A number of free events are being held in South Tyneside this week for the thousands of carers in the borough.
The Town Hall is also being lit up green all week in recognition of the invaluable work carers do every day, as part of the national Carers Week celebration.
This year’s campaign, which runs from Monday June 7 to Sunday June 13, has the theme ‘Make Caring Visible and Valued’.
About Carers Week
Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. It also helps people who don’t think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support.
The campaign is brought to life by thousands of individuals and organisations who come together to provide support for carers, run activities and highlight the vital role carers play in our communities, drawing attention to just how important caring is.
Carers Week 2021
This year, people across the country are continuing to face new challenges as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. Many people are taking on more caring responsibilities for their relatives and friends who are disabled, ill or older and who need support.
They need to be recognised for the difficulties they are experiencing, respected for all they are doing, and provided with information, support and understanding.
There are 6.5m people in the UK who are carers. They are looking after a family member or friend who has a disability, mental or physical illness or who needs extra help as they grow older.
Caring’s impact on all aspects of life from relationships and health to finances and work should not be underestimated, and carers are facing even more difficult circumstances this year. Whilst many feel that caring is one of the most important things they do, its challenges should not be underestimated. Caring without the right information and support can be tough.
It is vitally important that we recognise the contribution carers make to their families and local communities, workplaces and society, and that they get the support they need.
In recognition of the contribution of carers in South Tyneside, South Shields Town Hall will be lit up in green, ‘Thank You’ signs will be posted on screens throughout the borough and a video from the council leader and deputy leader has been recorded thanking carers.
Council leader Councillor Tracey Dixon said: “The past year has been one of the most challenging most people have ever known but for those with caring responsibilities, it has been so much harder.
“Vital services have had to close their doors during lockdown, leaving carers and those they care for without the support they relied upon. I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to all those unsung heroes who do such an amazing job caring for others.”
There are a number of free events taking place this week for carers in South Tyneside:
- Monday June 7 – 12noon to 1pm. Afternoon tea for young adult carers – The Lakeside Inn, Jarrow, NE10 8YD.
- Monday June 7 – 6pm to 7pm. Online afternoon tea and chat for young adult carers.
- Tuesday June 8 – 10am to 11am. Young carers’ online awareness session for professionals.
- Tuesday June 8 – 5pm to 7pm. Young adult carers catch up – The Dockyard, Sea Road, South Shields, NE33 2LD.
- Wednesday June 9 – 5pm to 7pm. Family Magic Night for young carers. The Lakeside Inn, Jarrow, NE10 8YD.
- Thursday June 10 – 10.30am to 11.30am. Carers’ virtual get together on Zoom hosted by South Tyneside Adult Carers Service (STACS). Anyone interested in joining is asked to email STACS@cgl.org.ukor telephone 406 1531.
- Friday June 11 – 11am to 1.30pm. Covid-safe picnic in the park for carers. South Marine Park, South Shields. Hosted by STACS, light refreshments will be served. Anyone wishing to join is asked to contact STACS.
For more information visit: https://www.southtyneside.gov.uk/article/59507/Carers-Week-
