All smiles at The Carers’ Resource

The Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Robin Parker, with the ‘carers sock it to ‘em’ sock

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The National Carers’ Week celebrations (9 – 15 June 2008) hit new heights on 11 June, as carers from across Rochdale had fun, relaxed and picked up information and had their say at The Carers’ Resource, Waterside House, Rochdale.

Attended by the Rochdale Mayor and Mayoress, Jim Wilson - the interim director of Rochdale Council’s Adult Care service, and a number of councillors, the event saw a whole host of activities, including complementary therapy, designing cards, music, competitions, and free health and benefit checks.

A giant ‘carers sock it to ‘em’ sock was also knitted by carers, for carers, which was designed to invite people to pin their comments and concerns to the sock for reading by decision makers at official bodies, Carers UK and The Carers Association RMHP (Rochdale, Middleton, Heywood and Pennines).

A former carer himself, Rochdale Mayor, Councillor Robin Parker, remarked: “Caring is a subject very close to my heart, and it has been wonderful to chat with some of the carers and listen to what they have to say. It has been delightful to see such a great turn out of people enjoying the activities and health checks on offer.”

Anyone who looks after someone who is ill, frail or has a disability is a carer. With almost six million carers in the UK and nearly 725,000 of those living in the North West, around 22,000 reside in the borough. Furthermore, three million people in the UK have to juggle work with caring responsibilities for a disabled, ill or frail relative or friend, and 1.3 million carers are over the age of 65.

Councillor Dale Mulgrew, Council cabinet member for health and social care, said: “From having a chat with fellow carers, exploring the wide range of carer-specific services, free training, employment support, to arranging respite and childcare, The Carers’ Resource is a carer’s passport to advice, information and support.

“The team at The Carers’ Resource has worked tirelessly in making sure this event would be a memorable one. As carers or former carers themselves, they know exactly what fellow carers are going through, so I’d recommend anyone who wants some advice and a friendly ear to go along and pay them a visit.”

The Carers’ Resource is a service run by Rochdale Council. For more information contact Sandra Montgomery.

Email: sandra.montgomery@rochdale.gov.uk

Tel: 01706 925808

Freephone: 0800 091 0558