Submitted by Alex Wilson of Crossroads Caring for Carers:
THE Isle of Man Census will be held on March 27 with complete results published early in 2012.
The Census provides key information used for planning purposes, to assess statutory services and for local authorities to optimise the services they provide.
This is a fantastic opportunity for family and informal carers in the Island to be recognised as this years census form asks if the householder, or members of the household who are 16 or over, looks after or gives any significant help to family, friends or neighbours with long-term physical or mental health problems, disability or who are suffering from old age.
Jackie Betteridge, chief executive officer of Crossroads Caring for Carers Isle of Man, said: "This opportunity for carers to self-identify is a welcome development as before now there has been no official record of the extent of caring happening on the Isle of Man.
"Crossroads estimate that there are 10,000 adult carers and 1,000 young carers on the Island but without real evidence many of their support needs have been overlooked. The census data will inform the carers strategy and evidence a need for services to support carers and cared for."
If you have any questions in relation to the census please contact the Census Office on 686861 or email census@gov.im. If you have any questions in relation to carers please contact Crossroads Caring for Carers Isle of Man on 01624 673103 or email mail@crossroadsiom.org.
