Raising awareness of caring

Shropshire Rural Community Council (RCC) and Shropshire Council are raising awareness of caring and the fantastic job carers do as part of Carers Week 2015.

Carers Week, which runs from Monday 8 June to Sunday 14 June 2015, is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK.

This year the campaign focus is on building Carer-Friendly Communities. Communities which support carers to look after their loved ones well, while recognising that they are individuals with needs of their own.

To kick off the celebrations, Shropshire RCC will bring carers together for ‘Strictly Afternoon Tea’ on Saturday 6 June at Mereside Community Centre in Shrewsbury.

Here carers will be able to relax over afternoon tea, dress up in style, dance along to tunes of bygone era, watch dance demonstrations and learn some new dance steps.

There will also be plenty of other events taking place throughout the week such as:

Wednesday 10 June

– Glansevern Gardens visit and afternoon tea. There will be a bus from the Auction Yard in Bishop’s Castle at 11.10am. The bus will leave Glansevern Gardens at 3pm. To book this event people should call 01694 722024.

Wednesday 10 June

– Garden Party. The Garden Party will take place from 2pm to 4.30pm at 2 Tenbury Road in Cleobury Mortimer. To book this event people should call 01694 722024.

Thursday 11 June

– Shrewsbury Autism Hub. The Autism Hub offers drop in sessions at Louise House, Meole Brace every Thursday from 12pm to 4pm for those who care an adult who has Autism or Asperger’s.

Lee Chapman, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult services, said:

“We recognise and value the work that carers do. Carers keep families together, often making huge sacrifices in their own personal lives. Therefore, it’s really important that they have the opportunity to meet other carers and feel supported.”

Shropshire RCC are also asking people to support their Coffee for Carers appeal to raise funds for carers. They are calling for local businesses, colleges, organisations and carers to organise a coffee morning on their behalf. To find out more and get a pack of ideas, please call Shropshire RCC on 01743 341995.

Celia Macintyre from Shropshire RCC said:

“Many people do not recognise themselves as carers and don’t know they are entitled to an assessment of their own needs and that there is support and help available to them. We would urge anyone who is looking after a family member, friend or neighbour who cannot manage without that help because of age, disability or illness to contact Shropshire RCC Carers Support Line on 01743 341995 or Shropshire Council First Point of Contact on 0345 678 9044.

“I must also thank Sainsbury’s for letting us have our information stands in their Shrewsbury and Oswestry stores.”

To see other events for carers taking place across the county, visit http://www.shropshire-rcc.org.uk/calendar/?typeid=4

Shropshire RCC are commissioned by Shropshire Council to deliver care support services across the county.

Carers now have new rights as part of the introduction of the Care Act. To find out more please visit shropshire.gov.uk/adult-social-care/the-care-act/