Free Pampering Sessions Available to Celebrate Carers Week 2018
Carers Week 2018
CARERS in Reading can access advice, support, information - and a pampering session – during National Carers Week (11-14 June).
The main event for people who provide unpaid care for a friend, relative or neighbour, takes place on Thursday 14th June under the theme of ‘Helping Carers to get Healthy and Connected.’ The free event runs from 10am-1.15pm and will include guest speakers on a number of topics, including speakers from Alzheimer's Society and British Red Cross. Professionals will be on hand to offer help, advice and guidance. Refreshments will be available and there is no need to book, just drop by. The event is being held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 280 The Meadway, Reading, RG30 4PE. On Friday 15th June from 10am to 1pm, there is also a pampering session available for carers at Whitley Wood Community Centre, Swallowfield Drive, Reading RG2 8UH. Carers can enjoy a free manicure, try an Indian Head Massage or get decorated with a henna hand tattoo. Hot drinks and cakes will be provided. Spaces for this event are limited, so book ahead to avoid disappointment. Contact the main event organisers, Reading and West Berkshire Carers Hub on 0118 324 7333 or email ask@berkshirecarershub.org for more information on the event. The Carers Week events are organised by several organisations working in partnership, including Reading and West Berkshire Carers Hub, Reading Council, local voluntary care sector providers, local NHS partners, carers and charities. In Reading, it is estimated over 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. Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges that carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. Find out more information at www.carersweek.orgCllr Tony Jones, Reading’s Lead Member for Adult Social Care, said:
“Unpaid, or family carers, are the unsung heroes of our society. Carers Week recognises the vital role unpaid carers play in our community. I would encourage people to come along to the information event on 14th June or take advantage of the free pampering session on Friday 15th at Whitley Wood Community Centre.”Mel Wheeler, Reading and West Berkshire Carers Hub, said:
“Many carers don’t know how or where to get help when they need it and so we hope our events to mark Carers Week 2018 will reach and help as many people as possible. This is an opportunity to reach out to these carers to offer vital support to enable them to ensure their own needs are met.”Ends
Notes
An updated national Carers Action Plan was published on Tuesday 5th June. ‘Carers Action Plan 2018-2020 - supporting carers today’ is a two year cross-government programme work designed to build carer friendly communities and support carers to provide care in a way that protects their own health and wellbeing, employment and life chances. The Action Plan covers the following 5 key themes: · Services and systems that work for carers · Employment and financial wellbeing · Supporting young carers · Recognising and supporting carers in wider community and society · Building evidence and research to support outcomes for carers The full Action Plan can be viewed here: www.gov.uk/government/publications/carers-action-plan-2018-to-2020