Edinburgh carers urged to seek support as Still Game star backs new campaign

The Scottish Government is urging carers in Edinburgh to seek emotional and practical support through a new national campaign delivered in partnership with a leading actress in one of Scotland’s most popular sitcoms.

Jane McCarry, who plays Isa Drennan in Still Game, is a ‘sandwich’ carer - caring for her mother while juggling childcare and work responsibilities and marked the launch of the campaign today by addressing carers from across Scotland at a virtual Carers Parliament event.

Before the pandemic, there were an estimated 690,000 carers in Scotland, but recent polling by YouGov suggests this figure could have increased by during Covid-19 and lockdown to around 1.1 million.

The campaign aims to make sure that all who are new to caring, as well as those who were before, are aware there is support out there for them and can come forward to access it.

Jane McCarry, who plays Isa Drennan in Still Game.

There’s a range of support measures available with local carer centres across Scotland offering sessions such as virtual support groups, information, advice and online relaxation sessions.

Local carer centres in the Capital can help all carers prepare their own personalised support plans.

The reality is ‘hard’

Jill Franklin, 51, from Edinburgh, is a carer for her two autistic sons and has experienced the benefits of taking advantage of the support on offer.

She said: “It’s crucial that carers take advantage of the support available to them and take some time back for themselves. In my own personal situation, I was referred to the carers’ allowance which helped me financially.

“I’ve also received help from VOCAL, an organisation supporting unpaid carers in Edinburgh and Midlothian. Their support helped me to pay a childminder which allowed me to take some time to study for a masters in playwriting. It’s so important to take time too for yourself which helps ensure you can continue to provide care to your loved ones when they need it most.”

Jane McCarry said: “I know first-hand how challenging it is to be a carer for a close friend, neighbour or family member. The working day doesn’t end yet you never view your responsibility as a burden because you’re ‘just’ looking after someone you love.

“The reality, however, is hard – both mentally and physically - and sometimes we all need some support, be it counselling, peer support sessions or even just sitting down for a virtual cuppa with someone who knows what you’re going through.

“I’d encourage anyone in a caring role to seek out the support that’s on offer to them.”

Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing Joe FitzPatrick attended the virtual Carers Parliament event. He said: “Crucially, we want carers to recognise that they’re not alone. “There is a community of carers on every doorstep and every street. Together, it’s important to connect them with emotional and practical support that works for them.”

The annual Carers Parliament is organised by Carers Scotland, on behalf of the Scottish Government and in partnership with national carer organisations, with this year’s virtual event including seminars, workshops, and networking opportunities for those in a caring role.

For more information on the support available to carers, please visit nhsinform.scot/caring or call 0800 011 3200.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.