Ahead of a national Carers’ Week, reporter Kate Liptrot speaks to Jackie Chapman, who has been a carer for most of her life.

AT the age of only nine, Jackie Chapman began her life-long role as a carer for her family.

When her mother fell seriously ill after giving birth, Jackie was left to bring up the baby, a boy, as well as her brother and sister so her father could continue to work.

She went on to care for her seriously-ill mother-in-law, her parents and then later, to nurse her husband for 12 years.

Now 72, and the chair of the York MS Society and a member of York Carers’ Forum, Jackie said that while she has had a string of paid jobs, caring for others and the network of support she has built in the city have become integral to her life. But it was only when her husband, Ivor, died three years ago from emphysema that she realised just how important the network of friends was.

Jackie, who lives in New Earswick, said: “When Ivor died I could not have done without them. Everyone really rallied around and were there for me. It was great. A lot of them have been through what I have. They knew what it felt like to really be on your own.

“I often think there’s not enough support for people in those situations.

“I was going to move down south to be with my family but then I realised how many friends I would be leaving behind and I decided not to.”

Jackie is urging people who may feel they are in a similar position to join the York Carers’ Forum and to visit events being held next week as part of Carers’ Week.

She said: “The people who give their lives, unpaid, to look after their loved ones, are the unsung heroes.

“It’s hard work being a carer. Your social life goes out the window. Money can be tight. You don’t go out very much.

“But you have to look on the other side of it – life is not all doom and gloom.

“What’s amazing about York Carers’ Forum is that we have all got the same problems. I would encourage people to come along next week so they can meet people. By talking to someone you realise you are not alone – there are people going through it who can help you. The network is out there if people want it.”

Timetable for Carers’ Week

• Monday: Join York Carers’ Forum and friends at the MonkBar Hotel in York from 10am to 4pm.

• Tuesday: Visit York Carers’ Centre information stall in the main entrance of York Hospital from 10am to 4pm. York Minster Carers’ Thanksgiving Service starting at 1.30pm. Free tickets from York Carers Forum.

• Wednesday: York Carers’ Centre information stall in the main entrance of York Hospital 10am to 4pm. Pampering evening for carers at Browns department atore from 6pm to 8pm. Phone York Carers’ Centre to book a free place.

• Thursday: Information café for carers in Guildhall from 10am to 4pm hosted by York Carers’ Forum. Refreshments available.

• Friday: MS café in Oaken Grove Community Centre in Haxby from 10am to 5.30pm. All welcome.

• Phone York Carers’ Centre on 01904 715490, enquiries@yorkcarerscentre.co.uk, or visit yorkcarerscentre.co.uk for further information.

Fact File

• There are almost six million carers in the UK.

• One in eight adults in the UK is a carer.

• Three million people juggle work with caring responsibilities for a disabled, ill or frail relative or friend.

• The main carers’ benefit – Carers’ Allowance - is £55.55 for a minimum of 35 hours, equivalent to £1.59 per hour.

• Every year two million people take on new caring responsibilities.

• 1.25 million people care for more than 50 hours a week.

• 58 per cent of carers are women.

• 1.5 million carers are over the age of 60.

• Carers’ unpaid contribution is £119 billion each year, yet the decision to care can mean a commitment to future poverty. Many give up an income, future employment prospects and pension rights to become a carer.

Dame Judi offers her support

YORK actress Dame Judi Dench is one of several celebrities supporting Carers’ Week 2011.

The Oscar-winning British icon, a former pupil of The Mount School, is famous for playing M in the James Bond films among many other unforgettable roles on stage and screen. She is also set to make an appearance in the latest Pirates Of The Caribbean film, due to be released later this year.

Dame Judi cared for her husband, Michael, who had lung cancer. He died in January 2001.

She said: “As someone with experience of caring for a loved one, I am happy to offer my support to Carers’ Week. Three in five people will be an unpaid carer at some point in their lives and many of them sacrifice everything to save our economy £87 billion every year. It’s time to give them something back.”