Clackmannanshire Council Online

National Carers Week

National Carers Week runs from 9th - 15th June and aims to highlight the impact that caring can have on carers' health and well-being.

The theme for this year's carers week is 'Carers can't afford to be ill' and the ten leading charities who support the UK's six million carers have set out these key aims:

• to highlight and celebrate the contribution made by carers
• to campaign for better support and services for carers
• to promote policies and best practice that can improve carers' quality of life
• to reach out to 'hidden' carers, ensuring they know where to find help and support

In Clackmannanshire, Carers Week is being marked with an event which will focus on carer health. The event takes place on Thursday 12th June from 10am-1.30pm at St. Mungo's Church Hall, Mar Street, Alloa.

The event is open to everyone who looks after, supports or cares for someone elderly, physically frail, with a disability or mental health problem. The event will provide information, advice and practical sessions for carers with a focus on health and well being. Carers can drop in and enjoy free massage, healthy eating and lifestyle advice, Indian head massage, health checks, money advice, relaxation and browse a range of information stalls.

A local 'Charter for Carers' will also be launched by Partnership Portfolio Holder, Councillor Kenny Earle. This Charter has been developed by the local Carers Partnership Group to demonstrate the commitment to supporting carers in Clackmannanshire.

The launch will take place at noon. You are invited to send a photographer.

Councillor Earle said: "I am pleased to have this opportunity to show my support for carers and Carers Week. It is estimated that there are 6000 carers in Clackmannanshire, who give their time selflessly to care for others, and it is important that we recognise the contribution they make on a daily basis.

"So many carers do a fantastic job and I am delighted that health and wellbeing are the main issues being addressed by Carers Week this year. Carers are often so focussed on the person they care for they don't consider their own welfare, and of course neglecting their health in time will affect carers' ability to support the person they look after.

"Only a small percentage of the county's carers have been in touch with the partnership of organisations providing services in the Clackmannanshire area. One of our challenges is to identify and reach 'hidden' carers, by raising awareness, providing public information and ensuring that staff identify carers in need."

Carers can call the Alloa Office of the Princess Royal Trust for Carers on 01259 219288 for more information.