Caring for carers

A new survey by Carers Week has found that 6 out of 10 carers have suffered from depression because of the unrelenting stress of their caring role. "I work for a disability charity called Vitalise; we run the Sandpipers respite break centre in Southport; and unfortunately this fact comes as no surprise to us. We know that carers are not taking enough respite to help them cope and we know why. One of our own studies found that 6 out of 10 carers suffer huge feelings of worry and guilt at the prospect of sending their disabled, frail or elderly loved ones into residential care even for just a few days' respite, and that the issue of quality of care is the cause of their fears. They are simply terrified of letting go. Sadly, their lack of trust in the care system is quite justified. In many cases respite care amounts to little more than 'warehousing' for disabled or older people in totally unsuitable surroundings. So it's really not surprising that many family carers would rather struggle on at home, risking complete breakdown in the process, than entrust the care of their loved ones to strangers. Vitalise provides desperately-needed respite breaks for people with disabilities and carers at Sandpipers and our other centres. We are 50 years old this year and we know from experience that carers' worries can be eased if they are confident that their loved ones will receive good quality care, combined with dignity and respect, in an appropriate and stimulating environment. Is this too much to ask? There are already 6.5 million carers in the UK and this number is increasing a rate of 6,000 each day. If we are to avert a full-scale crisis in social care, the issue of quality in respite care needs to be addressed now." said Colin Brook. For more info about our breaks and how you can support Vitalise, please call:- 0303 303 0147, email:- info@vitalise.org.uk or visit:- vitalise.org.uk.

Widnes Vikings' Dream Maker initiative pit stops at Alder Hey!

MEMBERS of the Vikings' community staff and First Team squad paid a visit to Alder Hey Children's Hospital to spread some much needed cheer. As part of our ongoing Dream Ticket 'Dream Maker' programme, whilst on the visit, Kevin Brown and Grant Gore, alongside Club Captain Jon Clarke, saw first-hand the effects that a variety of illnesses have on a number of disadvantaged children. 1 of the youngsters was a girl called Sophie, who some of you may recall, featured on ITV's charity appeal 'Text Santa,' last December (2012). Born with the lifelong condition Cerebral Palsy, Sophie has recently undergone a Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) operation, which will help to decrease the back pain symptoms she has had to endure on an everyday basis. In a best case scenario, it is hoped that the operation may eventually lead to her being able to walk. However, Sophie does not allow her Cerebral Palsy to prevent her from leading an active, sporty lifestyle, as she is currently a part of the Paralympic Talent Team in Swimming. Vikings Community Co-ordinator Ben Morris, who helped to organise the trip, revealed more about the events of the day, commenting:- "During the visit we saw children in the ICU, Oncology and Neurology units, and spent some time with them and their families on the Wards. Whilst in the ICU Ward, it became very clear that many of the children were fighting life threatening diseases, and in some cases had been doing so from birth. Myself, Grant, Jon and Kev, were all touched by the individual stories of the children and their families. The staff reassured us that the children were there to get better and there is a 95% success rate. Events like this are a crucial part of what Widnes Vikings aim to do within the wider community, and we wish all the patients we saw on the afternoon, including Sophie, all the best for the future." If you haven't already done so, YOU can get involved with future projects by pledging your support even further and subscribing to the Dream Ticket. If you need more information or wish to contact us, please call:- 0151 495 2250 or email:- dreamticket@widnesvikings.co.uk  You can also download the promotional Dream Ticket flyer on the Vikings' Official website.