Member's statement: Carers
Member's statement by Lord Elliott on .
- MLA
- Lord Elliott
- Party at the time
- Ulster Unionist Party
- Date
- 24 June 2024
- Type
- Member's statement
- Business
- Members' Statements
- Heading
- Carers
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 4497443
Read the official Assembly record
Text
I rise to pay tribute to the many carers in our community. Whether they are domiciliary carers, family carers or volunteers, they add so much to our society that they are almost unpayable. Many domiciliary carers are on a very low wage — probably the minimum wage — but they go above and beyond what is required of them. Many do things for the people whom they care for that you would not expect, but they go out of their way in all weathers. I recall, last winter, coming across a carer who had been travelling between calls in the snow and ice and got her car stuck. Those people demand our attention and support. I think also of the young carers who may be caring for a disabled or ill relative. Quite often, they are caring for a parent, who may not be overly old. Those young people, who are still at school, help to care for people who are unable to care for themselves. Many carers are under so much pressure. I ask the question: who cares for the carers? That is vital. Those people need to be looked after and they need support. Sometimes, I think that many people in society ignore the problem. However, it is an issue. Many people are living longer now, which is a really good thing in society, but carers need our help and support. I ask and appeal to people: if you know of a neighbour or someone who may be unable to help themselves, please, call in and say hello. That is sometimes the major difference between being a good neighbour and someone who just passes by on the other side. I commend all those who go out of their way to help others in the community. Sometimes, we look at the negatives in society, but that is certainly one of the positives.
313 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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