COMMUNITY
VISIBLE, VALUED
& Supported
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That’s the theme for Carers Week this year, running from 6-12th June. It’s all about raising the awareness of caring and recognising the challenges unpaid carers face, writes Sara Whatley
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t is likely that three in five of us will care for someone at some point in our lives. This is a huge amount of people taking on caring roles, and many of them don’t even recognise they are carers. Being a carer means caring for a family member or friend, unpaid, who cannot cope without that support. To help recognise carers and celebrate their vital roles in our society, Carers Week is being held from the 6-12th June this year. This is an opportunity to highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and to recognise the difference carers make to families everywhere. Carers Week can also help those who don’t think of themselves as carers recognise that they are, and that there is help available. All they need to do is
Organise a quiz night or a workshop, such as knitting, painting or dancing – let carers show their fun side too! reach out to one of the many wonderful organisations for carers, such as Carers UK, and access support and advice. During Carers Week thousands of people get involved with organising activities and highlighting just how important caring is. Activities could be online, in person, through the post or over the telephone. Here are some ideas to help support and raise awareness of Carers Week: • Spread the word on social media using the hashtag #CarersWeek • Ask local politicians to support Carers Week
• Use your own website or blog to raise awareness and share information • Invite carers to tell their stories through creative writing, poetry or in person at an open-mic-night or event (easy to do online too) • Arrange a wellbeing or exercise class for carers, this could be online too • Organise a quiz night or a workshop, such as knitting, painting or dancing – let carers show their fun side too! • Host a simple and supportive coffee and cake morning – you could even invite experts to share knowledge on subjects such as diet, nutrition and sleeping. June 2022 | SUSSEX LIVING 147
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