A tribute to Scotland’s Carers
- Written by: Irene Oldfather — Director
- Published: 24th November 2017
Irene marks Carers Rights Day 2017 by paying tribute to Scotland's 788,000 unpaid carers.
It’s fitting in the run up to Christmas and as we mark Carers Rights Day, today that we remember that for many of Scotland’s 788,000 – Carers there is no day off.
We know from our engagement work that Carers often feel isolated, can experience loss of identity and sometimes just feel lonely at what can be the busiest time of year for many families.
For some Carers Christmas can be a real challenge because as families and friends celebrate, and shops and workplaces close, Carers can feel more isolated than ever.
For most Carers there is no work party or Christmas night out and yet they never complain. Caring really is a labour of love and many Carers don’t actually even identify as Carers but see themselves as dutiful daughters, sons, brothers, sisters, spouses.
It’s heartening to see progress in acknowledging Carers as equal partners – they deserve that recognition. They make a huge contribution to the communities of Scotland and I don’t think there is any group more deserving of our gratitude and our praise.
So on Carers Rights day a big thank you from all at Dementia Carer Voices and at the ALLIANCE for all that you do. Thank you for the support that you give to those that you love, and for the way in which you support all of us in our work and outreach.
You make Scotland a better place – you enrich our communities and we couldn’t do it without you.
End of page.
You may also like:
Director of the Links programme, Roseann, discusses why we need to focus on person centred care, and why the programme is central to this.
Continue readingReflections on the ALLIANCE Integration in Action: Inclusive Leadership event.
Continue readingWhat does The Scottish Report tell us about how we're supporting people with inflammatory mediated autoimmune conditions (IMIDs)?
Continue readingAvril McLean from Action from ME shares new resources designed to support professionals understand the impact of ME on people's lives.
Continue readingMandy Wright from Home Energy Scotland shares how partnerships positively impact their work.
Continue readingToo many young people are falling through the mental health support gap. How do we fix the "Missing Middle"?
Continue readingJoe McCready from Carers UK shares how important their annual survey is, and why it is invaluable for unpaid carers to have their say.
Continue readingColette reflects on the last 12 years of the Community Links Worker programme, as well as her own experience of being a CLW.
Continue readingWith the current World Cup, gambling presents an even higher risk. How can we prevent young people from getting tangled in this web?
Continue readingDr Anthony McMahon reflects on the importance of the Community Links Worker within his GP surgery - and why it makes all the difference.
Continue readingAs part of our 20 year anniversary, the Integration Team highlight the importance of our Connected Communities series.
Continue readingTo mark ‘What matters to you?’ Day, The ALLIANCE's Barbara Flynn considers the impact of Tommy Whitelaw’s talks for nurses and midwives.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE’s Humans of Scotland project works to challenge stigma.
Continue readingIn her latest TFN column, our Chief Officer Sara Redmond reflects on post election feelings and Scotland’s future.
Continue readingALLIANCE Chief Officer, Sara Redmond, reflects on our Annual Conference 2026 and how we're turning hope into action.
Continue readingALLIANCE member, Catherine, shares the importance of initiatives like 'What Matters To You?' Day in promoting person centred care.
Continue readingLearn about how the ALLIANCE has championed joined-up, person centred care.
Continue readingDementia Action Week highlighted some great resources and support for people living with dementia and their family, friends, and carers.
Continue readingSteven Mair gives us an insight into his role as a gamer at the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.
Continue readingSince 2009, ALISS has helped people find local health and wellbeing support. Any group, big or small, can add their information.
Continue readingThe new Scottish Government must turn promises into action to improve hospice and palliative care
Continue readingTogether, we can create lasting change for everyone living with Crohn’s or Colitis.
Continue readingFind out more about these digital self management tools and how to get in touch to arrange an information session.
Continue readingOur Chief Officer Sara Redmond addresses recent commentary on the relationship between Government and the Third Sector.
Continue readingCornell explores how we can build an environmental human rights-based culture
Continue reading