Celebrating our unpaid carers this Carers Week

The theme for the week is “putting carers on the map.” There is a packed timetable for the week with many events and workshops. For more information about the events including details about how to book please call 07519 751640 or email Ramandeep.gogna@slough.gov.uk

Carers UK estimate 5.7 million people living in the UK today are carers. This could be a relative, partner or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or is affected by mental health or substance misuse. It includes young people under 18 who may be caring at home. Providing care for another person can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. But there can also be times when people who care find themselves struggling.

This year to thank our unpaid carers, beautiful Ditton Manor has kindly donated their venue for free, for our carers week launch event. We are so grateful for this kind gesture and the team have been extremely generous with both their time and use of the venue. The event is open to all unpaid carers in Slough and runs from 11am-3pm on Monday 10 June. It includes live entertainment (magician and dance show), a delicious buffet lunch, laughing yoga, taster massage treatments and beauty treatments and art therapy to name a few. You need to book your place to attend by calling 07519 751640 or emailing Ramandeep.gogna@slough.gov.uk Entrance will not be permitted without a valid booking.

The Slough Carers Support team also want to thank all of the other companies that have also kindly donated their time and/or products for this event.

Caroline Bowler, Sales Manager, Ditton Manor, said: “We wanted to provide an opportunity for carers to have much-needed time for respite to relax and unwind, we value the work that unpaid carers in Slough do to support their loved ones and are proud to be able to give a little back to them this Carers Week.”

Ramandeep Gogna, Carers Support & Development Officer, Slough Borough Council, said: “We learnt from the pandemic what valuable role unpaid carers carry out in Slough. We are very lucky to have such selfless people in our borough caring for their family and friends. National Carers Week shines a light on these wonderful residents and allows us to celebrate them and arrange a pampering launch event for them. There is a whole timetable of events to attend, and we hope that any unpaid carers understand how appreciated you are by not only the people you care for, but by the wider borough.”

Many people who carry out caring responsibilities do not recognise themselves as carers but may benefit from some support and could be unaware of the help available to them. Many may feel they are simply carrying out ordinary responsibilities as a friend or family member.

For more information:

You can contact Slough Carers Support at: Ramandeep.gogna@slough.gov.uk or 07519 751640.

Alternatively, if you require extra support or guidance, please use the contacts below:

• If you’re caring for an adult, contact Slough Borough Council Adult Social Care on 01753 475111 Option 1.
• If you’re caring for a disabled child, please contact Slough Children First on 01753 875362.
• If you’re a young person providing care, please contact Slough Young Carers on 01753 875510.
• If you’re caring for a person with mental health problems telephone the Community Mental Health Team: 01753 690950 or Older People’s Mental Health Team for a person with dementia on: 01753 635220.