Galway urged to recognise the work of its carers

THE CARERS Association is urging the people of Galway to recognise the work of their local family carers by nominating them for the Carers of the Year Award 2012, which was recently launched by patrons of the group, Mary Kennedy and Marty Whelan. There are over 9,000 carers in Galway providing over 200,000 hours of home care each week to older people, people with disabilities, those with terminal illnesses and children with special needs, and the awards seek to recognise the phenomenal work and commitment of these people. The Carers Association's Communications Manager Catherine Cox said: 'While caring for family members and loved ones can be very rewarding, the cost that care in physical, emotional and psychological terms can be immense. At a time when Ireland's family carers are under increasing pressure with state cutbacks, the Carers of the Year Awards is an opportunity to highlight and recognise the invaluable work they provide, saving the state billions. We urge people across Galway to nominate their carers of the year.' Research by the College of Psychiatry has found that 50 per cent of family carers are mentally and physically drained by their caring role, and 23 per cent of carers have stated that an overburden of caring work has led to their own physical disabilities. The recipients of the awards will be announced at a ceremony in Dublin this May. To nominate your chosen family carer for the Carers of the Year Awards, see www.carersireland.com or contact the National Careline on 1800 24 07 24. The Carers Association was founded in 1987 to lobby and advocate on behalf of family carers' need for recognition, their rights and entitlements.