Hundreds of people could be going unrecognised as informal or unpaid carers, says Havering Council.
Around 2,000 people are currently registered with Havering Carers Hub and a further 5,000 identified via their GP, but according to the 2021 Census, more than 8 percent of the UK population is currently providing unpaid care for a family member, partner or friend in need of help because of an illness or disability.
The 2021 Census showed that 1 in 10 people in Havering provide informal and unpaid care on a regular basis.
While there are 250 young carers, aged 5 to 17, receiving support locally, but the true figure is likely to be much higher.
This could mean that there are nearly 20,000 informal or unpaid carers going unrecognised in the borough.
It also means they could be missing out on vital support and benefits, says Councillor Gillian Ford, Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, who is urging unpaid carers to come forward and register so they can get vital help and support.
She said: “Unpaid carers play a crucial role in supporting their family and friends and this could have a serious impact on their own wellbeing.
"They may miss out on social interaction, career prospects and life opportunities.
“Many may be unaware that there are local bodies, such as the Carers Hub, available for them to receive advice, information and access to respite, which could be life-changing for carers.
“We have developed a strategy with local carers which highlights what can be done to support them better and it’s important that anyone who doesn’t know about this, is able to take advantage of what is on offer.”
The 2021-2022 Personal Social Services of Adult Carers in England (SACE) survey of carers in England found that 30 percent of carers found it difficult to access information.
The carers strategy sets out a number of priorities, such as:
- ensuring easier access to information, advice and wellbeing services
- recognition of the role carers play and enabling them to be actively involved in the decisions for the person they care for
- improved identification and assessment of informal carers, including quicker access to individual carers assessments, flexible access to respite care and better co-ordination when appointments are being given for the person they care for
Lynn Warnett, chair of Havering Carers Board cared for her mum Joan Hollis for five years, until she passed away in January 2023.
Joan was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and was incapacitated by a rash which was never diagnosed.
But Lynn, who was working part-time while caring, said she was left flailing around trying to get support from different services and if she had known where to go and who was responsible for what, it could have helped her mother.
She said: “Being registered as a carer gives you the authority to push to get the right things done for the person you care for.
"There is a support network out there to help you fight your way through the maze of information and services available.”
Now registered as a carer, she says she wants to see services linked up to ensure treatments are monitored to make sure they are effective, and diagnosis is completed without being passed around trying to get help.
“I cannot change what happened to my mum and me, but I want to help see changes made that could support those people who are trying to cope and care for a loved one now.
“We all need to know what help is available and how to access it so we feel we have more power when helping those we love,” she said.
Getting support
Unpaid carers can receive support from adults who care for an adult can register for support via The Havering Carers Hub by emailing info@haveringcarershub.org.uk or calling 01708 961111.
Parent/guardian carers can seek further support via Havering SEND Family Voice. They have a Facebook page with details.
Young carers can see support via Imago. Contact youngcarers@imago.community or 0300 111 1110.