Croydon has been revealed as the top borough in a league table of councils who took part in this year’s Carers’ Week.
The council romped home with 31 registered events – nine clear of second place Leeds.
The competition was open to all 418 local authorities across the UK and was designed to encourage councils to do their best to raise awareness and support for those people who care for someone with an illness or disability, or simply because of old age.
Highlights from Croydon’s week of activities included a carers’ information day, drop-in sessions where people could spend time talking to a professional, and therapeutic sessions for carers to allow them a chance to relax. These ranged from massage and art sessions to a vintage afternoon tea at the Carers Café.
‘Croydon’s carers do an invaluable job and we never take them for granted. Carers’ Week gave us the opportunity to showcase our comprehensive advice and support service and allowed us to reach out to people who may not have known we are here to help. I’m delighted Croydon topped the league table and I thank everyone involved in making our Carers’ Week programme so successful’.
Councillor Louisa Woodley, cabinet member for families, health and social care
Croydon’s Carers’ Information Service provides information, advice and support to unpaid carers in Croydon. It runs the Carers Support Centre in the town centre as a one stop shop for those looking for advice and support.
Located in George Street (opposite the tram stop), the centre is funded by Croydon Council and the Whitgift Foundation. Staff there work with a range of council-funded partners including Parents in Partnership, Help for Carers, Off the Record, Alzheimer’s Society, Age UK Croydon, Croydon Mencap, CNCA, Mind in Croydon, and Horizon Care & Welfare Association, to offer a wide variety of support. This takes the form of free counselling for carers, information and advice, peer support groups, respite activities, befriending, advocacy, health and wellbeing clinics, exercise classes, flu jabs, benefits advice, legal advice, day trips, support for young carers and young adult carers and much more.
For more information: https://www.carersinfo.org.uk/ , call 020 8649 9339 or email: info@carersinfo.org.uk
