Vital work of unpaid carers is celebrated in BCP during Carer’s Week

The vital work of unpaid carers is being celebrated this week in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

BCP Council’s carer support team is marking Carer’s Week with a range of activities and support for unpaid carers and the people they look after in our local community.

Carer’s Week (10-16 June) is a national annual event that aims to raise awareness of carers and recognise the outstanding contribution that unpaid carers make to their families, friends and communities up and down the UK.

The campaign will showcase the work of carers across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole by highlighting the many and varied challenges they face and the important contribution they make to supporting those who rely on their help.

A carer is someone of any age providing unpaid support to family or friends who could not manage without their help.

Carers are typically family members, friends or neighbours who find themselves offering support which may build gradually over time, or which happens suddenly after an unexpected illness.

Events and activities will take place across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole raising awareness of the support available locally.

They include afternoon teas, information drop-in events and a Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra concert for carers.

Full details can be seen at Our Dorset.

Formerly known as CRISP Carer Support, the BCP Carer Support can provide help and guidance for carers and their families, including the option to register with the Carers Information Service to receive up to date news about local events and support.

Tim Branson, Head of Access & Carer Services, BCP Council said: “It is a key priority for Adult Social Care and the wider Wellbeing Directorate to support our carers and to fully recognise the important roles they undertake.

“We do not underestimate the value our unpaid carers bring to the lives of those they support, often at the risk of affecting their own wellbeing.

“To recognise the vital contribution carers make to our communities we at BCP Carer Support are on hand to offer information, advice and a listening ear.

“I would urge anyone who cares for a loved one to recognise themselves as a carer and access help through our many local organisations, including our own BCP Carer Support.”