Carers' Week Hailed As Success In Bexley
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L-R: Debbie Manners (Bexley Carers' Services), Andy Runeckles
(Bexley Rethink), Cllr Sharon Massey (Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social
Care), Mehmet Senar (Carer), Joan Pittman (Bexley Carers' Services) |
The recent annual Carers' Week (9-15 June) was a big success in Bexley, with
many people taking the opportunity to find out more about services and support
available to them as carers.
Marking the fourteenth annual Carers' Week, Cllr
Sharon Massey, Cabinet Member
for Health and Adult Social Care, joined staff from Bexley Carers Services
and Bexley Rethink on 9 June to talk to shoppers in Bexleyheath and give out
helpful information.
The event was just one of several taking place. Other events included a special
fish and chip lunch for carers as well as a health and well being day. The
aim of the annual Carers' Week is to make sure as many carers as possible are
made aware of the support and advice available to them. Staff wanted to reach
out to ‘hidden’ carers, such as those who may provide care for
a friend or relative, but do not recognise themselves as carers, or have not
previously come forward for help.
Afterwards, Cllr Massey said: "I am delighted that Bexley ran such a
successful Carers' Week and I am confident that we have managed to reach many
carers who had previously been unknown to us. Many people who care for a friend
or relative do not realise that they are entitled to a Carer's Assessment in
their own right. I believe last week went a long way towards reaching out to
them."
A Carer's Assessment is carried out to identify the impact of a caring role
on the carer, alongside his/her other responsibilities. The assessment often
highlights issues such as stress, lack of social opportunity, financial concerns,
as well as health and wellbeing issues. There are many support services which
carers can be assessed for. These include stress and anxiety management courses,
short respite breaks, counselling, befriending services, benefit advice and
carers' groups.
Anybody who is interested in finding out more about the support on offer to
carers in Bexley can phone Carers' Services on 01322 338582.
