Staff from carers organisations in Glasgow and Catalonia recently shared their experiences and highlighted the importance of support for unpaid carers.

Xabier Ballesteros Olazabal, Director of the Social Services Centre, Barcelona Council has been living in Glasgow, researching for his doctorate.  Xabier was a community development worker in Catalonia and founding member of the community mutual support group, ‘La Colla Cuidadora’ [The Carer Gang]. 

On 25 October, Xabier visited The Dixon Community, South East Carers Centre and met former manager and carer Sheila Halley MBE and her daughter Julie Young. Julie is continuing in her mother’s footsteps as manager of the Carers Centre - a key partner in Glasgow City Carers Partnership. 

Sheila shared her experience of how support for Glasgow’s caring community has developed dedicated supports for carers over the last 50 years and evolved to become the Glasgow City Carers Partnership. Sheila was instrumental in the discussions about the creation of a new charity, The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, now Carers Trust in 1991, with The Dixon Community Managing the first Carers Centre in Glasgow in 1993.
 
From her own experiences and her collaborative work with family carers, GPs, Social Work and the local community, Sheila highlighted the importance of supporting carers and acknowledging the contribution that they make in the community. 

Sheila said: “The Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) model of carers being involved, supported, listened to and recognised at the heart of services, combined with a partnership approach, contributes to the successful Glasgow City Carers Partnership.”
 
Following the meeting, Xabier said: “It’s also been a great opportunity to share the experiences of the Dixon Community and La Colla Cuidadora, and hear Glasgow’s experiences of enabling Glasgow’s caring community to have the recognition and support that they deserve. Today is only the beginning of a journey of learning and sharing. Together we can ensure services remember those who care for us.” 

Fred Beckett, Principal Officer and our HSCP’s Carer Lead said: “It was great to hear about the work of carers services in Europe. This year's Carers Rights Day is 25 November and will focus on raising awareness of the rights that unpaid carers have. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a massive impact on the lives of carers, affecting access to services, the ability to juggle work and care and much more. That's why it’s more important than ever that carers are aware of what they have the right to.”

To find out more about the rights of unpaid carers visit Your Support Your Way Glasgow or phone the Glasgow Carers’ Information and Support Line 0141 353 6504.