Stoke-on-Trent City Council has joined forces with local partners to mark Carers' Week 2022
In the city there are around 3000 adults and 900 young carers recorded as being the main carer for an adult, but in reality, there is estimated to be four times more carers than this.
The annual campaign (6 – 12 June 2022) aims to highlights the contributions carers make and the challenges they face. This year’s theme is centred around making carers visible, valued and supported.
Full-time carer, Carol, says people should not be afraid to ask for help when looking after their friends and family. Carol cares for her husband who has dementia and had previously received support, but came back for more support when she was at a crisis point.
She said: “I called North Staffs Carers as my husband had deteriorated, falling frequently and had broken his arm. I wasn’t sleeping and was constantly on edge listening out in case he would fall. My family were concerned about my wellbeing, as I has my own health issues and I had little time for myself and little input from my family who worked, which left me exhausted.”
Carol got the help she needed when North Staffs Carers made a referral to the city council’s social care, and home care and day opportunities were made available to her.
She said: “I am now feeling more in control, but know I can call them anytime if I need more support in the future.”
Councillor Ally Simcock, cabinet member for healthcare and adult social care said: “The contributions that carers make in the city are immense and we want to support them as much as we can. Our aim during Carers’ Week is to make caring visible, help carers feel valued and ensure that they are aware of the support that is available to them.
“If you are a carer for your relative, friend or neighbour and you want to know more about the support available please come along to one of our events, we would love to see you.”
The local authority and Stoke-on-Trent Clinic Commissioning Group jointly commission an all age carers support service run by North Staffs Carers. North Staffs Carers currently provide a number of weekly groups and activities for both adults and young carers.
During Carers’ Week activities will run from Monday through to Saturday, including drop-in sessions, breakfast mornings, trips away, arts and crafts activities and a pamper night for young carers.
A Jubilee celebration will also be held on the Monday, 6 June at Golden Hill Community Centre with over sixty carers attending, to not only celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee but to celebrate the unpaid carers in the city.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council are also working with Mobilise who provide digital support to carers, who may not be able to attend support groups in person as we want them to know that they are still supported.
Councillor Dave Evans, cabinet member children’s and young people’s services said: “Carer’s Week is a chance to help people who don't think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support. Throughout the week North Staffs Carers will be working tirelessly with partners such as Lifeworks, Middleport Matters and Port Vale FC to raise awareness and connect with carers to share what support is available.
“There are also young carers in our city who don’t realise they are carers who are looking after a family member and we especially want to reach out to them to show what support we have available for young carers.”
To find out more about the events during Carers’ Week visit https://www.carersfirst.com/home. Residents can call the advice line on 01782 793100.
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