Special tea treat for Highland carers
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An organisation supporting people who are lonely and isolated has given a special lockdown treat to carers across Inverness and the wider Highland area.
In normal times Befriending Highland usually brings people together for regular afternoon teas and other activities.
While that is not currently possible, and to mark national Carers Week, the group recently arranged for afternoon teas to be delivered to unsung heroes and heroines carrying out caring roles in Inverness, Nairn, the Black Isle and Ross-shire.
Hampers were delivered to 24 carers as a morale booster while their usual support of day centres and lunch clubs for the individual they are caring for – or even visits from other family members – are not available.
Co-ordinator Carol Summers said: “It is that little glimmer of light which often keeps people going.
“But that is not happening just now.
“Without a shadow of doubt, this crisis makes them feel very isolated.
“They are trying to maintain their caring role 24 hours a day, day in, day out, without extra support.”
She added: “Carers Week is normally a bit of a celebration, and it should be.
“It is a celebration of the amazing things carers do, day in and day out.
“Normally we would bring everyone together for tea.
“Obviously, that is not possible this year.”
The afternoon teas were delivered by award-winning chef Graham Rooney, who has had to close his doors at the Platform 1864 restaurant in Tain due to the lockdown but has developed a takeaway and delivery service.
Mr Rooney has insight into the difficulties faced by carers as his mother looked after his father, who has dementia, until he went into a care home recently.
“I have seen how hard it is and what stresses there are,” he said.
He put together the hampers including sandwiches, homemade sausage rolls, cakes, tray bakes, scones and homemade jam.
