Carers Week runs from Monday 9 June to Sunday 15 June, with a theme this year of ‘Caring About Equality’.
This annual campaign raises awareness of caring, highlighting the challenges facing unpaid carers and recognising the contribution they make to families and communities across 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.
A number of activities for carers will be taking place throughout Carers Week. In North Ayrshire, Carers Gateway provides a lifeline, offering information, advice, emotional support, training and connections to local resources for unpaid carers.
As part of the celebrations, Carers Gateway North Ayrshire will be running events for carers across our localities, including a bowling day, arts and crafts events, a wellbeing day, and family events at Brodick Castle (Arran-based carers only) and Kelburn Park.
They’re also hosting a Carers Conference in Saltcoats, where those in attendance can hear from experts on a variety of relevant topics, connect with other carers and have some fun.
You can find out more about this week’s events and book directly via the EventBrite website. This page will be updated regularly as new events are announced, so please check in regularly to see what’s on offer.
In addition, our Moving and Handling Team is holding an open day for unpaid carers on Wednesday 11 June, running from 10am to 3pm at the Castleview Hub, 97 Glasgow Street, Ardrossan.
The event will showcase the support available to carers from a wide range of organisations, including dementia support services, Scottish Fire & Rescue, SP Energy Networks, AILN, Lemon Aid, and many more.
No booking is required, just drop in on the day at a time that suits. Free refreshments will be available. If you’d like any additional information, please contact hscpmovingandhandling@north-ayrshire.gov.uk
North Ayrshire Council is a Carer Positive Employer, and staff who care for someone can find information on the support available in the workplace in our Supporting Carers Policy. For further information, contact carersteam@north-ayrshire.gov.uk
Getting support this Carers Week
If you are an unpaid carer, an Adult Carer Support Plan can assist you and others to understand the impact your caring role has on your life, helping you to access support and improve your health and wellbeing – regardless of the amount or type of care you provide, your financial means or your level of need.
You don’t need to live with the person you are looking after or be caring full-time. You could be working as well as caring, which could be having a big impact on your life.
Having a conversation with our Carer Support Worker and completing an Adult Carer Support Plan can help to ensure you receive the right information, advice and support at the right time. You can complete our Self-Referral for Adult Carer Support Plan form online.
North Ayrshire Council is a Carer Positive Employer, and more information on the support available in the workplace for staff who care for someone can be found in our Supporting Carers Policy.
According to recent research by the Carers Week charity, 62% of those who care, or previously provided care, said they had ‘no choice’ in taking on the role because no other options were available.
Find out more about the support available for carers on the dedicated NAHSCP webpage.