‘Action needed to address carers loneliness’ – Bradley | Latest Newry News, Newry Sport and Newry Business for Newry City

‘Action needed to address carers loneliness’ – Bradley

Local SDLP MLA Sinead Bradley has said the findings of new research which show that one in three unpaid carers in Northern Ireland experience constant loneliness demand a response from political leaders.

The South Down MLA, who has undertaken significant work on loneliness with Voluntary and Community sector organisations, said,

 

 

“The findings of this research commissioned by Carers UK are shocking. Northern Ireland has the highest rate of unpaid adult carers, standing at more than 270,000 and of those, one in three describes feeling constant loneliness.

“We know that loneliness and isolation can have a debilitating effect on people and contributes to longer term mental health challenges.

“This feeling that carers can’t get out of their homes or can’t create time for themselves can be totally overwhelming. They need our support,” she continued.

 

 

“There are certainly statutory interventions that could be made, for example providing additional carers leave for those looking after a loved one.

“But loneliness is a broader problem, that’s why I’ve been undertaking work with the voluntary and community sector to gather evidence, understand the causes of loneliness and take action to end this epidemic.

Bradley added, “During carers week, and far beyond, we should be mindful of the strains caring can place on our friends and family members. Take time out to ask people how they are, if they’re coping and how you can help.”

 

 

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Posted by on Jun 18 2019. Filed under Politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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