Cefin Campbell MS Mid & West Wales

Cefin Campbell, Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd for Mid & West Wales recently met with Credu in order to learn more about the organisation’s work in support unpaid carers, and the many challenges facing the care sector in Powys.  

Credu, a network partner of Carers Trust Wales, supports unpaid family carers of all ages across Powys, working to raise awareness, recognition and support for young and adult carers within communities and public services such as schools, health, social services and housing as well as other charities and among employers.  

As well as learning more about Credu’s work, Mr Campbell also met with two carers, who highlighted many of the challenges facing unpaid carers, particularly as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.   

Over the past year, research carried out by Carers Wales found the vast majority of Wales’ 683,000 unpaid carers who look after an elderly, ill or disabled loved one are missing out on having their support needs assessed and on receiving vital information and advice, despite legal rights to this support. Further research from Carers Wales found that unpaid carers have saved the Welsh NHS £33 million every day of the pandemic – with polling shows 91 per cent of the Welsh public believe they have been important during the crisis.  

Cefin Campbell MS said:  

“I welcome the opportunity to meet Marie from Credu to learn more about the organisation’s invaluable work in supporting carers across Powys, as well as learning more from Kim and Becky about their experiences as unpaid carers, and the many challenges they face on a regular basis.  

“The pandemic has highlighted the crucial work that unpaid carers do in supporting individuals and their important role in easing pressure on the NHS and other services. However, despite their dedication and commitment, carers very rarely get the recognition they deserve. Urgent action is needed from both the UK and Welsh Government to prevent struggling carers from reaching breaking point – and I will be doing all I can in the Senedd to highlight their work and campaign to ensure they get adequate support.”   

Marie Davies from Credu, added: 

‘We all appreciated the opportunity to meet with Mr Campbell to highlight the important role of Carers and Young Carers, what they are finding helpful and supportive and the ways that would make life and caring easier in the future.’