Making Falkirk’s carers ‘visible and valued’ this Carers Week

Local people, services and businesses are encouraged to help make unpaid carers visible in Falkirk for Carers Week 2021, which runs from 7-13 June.

Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership is supporting a programme of activity run by the Falkirk and Clackmannanshire Carers Centre, which recognises and celebrates the vital contribution made by unpaid carers in the Falkirk area.

Carers Week is a national annual awareness campaign run by charity Carers UK, which supports unpaid carers who care for family members and friends who are older, have a disability, mental or physical illness or need extra help as they grow older.

Throughout the week, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire carers centre will be hosting an exciting programme of activity both online and in-person:

•  All week: The Big Carers Week Raffle, winners chosen each weekday.
• Tuesday 8 June: Carers Forum and Carers Centre Annual General Meeting
• Tuesday 8 June: Falkirk Men’s Group for male carers
• Wednesday 9 June: Falkirk Care with Confidence Celebration Lunch
• Thursday 10 June: Special online event for parent carers and families with Cool Creatures.
• Friday 11 June: Carers Week Relaxation session

Patricia Cassidy, Chief Officer of Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership said: “I hope this Carers Week not only celebrates the invaluable work of unpaid carers across the Falkirk area, but also helps raise awareness of the many different ways someone can be a carer.

“Many people don’t realise the support they provide for their family member, close friend or even their neighbour, could make them a carer. I would encourage everyone to share the campaign’s messages, and if they see themselves in the stories of carers, please access the wonderful support provided by the Falkirk and Clackmannanshire Carers Centre”.

On behalf of the Carers Week charities, Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said:
“I am delighted that many individuals and organisations are getting involved with virtual activities, helping carers to connect to others and access advice and information locally. Looking after someone can be a hugely rewarding experience, but it sometimes comes with difficulties, including getting the right support. This Carers Week I hope all parts of the community – family and friends, employers, businesses, schools, health and care services – do their bit to make caring visible and show it is valued.”

For Carers Week 2021, Carers UK is joining forces with Age UK, Carers Trust, Motor Neurone Disease Association, Oxfam GB and Rethink Mental Illness to help raise awareness of caring around the country. The six charities driving Carers Week 2021 are calling on individuals, services and organisations to do their part in Making Caring Visible and Valued – recognising the contribution made by carers and helping them get the practical, financial and emotional support they need to care for a loved one.