Unpaid carers attended an expo at Trowbridge Civic Centre organised by charity Carer Support Wiltshire on Tuesday (21 Nov), to gather information to help them in their caring roles and find out more about their rights, ahead of national awareness event Carers Rights Day, which takes place on Thursday 23 November.
Speakers from many organisations led sessions on various topics, such as building a support network, navigating the benefits system, caring for a child with additional needs, caring for an elderly parent and estate planning. There were also stalls run by many Wiltshire organisation giving information in the main hall.
The event was opened at 10am by Trowbridge Mayor Stephen Cooper and continued into the evening.
Trowbridge’s Mayor Stephen Cooper said: “I think there’s a desperate need for an event like this. There are so many unpaid, unregistered, unacknowledged people caring for parents, children, brothers, sisters, and they don’t know where to go. They don’t know who to approach. They need information – it’s not necessarily about practical support, it’s about knowing where to go to ask for advice and help.”
Teresa from Swindon who attended the event said: “I found today very useful because I look after my mother-in-law. It was really empowering. It’s about finding out what’s available and what’s out there. I’ve taken information from pretty much all the stalls and the energy one was particularly useful because a lot of people at the hospital where I work find it a struggle to heat their homes because of the energy crisis.”
Leanne Hubbard, Chief Executive of Carer Support Wiltshire said: “We were delighted to see so many people at today’s event. We know that many will have taken away with them valuable information about services they can access and support available for themselves and perhaps the person they care for. Having access to the right support is key to ensuring carers can continue caring and do so without compromising their own physical and mental health.”
Our huge thanks to all of the below organisations (and teams) who helped to make the day a success.
- Wiltshire Centre for Independent Living
- Alzheimer’s Support Wiltshire
- Wiltshire Parent Carer Council (WPCC)
- Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust
- Wiltshire Citizens Advice
- Aid Training
- Goughs Solicitors
- Wiltshire Farm Foods
- Olive Branch Counselling
- Wiltshire Council Health Coaches
- Rethink Mental Illness
- Wiltshire Council Technology Enabled Care
- Wiltshire Council Occupational Therapy
- Dorothy House Hospice Care
- Healthwatch Wiltshire
- Lighthouse Professional Care
- Wiltshire Council Family and Community Learning Team
- Warm and Safe Wiltshire
Anyone who is caring for someone and would like information on support that is available to them can speak to Carer Support Wiltshire on 0800 181 4118 or by email at admin@carersupportwiltshire.co.uk.
