A new charity partnership has been agreed between Clan and Quarriers to help unpaid adult carers in Aberdeen who are supporting someone through a cancer journey.
Social care charity Quarriers will
deliver two drop-in information sessions at Clan House in Aberdeen on Thursday
June 12 from 10-11am and 2-3pm.
The events coincide with Carers Week, an
annual campaign in the UK to raise awareness of caring, highlight the
challenges unpaid carers face, and recognise their contributions to families
and communities.
Quarriers will then deliver a monthly
drop-in service at Clan House in Aberdeen to provide advice, information and
support to anyone who is caring for someone with cancer.
Both charities hope the partnership will
provide a lifeline for those who find themselves taking on unpaid caring
responsibilities.
Kay Johnston, Clan’s head of cancer
support services, said: "Behind many cancer diagnoses is often an unpaid
carer –– quietly carrying the weight of worry, appointments, and daily care,
often at the expense of their own wellbeing.
“We’re proud to be working alongside
Quarriers to offer this drop-in service to those who could benefit from a bit
of breathing space and confidential support, allowing them to navigate what can
often be the most challenging period of their lives.”
Kay Johnston, Clan’s head of cancer support services and Teresa Massie, Carer Advisor at Quarrier’s Aberdeen Carers Support Service.
It’s estimated there are as many as 25,000 unpaid adult carers in Aberdeen with Quarriers currently supporting over 1,000 people in the city.
In the past six months, the charity has seen an increase in the number of referrals from carers supporting people with a cancer diagnosis, underlining the need for the partnership with Clan.
Ingrid Penny, Depute Manager of Quarriers Aberdeen Carers Support Service, said: “Not everyone who is a carer recognises the role. A carer is someone who, without payment, provides help and support to a partner, child, relative or friend who could not manage without them.
“Every caring situation is different, and there is a wide range of reasons why the care recipient may need help, including illness, age, disability, alcohol or substance misuse and mental health.
“Working alongside Clan, having an experienced member of our team on hand, will ensure carers supporting someone with a cancer diagnosis can get the help and support they need as they navigate their caring journey.”
The information and drop-in sessions are aimed at people who find themselves in an unpaid caring role, looking after someone who has a cancer diagnosis. There is no need to make an appointment to attend.
The monthly drop in will commence on Tuesday, July 8 from 12pm -2pm at Clan House and will take place on the first Tuesday of the month thereafter.
For more information, please contact aberdeen@clancancersupport.org or call 01224 647000.