Coleg Gwent students helped carers enjoy some time to relax at a special event in Caerphilly County Borough recently to celebrate National Carers Week.
The group of 24 holistic therapy students from Coleg Gwent’s Pontypool Campus offered relaxing treatments to carers at an event organised by Caerphilly County Borough Council in Ystrad Mynach.
Over 60 carers attended the event which was designed to recognise the important work of unpaid carers in the community, and featured information, support, craft workshops and beauty therapies.
Carers were offered relaxing taster treatments by students, including reflexology, aromatherapy, massage, mini-facials, mini-manicures and mini-pedicures.
Course lecturer Deborah Bradfield said: “Students really enjoyed meeting carers and were happy to help them take time out to relax. The event was fantastic for students too, and allowed them to use their skills in the community.”
Cllr Gaynor Oliver, Mayor of Caerphilly County Borough Council, attended the event and was moved by a number of the stories she heard. She commented: “These selfless people care for their loved ones, not for recognition, but because of the concern and compassion they feel. I hope that awareness raising events such as this will encourage those unpaid carers to come forward and receive the support they deserve.”