Carers Week began on Mon June 13 when Weston General Hospital hosted Crossroads Care representatives (pictured) on an information stand in the main foyer.
They were busy dealing with enquiries all day and took several referrals into their service and interested people became subscribers to their carers’ magazine.
Crossroads Care Trustee Alan Richardson said: “We are very grateful to the Trust for letting us launch Carers Week at the Hospital. The response showed the benefit to us of having a presence there.
“We had good attendance from staff, patients and carers and it was very noticeable this time in the number of approaches to us for information.
“Almost 30 people spent 10 minutes or more discussing carers’ issues with us, seven signed up for Carers Link Magazine, and there were also referrals to other services. Thank you to the Trust for this assistance.”
Later in the week, Outreach Sister Susie Milton, represented the Trust at Community Safety and Support Day at Clevedon Baptist Church, Clevedon, with a stand about Dementia patients and their Carers, and how the Trust can support them.
Carers Week recognises and celebrates the contribution that the UK’s six million carers make to those they care for and to their communities.
Ian Bramley, Director of Nursing at Weston Area Health NHS Trust said: “We were very keen to take part in Carers Week and promote the part we play locally in offering support and services for carers.
“It was a golden opportunity to reach out to carers who currently don’t know about or have access to the support and services available to them.
“In Carers Week we paid tribute to every single carer and the contribution they make to their families and their communities. We firmly believe that carers deserve support and recognition, not just for one week a year, but for 52, and we hope that comes through in our work at the Trust.”
For further information please contact Caroline Welch, Head of Communications, on 01934 647091