Carers enjoy week of celebration

Cllr Billy Sheerin, Assistant Cabinet Member for Adult Care at Rochdale Borough Council, with (l-R) Shenaz Hussain and Sabira Siddique

Hundreds of carers from across the borough got together for a series of celebrations to mark Carers’ Week.

Members of the Carers’ Resource, a council-run facility which offers support and activities, enjoyed pamper sessions, health checks and other events as part of the week, which recognises the efforts of the almost seven million carers in the UK.

Among the many highlights was the launch of the Carers’ Reward Card which gives carers who are registered with the resource discounts in small, local businesses, like cafes and restaurants.

Carers also picked up vital information on the recently introduced Care Act, which gives new rights to carers, and learned web skills during a digital drop in day.

And new carers were also welcomed to the events, with a number of people registering as carers for the first time during the week.

Councillor Iftikhar Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Adult Care at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Carers play a hugely important role in our society and are estimated to save the country a staggering £119bn a year.

"Carers’ Week is about saying a big thankyou and reaching out to the estimated 20,000 people in our borough who care for a loved one, but are not registered with the resource and are therefore missing out on vital support as a result.”

Sandra Montgomery, Manager of The Carers’ Resource, said: “Carers’ Week is a wonderful celebration and something that our carers, who don’t always have a lot of time to themselves, really look forward to.

"It was great this year to see so many new carers of different ages and from different backgrounds. I hope they will continue to make the most of all the help the Resource can offer them in the months and years to come.”

Carer Marie Halstead, who cares for her 81-year-old father, said: “I’ve been coming to the resource for two years and it does make a difference to me. I live with my dad and spend a lot of time with him, so being able to go to the Thursday morning session and have that time to myself is really important.

"I think the Carers’ Reward card is a great idea too. I go to a coffee shop once a week and if I could get a discount there, that would be a nice little boost.”

Anyone who was not able to attend the events but would like to get in touch with The Carers’ Resource can contact them on carersresource@rochdale.gov.uk or phone 01706 925808.

Residents can also visit The Carers’ Resource during office hours at the Newbold Buildings, 37-39 Oldham Road, Rochdale, OL16 5QJ.