Category Archives: carersweek

Walk to honour Sunderland’s carers

June 22, 2013   Carers, carersweek, disability

The Mayor of Sunderland Coun. Bob Heron officially starts the Walk in Celebration of Carers at Herrington Country Park, on Friday.

The Mayor of Sunderland Coun. Bob Heron officially starts the Walk in Celebration of Carers at Herrington Country Park, on Friday.

The Mayor of Sunderland Coun. Bob Heron officially starts the Walk in Celebration of Carers at Herrington Country Park, on Friday.

by Sue Kirby
sue.kirby@northeast-press.co.uk

PEOPLE from across Wearside took a walk in the park in honour of carers.

Herrington Country Park hosted The Walk in Celebration of Carers, which was officially started by the Mayor of Sunderland Councillor Bob Heron.

People with learning disabilities and carers walked a one-mile route to recognise and celebrate the important role played by the 32,500 carers across Sunderland, who look after ill and disabled family members or friends.

The walk was organised by Washington Multi-Purpose Centre, part of Sunderland City Council’s Health, Housing and Adult Services, to link in with National Carers Week, and was supported by Sunderland Carers’ Centre and Asda.

Coun Heron said: “It is an honour and a privilege to be part of this celebration of caring in Sunderland.

“Caring can be anything from a full-time commitment to spending a couple of hours a week looking after others, helping them have a better quality of life.

Read More

Mp supporting carers in Hartlepool where they teach carers about the internet

June 20, 2013   Carers, carersweek, internet

MP WRITES: Caring for the carers

IT instructor Ronald Welsh teaches carers Denise Morrison (left) and Maureen Beveridge
LAST week was Carers Week. Ever since I became an MP, I have wanted to support Carers Week and highlight the magnificent – and very often unsung work that umpteen people do for their friends and family. It is estimated that one in ten people living in this country – that’s a total of six million people – are carers.

The work that they do in helping a loved one, work that might otherwise be the responsibility of social care or the NHS, is estimated to save this country £112 billion each and every year. That is more than the annual spend on the National Health Service.

Hartlepool is a particularly special case. A big part of the Hartlepool character is to care for your loved ones.

It is just seen as being a good daughter or grandson or neighbour.

It is also the Hartlepool way that people who do this, providing a huge range of care from popping in for a cup of tea or getting somebody the paper to, let’s be frank, dealing with very personal hygiene matters, don’t want special treatment or being singled out.

Read More

Please remember carers now carersweek is over!

June 19, 2013   Carers, carersweek

If you’re a carer, take care of yourself too

Published on 19/06/2013 06:50

Last week was Carers Week, and Members of Parliament and people around the country paid attention to the work done by carers who undertake the enormous task of looking after their loved ones every day.

It is now 51 weeks until the next Carers Week, but that does not mean we can forget about them.
The work of a carer is arduous and unrelenting. I recall my grandad steadfastly dedicating years to caring for my nan, and now my father-in-law is in need of complete round-the-clock care.
Many of us will find ourselves in the role of carer at some point and the impact it will have on our lives can be enormous.
For many it can affect their career prospects or result in a reduced income – perhaps because they have to work fewer hours.
For others, it will reduce the amount of free time they have – perhaps having to give up sporting or other activities.
For some it can cause a breakdown in relationships.
Read More