Carers take Centre Stage

A GATESHEAD charity has organised a host of events for Carers’ Week.

 Highlights from Gateshead Carers Association (GCA) include the launch of a major piece of research into carers’ lives, the chance for carers to speak to the decision-makers and a party in Saltwell Park.

On Wednesday 15 June 2011 from 11.30am to 1pm, carers will meet members of Gateshead Council’s Healthier Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

The event is a chance for councillors to find out about the main issues facing carers in their daily lives – and for councillors to find out how services can make a difference.

Places at the event must be booked in advance. The event concludes with a buffet lunch.

The date also sees the launch of the GCA Gateshead Carers Survey. The survey looks in-depth at the issues faced by carers in Gateshead.

On Friday 17 June, GCA has organised a Picnic in the Park at Saltwell Park, Gateshead.

The event takes place from 11am to 3pm. Attractions include a tombola, quiz and Bollywood dance. Carers are asked to bring their own picnic.

In the event of adverse weather conditions, the picnic will be cancelled.

The theme for this year’s Carers Week is the True Face of Carers. The national event takes place between June 13 and 19.

A carer is a friend, relative or neighbour, who provides regular, unpaid care and support for some-one suffering illness, disability, frailty, infirmity, alcohol or substance misuse.

It is estimated that one in eight people in Britain are carers. That means up to 24,000 people in Gateshead could be carers.

For more information call Judith Dunn, Campaigns and Development Worker, on (0191) 490 0121 or email judith.dunn@gatesheadcarers.com.

Gateshead Carers Association exists to relieve the stresses experienced by carers in Gateshead by providing information, advice and support services to carers, to help them and their dependents.

Established in 1996, Gateshead Carers Association is a registered charity.

Its aim is to support, inform and represent carers. GCA has a particular role in ensuring that the voice of carers is heard and that carers are able to influence the development of policy and services.

GCA’s current activities include running a number of interest groups including art, craft, photography and weight control, providing information and advice services and the Carers Action Forum.