Celebrating Carers Week 2019

PEOPLE in Reading who provide unpaid care for a friend, relative or neighbour can look forward to a number of advice, support and wellbeing events from 10th June to 14th June to mark National Carers Week 2019.

A series of free events across the town aim to reach out to people who might not access all the support they are entitled to and also to recognise the vital role unpaid carers play in the wellbeing of the community. The theme of this year’s week is “Getting Carers Connected in their Communities.” In Reading, an estimated 12,000 people provide unpaid care for someone who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction, cannot cope without their support. Highlights from the week include: · Presentations on Power of Attorney, mental health and end of life care, with one-to-one confidential sessions available. Monday 10th June 9.30am to 3pm at New Directions, 330 Northumberland Avenue, Reading RG2 8DH. · Planning Ahead - a talk by Rowberry Morris Solicitors for parents or carers of a child or adult with a learning disability. Monday 10th June from 7pm to 8:30pm at Reading Mencap, 21 Alexandra Road, Reading RG1 5PE. Find out more at https://search3.openobjects.com/mediamanager/reading/enterprise/files/wills_talkcom_reading_mencap.pdf · Drop in ‘market place’ event Wednesday 12th June from 11am to 2pm at the Broad Street Mall, featuring many organisations offering unpaid carers support, advice and information. · Wellbeing sessions and Health MOTs available on Friday 14th June between 10am and 3pm at Whitley Wood Community Centre, Swallowfield Drive, Reading RG2 8UH. The main event on Wednesday 12th at Broad Street Mall is hosted by the Reading and West Berkshire Carers Hub with support from Reading Council, local voluntary care sector providers, carers and charities. It runs from 11am to 2pm at Broad Street Mall, Reading town centre.

Cllr Tony Jones, Reading’s Lead Member for Adult Social Care, said:

“I’m pleased we’ve been able to support Reading’s carers again this year. There are some great free events and activities on offer for Carer’s Week 2019. Many of us will be a carer at some point in our lives. Carers play an essential role in our community and they deserve the best advice and support in their role as well as help in maintaining their own independent lives. “Some people may not see themselves as carers or know they have specific rights and that they are entitled to additional social care support. I’d encourage carers to come along to these events to find out more about support they and their loved ones can get to make the most of life.” To book a place on any of the above events or if people have any queries about either event, or help to arrange alternative care, please call the Carers Hub on 0118 324 7333 or email askhub@berkshirecarershub.org

Ends

Notes

Carers

A carer is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction cannot cope without their support. Anyone can become a carer; carers come from all walks of life, all cultures and can be of any age. Carers carry out unpaid household chores, help people dress or wash, give emotional support or arrange medical appointments. ‘Parent carers’ provide extra support because their child has a disability, and there are also many young carers who support a sibling, parent or other family member. Reading and West Berkshire Carers Hub offers a much needed first point of contact for people who provide vital unpaid care to friends, family and neighbours. It supports carers to get the most out of key support services, including carer’s assessments, personal budgets and health-checks. Adults across Reading and West Berkshire who are providing unpaid/informal support to loved ones who need extra help are encouraged to find out more at www.berkshirecarershub.org