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Grand Day Out For Carers

Laughter guru Joe Hoare (left) enjoys a laugh with (left to right) Lorraine Frapwell from the Carers’ Centre, Ruth Wishart, Betty Wishart and Alan Ruttley.

Carers and their families celebrated together at Bath Sports and Leisure Centre at an event to highlight the end of Carers’ Week 2011. A packed day of dance, art, drama, music, sport, craft and even a stress-busting Laughter Workshop run by Joe Hoare ensured everyone had a smile on their face.

Sonia Hutchison, from the Carers’ Centre Bath and North East Somerset, said: “The theme of this year’s Carers’ Week was The True Face of Carers and highlighted the experiences of the country’s 6 million people who care for someone because they are ill, frail or disabled. In Bath and North East Somerset, the Carers’ Centre, along with Community Arts Therapies, Young Carers, Crossroads Care and Off The Record, brought local carers of all ages together with their families for a wonderful day out.”

At the event, young carer, Isaac Wild, who looks after his mum, Elizabeth, said, “I had a really good time, I made a healthy fruit face and then I ate it, it was lovely. Then I played tennis with Mum and Sonia and thrashed them!”

Alan Ruttley, who is 86 and cared for by his wife, attended the Laughter Workshop run by Joe Hoare. “I really did enjoy myself,” he said. “Joe’s a good teacher, and I’ve learned you can surprise yourself by joining in and trying something new.”

As part of the week’s activities, David Cameron gave a speech in recognition of the work of carers at a reception at 10 Downing Street. He told the carers present: "Everyone in Britain needs to know that if you stopped doing what you're doing, the consequences for the country would be disastrous."

Carers save the UK economy over £119 billion every year, yet Carers’ Allowance, the main carers’ benefit, currently provides them with just £55.50 a week.

The Prime Minister, whose severely disabled son, Ivan, died in 2009, went on to state that the Government needed to commit money and show more understanding of the issues faced by carers in the UK and to support more carers’ organisations.