Christmas, it’s the most wonderful time of year but…
New research from Mobilise shows 61% of unpaid carers aren’t looking forward to the festive season this year.
This weekend, as you turn on your Christmas tree lights, crack open countless boxes of chocolates and curl up in front of the TV with your loved ones, spare a second to think about those struggling this festive season.
Mobilise, the UK’s largest online community for unpaid carers, recently conducted a survey which revealed 61% of unpaid carers are not looking forward to Christmas this year. What’s more, just 26% said they’re only ‘a little’ excited about the festive season.
Meanwhile, 29% of unpaid carers said being able to take a short break from their caring responsibilities would help them find Christmas more enjoyable, with one in five claiming more financial support would be at the top of their list.
‘Christmas can be a really tricky time for lots of people, but it can be especially hard for unpaid carers,’ Suzanne Bourne, head of carer support at Mobilise, said. ‘You don’t get to take a holiday from caring responsibilities just because it’s Christmas. And for all sorts of reasons there can be even less support on offer than usual.’
‘It’s vital that carers remember that they’re not alone and that there are people who will listen if you need someone to talk to. Likewise, those without caring responsibilities should remember to reach out to people they know might be struggling this Christmas and see if they can help in any way. Sometimes just a cup of tea and a friendly chat can make all the difference,’ Suzanne continued.
Jan Simonsen, a carer from Gateshead, is exactly the type of person that would benefit from such support.
Detailing her experience, she said: ‘I care for my partner, whose condition comes with good days and bad days. This can make it difficult to make plans, especially around Christmas, as we often have to make last minute decisions based on what feels manageable on the day. We also have to factor in lots of extra logistics if we want to travel to see our children and grandchildren or join in socialising with friends over the Christmas period.
‘Being a carers is a labour of love. Unfortunately, we aren’t always valued or shown the support we deserve, and this hits even harder at this time of the year, when there are so many extra expenses to contend with. Still, we take each day as it comes. Christmas day this year will be no different.’
And, Jan isn’t the only one. Currently, there an estimated 10.6 million people who are looking after a loved one or family member across the UK. Those that are struggling can reach out to Mobilises’ support services which will be available throughout the whole Christmas period – they can be accessed here.
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