Packed week will celebrate vital role of carers in the community

by Greenwich NHS CCG | Eltham

The vital role played by carers in the local community across the Royal Borough of Greenwich will be celebrated with a wide-ranging programme of events during National Carers’ Week (8 - 14 June).

Dr Ellen Wright, Clinical Chair of NHS Greenwich Clinical Commissioning Group, Sue Mitchell, Chair of Greenwich Carers’ Centre, Cllr David Gardner, the Royal Borough’s cabinet member for health and social care, and Isaac Attram from Greenwich Action for Voluntary Service, visit the new Carers Centre

This theme this year for National Carers’ Week is ‘Building Carer-Friendly Communities’ and the high spot in the programme will be an open day at Greenwich Carers’ Centre in Charlton, where carers will have the chance to see the state-of-the-art facilities on offer at the brand new Greenwich Carers’ Centre at The Stables, next to Charlton House. To book a place, please call the Centre on 0300 555 1515.

The week-long events programme – planned by the Royal Borough in partnership with Greenwich Carers’ Centre - is aimed at anyone who supports or cares for someone who is older and frail or has a disability, physical or mental health problem or problems with drugs or alcohol.

Events include a Carers’ Roadshow which will tour venues across the borough, offering information about local services for carers, as well as advice on a range of issues including welfare rights.

From Monday to Wednesday, a series of Advice Shops for carers - hosted at the Greenwich Carers’ Centre in Charlton – will offer specialist advice on a range of issues affecting carers.

Cllr David Gardner, the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said, “Carers play a vital role, both in their families and in their community, and the partnership between the Royal Borough, local health services and Greenwich Carers’ Centre has helped ensure a very strong level of support for carers in the borough.

“This can be seen both in the events offered for National Carers’ Week, and also in the fantastic new facilities available at the Carers Centre.

“I would encourage local carers to take the opportunity to attend the events during Carers’ Week - and to find out more about the support and services that are available for carers throughout the year.”

Sue Mitchell, Chair of Greenwich Carers’ Centre said, “We are delighted that we have been able to deliver a brand new facility for local carers. Having taken on board many of their suggestions and requests from across the past 20 years we hope that as many carers as possible will visit to see what is available.

“Caring can be rewarding but at times it can be an isolating experience. Our message to carers is to remember that there is help and support available as well as a space to just take time out and relax.”

The full timetable of events during Carers’ Week is shown below, and is also available at www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/carersweek (all events are free):

Monday 8 June 2015:

Carers’ Week roadshow - 9am – 3.30pm

Information and advice for carers: Morrison’s Car Park, Thamesmead SE28. Open to everyone, just drop in

Advice Shop - 10am – 4pm

Advice on any issues affecting carers. Including (10am-12 noon) specialist advice for people supporting someone with a mental health problem. Venue: The Stables, 76 Hornfair Rd, Charlton, SE7 7BD.  No booking required. Please call 0300 555 1515 for further information

Tuesday 9 June 2015: 

Carers’ Week roadshow - 9am – 12.30pm:

Information and advice for carers: General Gordon Square, Woolwich, SE18. Open to everyone, just drop in

Advice Shop - 10am – 4pm

Advice on any issues affecting carers. Including specialist advice for people supporting someone with drug / alcohol problems. Also including (2 - 4pm) specialist advice on welfare benefits. Venue: The Stables, 76 Hornfair Rd, Charlton, SE7 7BD.  No booking required. Please call 0300 555 1515 for further information

Carers’ Picnic - 1 – 3pm

Carers’ picnic hosted by Greenwich Mencap. Venue: Mycenae House Gardens, 90 Mycenae Road, Blackheath SE3 7SE. Open to all, please bring a dish.

Carers’ Week roadshow - 3 – 6.30pm

Information and advice for carers: in the car park outside Sainsbury’s, Greenwich Peninsula, SE10. Open to everyone, just drop in

Wednesday 10 June 2015:

Carers’ Week roadshow - 9am – 3.30pm

Information and advice for carers: Eltham High Street / Passey Place, Eltham, SE9. Open to everyone, just drop in

Advice Shop - 10am – 4pm

Advice on any issues affecting carers, including specialist advice on welfare benefits. Also available from 2 - 4pm: specialist advice for carers of people with autism or a learning disability. Venue: The Stables, 76 Hornfair Rd, Charlton, SE7 7BD.  No booking required. Please call 0300 555 1515 for further information.

Friday 12 June 2015:

Carers’ Centre Open Day and Grand Opening - 10am – 3pm

Greenwich Carers’ Centre are proud to open their new building – The Stables 76 Hornfair Rd, Charlton, SE7 7BD.

Come down to see the centre, join in the celebrations, stay for a fantastic lunch with free therapy sessions, entertainment, films, a few speeches, and much more. You are welcome to bring the person you care for too.

Please call 0300 555 1515 to book your place, or for further information.