Shining a Spotlight on Ireland’s Family Carers

Pictured at the launch of the Netwatch Family Carer of the Year Awards 2023 are last year's Netwatch Family Carer of the Year Colette O'Shea from Lisnagry, Co. Limerick, with her daughter nine-year-old Caoimhe, joined by charity ambassador and awards host Miriam O'Callaghan and Netwatch Brand Ambassador and Irish rugby legend Mick Galwey. PHOTO: Mark Stedman

Nominations open for Netwatch Family Carer of the Year Awards 2023

6 September 2023: Family Carers Ireland is excited to announce the launch of its highly anticipated Netwatch Family Carer of the Year Awards 2023 which seek to recognise the exceptional dedication and selflessness of family carers and young carers right across the country. The annual awards ceremony will take place at the Westin Hotel in Dublin on Thursday, 30th November 2023.

Family carers are the backbone of our society, going above and beyond each day in providing care at home for loved ones with additional needs. Now in their 16^th year, the Netwatch Family Carer of the Year Awards shine a bright light on these individuals and the invaluable role they play. Ireland’s family carers truly deserve to be recognised and supported by society.

"We are delighted to open nominations for the Netwatch Family Carer of the Year Awards 2023. This event is a cornerstone of our mission to honour and recognise the remarkable contribution of every single family carer nationwide," said Catherine Cox, Head of Communications and Policy at Family Carers Ireland. "It is an opportunity for the public to nominate and celebrate the family carers and young carers in their lives who consistently go the extra mile in caring for their loved ones."

“Appreciating the crucial role of family carers is more than mere gratitude; it's a call for action. We must recognise the physical and emotional demands they face. Often, due to a lack of essential supports and services from the State, they have little option but to prioritise caregiving over their own well-being, sacrificing personal time, career prospects and social connections. This can result in stress, health-related challenges and ultimately, carer burnout. Providing support and resources to family carers is imperative and we must ensure they have access to vital services such as respite care, appropriate financial support and assistance in navigating the challenges of our healthcare system.”

Charity Ambassador and Awards host Miriam O’ Callaghan said: "I am deeply inspired by the immense dedication of family carers across the country who provide unwavering support and care for their loved ones behind closed doors. It is time to bring their incredible contributions into the spotlight, acknowledging their resilience, compassion and extraordinary commitment."

Netwatch Brand Ambassador and Irish rugby legend Mick Galwey said: “These awards serve as a platform to showcase the trojan work of Ireland’s family carers. Their resilience, compassion and dedication must not go un-noticed This event is a vital annual fixture in the Netwatch calendar and resonates with our own commitment to fostering a caring and compassionate society, where every individual's contributions are valued and appreciated.”

Nominate someone you know today at www.familycarers.ie or call the National Freephone Careline on 1800 24 07 24 to request a nomination form by post. Nominations should be submitted no later than Friday, 13th October 2023.