14/06/2004

There are around 57,000 carers in Gloucestershire, many of them putting in more than 50 hours a week, caring for sick or elderly partners, children, parents, siblings and friends. This Carers' Week (14th-18th June) Gloucestershire County Council is giving them the chance to take a well-earned break.

The council has joined forces with carers' organisations in the county, including Carers Gloucestershire, Crossroads Caring for Carers schemes, Careshare and Lifestyles Buddying Schemes, who will be hosting coffee and pampering mornings for carers across the county.

The theme for this year's Carers' Week is health, with two thirds of people who care for more than 50 hours a week saying their own health has been affected by caring. That's why a range of health and beauty treatments will be available at the coffee mornings. Carers can relax with Reiki, a hand or Indian head massage. Nurses will also be on hand to offer basic health checks. There will also be a wide range of information available at each venue.

Tim Poole, chief executive of Carers Gloucestershire, said: "Everyone with caring responsibilities will be very welcome at our events. It's an ideal opportunity to meet with people in a similar situation, find out more about the local support and services available to them and to give themselves a break."

Audrey Barnett, from Staunton, cares for her 83 year old husband. He has a pacemaker and needs to carry oxygen with him and has been blind for eight years.
Audrey said: "Sheila from Crossroads helps us one day a week. He came out of hospital last year and couldn't walk so I couldn't get out of the house. Sheila came to my rescue."

Georgina Wyman, from Coleford, cares for her husband Colin. Colin has a type of Parksinson's which makes him confused, as well as affecting his balance. Georgina also cares for her parents, both in their 80s, who live next door. She gets support from Tracy from Crossroads once a week and is hoping to also get support on a Wednesday so she can meet up with her ladies' club.

She said: "We meet in a friends' house every other week and have a cup of tea and a chat. I want to carry on with the group because it's important to meet friends, but it has been hard to get out. Crossroads have been marvellous. I'm also lucky to have the support of my family who live locally."

Cllr Mark Hendry, cabinet portfolio holder for adult care, said: "Carers' Week can help people realise that they are carers, as well as loving partners, parents, sons or daughters, and that they may be able to get support for the invaluable work they do."

There are six million carers in Britain. Carers' Week helps to raise their profile and to let them know about the services available to them. Gloucestershire County Council supports carers through contracts with the carers organisations in the county who offer services such as support in the home, group activities for young carers, carers groups, day care provision, buddying and training for carers.

For more information on services available to carers please contact Carers Gloucestershire on 01452 876492.

14th June 10.30am-12.30pm Ashcroft Centre, Cirencester

15th June 10am-12.30pm Forest Hills Golf Course, Coleford

15th June 10am-1pm Kingshill House, Dursley

16th June 9.30am-11.30am Tewkesbury Day Centre, Station Road, Tewkesbury

16th June 10am-1pm Carers Gloucestershire, 3 Pitt Street, Gloucester

17th June 9am-12pm Hesters Way Community Centre, Cheltenham

17th June 10am-1pm Hatherley Road Day Centre, Gloucester

17th June 10am-1pm Hawkwood College, Stroud