Church Stretton celebrates Carers Week

A series of events in celebration of National Carers Week will be taking place in Church Stretton from 9 to 18 June in recognition of the enormous impact and selfless work of local carers.

The events run by the Community Council of Shropshire and The Mayfair Community Centre are supported by Shropshire County Council, and are part of several activities being held throughout Shropshire to promote National Carers Week and highlight the important work carried out by family carers.

Church Stretton Library will be hosting an information display from 9 to 13 June. The Library houses the Church Stretton Shropshire Customer First Point and Visitor Information Centre; all provide a wide range of facilities and services for carers, including carer information, talks, access to local newspapers and free broadband access to the internet. Library staff will be on hand to provide advice and support.

The Mayfair Community Centre in conjunction with the local Carers Group are holding a Carers Day on Wednesday 18th June from 10.00am to 3.00pm. Programme of events include lunch and refreshments, holistic therapies, beauty treatments, workshops sessions, benefits and legal advice and many more activities all of which are free of charge to carers. Booking is required for this event.

The work of a carer can often go unnoticed and unrecognised by the majority of people, but is crucial and provides people in need with a much needed lifeline to help them continue to stay in their own homes.

Councillor Barbara Craig, Cabinet member for community services said: “In Shropshire we have many people, young and old alike, who give a great deal of time to provide much needed care and support to a family member or close friend. We owe a great debt of gratitude to each and every person who cares for someone and what better way to show that recognition and appreciation than during National Carers Week.”

Julie Tustin Manager at The Mayfair Community Centre said: “The Carers Day is a special event for family carers where they can relax and enjoy themselves whilst also finding out about services and support that may help them.”

Based on the 2001 census it was identified over 30,000 people in Shropshire have a caring responsibility, as there are many people who may not see themselves as carers, the figure is almost certainly higher.

For more information on the Carers Day Programme at The Mayfair Community Centre call 01694 722077. To contact Church Stretton Library call 01694 722535. To find out more about Carers' events in Shropshire call the Community Council of Shropshire on 01743 341995.

9 June 2008