Carers Week is an annual campaign that focuses on raising awareness of caring, highlighting the types of challenges faced by carers and recognising the contribution they make to families and communities. It also encourages those who don't think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access the necessary support.
The theme for this year's Carers Week is Building Carer-Friendly Communities. The campaign will help highlight the impact supportive communities can have in creating a palpable and lasting difference to the lives of carers in our local communities.
Carer-friendly communities are places, spaces, services and community groups where carers are recognised, understood, and valued. They make support part of everyday life, ensuring carers get the opportunities and help they need. The organisation behind Carers Week has put together resources to help build carer-friendly communities in various areas, including:
Marking Carers Week in Kingston and Richmond
To celebrate Carers Week, the Richmond Carers Centre and the Kingston Carers Network are hosting a variety of events, activities and workshops to recognise and value the role of carers in the community.
For more information and guidance for carers such as charitable grants, allowances and benefits, mental health support, and advice for young carers, visit the information for carers Local Offer page.