This carers' week, give your time

They're highlighting that as little as five minutes of your time can make a big difference to a carer.

Forbes' Alf Davies says the campaign is a great idea and encourages people to reach out to carers in our community.

Alf and Marg were just 24 and 20 when they married, more than 40 years ago. They had been married just four years when Marg was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.

As her condition has changed, Alf became her carer. Much of what he does goes unseen.

While the couple feel they're in a fortunate position, they are surrounded by friends in the Forbes community , Alf believes "time counts" is an important message.

"I'm sure if people got involved ... and gave people a bit of support, it would be gratefully received," he said.

Carers might not ask for it, Alf reckons they are more inclined to battle on on their own.

Here are some suggestions of how you can help:

Five minutes: send someone an email or message to let them know you are thinking about them and are willing to talk and help if needed.

Fifteen minutes: make a phone call to check in and make sure someone's okay or to see if they need help scheduling an appointment.

30 minutes: give the carer time to respond to texts or missed phone calls.

60 minutes: drop in for a cup of coffee/tea or to make a meal for the carer.

120 minutes: do a grocery shop, take a walk, or go to gym to help the carer with his/her mental and physical health.

A half day connection to allow the carer time to run some errands or tidy up around the house.

A one-day connection to catch up on well-needed sleep, some respite, or a reset.

How to get involved: connect with a carer in your life and ask how your time can best help and support them in their daily activities.

You can join Time Counts by visiting www.embracingcarers.com to record your time spent with a carer.

Embracing Carers is a global initiative in collaboration with leading carer organisations around the world, supported by Merck.