Carer Support Service - News for Carers

Issue No. 84
June / July 2008

Carers Week 9-15 June 2008

"Carers can't afford to be ill"

The Carers’ Support Service invites you to celebrate Carers Week in Darlington by joining in the following events.

Monday 9th June: Relaxation group. 1.30 to 3.00 pm, The Lounge, Bondgate Methodist Church.

Thursday 12th June: Picnic in the Park. In the South Park, meet under the Clock Tower at 12.00 noon. Bring a blanket - food and refreshments provided.

Friday 13th June: Cookery Demonstration, with free samples, courtesy of Wiltshire Farm Foods. 2.00 to 4.00 pm, at Age Concern, Bradbury House, Beaumont Street. Please ring us to let us know you will be going.

Sunday 15th June: Carers Church Service. 10.45 am at the United Reformed Church, Northgate.

Other events include:

Unveiling of a Carers Notice Board

Martin Barkley, Chief Executive of the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust, will be unveiling a new information board at the main entrance of West Park Hospital.

GP Surgeries in Darlington

Information will be displayed across all the eleven GP surgeries in and around Darlington. Reception staff will be wearing special badges to highlight Carers Week

Sun and Fun in South Shields

We are having a day out to South Shields for carers and the person they care for on
Thursday 7 August. A coach will leave West Lodge at 10.00 am and return from South
Shields at 5.00 pm. The cost is £2.50 per person. Places are limited, must be booked
in advance and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. To reserve a place
please call in to Shopmobility reception and purchase your ticket(s)

Denise supports carers

One of the north’s most well-known journalists, Denise Robertson says "Carers face many challenges each day which in themselves can be exhausting without the worry of ill-health. As an agony aunt and from talking to people that are experiencing difficulties when caring for others, I know that there are still many people suffering in silence and struggling to cope. If I can help raise awareness of the role that carers carry out, and show them that there is support available, then I am proud to again give my support to Carers Week."

Carers Week aims

In 2008 the fourteenth annual Carers Week will highlight the impact caring can have on carers' health and wellbeing. Carers Week is organised by ten leading charities who support the UK’s six million carers.

The key aims for Carers Week are to:

• Highlight and celebrate the contribution made by carers.

• Campaign for better support and services for carers.

• Promote policies and best practice that can improve carers’ quality of life.

• Reach out to ‘hidden carers’, ensuring they know where to find help and support

Diary Dates

Thursday 5th June: Carers Together - A free Hand Massage session. Come
and try out this form of relaxation. 1.30 to 3.00 pm, Bondgate Methodist Church.

Monday 9th June: Relaxation. 1.30 to 3.00 pm, The Lounge, Bondgate Methodist Church.

Thursday 19th June: Mental Health Carers Coffee Afternoon. 1.30 to 3.00 pm, Bondgate Methodist Church.

Monday 14th July: Relaxation. 1.30 to 3.00 pm, The Lounge, Bondgate Methodist Church.

Thursday 17th July: Mental Health Carers Coffee Afternoon. 1.30 to 3.00 pm, Bondgate Methodist Church.

Thursday 7th August: Carers Together. Bus Trip to South Shields. Depart from West Lodge at 10.00 am, departing from South Shields at 5.00 pm.

Carers Darlington:

Tuesdays: Weekly Drop-in at Age Concern, Bradbury House, 10.00am - 12.00 noon.

Fridays: Weekly Drop-in at Age Concern, Bradbury House, 12.00 noon - 2.00pm.