Published: Tuesday 30 May 2023
Updated: Tuesday 30 May 2023
Unpaid carers in our community provide an invaluable unseen service to many local residents and this week is a way to show Kensington and Chelsea Cares.
Are you an unpaid carer? Looking after a member of your family or a friend? It can be challenging, and people need a break from time to time. The Council funds the Carers Network to provide support to unpaid carers and this carers week it is offering a variety of free events to give people a break.
The week includes:
- a tour of the Houses of Parliament on Tuesday
- a tour of QPR stadium on Thursday
- trips to:
- The Royal Mews
- St Paul’s Cathedral
- Kew Gardens
- Chiswick House
Cllr Sarah Addenbrooke, Lead Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, said: “It’s inspiring to see the dedication carers have for the person they are looking after. It can be incredibly challenging emotionally and physically and Carers week is a great chance for carers to have a break for a few hours and just relax and enjoy something different.”
In Kensington and Chelsea, you can have a tour of the Royal Mews at 2pm on Monday, Chelsea Physic Garden at 2pm on Thursday and the Museum of Brands at 11am on Friday.
Gogo-Rose, a carer who attended last year, said: “Carers Network Programme is God-sent! Awesome sessions! Educational and recreational. Also entertaining. Very friendly group. It's a great Programme. Please keep it up. Thank you so much.”
Another carer, Valerie, added: “I really appreciate all the trips which were arranged for carers week. I learnt so much and engaging with other carers. It was really lovely. Thank you.”
If you want to attend any events [email protected] or call 020 8960 3033. You can find full details of the events at www.carers-network.org.uk/help-and-advice/news-and-updates/post/71-carers-week-2023-activities-and-events
If you are an unpaid carer there is a variety of ways you can get both financial support and advice and help with who you are caring for. Go to www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/support-and-benefits-for-carers/benefits-for-carers/ for a list of government allowances you maybe entitled to and speak to the Carers Network about advice and support they can offer you.
Carers week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of the challenges unpaid carers face and highlight the support available to those in this position.