Celebrating all unpaid carers during Carers Week
An exciting schedule of events is planned across west Cheshire during Carers Week from 5 to 11 June to recognise the significant contribution unpaid carers make.
The theme for Carers Week 2023, an annual campaign run by Carers UK, is recognising and supporting carers in the community.
Carers Week is brought to life by thousands of individuals and organisations coming together to provide support for carers, run activities, highlight the vital role carers play in communities and draw attention to just how important caring is.
The Council commissions the Cheshire West Carer Support Service to support carers across the borough.
The service is delivered by Cheshire and Warrington Carers Trust alongside other organisations, such as OPAL, Making Space, Alzheimer's Society, Crossroads Together, Neuromuscular Centre and a dedicated young carers' service.
Plenty of other organisations, including Cheshire West and Chester Council, work closely with carers throughout the year and a full schedule of events is planned for Carers Week, such walks, afternoon tea, drop-in sessions, meals out and much more.
Councillor Sheila Little, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said:
It's important we mark Carers Week to celebrate the real difference unpaid carers make here in west Cheshire. The latest Census data in 2021 showed that we have more than 16,000 unpaid carers locally offering at least 20 hours of care per week. Many people might not recognise themselves as carers so we need to support them with this and make sure they're aware of the wide range of help available to them. Carers Week is the ideal opportunity to encourage carers to take some time out for themselves, access this support and feel appreciated for the wonderful work they do.
The Council will be lighting up several key landmarks across the borough in blue and white, such as Chester Town Hall, Eastgate Clock, Newgate, Ellesmere Port Library and Wyvern House, to mark Carers Week and increase the campaign's visibility across the borough.