That the Parliament welcomes Carers Week 2021, which is an annual campaign that, this year, takes place from 7 to 13 June on the theme of “Making Caring Visible and Valued”, and coming together to recognise the contribution of the 1.1 million unpaid carers and young carers in Scotland; acknowledges that it is organised by the five charities in Scotland, Carers Scotland, Carers Trust Scotland, MND Scotland, Oxfam Scotland and Age Scotland; understands that there will be hundreds of events held virtually across Scotland, which will reach out to thousands of unpaid carers and young carers; values the significant and vital contribution of unpaid carers and young carers during the COVID-19 pandemic, and considers that the impact of caring on the health and wellbeing of unpaid carers and young carers, including social isolation, should not be underestimated; recognises that many unpaid carers and young carers have struggled to get a break from caring and understands how important short breaks are to maintain positive health and wellbeing; understands that the support that carers provide is worth more than £43 million to the economy every single day; considers that every effort should be made to ensure that unpaid carers and young carers receive the support that they need, including support to take a break and reduce the impact of the pandemic on their lives and recognise their particular needs as lockdown eases, and wishes Carers Week every success.
Supported by:
Karen Adam, Jackie Baillie, Neil Bibby, Sarah Boyack, Donald Cameron, Foysol Choudhury, Bob Doris, Sharon Dowey, Christine Grahame, Bill Kidd, Monica Lennon, Ruth Maguire, Michael Marra, John Mason, Liam McArthur, Paul McLennan, Pauline McNeill, Jenni Minto, Carol Mochan, Paul O'Kane, Alex Rowley, Anas Sarwar, Colin Smyth, Paul Sweeney, Mercedes Villalba