Family Carers Ireland has launched its ‘Shine a Light’ campaign ahead of the first ever National Awareness Day for Family Carers.
Laois has 3,581 Family Carers and their The National Awareness Day will take place on the longest day of the year, Thursday June 21, 2018.
Family Carers Ireland is asking the public to support its ‘Shine a Light’ by purchasing a heart shaped ‘Shine a Light’ pin. These can be bought at local Family Carers Ireland drop-in centres or at one of the 50 CarePlus Pharmacies nationwide.
The pins will also be available in a number of shopping centres in the lead up to Thursday, June 21. People can also visit here to make a donation.
A nation of carers
By 2030, demographic changes predict that one in five people will take on a caring role.
Family Carers collectively provide 6,608,515 hours of care per week and it is estimated that there are over 57,000 young carers in Ireland looking after someone in their family who has an illness or disability.
Head of Communications and Carer Engagement, Catherine Cox, said, “Family Carers play an essential role in maintaining Ireland’s Health Service. Without their dedication to providing care for their loved ones in their home, the pressure on hospital beds and services would be immeasurable.
“We are shining a light on Laois’ Family Carers by asking the public to buy a pin and to support our National Awareness Day,” she added.
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