Published on Monday 10 June 2024
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council’s carer support team is celebrating Carer’s Week with a range of activities and support for unpaid carers and the people they look after in our local community.
Carer’s Week (10-16 June) is a national annual event that aims to raise awareness of carers and recognise the outstanding contribution that unpaid carers make to their families, friends and communities up and down the UK.
The campaign will showcase the work of carers across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole by highlighting the many and varied challenges they face and the important contribution they make to supporting those who rely on their help.
A carer is someone of any age providing unpaid support to family or friends who could not manage without their help.
Carers are typically family members, friends or neighbours who find themselves offering support which may build gradually over time, or which happens suddenly after an unexpected illness.
Events and activities will take place across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole raising awareness of the support available locally. These events include afternoon teas, information drop-in events, Bournemouth Symphonic Orchestra concert for carers and can be viewed on Our Dorset.
People looking after someone who relies on them for help with everyday tasks may not recognise themselves as a carer or get to know about the support that might be available to them. That is why BCP Council recommends checking the BCP Carer Support website launching on 10 June to coincide with the start of Carers Week.
Formerly known as CRISP Carer Support, the BCP Carer Support can provide help and guidance for carers and their families, including the option to register with the Carers Information Service to receive up to date news about local events and support.
The service has rebranded from CRISP to BCP Council Carer Support following feedback from many of our local carers, ensuring the new name of the service is clear about what it does. New service developments to support carers are currently being planned for the future.
Tim Branson, Head of Access & Carer Services, BCP Council said:
“It is a key priority for Adult Social Care and the wider Wellbeing Directorate to support our carers and to fully recognise the important roles they undertake.
"We do not underestimate the value our unpaid carers bring to the lives of those they support, often at the risk of affecting their own wellbeing. To recognise the vital contribution carers make to our communities we at BCP Carer Support are on hand to offer information, advice and a listening ear. I would urge anyone who cares for a loved one to recognise themselves as a carer and access help through our many local organisations, including our own BCP Carer Support."
Jacqueline Wilson, who lives in West Cliff, Bournemouth, has been a full-time carer for 16 years for both her husband and her sister. She said:
“I would advise anyone who is new to caring that you are not alone – help is out there to give you support.
“The carers support team have helped me so much, and their voucher scheme gives me a break, which is invaluable. Being part of a support group, you will find people who are in the same position as yourself, gives you chance to talk with someone who can understand exactly what you are going through, which is so important.”
Residents who are caring for someone who lives in Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole can contact the BCP Council Carer Support Service on 01202 128787 or email carersupport@bcpcouncil.gov.uk. Visit www.bcpcarersupport.org for more information.
A full list of carer events across BCP and Dorset Council areas is available on Our Dorset.