The recent Dare to Care survey conducted by Carers Jersey and ENABLE highlighted the plight of carers in Jersey and the urgent need for respite and more support in general.
‘Having a lasting power of attorney in place is a safety net for both carer and loved one,’ explained Dr Margaret Bayes, MBE, Founder and Chair of Carers Jersey. ‘Carers Jersey have decided to focus our annual awareness campaign on the importance of having a Lasting Power of Attorney in place. We don’t like to think of a time when we can’t make decisions for ourselves but it is vital your wishes are carried out should the time come and one way to ensure this is by organising a Lasting Power of Attorney before you actually might need it.’
You can use your family lawyer or visit States Greffe, to find a helpful guide through the process. Dr Margaret Bayes, MBE will be covering the various ways you can put a Lasting Power of Attorney in place at our one year anniversary Dare to Care Brunch being held on Monday 19th June at Holmegrown at 11-1. All welcome for what we are sure will be an insightful and interesting talk whilst meeting up with like-minded carers and friends.
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 but we believe it to be many more. Anyone over the age of 18 can apply for a Lasting Power of Attorney.
‘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. acts 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 therefore last year we ran the ‘I’m just looking after’ campaign as part of the Carers Jersey Dare to Care strategic programme. Lobbying Government to develop a Carers Legislation and create a Carers Minister have been shared with the incoming Government at strategy updates throughout 2021/2/3.
Carers Week 2023 focuses on specific aspects each day. Our Carers Partnership Groups will be celebrating these different days on we are delighted to sponsor the Young Carers Surfing activity also taking place this week and hope they have a splashing time.
Day 1 Making Carers Visible and Supported,
Day 2 – Work and Employment,
Day 3 – Visible, Valued and Supported
Day 4 – Young Carers,
Day 5 – Older Carers – the Cost of Caring
Day 6 – Mental Health Day,
Day 7 – Reflection on Carer Week
Dates for your diary
Dare to Care Monthly Brunch – ALL WELCOME, Carers and loved ones
11-1 Holmegrown :
Monday 19 June, Monday 17 July, Monday 21 August, Monday 18 September, Monday 16 October, Monday 20 November, Mon day 18 December,
Dare to Care Coffee Mornings – Every Wednesday 9am – 1030am organised by our partners at Mind Jersey, hosted by Tiffin, De Gruchy and sponsored by Mercury Medical, open to all islanders caring for a loved one in Jersey.
Recharger Day – Sunday 15th October, Royal Yacht Hotel open to Carers Jersey Members/Carers Partnership Group members – a day of complete R&R for Carers in Jersey.
To join Carers Jersey for FREE please visit www.carersjersey.je or email contact@carersjersey.je You can also find us most of this week in the General Hospital Lobby so please do stop and say hello at the Carers Jersey information booth.
