Calling All Carers 8th May 2008
Carers Week is now in its fourteenth year and is supported by ten large UK charities. The main aims of the week are to;
- Ensure that carers know they are not alone, and start to find out about the support and services available to them.
- Celebrate the contribution that carers make every day of the year.
- Inform and influence key groups, such as healthcare professionals and employers, who can significantly affect the quality of life of many carers.
- Raise awareness of the role and value of carers amongst MPs, other key decision-makers and opinion-formers, and with the general public.
There are six million carers nationwide and in the East Midlands over 400,000. The theme for this year Carers week is "I can't afford to be ill"
Publicity for carer's week will focus on the physical and psychological strain put on carers.
There are organisations across the City, County and Rutland who are making plans for events and activities throughout the week.
Information will be available shortly by contacting CLASP, The Carers Centre on 0116 251 0999 and will be published on their website or they can be contacted by email
The Information and Advice team based at the Age Well Centre, advise carers on their rights, benefits and services that are available to them. I would encourage clients of working age to consider claiming Carers Allowance and older clients who are on pension credit to claim the carers' premium. In addition there are services provided by Adult Social Care for carers that can offer respite etc.
For more information please contact Helen Williams at the Information and Advice team on 0116 223 7347.