New research for CarersWeek finds the physical & mental strain of caring is jeopardising unpaid carers’ ability to care in the future as over half of #carers in the UK said they expect their physical (58%) and mental (57%) health and well-being to get worse in the next 2 years.
Hillingdon Council once again hosted its annual Carers’ Fair in partnership with Hillingdon Carers and the Pavilions shopping centre, to encourage carers to come forward for advice and support.
The event will mark Carers Week (11 to 17 June) and was held at the Pavilions shopping centre in Uxbridge.
Many Hillingdon residents look after a loved one but not realise that they are classed as an unpaid carer, so the event was a chance to find out more about support on offer.
Councillor Philip Corthorne, Hillingdon Council’s Cabinet Member for Social Services said:
“If you look after a friend, loved one or family member who couldn’t cope without you, then you could be an unpaid carer. “Last year, the fair helped us to identify 67 new carers who didn’t realise that they were eligible for support. The public were encouraged to come along and find out if they were eligible to receive some help and support.”
Anna Kennedy OBE Founder of National Autism Charity AnnaKennedyonline was at the event alongside Kevin Buglar Chairperson from Hillingdon Dads.
The event was open to the public and there was a range of stalls offering support and advice.
Anna spoke to many of the volunteers from various stalls and shared this was a great event where if parents were feeling alone or wanted information on what was available for carers it was readily available.
Anna spoke to Councillor David Yarrow at the Carers Fair who has supported and visited Hillingdon Manor School and West London Community College over the years.Tgey are autism service provisions that Anna is co founder and is an Options Autism Ambassador.
Councillor Harrow was delighted to receive the charity Album ‘Building Bridges’ which was created by children and adults on the autistic spectrum.
