UNPAID carers shared their stories, challenges, and hopes for the future, at events marking Carers Rights Day in Bradford, Harrogate, Craven and Selby.

Carers were asked: “What are the biggest challenges for you as a carer?” and “What would make your life as a carer easier?”

The charity Carers’ Resource held events at its offices in Skipton, Harrogate and Shipley, and at the Selby Carers Coffee Morning, as part of the national Carers Rights Day.

North Yorkshire Council and Bradford Council are currently developing new strategies for unpaid carers, and Carers’ Resource wants to ensure that the voices of people looking after relatives and friends are heard.

Comments received included: “The system is broken,”; “The biggest challenge is knowing where to go and who will help you get the support you need to help you care,” and: “Voluntary carers are treated as ‘nothing’.”

Many spoke about the difficulty of getting respite care, or any time to themselves. One carer said: “As an unpaid carer full time, I go hungry every lunchtime. I care for my mum 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

Jenny Cornish, Head of Communications and Engagement at Carers’ Resource, said:  “Carers’ voices are crucial. We will be passing on all comments, anonymously, to local authorities, and hope that this will have an impact on their strategies for supporting carers in the future.”

To make a comment go to:  www.carersresource.org/carers-rights-day or email engage@carersresource.org To find out more about Carers’ Resource, go to www.carersresource.org, email info@carersresource.org or call 0808 50 15 939.