Carers Week 13 - 19 June 2011
16th June 2011
This year over 100,000 carers will take part in events and activities organised by thousands of local organisations to mark Carers Week from 13 - 19 June. Celebrating the tremendous contribution carers make to those they care for, the week will also highlight the issues important to them and the challenges they have overcome and are yet to face.
Carers week marks the fifth
anniversary since the CWU and BT launched free courses to carers in
the Northallerton and Richmond area. The courses not only help
carers develop skills but also simply provide them with a bit of
personal time. To mark the occasion, CWU North East branch treated
carers to a tea party in their honour at the learning centre in
BT's Northallerton depot. A cake was made especially for the
occasion and the Mayor of Northallerton turned up to recognise the
hard work and commitment that carers provide (pictured).
The huge impact and contribution that carers make is often unrecognised by society. Receiving an allowance equating to a third of the national minimum wage (£1.59 an hour) carers need and deserve access to better support and services. There are almost six million carers, family, friends and neighbours who provide care for someone who is ill, frail or disabled and it is estimated that 3 in 5 people will be a carer at some point in their lives.
Carers UK, an organisation providing information and practical advice for carers are "invaluable" said Dave Warren, ex-CWU national executive council member and now full time carer. Elaborating, he said: "Preparing me for meetings with social services, some of the limited support I did get was from Carers UK."
Voicing her support for Carers Week
Linda Roy, CWU national equality officer, said:
"The role of the carer is of fundamental importance and we
cannot underestimate the selfless service that they provide. Carers
UK and events such as Carers Week make a massive difference in the
lives of carers by campaigning for greater support and
recognition."
For more information and to get involved please visit Carers Week and Carers UK.
