Crooked Spire vicar’s column: We must support the unsung hero carers in our community

In my last reflection I mentioned the Elm Foundation – just one of the many organisations we are proud to have links with at the Crooked Spire.
By Reverend Patrick Coleman, vicar of Chesterfield's Crooked Spire church
Published 28th Apr 2020, 20:03 BST
Updated 28th Apr 2020, 20:05 BST
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Another one, which arranges a spectacular Christmas celebration with us every year, is Derbyshire Carers.

People have got used to being asked to go out and clap for carers; Derbyshire Carers exists to support the unsung and often invisible carers in the community.

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These are the people who give 24/7 care at home to sick spouses; they are the children who take care of the needs of their ailing parents first thing in the morning before going out for a full day in school; they are all around us, and everyday society depends on them.

Reverend Patrick Coleman, vicar of Chesterfield's Crooked Spire church.Reverend Patrick Coleman, vicar of Chesterfield's Crooked Spire church.
Reverend Patrick Coleman, vicar of Chesterfield's Crooked Spire church.

They don’t often get paid, and they don’t often get recognised.

The job of Derbyshire Carers is to offer support, social contact with others who understand what daily life is like for them, more focused support where necessary and, if available, respite support where needed and possible, and so on.

On a Thursday in December we host what I like to call a ‘bridge service’ where there is a lot of fun, a bit of reflection, a bit of prayer, plenty of thanks – and Christmas music of every variety for carers to listen to and join in.

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We are supported in this by talented school musicians, and by the wonderful staff from Derbyshire Carers, who make it possible for the carers to get away for a few hours, help to get them there, and make sure they don’t go away without a cuppa and a mince pie.

I mention this just in case all the rightful focus on the obvious care so many in our community completely rely on in the present situation might cause us to forget all the unpublicised care – no less committed and no less sacrificial – which is, and has been, going on all the time – and it will have to carry on, whatever the future is going to look like.

If you are one of those carers – thank you; if you know one of those carers, please thank them on behalf of us all; and if you have recently discovered or rediscovered that you want to volunteer to support others, then Derbyshire Carers will be waiting to hear from you.

Keep safe and keep well – and to all those lovely Derbyshire Carers: we’re looking forward to seeing you again this December!

Related topics:People