Hidden heroes step into the limelight

Rochdale Council has unveiled plans to celebrate the unsung heroes of a ‘secret service’, the people who care for ill, frail or disabled relatives, friends and neighbours.

As part of this year’s National Carers’ Week between 8-14 June, carers across are to be offered a special helping of tender loving care.

Events throughout the week will give anyone who looks after someone who is ill, frail or has a disability the chance to get a health check, get active and get themselves noticed.

The fun starts on Monday 8 June at the Middleton Arena before moving on to Heywood Magic on Tuesday 9 June. The week culminates in a special tribute to carers from the Major at the Carers Resource in Rochdale on 10 June.

Rochdale Council’s Director of Adult Care, Jim Wilson said: “In adult care we know only too well the vital part carers play in looking after the most vulnerable people in the borough. They are unsung heroes often neglecting their own health, finances, working and social life, and general well-being to care for friends and relatives. Some don’t even recognise themselves as carers and miss out on services and benefits they are entitled to.

“The council is proud to support carers week by giving carers the recognition they deserve and encouraging carers to find out about the wide range of carers services available throughout the borough.”

One in eight adults in the UK is a carer with over two million people a year taking on caring responsibilities. The number of carers living in Rochdale is thought to top 22,000, with 4,802 carers providing more than 50 hours of care each week.

For more information about the Carers’ Week events staged by Rochdale Council, email thecarersresource@rochdale.gov.uk or call The Carers’ Resource on 01706 925808 (freephone 0800 091 0558).