Local charity staff manned a stand at the Stand Shopping centre last Friday, December 3rd, to mark this year’s Carers’ Rights Day, a National challenge to raise awareness of carers, promote their rights and show support. Local charity, Crossroads Caring for Carers Isle of Man, marked the day by launching its White Rose for a Carer appeal and staff were on hand throughout the day to talk to shoppers about carers. A carer is someone who looks after a relative, friend or neighbour who is elderly or who has a disability, illness, mental health or substance misuse problem. Some care for more than one person and some are themselves disabled, elderly or are young children. Crossroads’ youngest carer is 8 months old, our oldest 96 years! Current estimates show there are over 10,000 carers on the Island, many of whom are unidentified. This figure is due to increase substantially over the next few decades to an estimated 15,600-16,000 carers as our elderly population grows. Carers give up many things to be able to care, many struggle to find work that fits in with their caring commitments, although many local employers are sympathetic to carers and are beginning to understand their needs. Many carers loose out on valuable pension contributions, struggle to save for their future and live with financial hardship. Crossroads’ message on the day was to promote and celebrate the work of our Island’s carers. Chief Executive Jackie Betteridge said “ I often wonder what would happen if everyone decided not to care, caring is a burden but we should celebrate what carers do, without their help the strain on community and statutory services would be enormous”. Anyone can become a carer at any time, all it takes is a diagnosis, accident or simply through ageing. Crossroads Isle of Man has produced a special ribbon printed with white roses to mark their support of carers, the ribbons are available in their shops on Victoria Street, or Prospect Terrace, Douglas. For any further information please contact Crossroads on 673103. Ends