UNPAID carers in Bradford, aged from teens to 60s, have been speaking out about difficulties they face.

A group of nine carers attended an event in the city bringing together 50 professionals from health, social care and charities - including Bradford Council, Alzheimer’s Society, Age UK and care firms - to highlight the role of unpaid carers and how their lives could be improved.

Carers spoke about their struggle to get suitable paid-for care, misconceptions about unpaid carers, and those they care for, and difficulties looking after carers’ own wellbeing. The session took place at Margaret McMillan Tower to mark Carers’ Rights Day.

Satveer Sahota, of Thornbury, said: “Buying in care might sound simple but it’s a headache. It can be more harm than good sometimes. I care for my mum 24 hours of the day and people assume I am strong and can cope. I am mentally tired. I hope today is the start of change and I’m pleased the professionals listened and reacted positively.”

The event was led by Shipley-based charity Carers’ Resource, which supports thousands of unpaid carers across the district. The charity worked with carers on planning the event. Members of its quarterly carer forum came up with the idea of talking to professionals, and a group of carers organised the day, along with Carers’ Resource staff and representatives from Barnardos, Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, children’s disability charity SNOOP, and Airedale NHS Foundation Trust.

Carol Beardmore, chief executive of SNOOP, cares for her 33-year-old daughter, who has Down’s Syndrome, cerebral palsy, a heart condition and early onset dementia. She encouraged professionals to develop good working relationships with carers. She said: “The way in which you, as professionals, work with carers can, with the right approach, make a huge difference to the lives of carers, the people they care for and their families.

“Please listen to us, value us, talk to us, build a relationship with us. We are not just ‘cases’. Your time allocation in my life may have to come to an end due to your role, but you can say goodbye and close a door. I can’t. So please open your door when my next crisis happens.”

Jan Burrows, manager of Carers’ Resource, said: “Carers worked hard to make sure their voices were heard. Some of the subjects they spoke about are really emotive and tough to talk about. The experiences and advice they shared will hopefully help other carers.

“The carers we work with said they wanted to give professionals a better understanding of their circumstances and explain how everyone can work together.”

Sallie Turner, carers lead in the patient experience team at Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, said the vent “showed how vital it is that professionals listen to and work with carers to make their lives a little easier. We will continue to work in partnership with Carers’ Resource to ensure the continued support of carers in our local communities.”