Unpaid carers from across Bexley came together at the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara,  for a special event celebrating the vital contribution unpaid carers make to families and communities across the Borough.

Organised by the Bexley Carers Partnership Board, the event brought together carers, voluntary sector organisations and community groups to provide information, advice and support in a welcoming and inclusive setting.

Held as South Asian Heritage Month gets underway, the event provided an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of Bexley's communities and recognise the important role unpaid carers play in every culture and community.

Voluntary sector organisations were on hand throughout the day to offer information, guidance and practical support to carers, helping people understand the services available locally and where to turn for help.

A particular highlight of the event was the opportunity for attendees to enjoy langar, the traditional community meal prepared and served by volunteers at the temple. Sharing food together provided a valuable opportunity for carers, partners and community members to meet, talk and build new connections, reflecting the Sikh values of equality, inclusion and service to others.

Councillor Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Environment, Culture and Leisure, said:

As a Sikh, I was particularly proud to see our Gurdwara open its doors to unpaid carers from across Bexley and bring together people from different communities in the spirit of support, inclusion and friendship.

Unpaid carers make an enormous contribution every day and it was wonderful to see so many local organisations coming together to recognise that contribution and ensure carers know that help and support is available when they need it.

I was particularly pleased to have seen other community groups attend the event, learn about the Sikh faith and enjoy meals together."

Councillor Ward-Wilson, Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, said:

Unpaid carers make an invaluable contribution to our communities every day, often while balancing work, family life and their own wellbeing. It is important that carers know support is available and that they do not have to manage alone.

Whether you are new to caring or have supported someone for many years, there is help available in Bexley, including carers assessments, practical advice and wellbeing support designed to help carers maintain their own health and wellbeing alongside their caring responsibilities.

I would encourage anyone who looks after a family member, friend or neighbour to find out more about the support available across Bexley."

During the event, Councillor Sandhu and Councillor Ward-Wilson spent time speaking with members of the congregation and encouraging prayer-goers to visit the marketplace to find out more about the support available for unpaid carers in Bexley. The response was overwhelming and the President (Mr Atwal) and volunteers at the Gurdwara were very supportive of the entire event.

The event forms part of the Bexley Carers Partnership Board's ongoing commitment to improving support for unpaid carers and ensuring they can access information, advice and opportunities to look after their own wellbeing.

The Bexley Carers Partnership Board would like to thank Belvedere Gurdwara for opening its doors to unpaid carers from across the Borough and for hosting the event.

Carers can find out more about the support available locally by visiting the Bexley Carers Partnership Board website, where they can also download the new Unpaid Carers Guide, developed with carers and for carers to provide practical information for those at every stage of their caring journey.

Carers are also encouraged to take part in the Partnership Board's wellbeing event programme and to look out for future activities and opportunities to connect with other carers across the Borough.

Another event to mark South Asian Heritage Month will take place at Crayford Community Centre on Tuesday, 28 July. Billed as A Celebration of Culture, Unity and Tradition, the event is being organised by local charity Mentor Ring in partnership with the London Borough of Bexley's Staying Together team and the Bexley Wellbeing Partnership.

The free event will take place from 5 pm to 7 pm. It will feature dance performances and a fashion show from members of Bangladeshi, Indian, Nepalese, Sri Lankan and Tibetan community groups. Visitors will also be able to take part in a Bollywood dance workshop, enjoy a selection of traditional food and hear from a panel of GPs and health professionals discussing access to healthcare and local support services.

The event is open to everyone and no booking is required. Simply come along to Crayford Community Centre, Town Hall Square, DA1 4FN, between 5 pm and 7 pm.

For more information, contact info@MentorRing.org.uk.