Local events taking place to help put carers on the map

The Wokingham Carers Partnership is organising a series of free events to celebrate Carers Week 2024 (10 to 16 June). 

Carers Week is organised every year by Carers UK and Carers Trust, with a different theme each year drawing attention to issues facing unpaid carers across the UK. 

The theme for this year’s national campaign is about ‘putting carers on the map’ and aims to highlight the need for more recognition and support for unpaid carers. This includes raising awareness about the challenges carers face that affect their finances, employment, health and wellbeing. 

The Wokingham Carers Partnership was launched in April 2023 to provide information, advice and support to unpaid carers locally. It is made up of three organisations from the voluntary sector: Age UK Berkshire; Promise Inclusion; and Berkshire Youth. The partnership represents and supports unpaid carers of all ages across the borough. 

The following events are being held locally during Carers Week 2024: 

• Monday 10 June: Information event for family/parent carers at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre, Lower Earley, 10am to 2pm. Get help from a range of local charities and organisations 

• Tuesday 11 June: Walk at Dinton Pastures Country Park, Hurst, 1pm to 3pm* and quiz night at Sedero Lounge, Wokingham, 6.30pm to 8.30pm* 
• Wednesday 12 June: Carers’ lunch at Winnersh Community Centre, 12.15pm to 2.30pm* 
• Thursday 13 June: Coffee afternoon at FBC Centre, Finchampstead, 1pm to 3pm and bingo evening at BJs Bingo, Reading, 5.30pm to 9.30pm 
• Friday 14 June: NHS bus and information event at Woodley shopping centre, Crockhamwell Road, 10am to 1pm 

Events with an asterisk must be booked in advance. To find out more and to book, email Promise Inclusion, or call (0118) 9594242. 

Valuing our carers all year round

Cllr David Hare, executive member for adult services, health and wellbeing, said: “Putting carers on the map is very important. Many carers often don’t realise they are carers, so it is important we do all we can to help, recognise, value and support them, not just as part of Carers Week, but beyond. It is great to see there will be lots of ways for people to get involved in Carers Week. There will be information events, along with opportunities to unwind and celebrate the dedication of our local carers.

“Supporting carers is a priority for all of us and is something Wokingham Borough takes very seriously. In the last year, The Wokingham Carers Partnership has gone a long way towards achieving the intended goal of bringing people closer to the support that can help them.” 

Figures from a survey conducted by Carers UK showed that 82% of carers said the impact of caring on their physical and mental health would be a challenge over the coming year, with nearly 60% adding that being valued as a carer would improve their wellbeing.

To find out more about the support available for carers and The Wokingham Carers Partnership, visit the council’s website. 

There is also information about accessing support in the workplace if you are a carer on the Carers UK website.