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01761 431388

Family Day Celebrates Carers' Week

Annie Carpenter and Ian Long with their daughters, Georgia and Sarah.

Saturday June 18th brings a day of fun for carers and their families to mark the end of Carers’ Week 2011. The free event at Bath Sports and Leisure Centre promises a packed day of dance, art, drama, sport, craft and even a stress-busting Laughter Workshop run by renowned smiles guru Joe Hoare.

Sonia Hutchison, from the Carers’ Centre Bath and North East Somerset, said: “We want to bring local carers of all ages together with their families for a wonderful day out.  Carers across the country provide unpaid care for someone who is ill, frail or disabled. Some are forced to give up work to provide 24-hour care. Others hold down top-level jobs, working a double life as a carer and an employee. Some carers are children and young people who themselves need to be cared for too.”

In the UK, 3 in 5 people will be a carer at some point in their lives. Britain’s 6 million carers save the country’s economy £119 billion every year. In Bath and North East Somerset, over 16,000 people are carers and many do not realise the help and support available to them.

“Carers need greater support and recognition,” added Sonia. “Carers’ Week helps bring national focus on this marginalised group and highlights and celebrates the incredible contribution that carers make to our society.”

The Family Day runs from 10.00am to 3.00pm and help with transport is available for carers and their families. Contact the Carers’ Centre Bath and North East Somerset for more information on 01761 431388 or visit www.banescarerscentre.org.uk.