Carers Week is an annual awareness campaign which takes place from Monday 9th to Sunday 15th June 2014. During this week, Caerphilly County Borough Council highlighted the services it offers to those who care.
All across Wales an unsung army of heroes are caring for increasing numbers of older, ill or disabled loved ones.
There are 370,000 people in Wales who are currently caring for a family member or close friend who is frail or facing long-term illness or disability. Around 90,000 of these carers look after family and friends for at least 50 hours a week. Between 70% and 95% of the care provided to people in communities across Wales is given freely by family and friends.
Throughout Carers Week, staff from Caerphilly County Borough Councils Social Services department have been out and about publicising the support and advice available to carers both young and old. Information sessions have been held in Tesco Risca, Morrisons Bargoed and Risca Library as well as attending to give advice at coffee mornings and lunch clubs throughout the area.
On Monday 9th June at New Cottage Dance Centre, 54 unpaid carers were invited along to a pamper day courtesy of students from Coleg Gwent in Pontypool. The kind carers received new hair styles, complimentary therapies and beauty treatments during the day.
Carers were also invited to take part in jewellery making and card making. Hayley Smith, Carers Support Worker said: “The feedback we received from the carers who came along was really positive, they all had a lovely day and went home feeling relaxed and refreshed.”
Cllr. Robin Woodyatt, Cabinet Member of Social Services said: “Carers Week helps us to raise the profile of caring and gives our residents the opportunity to identify themselves as carers and access the support, advice and information available to them. I’d like to thank those who care for a loved one, family member or friend throughout Caerphilly borough.”
To find out more about support available to carers visit www.caerphilly.gov.uk
