Call for election candidates to make 'concrete commitment to carers'

Crossroads IOM highlights economic and societal value of the Island's carers

Ahead of the general election on 24 September a Manx charity is asking candidates - what will you do for the Island's carers?

Crossroads IOM says: "We spend a lot of time talking about the cost of care. We spend far less time talking about its value. 

"Yet without unpaid carers, our health and social care system would look fundamentally different."

Chief Executive Officer Jackie Betteridge has contributed to an article titled 'The Hidden Economy of Caring'. 

In the article, she writes: "One thing I've learnt over the years is that caring doesn't discriminate. It touches every generation, every community and every walk of life. Most of us will become a carer ourselves, or rely on one, at some point in our lives.

"The irony is that the better someone cares, the less visible their contribution often becomes. Families keep going, loved ones remain at home and crises are avoided, but because everything appears to be coping, the extraordinary effort behind it can easily go unnoticed.

"That's why our State of Caring report is so important. It gives carers a voice and helps us better understand both the rewards and the realities of caring on the Isle of Man. As we approach this year's General Election, I'd encourage carers and their families to ask candidates where they stand on the issues that matter to them. Caring affects thousands of people across our Island, and it deserves to remain part of the conversation about our future."

Crossroads has more than 500 carers on its books, though a significant number of people on the Island are believed to be in caring roles. 

Previous estimates indicate that unpaid carers save the Isle of Man between £40 million and £90 million every year by providing care that would otherwise need to be delivered through statutory services, according to the charity.

Jackie told Manx Radio why they've put together this article - and why now:

You can listen to the full interview with Jackie Betteridge via the Manx Radio Newscast below: