Launch of Carers Week

The launch of Carers week took place Monday 7th June in Rhuddlan Nature Reserve.

In attendance was Dr James Davies MP, Cllr Christine Marston Vice Chair Denbighshire County Council, Cllr Ann Davies Denbighshire’s Carers Champion, The Mayor of Rhuddlan Cllr Mike Elgin and his Consort, Cllr Bobby Feeley Lead member for Well-being and Independence, representatives of NEWCIS and Carers and their families.

Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlighting the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. It also helps people who don’t think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support.

This year, carers across the country are continuing to face new challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people are taking on more caring responsibilities for their relatives and friends who are disabled, ill or older and who need support.

They need to be recognised for the difficulties they are experiencing, respected for all they are doing, and provided with information, support and understanding. So, during Carers Week, we’re coming together to help Make Caring Visible and Valued.

There are 6.5 million people in the UK who are carers. They are looking after a family member or friend who has a disability, mental or physical illness or who needs extra help as they grow older. Caring can have a significant impact on all aspects of life, from relationships and health, to finances and work, and carers are facing even more difficult circumstances this year.

Whilst many feel that caring is one of the most important things they do, its challenges should not be underestimated. Caring without the right information and support can be tough.  It is vitally important that we recognise the contribution carers make to their families and local communities, workplaces and society, and that they get the support they need.

Cllr Ann Davies, Denbighshire’s Carers champion organised the event to commence this week’s spotlight on Carers. She is a great advocate for Carers and passionate about her role.