Meet the Kent carers campaigning for better support as part of National Carers Week

Sharon Mears has give 24 hour support to her partner Shane, who suffers with Chronic Kidney Disease.  Kristin Hawthorne reports.

Transcript

00:00It's really, really hard. Really, really hard.

00:04For many, it's a 24-7 job, often powered by love and not a paycheck.

00:09I've been speaking to those on the front line of caring about the challenges they face,

00:14the realities of the role and what needs to change.

00:17Sharon cares for her partner Shane, who has CKDS, which is the most advanced stage of chronic kidney disease.

00:24She also works at a care home for dementia patients.

00:26I'm not just saying it's a job, it's a hard job being a carer.

00:30Working in the industry or looking after someone, it is a hard job to fulfil whatever needs they need.

00:38And, yeah, emotionally and mentally, it does affect you and I can't say that it doesn't.

00:43We're trying to balance ourselves in looking after this person, trying to work.

00:51Our work doesn't stop from just looking after that person.

00:55We've still got to cook, clean and also work.

01:00Personal lived experience of being a carer in the late 80s when my father had pancreatic cancer.

01:07Over the years, I've been diagnosed with a major kidney and bladder disorder.

01:11My condition's worsening.

01:12My wife is now juggling work and care.

01:15And I just think it's time for equality for all carers because they are doing the best they can.

01:21And I've used that experience to try and change the world.

01:27Chris and Sharon have told me that throughout the years, the support for carers has simply been getting worse.

01:32That's why Chris has started a campaign called Someone's Listening,

01:35which aims to identify hidden carers within the workforce across the county

01:39and make them aware of support that's available when they need it.

01:42Over the last 12 years, Chris has been campaigning for paid carers' leave as chair of Mending the Gap.

01:48They're the only sector of society that's not helped by support paid leave from government when they need time off.

01:56You've got maternity leave, paternity leave, pre-adoption leave, post-adoption leave,

02:01but all carers' leave is unpaid.

02:03Just think if people in your workforce that are struggling, saving annual leave,

02:10they could possibly be being carers, juggling work and care.

02:14Just think if you can help them, please do.

02:18If you can't, just try and show that you understand what they're going through,

02:24that they're struggling.

02:25They're doing their best to remain in employment.

02:27They're doing their best to care for the person they care for.

02:30And they're doing their best to juggle their daily routine.

02:33It's clear that for many, financial pressures are a major part of what makes caregiving so challenging.

02:39But as awareness grows, it's equally clear that there are people listening.

02:43And change is possible.

02:45Kristen Hawthorne for KMTV in Tunbridge Wells.

02:48Kristen Hawthorne for KMTV in Tunbridge Wells.