Nation Carer’s Week comes to the region

Nottinghamshire carers are being encouraged to find out about the help and support on offer at roadshow events taking place this week to coincide with National Carer’s Week.
Stall in Idlewells Shopping Centre Sutton as part of National Carers Week. l-r Natasha Mellors and Zena Cameron from the Carers Federation, Kate Whittaker NCC, Steve Shaw Ashfield Voluntary Action.Stall in Idlewells Shopping Centre Sutton as part of National Carers Week. l-r Natasha Mellors and Zena Cameron from the Carers Federation, Kate Whittaker NCC, Steve Shaw Ashfield Voluntary Action.
Stall in Idlewells Shopping Centre Sutton as part of National Carers Week. l-r Natasha Mellors and Zena Cameron from the Carers Federation, Kate Whittaker NCC, Steve Shaw Ashfield Voluntary Action.

The county council currently spends £5.3m to support around 3,000 carers and the people who they care for, including one-off payments through personal budgets, day services, short breaks and crisis prevention scheme for carers.

However, there are over 90,000 carers in the county, according to the 2011 census, who look after a relative or friend who is elderly or disabled, or requires support in relation to drugs or alcohol misuse.

The following events are taking place:

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Tuesday 11th June 10am to 3pm – information stall at Mansfield Market.

Wednesday 12th June 10.30am to 2.30pm – Carers’ Federation event at Christopher Cargill House, 21-13 Pelham Road, Nottingham, NG5 1AP.

Thursday 13th June 10am to 2.30pm. Newark and Sherwood Carers’ Partnership Board at the Everyday Champions Centre, Jessop Close, Newark, NG24 2ER. For free tickets call 01636 610556 or e-mail [email protected]

Thursday 13th June 2pm to 5pm. Crossroads Care event at Westdale Lane Community Centre, Westdale Lane West, Mapperley, NG3 6ES.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Christopher Melges (40) from Edwinstowe has Downs Syndrome and lives in supported living accommodation, each Monday to Friday, in Newark, which is funded by the county council.

He has daily activities including a placement at Rumbles Cafés in Edwinstowe and Sutton, allowing him to assist with serving customers and the catering. He returns home to his parents at the weekend.

His father Marek said: “Supported living gives Christopher greater independence which is very important for him and he has a very full social life with organised activities most days. He has the freedom to do what he wants to do and when he wants to do it.

“It also allows my wife and I to have a life of our own. We still look after him at weekends and are available in the week if needed.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Coun Muriel Weisz, chair of Nottinghamshire County Council’s adult social care and health committee, said: “We greatly value the role of carers who have to juggle many other commitments whilst supporting a friend or family member to live at home.

“There are many people who look after a loved one but don’t give themselves the label of carer so don’t seek any help or assistance.

“Being a carer can be very isolating so we would encourage them to contact the Council or attend one of our events to find out what support they may be able to access.”

People can find out more about the care and support that is available for Nottinghamshire carers by calling 0300 500 80 80, visiting www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/carers or emailing [email protected]