Carers Week 2010

The Carers Project at Local Solutions held its annual Carers Event today at St George’s Hall.  The event, organised in partnership with Liverpool City Council, celebrates National Carers Week of which the theme this year is ‘A Life of My Own’.  

The Right Worshipful Hazel Williams officially opened the event in her capacity as Lord Mayor of Liverpool.  There were also speeches by Jane Weller, Senior Improvement Officer for Carers of Liverpool City Council and Stephen Hawkins, Chief Executive of Local Solutions. 

Event organisers were delighted to welcome a huge turnout of over 600 carers  who took the opportunity to browse a range of information stands from organisations including the Alzheimer’s Society, Age Concern, the NHS, Barnado’s and PSS, amongst others.  Carers also took advantage of the range of complementary therapies and pampering available including Reiki, Indian head massages, hand massages and manicures. 

The theme of National Carers Week 2010 highlights that more than three quarters (76%) of people looking after an ill, frail or disabled loved one do not have a life outside of their caring role, according to new research issued to launch Carers Week.  

Kathy Newton, Senior Carers Development Worker at Local Solutions commented “I feel that today’s event has proved successful in enabling carers in the city to learn more about the services available to support them in their caring role, as well as an opportunity for professionals to network and promote working in partnership”.