Muhammad Jamshaid recognised as Longford Family Carer of the Year

This year’s Netwatch Longford Family Carer of the Year is Muhammad Jamshaid from Longford Town.

Muhammad was presented with his award by Family Carers Ireland, the national charity supporting Ireland’s family carers, at a ceremony in Longford Community Resources Clg last Thursday afternoon.

Muhammad, who was nominated by a friend, provides the utmost care for his partner Erika, who faces multiple challenges including Huntington's Disease, dystonia and language barriers.

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While providing support with Erika’s complex medical needs and managing multiple appointments, he remains devoted to her, showing extraordinary love, resilience and commitment.

In addition to caring for Erika, Muhammad also looks after their four-year-old daughter, balancing the roles of both a father and a full-time carer.

His devotion to Erika’s well-being extends to her ‘whole person’, as he looks after not just her physical health, but is also aware of the importance of her emotional wellbeing and maintaining her cultural identity.

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His selflessness is further evident in his efforts to maintain Erika's connection to her Roma culture. He not only organises but actively supports Erika in attending community development events and capacity-building programmes, even when it requires a great deal of organising and effort.

Now in their 17th year, the Carer of the Year awards seek to honour all family carers while shining a light on the urgent need for greater recognition and support of those who go above and beyond in caring for their loved ones, often without the necessary support from the State including appropriate financial compensation, respite and vital therapies for their loved ones.

Amy Kelly, local Community Support Manager with Family Carers Ireland, highlighted the significance of the recognition, “Each year, the Netwatch Family Carer of the Year awards remind us of the vital role that family carers play in our society and shine a light on the incredible work that they do, which is too often unseen and unrecognised. As a society, we must do much more to ensure that family carers are properly recognised, valued and supported to care safely for their loved ones at home.”

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