Carers’ Week will highlight the work that 60,000 people do throughout Nottinghamshire for free for family members or friends.
The Carers’ Federation in Nottingham is holding an event to celebrate the occasion, with information stalls and free health checks for carers.
Rob Gardiner, the Chief Executive of the Carers’ Federation agreed that more should be done to raise awareness about the work these people do.
He said: “We hold events like this several times a year but this is our main one as it is Carers’ Week.
“A lot of the carers that we meet are sometimes too busy to take time out for themselves, so they enjoy coming to events like these because they can talk to people who are in similar situations to themselves.”
Many people don’t ask for help because they just see themselves as a mum or dad, not as a carer.
Rob Gardiner, Deputy Chief Executive, Carer’s Federation.
In some cases becoming a full time carer can impact on someone’s life massively.
Sharon Wallace has been a full time carer for her mum since she retired five years ago. She struggles to find time to do things for herself as all her time is taken up looking after her mum who suffers from mild dementia.
She said: “Only after five years I’ve looked into what help social services offer, I tried to avoid asking for help as I wanted to remain independent.”
Video: Sharon Wallace, Full time carer, talks about what the event.
Sharon added: “I didn’t realise how much support there was and everybody has been wonderful.”
A lot of carers don’t have time to do simple things for themselves like check in to the GP or take a break, that is why at the event there is a free health check and lunch so they can relax with others in a similar situation.
Picture: Sharon Wallace with her mum..
The event is taking place over Tuesday at Christopher Cargill House, 21-23 Pelham Road.
