Shrewsbury celebrates Carers Week

A series of events in celebration of National Carers Week will be taking place around Shrewsbury from 9 to 13 June in recognition of the enormous impact and selfless work of local carers.

During the week there will be promotional events highlighting the important work carried out by family carers.

The events run by the Community Council of Shropshire and supported by Shropshire County Council will include:

• Monday 9 to 13 June – Information Displays and raffle at Shrewsbury libraries Bayston Hill, Pontesbury and The Lantern, Harlescott and at Louise House Community Centre, Meole Brace
• Thursday 12 June – Carers Information stand and display for all carers including young carers at Tesco, Battlefield Road, Shrewsbury from 10am to 3pm

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.”

Councillor Ann Hartley, Cabinet member for children’s services said, “Young carers are the unsung heroes of care-provision and have an incredibly difficult job to do, especially when they are trying to balance care for their parents or other relatives with school work and having their own life. It is only right that they are recognised for the help and support they give.”

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.

Flick Pennal Carers' Manager for the Community Council of Shropshire said: "Carers need our support, because they provide the bulk of care in our community. It is also important to recognise that it is often the carer themselves who feels isolated, lacking in information,and the knowledge of where to go for help and support. We hope to encourage family carers to have a Carers Assessment which is the keystone to the provision and planning of services. The activities throughout Carers Week are our way of acknowledging family carers and how we value them. It is hoped that by raising awareness we will be identyfying “hidden carers” within Shropshire so that they too will be able to access services.”

For more information on the Shrewsbury events and other carers' events across Shropshire call the Community Council of Shropshire on 01743 341995.

5 June 2008