

• Increasing awareness and recognition of carers
• Funding to reflect carer needs and reduce inequalities
• Embedding carers in policy and strategy development
• Creating more streamlined support services.

By signing the pledge, Sunderland joins organisations across the North East and North Cumbria in committing to work collaboratively to ensure carers are recognised, valued and supported, and sets out a shared pledge to improve support for carers across the region.

Cllr Jonathan Emerson, Sunderland City Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Services, said: "Unpaid carers make an enormous contribution to our communities every single day and we are proud to be signing up to this regional commitment to support them.

"Carers Week has given us an important opportunity to recognise the selfless dedication of carers in Sunderland, and signing this pledge demonstrates our ongoing commitment to ensuring carers are listened to, valued and able to access the support they need.

"We know that caring can have a significant impact on people's health, wellbeing and finances, which is why it is so important that organisations work together to improve support and reduce inequalities for carers."

Throughout Carers Week, Sunderland hosted a range of events and activities to celebrate and support carers across the city, while landmarks including Northern Spire, Fulwell Mill, Cliffe Park Lighthouse and Keel Square were lit blue in recognition of carers and the difference they make to the lives of others.

Services for unpaid carers in Sunderland are provided by Sunderland City Council in partnership with Sunderland Carers Centre and Mobilise Sunderland.

Any adult in Sunderland aged 18 or over who looks after someone with day-to-day tasks is entitled to a carer's assessment to help them access information and support tailored to their needs.

For more information on the self-assessment tool, Mobilise, and other support available visit Carers - Sunderland City Council