Carers from across the Island enjoyed a number of events to mark National Carers Week.
Running from 6th to 12 June, the Isle of Wight council, with its partner, Carers IW, set out to showcase the extensive range of support and activities available to local unpaid carers.
Highlighting challenges unpaid carers face
The annual awareness campaign is an important opportunity to highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the Island.
It also helps people who don’t think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support.
Love: A hidden army of workers
Cllr Karl Love, Cabinet member for adult social care, said the role of the unpaid carer was crucial in enabling people to live well and remain independent. Many are close loved ones, partners, family and friends.
Cllr Love said,
“Often this can be exhausting as carers are so busy helping the person they are caring for that they neglect their own health and well-being.
“I have listened to the personal stories of those who provide care and heard their concerns. They are a hidden army of workers, caring out of love for one another.
“This is why Carers IW is so very Important, offering amazing support so no-one has to feel isolated or alone.”
Open day at the Carers Lounge
The role and challenges of the unpaid carer were highlighted to hospital staff during an open day at the Carers Lounge, based at St Mary’s Hospital, Newport.
The service offers personalised one-to-one emotional and practical support for carers.
Other events
Elsewhere, the Carers Centre, located behind the Riverside Centre, welcomed carers, and those they care for, for an afternoon of tea and cake, fun and chat.
New members were also invited to join in the fun at the centre’s weekly arts and craft group, which provides an opportunity for carers to learn new skills.
Other highlights
Other highlights of National Carers Week included:
- a mental health carers drop in event at the Carers Lounge at Sevenacres;
- an opportunity to attend the Dementia Forum which meets monthly, providing support to those who care for people with dementia;
- a Vectis Radio interview with Elizabeth Martin, Carers IW manager, about unpaid carers and the support they need.
If you are a carer and in need of support, please contact Carers IW on (01983) 533173 or visit the Website.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
