Torbay’s unpaid Carers ‘take a break’
Published: 27 June 2017
Unpaid carers from across Torbay enjoyed a host of treats earlier this month for some well-deserved fun and relaxation at a series of events timed to coincide with National Carers Week 2017.
Carers Week celebrates the essential, and often unsung, role of unpaid Carers. A host of events, designed for all ages, took place across Torbay with an emphasis on Carers having some time for themselves. The events ranged from learning how to fly a Boeing 737 and sail a Yacht around the bay, to a treasure hunt at Torre Abbey and a themed afternoon tea and more; all aimed at promoting the wellbeing of Carers and recognising the vital role they play in our community.
Organised by Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust and supported by Torbay Council and local organisations, this year’s Carers Week focussed on Building Carer Friendly Communities which support Carers to look after their family or friends well, while recognising that they are individuals with needs of their own.
Katy Heard, Carers’ and Volunteers’ Lead at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The role our unpaid Carers play in providing expert care for some of the most vulnerable people in the community, cannot be valued highly enough. For these people – many of whom are young people, still attending school, or are older people with health needs of their own – caring is not a job which starts at 9am and ends at 5pm; it is a commitment which means they can be ‘on-call’ 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“It was wonderful to see so many carers relaxing and enjoying a day out, it is so important that we recognise our unpaid Carers and provide them with opportunities to take time-out from the support they provide.
“A popular event this year was the Sail around the Bay – there were lots of laughs and budding sailors! Carers Week really does provide us with the perfect opportunity to celebrate the often unsung contribution unpaid Carers make within our local communities.”
One Carer who attended said “I’m so glad I made time for myself, the event was fantastic! I hope Carers Week will encourage more Carers to use the service and access the support that is available for us.”
If someone in Torbay relies on you because they are getting older, or have a disability or mental health / drug / alcohol issue, please contact Signposts for Carers on 01803 666620 or visit www.torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk/carers.