PKAVS has just celebrated Carers’ Week (June 6-12) and wishes to salute a local person who quietly cares for a loved one and has found friends and company from reaching out to the organisation.
The Perthshire organisation has a dedicated base helping unpaid carers in Perth but is currently setting up satellite branches across the region, enabling it to take services into the community.
Jason Jackson from Perth is one of many adult carers to benefit from PKAVS’ services over the years, and his story mirrors the struggles of many people across the country.
Over the past five years, he has been looking after his partner, who suffers from a range of challenging mental health issues.
As her condition deteriorated, Jason had to give up his job as a long-distance lorry driver to become her full-time carer. He is now responsible for managing her food and fluid intake, helping with medication, and providing emotional support.
It is a 24/7 job, leaving little time for Jason to see friends or have a break to look after his own wellbeing.
As a result, the role has left him feeling tired, stressed, and isolated.
Jason has never received any support until he discovered PKAVS. Today he receives regular advice, and information from a dedicated support officer, and engages in a range of activities and groups to help with his own wellbeing.
He now knows he is not alone and can get regular support from PKAVS and his peers when he needs it.
Jason said: “The advantage of being with PKAVS is that it has opened the door to a range of support facilities and services when I need them. For this reason, I feel and know that I’m not fighting this battle on my own.
“Since the first meeting with my PKAVS support worker, I’ve been able to meet and talk with other carers and arrange to go to a trip, which has been so beneficial to my wellbeing and mental health.
“I have another trip planned to Glasgow, which I’m sure will be a great day out.”
Raymond Jamieson, PKAVS Carers Hub manager said: “Mr Jackson’s story is typical of so many carers that we see and help daily.
“Without support, it is incredibly hard for many carers to cope on their own – we find that men find it particularly difficult to reach out, so we are working hard to raise awareness of our services within the male community.
“Now the worst of the COVID pandemic is behind us, we are focusing on a range of new projects, such as setting up satellite branches across the region, enabling us to take our services into the community.
“We will continue to build our carer support capacity as demand continues to rise.”
Jenny Bruce, carers development and training co-ordinator at PKAVS, explained many people do not automatically recognise they are a carer worthy of support: “A carer is anyone who looks after a family member or friend who has a disability, mental or physical illness, addiction, or who needs extra help as they grow older.
“The care they provide can be emotional or practical.
“Many people still don’t recognise that they have caring responsibilities and aren’t accessing the support they may need and are entitled to receive.
“During Carers’ Week, we’ve been promoting opportunities to carers that are already consistently available in their communities, for example, access to social therapies where carers can access a free holistic treatment and chat to other carers and staff over a cuppa.
“These supports are there to enable carers to take a break, access peer support and speak to professionals about the support available to them.
“If you think you might be a carer, please contact PKAVS Carers Hub and someone will be there to help.”
PKAVS Carers Hub based in North Muirton, Perth offers advice and information, access to respite including social activities and breaks away, funding and learning opportunities. Call 01738 567076 (option 2) or email carershubadmin@pkavs.org.uk
