When we think about caregivers, we often envision family and friends assisting elderly or less mobile loved ones with various health conditions, perhaps taking them to hospital appointments or enjoying an occasional afternoon tea. However, the reality can be somewhat difficult. These most valuable members of our community & society seek no recognition, and the only reward they seek is the knowledge that their loved one is as safe and as well as possible, with every day serving as a testament to love and dedication for all too many in our community, these caregivers are the best of our society and my heroes
I would like to bring to the forefront that society frequently overlooks another crucial aspect of caregiving: caring for those struggling with addiction or mental health issues. This often leads to a significant lack of additional support and options for these caregivers, who find themselves navigating the complex and overwhelming revolving door of a stretched NHS, addiction services (often unconnected to the NHS), and, increasingly, the overloaded & daunting Criminal Justice System. Each day brings with it the uncertainty of what challenges they will face, as well as the associated health issues that burden all caregivers and, in some cases, forced to find a fix for the addiction, out of fear or worry of some sort of withdrawal.