Caring for the carers

Jun 8 2009 by Alison Rennie, Paisley Daily Express

THE hard work carried out by an army of carers is being recognised and rewarded with a week of events.

Renfrewshire Carers Week starts today in a bid to highlight and celebrate the incredible contribution that carers make to society.

An incredible 22,000 people in Renfrewshire provide unpaid care to someone they know who is often ill, frail or disabled.

This saves the local economy millions of pounds every year – but these helpers are often unrecognised for the invaluable work they do.

A spokesperson for Renfrewshire Carers Centre said: “Despite the fact three in five people will be carers at some point in their lives, they often face a lack of recognition in all areas of their lives, from employers, GPs and social workers, even friends and family.

“Carers Week will combat this lack of recognition by highlighting and celebrating the incredible contribution that carers make, sharing the positive experiences as well as the more difficult.

“Renfrewshire Carers Centre campaigns for greater recognition and support and raises awareness about the services and benefits carers are entitled to.”

Events taking place include the launch of the Carers Strategy, an information day, health day and pamper day.

To round off the week, a treasure hunt will take place around Paisley followed by food and music at Gabriel’s.

Diane Goodman, Manager of Renfrewshire Carers Centre, said: “Carers Week tries to reach out to give them extra support in their caring role and we look forward to building on the success of last year’s Carers Week Programme.”

Call Renfrewshire Carers Centre on 0141 887 3643 for more information on Carers Week activities or visit www.renfrewshirecarers.com

Today, the launch of the new Renfrewshire Carers Strategy will take place with Council leader Derek Mackay and deputy leader Eileen McCartin at St Mirin’s Cathedral Halls.

An information day is taking place tomorrow at the Carers Centre on Silk Street, Paisley where people can find out more about benefits, district nursing, advocacy and carers assessments followed by a health day on Wednesday with armchair aerobics, healthy eating, health checks and NHS Chiropody service.

The pamper day takes place on Thursday where 20 lucky carers will enjoy a lunch courtesy of Braehead Shopping Centre.

And there’s the chance to experience some aromatherapy, reflexology and manicures at the carers centre in Silk Street.

And to round off the week, a treasure hunt is being held around Paisley from 7pm on Friday to win the coveted Carers Cup.

For more information on Renfrewshire Carers Week, you can contact the centre on 0141 887 3643.