Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust will be getting behind Carers Week, 10-14 June 2019, with a series of activities which aim to support those in a caring role to recharge, make new friends and access support.

Launched by the Trust in 2016, the Carers Hubs help to support the 60,000 known carers based in the Bradford district, providing regular activities for carers to take time out of their busy days to focus on their own wellbeing. During Carers Week 2019, special activities taking place to support and recognise carers, will include a valuable opportunity for carers to share their views with Healthwatch Bradford and District at the Horton Park hub, and for the first time, two staff drop-in sessions for Trust staff who are carers. Events throughout the week will also include complimentary pamper sessions for carers who can book to have a free head, hand, neck or foot massage, a ‘Fish and Chip Friday’ lunch and a special celebration event.

Carers Week is an annual campaign which aims to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. According to the Carers UK State of Caring Survey,  often people do not see themselves as ‘carers’ and often their own physical or mental health can be affected, with 72 per cent of carers saying they had suffered mental ill health as a result of caring. The Care Trust recognises these findings and the fundamental role that carers play in helping family, friends and neighbours in the treatment and recovery process.

The Trust has three hubs across the district for people in a caring role to recharge their batteries, gain access to free advice and information, and meet others in similar situations: Horton Park Health Centre, 99 Horton Park Avenue, Bradford BD7 3EG, Monday to Thursday 10.00am – 4.00pm and Friday 10.00am – 2.00pm; Lynfield Mount Hospital, Heights Lane, Bradford, BD9 6DP, Tuesdays 11.00am – 3.00pm; and Dyneley House Medical Centre, Newmarket Street, Skipton, BD23 2HZ, Wednesdays 12.30pm – 3.00pm.

Carers have credited the service in providing a homely, warm and welcoming place to visit, where they can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee with people who share similar experiences and understand what it is like to care for a loved one. There are also opportunities to volunteer at the hubs, to help people find information to support them in their caring role and provide an encouraging listening ear.

Isla Skinner, Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust Patient Experience Lead, said: “Often people don’t think of themselves as ‘carers’ – they say they are just looking after a loved one, friend or neighbour. However, being a carer isn’t always full-time and the support they provide is invaluable, with often the littlest things making the biggest difference. We want to do all that we can to help people find the support they need through our Carers Hubs. We would love people who care for someone to come along, on their own or with the person they care for and visit our Hubs at Horton Park Health Centre or one of our pop-up cafés at Lynfield Mount Hospital or Dyneley House Barn, Skipton. It’s a wonderful opportunity to take some time out of their day to feel listened to and celebrated during Carers Week.”

To find out more about the activities and support within the hubs, or to express an interest in volunteering, visit: www.bdct.nhs.uk/support-for-carers, call the information line 01274 251112 or email carerhub@bdct.nhs.uk