Watch and read about all the great things we accomplished during Carers Week 2023!
We at Carers Trust Solihull would like to thank and celebrate, all the people who took part in this year’s Carers Week. It is because of people and organisations like you that this yearly event just keeps getting bigger and better. There is always more that can be done to improve the lives of unpaid carers throughout Solihull and indeed the country – and we will do more!
We never stop striving, with the help of our partners and long-time friends, to help and guide our unpaid carers, as well as helping people who don’t even realise they’re carers yet. We really can’t do it without you, you’re very gracious and kind support, donations, and kind words – It all really does help in so many ways. To help show you just a small slice of the positivity all our efforts can provide, we have created a short video. It shows a sample of the work done to help carers, provide them with guidance and advice, and some much deserved ‘me time’. If you see yourself, don’t forget to say hello!
Again, thank you to everyone who takes part, supports, donates, and shares a positive word. We really couldn’t do this without you.
Thank You.
We kicked off this year’s Carers Week with a return to our 5K Carers Walk, after being postponed for years now due to Covid. It was a beautiful day, and the scenery couldn’t be beat. Everyone who took part had an amazing time enjoying the countryside vistas, stunning weather, and relaxing with a cuppa and lunch thanks to National Trust providing us with free entry to their stunning site, Baddersly Clinton.
We then rolled into Monday with a Parent Carers Coffee morning, where carers could relax with a hot drink, breakfast pastries, and just enjoy having some much-needed calm and company. At the same time, we had a drop-in session at Solihull College Sixth Form, assisted by our long-term friend and Young Carers Worker within the college; Kerrylee Richardson.
Tuesday was more Young Carers time, and they were treated to a pizza and film night! They got the projector out and rounded around the pizzas to enjoy some time off, and to enjoy being kids again. We kept the fun and relaxation going on Wednesday with our Adult Carers Wellbeing Day at Blossomfield Rose Care Home. Carers could come in and indulge in some massage sessions, reiki treatment, manicures, hair care sessions, and topped off with some self-care hampers to take away with them.
Thursday, we switched things up a little and spoke to award winning author Hazel Carter, author of ‘Life’s Good, it’s the disease that’s the problem’. Hazel spoke about her experience caring for her husband, Alan, after he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. We will have a full podcast released on 20th June, a day before MND awareness day but in the meantime we have a blog that gives an insight into the kind of things Hazel, and many others, have to go through, available here: https://staging-solihullcarers.kijodev.com/award-winning-author-hazel-carter-talks-about-her-journey-caring-for-her-husband-after-his-motor-neuron-disease-diagnosis/
Hazel’s book is available to pre-order ahead of its 21st June release date and all proceeds will be going to charity: https://lifesgoodbook.co.uk
Friday was another drop-in day but this time for all carers, located at North Solihull Community Advice Hub. We have a long running relationship with the Advice Hubs and we couldn’t be more thankful as they’re always so accommodating and helpful, with spreading our reach to the wider community. While this was going on our CEO Brandon Scott-Omenka, Health Liaison Worker Linda Hewitt, and NHS Long Covid Team member Charlotte Wade, sat down for a discussion about the effects of Long Covid, and the help available to people. This was recorded and you can watch it on our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQoDSq1yKMU
Saturday is where we grouped all our carers, from young to adult, and we had a trip down to Weston-Super-Mare! Sunshine, beaches, ice-cream, arcades, marching bands, the famous pier – it was a day to remember, and everyone had an amazing time being able to relax with the sand and sun!
It was a tremendous end to a busy yet exhilarating week. It doesn’t end here though, for Us or for our carers. Every day is busy, but we will do our utmost to make sure we can make it as positive as possible for our hard-working carers. Carers Week is over, but caring isn’t, and we really do appreciate all the help we received from around Solihull during this year’s event.
If you would like to get involved, then please find us at the following links:
https://staging-solihullcarers.kijodev.com
https://www.facebook.com/solihullcarerstrust
https://www.instagram.com/solihullcarers/
https://twitter.com/solihullcarers
Call us: 0121 788 1143
If you or someone you know is providing care for a friend, family member, child, parent, then also get in touch by calling us and we will do all we can to help.
0121 788 1143
If you would like to support what we do and help us further then please consider donating some spare money or time:
https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/20324#!/DonationDetails
Should you wish to support our work text “ICARE ?” to 70450. Replace the question mark with your nominated amount of £3/£5/£10 or £20.
Your one-off donation will be added to your telephone bill.
If you wish to help or donate, it’s not just about giving money. For other ways to help us please follow this link: https://staging-solihullcarers.kijodev.com/support-us/
