It shines a spotlight on the 4.7 million unpaid carers across England, highlighting the challenges they face and acknowledging the huge contribution they make to families and communities. This year’s theme is Caring about equality, which focuses on the inequalities and missed opportunities unpaid carers often face in their education, work and social lives. It calls for an equal society where carers feel truly valued, recognised and supported.
It’s also a good opportunity to help people who don’t think of themselves as carers, to identify as one so they can access much-needed support.
If you look after someone who is unable to manage without your help – whether it’s a family member, friend or neighbour – it’s important you tell your GP about your caring responsibilities, so they can help you look after your own health. They can provide you with additional support, advice and information.
You can find more information about support for carers, and how to register yourself as one with your GP, on our ICS website. Alternatively, there is further information about talking to your GP on the Carers UK website.
Events for carers
Carers in Hertfordshire is organising a series of free events designed to inform, support, and celebrate unpaid carers.
One of the highlights is a Looking after your own Health information event for carers at Birchwood Leisure Centre, Longmead, Hatfield on Tuesday 10 June from 10.30am to 3pm. Chat with a range of local organisations to find out about the support they offer, including Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, which provides mental health services in Hertfordshire, HertsHelp, and Hertfordshire Health Walks.
There will also be a chance to have a blood pressure check and book for a taster massage or reflexology treatment. There will also be a workshops on sleep (1.10pm to 2.10pm) and a mindfulness session (2.15pm to 3pm).
Book your place for the day on the Carers in Hertfordshire website.
Other events planned during Carers Week include:
- A Sound Bath session in Great Hormead
- Cooking for Dementia course in Hertford
- An online webinar entitled Understanding Benefits and Caring
Visit the Carers in Hertfordshire website for more details.
In west Essex, Action for Family Carers is holding a series of events. These include a special afternoon tea for carers and those they care for at Stansted Touchpoint on 10 June, and a Carers’ Coffee Morning at the Jack Silley Pavilion Café on 12 June.
Visit the Action for Family Carers website for more details.