June news

Contribution of carers recognised during Carers Week

Some of Portsmouth’s dedicated carers will be taking a well-earned break next week and enjoying some of the events that are taking place in the city as part of Carers’ Week 2008, which runs from Monday (9-13 June).

As part of a week of national events that aims to raise the profile of the vital work done by the country’s unpaid carers, Portsmouth City Council’s Carers’ Centre is organising some activities.

Councillor Leo Madden, Executive Member for Health and Social Care, said: “Carers Week is an opportunity for us to recognise all the work done by more than 15,000 carers in Portsmouth who look after their sick, elderly or disabled relatives, friends or neighbours.

“We would like to say a big thank you to all the city’s carers and we hope as many carers as possible will be able to take some time out and enjoy some of the week’s events.”

Carers’ Week is launched on Monday with a vintage Routemaster bus tour of Portsmouth, which will be setting off from the Carers Centre in Kingston Road at 1pm. During the rest of the week, there will be a quiz night, a reception in the Lord Mayor’s parlour, and a trip to the theatre, and the week concludes with a picnic on the beach at Hill Head.

It’s not just grown-ups who care. Portsmouth has a small army of young carers, some as young as five, who either take a share of the responsibility for looking after a parent or sibling, or live in a household where care has a big impact on their lives. These dedicated youngsters need a chance to let their hair down and on Tuesday they will be taking a break from their responsibilities and hanging out with other young carers during a trip to Playzone Children’s Activity Centre at North Harbour.  

Anyone interested in taking part in any of the events should call the Carers Centre on 023 9285 1864. 

Date : 06 June 2008