The extensive programme of activities begins with the Carer Support Team’s monthly Carers Café at Light House Media Centre on Monday 10 June.
The café is open to all carers, and is a vibrant opportunity for them to come together for a cup of tea or coffee and a chat in lovely surroundings. To celebrate Carers Week, they will also get 20% off meals at the Light House café and discounted cinema tickets on production of their Carers Emergency Card.
Carer and café regular Sue Johnson said: “My half hour with other carers at the cafe has done me the world of good - instead of me feeling so isolated it made me see and realise there are many of us in this position."
Also on Monday, the Carer Support Team will be hosting an information stand at Waitrose from 2.30pm to 4pm, where people will be able to find out more about the help and support available from the team.
The first of 2 Carers Celebratory Lunches takes place on Tuesday 11 June at the Nickelodeon, Bentley Bridge Way, Wednesfield, from 12pm to 2pm, with carers and the people they care for invited to enjoy a carvery lunch. Booking is essential by calling 01902 553429 or 01902 553409, and payment will be taken on the day.
On Wednesday 12 June, there will be a Craft Taster session, with carers invited to learn how to make felt to create beads or venture into the art of hat making by designing a fascinator. The session takes place at The Maltings, Herbert Street, Wolverhampton from 1pm to 3pm. To book a place, please call 01902 553429 or email carer.support@wolverhampton.gov.uk.
The second Carers Celebratory Lunch takes place on Thursday 13 June from 12pm to 2pm at The Gatehouse Hungry Horse, Donington Grove, Wolverhampton. Booking is once more essential by calling 01902 553429 or 01902 553409 and payment will be taken on the day.
The week of events wraps up on Friday 14 June with another Craft Taster session, with people able to explore their creative flair while learning how to make a fantasy film flower which can be displayed to catch the sunlight. This session also takes place at The Maltings from 1pm to 3pm – to book a place please call 01902 553429 or email carer.support@wolverhampton.gov.uk.
Councillor Linda Leach, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Services, “Caring can be a hugely rewarding experience, but at the same time it is often challenging for carers to be able to look after their own wellbeing.
"These Carers week events are an excellent opportunity for carers to enjoy a bit of well-deserved ‘me time’, meet other carers and find out more about the help that is available to them as they carry out their vital role."
Carers provide unpaid care and support to a family member or friend who has a disability, illness, mental health problem or who needs extra help as they grow older.
The Carer Support Team offers a range of services to carers, ensuring they are supported in their caring role, have access to the help they need and are able to claim the benefits they are entitled to.
They provide practical information, guidance and advice on a range of matters including benefits and short breaks for carers, and offer a range of other services including carer assessments, the Carers Emergency Card and training in skills such as first aid.
For more information about the Carer Support Team, please call 01902 553409, visit Carers support, email carer.support@wolverhampton.gov.uk or follow @WolvesCarers on Twitter.
Carers Week runs from 10 to 16 June 2019 and is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlighting the challenges that carers face and recognising the contribution they make to families and communities. Around 6.5 million people in the UK are carers, looking after a parent, partner, child or friend. For more information, please visit Carers Week.
