The Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has spoken of her concern for unpaid carers and their mental health, following the First Minister’s announcement of a Wales-wide 'firebreak' lockdown from Friday 23 October.  

Her concern comes as it is revealed that 58% of unpaid carers believe that their physical health has been affected by caring through the pandemic, while 64% said their mental health had worsened. Almost 6,000 unpaid carers completed the Carers UK online questionnaire. Many respondents said day centres and reductions in other services meant the help they once got had reduced, leaving many feeling worn out and isolated. 

Mrs Finch-Saunders has now tabled a Written Question to see if greater support can be offered to local unpaid carers throughout the lockdown period, asking: 

Will the Minister consider allowing individuals who are carers/unpaid carers for the individual they live with to meet indoors with one other household? 

Commenting on her concern for the well-being of local unpaid carers, Janet said:   

“It is estimated that 79% of unpaid carers in Wales provide care for their loved ones, many picking up an additional 11 hours of unpaid care per week. Many often live alone with the individual that they care for, relying on the support of day centres or loved ones to provide a much-needed break. 

“Throughout the pandemic, these unpaid champions have continued to work tirelessly to lovingly care for their nearest and dearest, without the usual help from family and friends, and with limited support from local services.  

“Following the First Minister’s announcement of a national lockdown yesterday, several concerned constituents have emailed to petition the Welsh Government to amend their regulations so that our nation’s unpaid carers can nominate a single individual who would be able to visit their home to provide mental support through this challenging period. 

“We must not leave our unpaid carers to shoulder the burden of this lockdown alone. That is why I have submitted this Written Question and urge the Welsh Minister for Health and Social Care to review his position on the matter and allow this essential support network throughout the ‘firebreak’ period.” 

ENDS

Photo: Cristian Newman/UnSplash