There are so many wonderful people supporting family, neighbours and friends in Reading and carers week is a good time to focus on how we can all support them better and also to thank them.
There'll also be a special event for anyone who is interested in End of Life care following the awareness raised during Dying Matters week.
I'm proud of how much Reading is pulling together to work on this and on better support for carers.
Council press release below:
From: “Reading Borough Council” <webmaster@reading.gov.uk>
Date: 23 May 2016 2:57 p.m.
Subject: Range of Events to Celebrate Carers Week 2016
To: <Racheleden.whitley@gmail.com>
Cc:
Range of Events to Celebrate Carers Week 2016
23/05/2016
Reading Borough Council Press ReleasePEOPLE in Reading can access advice, support and information at a series of events taking place across Reading to celebrate National Carers Week (6-12 June).
The main event for people who provide unpaid care for a friend, relative or neighbour, takes place on Tuesday 7th June at St Laurence Church. The event celebrates the launch of the new Reading and West Berkshire Carers Hub, which provides vital support to local carers.
The free event runs from 10am- 4pm and will include guest speakers on a number of topics, including healthy eating, pensions and benefits.
Free Indian Head Massage and reflexology pampering sessions are on offer and voluntary and community organisations will be on hand to provide information and advice. Lunch will also be provided courtesy of the Carers Trust.
Contact the main event organisers, Reading and West Berkshire Carers Hub on 0118 324 7333 or email ask@berkshirecarershub.org for more information on the event.
The Carers Week events are organised by several organisations working in partnership, including Reading and West Berkshire Carers Hub, Reading Council, local voluntary care sector providers, local NHS partners, carers and charities.
In Reading, it is estimated over 12,000 people provide unpaid care for someone who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction, cannot cope without their support.
Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges that carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK.
Other events taking place during the week include:
- The Big Conversation – an event to raise awareness of End of Life care, held at St Lawrence Church, Friar Street, on Wednesday 8th June, 10.30am -2.30pm.
- The Physical Disability and Sensory Needs Network (PDSN) are holding a Health and Wellbeing themed event on Thursday 9th June, in the Council Chamber, Civic Offices, 2-4.30pm. Activities on offer will include pilates taster sessions and workshops in self massage.
Cllr Rachel Eden, Lead Member for Adult Social Care, said: “Carers Week recognises the vital role unpaid carers play in our community and I would encourage people to come along to the range of events on offer this week.
“Many of us will be a carer at some point in our lives. Carers play an essential role in our community and they deserve the best advice and support in their role as well as help in maintaining their own fulfilling, independent lives.”
Mel Wheeler, Reading and West Berkshire Carers Hub, said: “We are delighted to celebrate the launch of the new hub for carers in Berkshire. Since we opened in April we’ve had a positive response and we hope this event will enable this vital service to reach and help as many people as possible.”
ENDS
Notes for Editors:
Reading Borough Council Press Releases can be found online at http://www.reading.gov.uk/mediareleases/
Media Contact: Victoria Buckett
Tel: 0118 937 3957
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