The Jersey Association of Carers Incorporated which has existed since 1994 to promote the well-being and needs of Carers in in the community has recently decided to relaunch its activities and highlight the needs of Carers by working collaboratively with organisations who have care communities to develop awareness of carers needs and inviting them to become ‘one voice’ for the carer community of Jersey through Carers Jersey.
A “carer” can be anyone, a child, a parent, a friend or a relative and can also be any age, from the very young to the more mature in our community. It is estimated there are 5000 adult carers in Jersey and 500 young carers.
‘One of the challenges we face is getting people to acknowledge that they are, themselves, carers’ explains Dr. Margaret Bayes MBE, who as Chairman of the Jersey Association of Carers Inc. will act as co-ordinator of Carers Jersey. ‘People will often say “I’m not a Carer, she’s my mum. I just pop in to see her a few times a week, do a bit of cleaning and bring her dinner.” ‘Caring may also be a full-time responsibility 24/7.’
As our population ages we will see more and more people “just” looking after their wives, husbands, parents or friends.
The launch of Carers Jersey
Working in collaboration with other not for profits, Carers Jersey can provide an ‘umbrella’ for all carer topics in Jersey. Continuing the ‘umbrella’ theme, Carers Jersey were thrilled to team up with the Abram Games Archive. The new brand pays homage to his iconic Jersey image used in 1960’s tourism adverts and help explain its objectives. Thanks to the support of Soroptimist International Jersey this new website www.carersjersey.je has been launched and endeavours to support carers in Jersey providing a one stop shop for all caring communities in the Island.
‘We are also delighted to have secured a sponsor to allow us to begin hosting ‘Recharger Days’ going forward. Developed over the last 3 years by Le Masurier as part of their CSR commitments we are excited at opening this innovative event up for all carers in Jersey,’ explained Margaret Bayes.
‘We were overwhelmed by the feedback we received from hosting Recharger Days over the past few years as part of our CSR strategy, P3, People, Planet, Partner. We are delighted to hand over the ‘Recharger Day’ concept to the amazing team at Carers Jersey to benefit even more people caring for loved ones in Jersey’, explained Brian McCarthy, Le Masurier.
The 2021 Jersey Recharger Day now under the umbrella of Carers Jersey will take place on Sunday 24th October at the Royal Yacht. All members will be invited to nominate carers from their community to attend this day of rest, relaxation and fun.’
‘Jersey Association of Carers Inc. now representing Carers Jersey has always been close to our heart as it was founded by one of our members,’ explained Jean Gavey, Joint Chair, Soroptimist International Jersey. ‘We are delighted to sponsor the development of this new website to help them in their mission to support people caring for family members in Jersey.’
Carers Partnership Group
Carers Jersey are seeking any Jersey charities with a caring community to join their Carers Partnership Group, which already works with a myriad of local not for profits to support their individual caring communities.
Facts about Caring in Jersey
Jersey’s most recent Health and Life Opportunities Survey found that one in ten households include a self- identified “carer” and that many of households include a young carer under the age of 18.
Many carers say they get satisfaction from their caring role, however 51% say it increases their stress levels and many say caring can make them feel worn out and exhausted.
Undertaking caring roles can have a wide –ranging impact on individuals in a number of areas of their lives, including physical /emotional health, education, employment, financial, and relationships with family and friends.
The aim of Carers Jersey is to support all carers in the Island working with all charities who have a carer community and lobby professionals and Government on their behalf.
Carers Jersey – Giving Carers a Voice.
For the full facts, Individuals or relevant groups with an interest in caring can join for free. Please contact: contact@carersjersey.je
