Carers in Perth and Kinross have been in the spotlight this week as the UK celebrates their generous contribution through Carers’ Week (June 6-12).
And with the national focus on carers, a survey has been rolled out to discover what more can be done to make a hard task easier.
Jenny Bruce, carers development and training co-ordinator at PKAVS said: “A carer is anyone who looks after a family member or friend who has a disability, mental or physical illness, addiction, or who needs extra help as they grow older.
“The care they provide can be emotional or practical.
“I wanted to state that definition because many people still don’t recognise that they have caring responsibilities and aren’t accessing the support they may need and are entitled to receive.
“This year’s theme for Carers Week is Make Caring Visible, Valued and Supported and that’s what we’re doing here in Perth and Kinross.
“We’ve created a timetable of events across Perth and Kinross including evenings and weekend to reach as many carers as possible.
“We wanted to promote opportunities to carers that are already consistently available in their communities for example, access to social therapies where carers can access a free holistic treatment and chat to other carers and staff over a cuppa.
“Or attend the monthly Carers Café in Crieff or the regular singing group in Aberfeldy.
“These supports are already in place and available for carers to access, they’re there to enable carers to take a break, access peer support and speak to professionals about the support available to them.
“If you think you might be a carer, please come along to any of our events during the week or contact PKAVS Carers Hub and someone will be there to help.”
PKAVS Carers Hub based in Perth offers advice and information, access to respite including social activities and breaks away, funding and learning opportunities.
There is a telephone support service and carers can choose what they would like to engage with and find beneficial.
The events that took place this week included a Carers Virtual Drop In answering questions about what support is available. There were chances in Coupar Angus and Blairgowrie for carers to access a free holistic therapy tasters – choosing from Reiki, Indian Head Massage or Crystal Therapy.
On Tuesday evening there was a fun Murder Mystery on Zoom, with participants encouraged to dress up.
Crieff Carers Café took place on Thursday with a meet over tea and on Friday 10 at the Birks Cinema in Aberfeldy, a singing group led by music therapist Daphne George met to give voice to pent up emotion and bring joy to carers through singing together.
One last event is still to come this weekend.
On Saturday, June 11 at Perth College there is a Carers Celebration Day from 11am-3pm for carers of all ages and their loved ones. There is to be a live performance from The McAndrews Sisters with songs from the past to the present.
Information stalls will be up and, hot food and activities including Tai Chi, Yoga and holistic therapies are available to try.
To book a space at Perth College, contact the hub on 01738 567076 (option 2) or email carershubadmin@pkavs.org.uk
Meanwhile a survey has been launched during Carers Week to discover needs among carers that can be met in future. It will be available on the PKC Consultation Hub (https://consult.pkc.gov.uk/), with opportunities for participants to give either views face-to-face, in interviews or in focus groups throughout July and August.
