New book explores issues facing carers

THE issues facing carers are explored in a new book by a Warrington-based academic.
Dr Valerie Gant is an experienced social work practitioner and senior lecturer in social work at the Warrington campus of the University of Chester.
The book, “Working with Family Carers” looks at the extent of caregiving in the UK and its impact on individuals, health professionals, groups and communities.
Dr Gant’s personal experience of having a child with severe learning disabilities has both inspired and informed her in-depth professional knowledge of caring.
Te book book explores real-world issues facing carers and brings to focus the “hidden world that many people do not get to see”.
Dr Gant, said: “Caring responsibilities are likely to affect everyone at some point in their lives.
“I’m really interested in the issues that carers face. These can be feelings of isolation and loneliness and that no-one understands what they are going through.
“I wanted the contents of the book to acknowledge that although being a carer can be incredibly rewarding, it can also be a tough and sometimes hidden world that many people do not get to see.
“It can mean so much to a carer when someone just asks them how they are.
“I wanted to make the book accessible for all levels and it contains exercises and case studies to help students with their practice.
“Working With Family Carers” (https://www.criticalpublishing.com/working-with-family-carers) will be launched during National Carers Week, June 11-17. The annual campaign aims to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK.