Carers celebrate 10 year anniversary

Carers from across the borough join together for 10 year celebrations

As Carers Week 2012 kicks off (18 June), carers are celebrating 10 years of excellent carers services in the borough.

Since The Carers’ Resource was founded in 2002, they have supported approximately 1900 unpaid carers by offering help and advice, providing a break from their caring roles and signposting them to organisations who can also help.

A programme of entertainment has been organised for the celebrations where Rochdale Borough Council’s Carers’ Resource team are hoping to meet lots of ‘hidden’ or ‘unknown’ carers.

According to a national survey, there are approximately 22,000 carers in the borough. These unsung heroes often give up any spare time they have to care for a friend or family member.

Sandra Montgomery, manager of The Carers’ Resource said: “This is such a special year for us as we celebrate 10 years of carers services; helping people across the borough who are providing unpaid care to a loved one.

“We’d really like to thank everyone involved for their contributions which help us do this vital work. One of the most important things is that carers can meet in a dedicated space and just come and talk, get information and not feel isolated.”

“Whilst we have helped many carers across the borough, there are many more people out there who aren’t accessing the support and services they deserve. We really hope this celebration week will see many more carers come forward and be part of the carers community that we have built.”

The main focal point for the 10 year celebrations will be held on Thursday 21 June, at Rochdale Town Hall where carers will be treated to a night of fun and entertainment.

A new carers’ choir will perform on the evening, as well as The Rock Choir and a swing band.

Councillor Jean Hornby, Cabinet Member for Adult Care at Rochdale Borough Council said: “Carers provide a vital contribution to families and communities in providing unpaid care for someone and it’s important they receive support. The week of events organised, during Carers Week, aims to recognise that and reach out to many more carers.

“I hope all involved with the services will enjoy the week of celebration events.”

To book your places at the events email thecarersresource@rochdale.gov.uk or call 01706 925808.