Bristol 'hidden carers' pharmacy campaign launches

Jonathan Campbell said pharmacies would take a "proactive approach" to spot "hidden carers"

Bristol pharmacies are taking part in a campaign to ensure "hidden carers" get the support they are entitled to.

Under the new Care Act, introduced in April, those providing care for loved ones have the same right to assessment and support as those they look after.

Pharmacist Jonathan Campbell, from Fishponds, said pharmacies play a "key role" in identifying carers.

The council said Bristol had 40,000 carers, with 36% giving 20 or more hours of unpaid care each week.

Changes to the Act apply only to the care system for older people and younger adults with disabilities.

'Desperate situation'

Mr Campbell said some people "didn't think of themselves as carers".

There were "key signs", he said, which indicate someone might be a "hidden" carer - such as collecting medication for others or asking about someone else's symptoms.

"Caring for someone is a very involved activity so when you know what to look for, it's easy to spot the signs."

He said pharmacies would take a "proactive approach" and could refer people directly to charity Carers Support Centre.

The centre's services include helping people to access financial support and those in work to request flexible working.

Carer Diane Jenkins has looked after her husband since he suffered a physical and mental breakdown.

She said she had been in a "desperate situation" and the support centre had been "the turning point" for her.

She said: "Enabling more carers that are not currently in contact with support services to be connected will help people get the vital support they need in their caring roles."

The campaign, involving 93 pharmacies, is run by Carers Support Centre, Bristol Public Health and the Avon Local Pharmaceutical Committee.

Each pharmacy will be supplied with materials to help them refer people to the Care Support Centre.