Posted on: Thursday 13 June 2024
More than 50 unpaid carers from across Torfaen came together to take part in a 5K walk to mark Carers Week.
The event, held at Cwmbran Boating Lake on Wednesday, was organised by the council’s adult and young carers' service, with the aim of fostering a sense of community among carers.
Following the walk, they were treated to refreshments and live music from African drumming band Up Beat as a thank you for all they do in their caring roles.
Isabel, 17, from Cwmbrân, who attended the walk, cares for her mum and grandparents by helping them get around, collecting medication and helping clean at home.
She said, “The walk for carers week was great! It pulled all us carers together to share moments and make new connections. We also got the chance to take part in a fun drumming workshop.
“The support offered by the young carer service allows me to fulfil my responsibilities as a young carer, whilst also ensuring that I receive breaks and new opportunities.”
Christine Simmonds from Cwmbran, who cares for her husband who has dementia, said:
"It was well organised and it was lovely to see the children having so much fun. I've been supported by adult social care for many years and it has been of great help".
"I hope that events like these shines a light on unpaid carers as many don’t understand what its really like."
To celebrate this year's theme of putting unpaid carers on the map, the service is compiling photos of local carers to be displayed on a map of Torfaen.
Carers have until Sunday to submit their photos on the Torfaen Adult Carers and Torfaen Young Carers Facebook pages.
Louise Hook, Torfaen Council Carers Support Worker, said: "Carers Week is a great opportunity for us to celebrate and thank unpaid carers for their hard work and dedication."
An unpaid carer is someone who provides care and support to a family member, friend, or neighbour who cannot manage without their assistance.
This care can include physical, emotional, or practical support for individuals who are ill, disabled, older, or experiencing mental health concerns.
If you are an unpaid carer and need extra financial support, you can apply for a Small Carers Grant. Visit the Adferiad website for information.
For more information about carers support services offered by the council, contact Adult Carers Officer Louise Hook on 07966 301108 or louise.hook@torfaen.gov.uk or Young Carers officer Rebecca Elvers on 01633648113.