Day to remember as Rochdale shows its caring side

Councillor Billy Sheerin, Deputy Mayor of Rochdale, was at the Carers event

Rochdale’s Carers’ Rights Day was declared a resounding success after hundreds of people supported the annual event.

Carers of all ages packed into the Ratcliffe Suite at Rochdale Football Club for the day, which was organised by Rochdale Carers' Hub.

The day showcased the range of dedicated help and support that is available to the 25,000 carers across the borough.

Local organisations on hand to provide advice and information included Living Well, Alzheimer’s Society, Thinking Ahead, Rochdale MIND, Barnardo’s, and Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Circle – a local membership organisation open to anyone over the age of 50.

Staff from the council’s adult care team were also in attendance to outline the range of innovative free services carers can access.

Carers enjoyed free health checks, pamper sessions, assessments, financial help, advice on winter fuel savings, advocacy and dementia support.

Dignitaries who supported the day included the deputy mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Billy Sheerin, local councillors and people from across the health community.

Councillor Iftikhar Ahmed, council cabinet member for adult care, said: “Carers really are the unsung heroes of the borough who do such amazing work to help and support their loved ones. It was great that so many carers of all ages came along to find out about all the fantastic help and support that is available to them. Thanks to everyone who played their part in making it another Carers Rights Day to remember.”

Teresa Jennings, chief executive of N-compass Northwest, said: “We are proud of the support we provide, along with our partner Child Action Northwest, to the thousands of fantastic carers across Rochdale. Once again, I would like to thank the organisations who attended and showcased all the fabulous help and support they provide carers. The event was a real success story and helps to remind carers we are there to support them throughout the year.”