Putting carers on the map-giving unpaid carers the recognition they deserve

Sunday 9 June – Sunday 16 June 2024

As a council, we recognise the importance of carers and the invaluable role they play in our community. According to the 2021 Census, there are almost 30,000 carers in Shropshire, and they make a vital contribution to the health and wellbeing of the people they care for and the wider community.

However, we know that being a carer can have a significant impact on health, wellbeing, finances, education, and employment. We understand the challenges and rewards of caring, and we want to help carers balance their caring responsibilities with their own health and wellbeing.

That’s why Shropshire Council and our partners developed the all-age carer strategy that aims to provide a clear framework to support carers of all ages and backgrounds to identify as carers, access information and advice, maintain their own health and wellbeing, plan for their future, and participate in family and community life. The strategy is based on the views and experiences of carers and former carers, as well as key organisations representing carers.

We work with many organisations and partners to ensure that carers have access to the services and resources they need, such as providing information, advice, guidance, training, advocacy, and emotional support.

One of the many ways we demonstrate appreciation for our carers community is during Carers Week, an annual campaign to raise awareness of carers and help them access much-needed support.

From Sunday 9 June to Sunday 16 June 2024, our carers support team has organised over 35 activities across Shropshire, including canal trips, garden and museum visits, walks, and talks, music and craft sessions, National Trust visits, complementary refreshments, and much more.

The activities are designed to offer carers a respite from their caring role, to enjoy the beauty of the Shropshire countryside, to connect with other carers and to have some fun and relaxation. Carers can choose from a wide range of options, depending on their interests and availability. For some activities carers can bring along the person they care for, if they are able to join them.

In addition to the activities, there will also be competitions with some excellent prizes to be won, such as tickets for Theatre Severn, Festival Drayton cinema, Shrewsbury Town Football Club, Ludlow Farm Shop, and a hamper from Ludlow Farm Shop. The competitions are open to all carers who are registered with our carers support team. Carers can enter as many competitions as they like and have a great opportunity to win something special for themselves or the person they care for.

The importance of Carers Week

Carers Week is an opportunity to express our gratitude to all our unpaid and family carers in Shropshire. The theme for Carers Week this year is ‘Putting carers on the map’. We fully appreciate the vital support carers offer to others, and we want to make sure they are acknowledged and assisted. It’s essential that we put carers on the map and highlight the valuable contribution they make to our society and economy.

I encourage all carers to come and join us and I’m sure they will find something that appeals to them, and we look forward to seeing them during the fun-filled week. This is also a chance for carers to meet others, share their experiences and learn from each other. They are not alone in their caring journey, and we are here to support them.

It is our small way to say ‘thank you’ for all that you do, with so many activities dedicated to carers, we hope carers will find something that they like.

We would also like to express our gratitude to the many contributors to the programme – donating excellent prizes or activities that we hope our carers will enjoy.

How to join in the celebrations

To find out more about the events and competitions visit Carers week – 9 – 16 June 2024 | Shropshire Council

To book a place on any of the activities on the programme, please email: [email protected] or telephone 01743 341995.

To find out more about Carers Week, please visit Home | Carers Week. You will find more information about the campaign, the national events, and the resources for carers.

If you’re a young carer and require advice and support, please contact our Shropshire Young Carer Support service at – [email protected] or telephone 01743 341995. We have a dedicated team of professionals who can help you with your education, wellbeing, and social opportunities.