Events galore to mark Carers' Week

Carers throughout the borough are invited to join in events to mark National Carers' Week starting on Monday 11 June.  The theme this year is The Life of a Carer.

You are a carer if you look after a relative, child, partner or friend who needs your help because they are ill, frail or have a disability.

Events are taking place in a number of places in Rochdale, Middleton and Heywood and all carers are welcome to all events.

The activities are all free for carers, including food at some of the events.  The Carers' Resource team can also arrange sitting services/crèche places to enable carers to take part in the events - but you need to book early.

All the events are being run by the Carers' Resource, part of the Council's Adult Care Service, which aims to support carers by providing advice and information, emotional support and access to free training.

The Council has been awarded Beacon status for services provided by the Carers' Resource, which means they are an example of good practice for other councils to follow.

On Monday 11 June at The Carers' Resource in Water Street, Rochdale,  (between 10am and noon) you can take part in taster sessions in Information Technology and see what the 'cyber world' is all about.

Between 1pm and 3.00pm, staff and volunteers from The Carers' Resource will be launching their new Outreach base at the Comple@t Internet Café, Unit 5-6 Midway House, Middleton Gardens, off Fountain Street, Middleton.

Meet the Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale, Councillor Peter Evans and his wife, Helen, and members of the Carers' Association, and see a momentous piece of artwork created.  Enjoy a free lunch and be entertained by a local brass band.

On Tuesday, 12 June (10am to noon), call in to the Heywood Community and Training Suite, Heywood Market, and have your benefits checked to see if you're eligible for Carers' Allowance or Premium.

You'll be able to seek advice and information, chat with other carers, staff or volunteers about any issues or problems you face and have a relaxing head/hand massage.  You can even enjoy a free cream tea whilst a school choir entertains.

At The Carers' Resource, Rochdale, (between 12-3pm) you can take part in a cultural awareness afternoon, whilst tickling those tastebuds with free foods of the world.  And you can learn about customs and traditions from around the globe and watch a fashion show with music or try your hand at Japanese writing.

On Wednesday 13 June at The Carers' Resource, Rochdale (10am-3pm) take part in a fun-filled day of activities.  Have a free health check and enjoy a free healthy lunch.  Get a full benefit check and find out more information about direct payments, carers' allowance etc. De-stress with the various therapies on offer.  Meet the Mayor and Mayoress and members of the Carers' Association.

At Sandbrook Park (6pm) come along and support our male carers as they compete in a friendly game of ten pin bowling with our Young Carers' Group.

On Thursday 14 June (am) at The Carers' Resource, Rochdale, try your hand at flower arranging and be pampered in our personal development group.

In the afternoon at The Carers' Resource, create a piece of art and craft work, meet other carers and enjoy a coffee.  Surf the net with a taster in internet and email and discover the internet.

In the evening at The Carers' Resource, join in the 'Party Extravaganza' - enjoy singing and dancing and a fabulous hot and cold buffet.  Paul Rowen MP and councillors will be present and we will be launching the Carers' Association.

Between 6.30pm and 9pm at St. Aidan's Church Hall in Sudden, Rochdale, the Young Carers' Service (01706 648997) will run a family disco for all to relax and chill out,

On Friday 15 June at The Carers' Resource (between 10.00-12 noon) enjoy a taster in Tai Chi, practised all over the world mostly for its medicinal value.  Join in the fluid movements and see how supple you are!

To request sitting services/crèche places or for further information, please contact: The Carers Resource, 2nd Floor, Waterside House, 7 Water Street, Rochdale, OL16 1TL. Tel (01706) 925808 or call free on 0800 0910558.

Lots more information about the Carers' Resource can be found on the Council's website at www.rochdale.gov.uk.  Look in the A-Z under 'carer support groups'.