As part of National Carers Week, Caerphilly County Borough Council’s social services department is holding its annual Carers Day on Friday June 22.
The event is being held between 10.30am and 2pm at the New Cottage Dance Centre, Ystrad Mynach.
Cllr Robin Woodyatt, cabinet member for social services, said: “This event is being organised to recognise and celebrate the contribution made by unpaid carers to the people they care for and their communities.”
A carer is someone who, without payment, provides help and support to a partner, child, relative, parent, friend or neighbour etc, who could not manage without their help. This could be due to age, physical or mental illness, addiction or disability.
Anyone can become a carer; carers come from all walks of life, all cultures and can be of any age. Carers don’t choose to become carers, it happens out of an overwhelming concern and compassion for the person they care for. Many carers do not consider themselves to be a carer, they are just looking after their mother, son, wife or best friend etc.
As at April 2011, there were 1,362 adult carers and 191 young carers known to social services, providing substantial regular unpaid care and support to family members or friends.
The council has said the actual number of unpaid carers in Caerphilly is much higher and it is hoped that more people will recognise themselves as a carer and come forward to receive the support they deserve.
Caerphilly AM Jeff Cuthbert said that carers play a vital role in the community.
He said: “Caring for a loved one can be mentally and physically exhausting and place a burden financially and on family relationships. Carers provide a vital role in our communities and it’s imperative we recognise their contribution and encourage employers, organisations and staff to support them as much as possible.”
For more information call 01443 864604 or visit www.caerphilly.gov.uk