Carers were the unsung heroes of the pandemic.
They stayed at home with loved ones at a time when many social services were suspended due to lockdown.
In some cases, it meant no respite from providing round-the-clock attention to friends or relatives with complex needs.
These are the carers who are not employed by the NHS or local authorities but are helping out because it’s what their loved ones require.
Our health system is already under intense strain but the situation would be so much worse if the country could not rely on this army of volunteers.
So it’s disheartening to learn that so many carers feel their efforts are not being rewarded.
A survey carried out by Public Health Scotland has found that barely a third believe their efforts are being recognised enough for them to continue.
The number saying they did receive enough support has dropped by almost 10 per cent since 2014.
The latest results were not publicised and have only been published today for the first time.
It paints a concerning picture of most carers questioning why they are working so hard without proper support from the authorities.
Scotland has an ageing population and more and more people will find themselves caring for loved ones.
Society is going to require more carers, not less, in the future.
So it’s vital the Scottish Government and local authorities offer them the right level of support.
We can’t just leave them to carry on by themselves.
Help save lives
A nationwide project to train workers across Scotland to spot signs of domestic abuse could save lives.
Marie Garrity, a city councillor and nurse, has spoken in support of the project after a colleague helped her escape years of domestic violence.
When her colleague noticed her bruising, she was calm, gentle and non-judgmental. That conversation opened the door to a new, empowered and happy life for Marie.
As we return to our offices, many of us will spend more time with our colleagues than we do with our friends and family.
For victims of domestic abuse, work is often the only respite they get from the prison of violence they are trapped in at home.
If colleagues are trained to spot signs of their plight, perhaps they could become the gateway to freedom for victims.
We may do very different forms of work but it is the job of all of us to help women escape the scourge of domestic abuse.
