Who is a Carer?
In the UK there are six million people who care unpaid for an ill, frail or disabled family member or friend. These people are called carers. They help with personal things like getting someone dressed, turning them in their sleep, helping them to the loo, helping them move about or administering their medication. Carers also help with things like shopping, laundry, cleaning, cooking, filling in forms or managing money.
People need help for lots of different reasons. Maybe they were born with a disability or had an accident that left them disabled. Or they have an illness or disease. Their problems may be physical or mental. They might need help because they are getting older and frail. But what doesn't vary is that they need help, and if you look after someone - for whatever reason - caring is part of life.
Anyone can be a carer. Carers come from all walks of life, all cultures and can be of any age.
If you are a carer Shetland Carers' Groups can help you by providing :-
The aim of the groups is to help ensure that no carer has to reach crisis point before they get the support they need. In short, to make it easier for carers to cope.
For more information on the following groups, please see Group Meetings
Central Carers' Group
Contact: Jo Jack, 01595 743923,jo.jack@shetland.org
Westside Carers' Group
Contact: Fiona Sinclair, Eileen Macleod or Maggie Drosso 01595 809352, fiona.sinclair1@nhs.net
Shetland Young Carers' Group
Now on 
Contact: Jo Jack on 01595 743923, jo.jack@shetland.org
Mental Health Carers' Group
Contact: Anne Burke on 07887606205 vera.anne.burke@hotmail.co.uk
North Carers' Outreach
We are currently looking at starting an outreach group for the North of Shetland.
If you would be interested in joining a group for this area please call Jo Jack on 01595 743923.
Alzheimer Scotland – Women’s Group and Daughters’ Group
Contact: Ann Williamson on 01595 745 257 or 07775 914 753 awilliamson@alzscot.org
