Carers Week, which runs from Monday 6 June to Sunday 12 June, aims to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK.
The theme of this year’s Carers Week is to Make Caring Visible, Valued and Supported – recognising the fact that many people have taken on more caring responsibilities for relatives or friends as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
There are a number of events taking place in Wolverhampton throughout the week, including a networking event at Bantock House Museum on Tuesday 7 June from 1pm to 3pm, offering people the chance to find out more about the support available from local organisations to help carers in their role.
The Carer Support Team will be on hand to meet people at Central Library, Snow Hill, on Wednesday 8 June from 11am to 3.30pm, while carers are invited to join a Walk and Talk and enjoy a gentle stroll around West Park on Thursday 9 June before heading to the tea room for refreshments – to take part, meet at the bandstand at 1pm.
Information stands will be available throughout the week at Newbridge Surgery, Tettenhall Road, WV6 0DE and Cannock Road Medical Practice WV10 8PJ.
Finally, the Carer Support Team is hosting a pub lunch for carers and the people they look after on Friday 10 June. Places are available on a first come, first served basis; please call 01902 553409 and leave your name and telephone number.
Councillor Linda Leach, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said: “There are over 27,000 unpaid carers in Wolverhampton who look after family members or friends who have a disability, mental or physical illness or simply need extra help as they grow older.
“This Carers Week, they should be recognised for the incredible job they are playing and so we want people to come together to help Make Caring Visible, Valued and Supported.
“Caring without the right information and support can be tough, and our Carer Support Team is on hand to give the city’s unpaid carers as much help as possible to carry out their vitally important role, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch.”
The Carer Support Team offers a range of support for people who care for a friend, relative or neighbour, ensuring they are supported in their caring role, have access to the services they need and are able to claim the benefits they are entitled to. They also provide practical information, guidance and advice on a range of matters including benefits and offer a range of other services including training in essential skills such as first aid.
For more information, please call 01902 553409, visit Carer Support or email carer.support@wolverhampton.gov.uk.
Carers Week runs 6 to 12 June, 2022. For more information, please visit Carers Week.
Supporting carers is a key commitment of the Wolverhampton Cares initiative. Launched by the council and key partners last autumn, it has seen a package of help and support put in place to help the local health and social care sector through the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond. To find out more about Wolverhampton Cares, please visit Wolverhampton Cares.
