Celebrate Carers' Week

Date published: 03/06/2008

As part of the National Carers' Week celebrations starting on 9 June, Rochdale Council is inviting all carers in the area to join in for some fun, relaxation and knowledge gaining on 11 June and 12 June, in The Carers' Resource, Waterside House, Rochdale.

Anyone who looks after someone who is ill, frail or has a disability, is invited to come along and be pampered, enjoy a good healthy lunch, win prizes, get down and boogie, as well as having a full benefit and health check and the opportunity to raise concerns and meet other carers.

Rochdale resident Denise Ali has been a carer for her mother, who suffers from dementia, diabetes and other complications, for eight years. Having visited The Carers' Resource, Denise was advised of all the help they could provide to people like herself.

Ms Ali elaborates: "A year ago I had given up my job to allow myself to take care of my mother full time, but soon after I felt I had cut myself off from society whilst I concentrated on my mother's care. Through The Carers' Resource, I heard about Carers' Week and the health check day, so I went along to see what was on offer. I decided I needed to keep my mind active and that I had to do something for myself for a change.

"I'd lost all my confidence and self esteem, so I decided to join the confidence building class. It worked absolute wonders and led the way to me enrolling on to classes in IT, First Aid and Basic Skills in Numeracy and Literacy. Now I'm just about to take my first exam!

"I've no regrets and I'm sure anyone who comes along to the Carers' Week events won't either. Come and see what support is out there, as it might just be the key to a more rewarding and healthier life. If I can do it, so can you!"

With almost six million carers in the UK and nearly 725,000 of those living in the North West, around 22,000 reside in the borough. Furthermore, three million people in the UK have to juggle work with caring responsibilities for a disabled, ill or frail relative or friend, and 1.3 million carers are over the age of 65.

Cabinet member for health and social care, Councillor Dale Mulgrew, comments: "The unpaid work carers do is vital to society but in some instances it can come at a high price for their own mental and physical health, so we want to offer our full support.

"We are truly humbled and inspired by the great work the carers in our community continue to do, so it will be wonderful to see carers come to these events and have fun but get expert advice at the same time."

A summary of the events taking place is listed below:

Wednesday 11 June
The Carers' Resource
10.00am - 3.00pm
Annual health check day for carers - the chance to look after your health.
Have a full benefit check - don't miss out on your entitlements
Sign up to the Carers' Emergency Card scheme and have peace of mind

Other events include complementary therapies, enjoy a healthy lunch, who can twizzle those hips the longest in the hoola hoop competition, design your own cards, see the giant decorated heart-shaped cake made especially for carers, and sock it to 'em and pin your concerns on the giant sock made by carers for carers!

Thursday 12 June
St Andrew's Church
9.30 - 12.30pm
Rochdale and District MIND Consultation Event between service users and carers. Ring to confirm lunch: 01706 341800

The Carers' Resource
10.00am - 12.00pm
Taster session in the art of flower arranging

The Carers' Resource
10.00am - 12.00pm
Relaxing therapy and relaxation session

Richmond Hall
7.00pm - 9.00pm
Young carers' disco for under 18s and all the family to enjoy - come on down and boogie! For further details call 01706 648997

The Carers' Resource
6.30pm - 9.30pm
Party time! Fun filled evening for carers over 18, including fancy dress with prizes for the best costumes, music, dancing, buffet and cocktails