IT is estimated that there could now be as many as 1.1 million people in Scotland caring unpaid for a loved one who is older, disabled, or seriously ill during the Coronavirus pandemic.

And there will be many in the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area.

We know that it has been an especially difficult time for family carers, with the majority having to provide more care during the pandemic -on average 10 additional hours a week.

With many face-to-face day services still closed or limited because of Covid, some families are caring round the clock without a break.

It’s thanks to carers telling Carers Scotland about their personal experiences that we are able to explain to politicians and policy makers the challenges they are facing six months on from the Coronavirus outbreak, as we head into winter.

By filling in our survey ‘Caring Behind Closed Doors: 6 months on’ (on the Carers UK website) unpaid carers in Scotland can help inform the UK’s most comprehensive study into experiences of looking after a loved one during the Coronavirus crisis.

With a Scottish Government plan for social care reform currently in the making, it has never been more important for unpaid carers to share their experiences.

Fill in the survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/CJ89NCH

SIMON HODGSON,

Director, Carers Scotland.