Members of the City of Wolverhampton Council's Carer Support Team will be out and about from 11 to 15 June, 2018, offering help and advice to people who care for a loved one.
The extensive programme of activities begins on Monday 11 June with a special poetry session for people living with dementia and their carers courtesy of Poetry on Loan.
Popular poet Mandy Ross will lead a morning of poetry and song, engaging and entertaining with gentle humour and activities at East Park Library from 10am to 12pm. During the session, visitors will also be able to find out about the Memory Matters service, which seeks to raise awareness about memory concerns and about how people can live better with a diagnosis of dementia.
ACCI - the African Caribbean Community Initiative - will be holding its annual Carer's Day of Celebration at the Heritage Centre, Clifford Street, on Tuesday 12 June from 10.30am to 3pm, featuring guest speaker Dr Malcolm Philips from Hestia Housing and Support.
The Carer Support Team will be hosting an information event at Sainsbury's St Marks on Wednesday 13 June from 9.30am to 2pm, while an information stand will be available at Central Library throughout the week. Carers can also enjoy a range of treatments at a relaxation event at Penn Library on Thursday 14 June from 10.30am to 11.45am.
The Carers Week programme concludes with a celebration event at Bantock House Museum on Friday 15 June from 10.30am to 2.30pm featuring a range of guest speakers, information and advice.
Experts from FBC Manby Bowdler will be on hand to speak about the care system, power of attorney and protecting assets, while carers can become Dementia Friends by completing a taking part in a special awareness session. There will be entertainment from Maggie O'Hara, while lunch and light refreshments will also be available.
Each event is free, though places for the Poetry on Loan, relaxation and celebration events are limited and should be booked in advance by calling Melinder Kaur on 01902 553429 or by emailing carer.support@wolverhampton.gov.uk.
In addition, Light House Cinema will be offering family carers discounted cinema tickets to mark Carers Week. Carers and the person they care for can enjoy Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom for just £2.50 each between 11 to 17 June on production of a valid Carers Emergency Card. For details, call 01902 716055.
Councillor Sandra Samuels OBE, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said: "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.
"Caring can be a hugely rewarding experience, but at the same time carers often find it challenging to take care of their own well being.
"We estimate there are some 28,000 people in Wolverhampton who care for a friend or relative, and these events are an excellent opportunity to find out more about the help that is available to them as they carry out their vital role, and also enjoy a bit of well-deserved 'me time'."
The Carer Support Team offers information, advice and guidance on a range of issues including benefits, emotional support, carer services and support groups to informal carers across the city. For more information, please call 01902 553409, visit the Carer Support Team offices at Blossoms Fold, Wolverhampton, log on to Type=articles;Articleid=2713;Title=Adult social care; or follow the team on Type=links;Linkid=10481;Title=Twitter;Target=_blank;.
- released: Wednesday 23 May, 2018