A number of free events are being held in South Tyneside this week for the thousands of carers in the borough.
They have been organised to coincide with Carers Week, 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.
This year’s campaign, which runs from Monday June 6 to Sunday June 12, has the theme ‘Make caring Visible, Valued and Supported’ .
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a monumental impact on unpaid carers’ lives – not only because of the increased amount of care that many provided, but because of the far-reaching effect that providing this level of care has had on unpaid carers. Many people also took on new 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, provided with information, and given the support they need to care safely.
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.
Free events this week for carers in South Tyneside
There are a number of free events taking place this week for carers in South Tyneside:
Tuesday June 7 10am to 11am (online) – Kooth and Qwell Mental Health Session
Aimed at professionals working with adult carers, young adult carers and young carers, this online session will cover an introduction to Kooth and Qwell, live demo of the sites and exploring supportive content for carers. Register at Eventbrite: Kooth Plc – Supporting Carers Mental Health.
Wednesday June 8 1pm to 5pm Living Better Lives Resource Centre – Assistive Technology Drop-in Event
Staff will be on hand to give you a demonstration on how to use assistive technology and explain how it could help you.
Thursday June 9 11am to 12noon (online) – Young Carers Information Session
Humankind Young Carers Support Service are putting on an information session for professionals to learn more about young carers and how you can help. Book a place by emailing hyac@humankindcharity.org.uk
Thursday June 9 2pm to 4pm Marsden Health & Wellbeing Centre – A Better U Lifestyle Session
First Contact Clinical are delivering their ‘A Better U’ 12 week lifestyle programme, starting with this session for carers. Sign up by calling the automated phone line on 0191 4329838 or via www.firstcontactclinical.co.uk/Lifestyle-Programme
Friday June 10 10am to 11am (online) – Celebrating Carers Event with Carers UK
A joint online awareness raising session for employees and line managers to find out more about Employers for Carers digital resources, ensuring they have the support they need to retain employees with caring responsibilities and for working carers to access essential guidance, information and support. If you are a working carer, a line manager or an employee who wants to know more, then this event is for you. Register for the online event at Eventbrite: Let’s Talk about Carers in the Workplace.
For more information on events happening in South Tyneside visit: Carers Week – South Tyneside Council
For more information on Carers Week visit: Carers Week.
