NEW figures about the number of unpaid carers in South Cumbria have been revealed. 

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 6,331 people (9.8%) in Barrow were looking after someone without being paid in March 2021 - a slight fall from the previous census in 2011, when 12.5% of people in the area were providing unpaid care.

In Barrow, 3,419 people were providing over 20 hours of unpaid care a week in 2021, including 2,029 people doing so for over 50 hours a week.

In South Lakeland 8,990 people (8.2%) were identified as unpaid workers - also a slight fall from 2011, when 11.3% of people were providing unpaid care.

3,868 people were providing more than 20 hours of unpaid care a week in South Lakeland in 2021, including 2,430 people doing so for more than 50 hours a week.

Chief Executive Officer of Carer Support South Lakes Debi Marsden said one in six unpaid carers are now in debt "as they try to manage their monthly costs."

The Westmorland Gazette: Sharron, volunteer at Carer Support South Lakes giving a talk at St Thomas Church Crosscrake to raise awareness of unpaid Carers in the South Lakes.Sharron, volunteer at Carer Support South Lakes giving a talk at St Thomas Church Crosscrake to raise awareness of unpaid Carers in the South Lakes. (Image: Carer Support South Lakes)

She said: "Cutting back on food and heating is putting the health of unpaid carers and the older and disabled people they support at risk.

"Those who have been caring for more than five years are struggling most, with one in five (19%) in debt compared to 9% of people caring for less than five years.

"When caring for someone who is frail, turning down the heating is not an option and when caring for someone who has incontinence issues, not using the washing machine, dryer or launderette isn’t an option."

The CEO said that those receiving carer's allowance are the "worst affected".

"Those people are paid just £69.70 a week for providing 35 hours or more of unpaid care each week. Two in five (40%) of carers receiving the allowance are in debt as they try to manage their costs," she said.

"More than a third (35%) are cutting back on food and heating, with four in ten (39%) saying they are struggling to make ends meet."

Ms Marsden added: "We support over 1,600 unpaid carers and a further 170 Young carers. As well as Carers Assessments, we also have a Sitting Service, Here To Hear Service, Respite, Young Carers Activities.

"If you are an unpaid Carer, support and advice is available by contacting us by emailing or calling the office."