It is estimated there are more than 19,000 carers in Warrington (2022 JSNA data). This year’s focus for Carers Week aims to highlight the challenges faced by carers through the theme of ‘putting carers on the map’.
What is a carer?
An unpaid carer is anyone who cares for someone who is ill, disabled, has mental health concerns or is experiencing addiction, and is not paid by a company or local authority to do this.
A person with caring responsibilities may identify with one of the following groups:
- Young carers – those aged 18 and under who support a family member
- Parent carers – those with a child who has care needs
- Adult carers – those who are over 18 and caring for a partner, an older family member, neighbour or friend
There are a number of local events being held to support Warrington’s local carers.
What’s on this Carers Week:
- Drop in at the Living Well Hub to share your views about your caring experience to help inform the next Warrington Carers Strategy. Drop in from Monday 10 June – Friday 14 June, 9.30am – 4.30pm (with the exception of Thursday, which is 9.30am – 1pm).
- Coffee and chat sessions for carers in Warrington will also take place throughout the week. These sessions are hosted by Warrington Carers Hub and for Carers Week will also include a free reiki taster session. Find out where coffee and chat sessions take place near you by viewing the ‘What’s on section’ of our carer support page.
- Talking Points in the town centre and Latchford are hosting the Warrington Carers Hub during Carers Week. Talking Points are friendly and welcoming spaces in accessible community venues in Warrington where you can get advice and support. Drop in for advice and support at the Gateway in the town centre on Tuesday 11 June 10am – 12pm, or at Latchford Methodist Church Hall on Wednesday 12 June. Find out more about other Talking Points in the town and how they can support you.
- Warrington Carers Hub have activities planned for young carers over carers week, including a meal out so young carers can interact with other children and young people who are also carrying out caring roles. Young carers must be registered with Warrington Carers Hub to attend.
- Thursday 13 June, 2pm – 4pm– Come along to Warrington Disability Partnership’s Galleries Café. Unpaid carers are invited to meet with other carers and will be joined by staff from Warrington Carers Hub and the council’s carer support team, for free tea, coffee and cake, and a complimentary reiki treatment.
- Friday 14 June - Warrington Disability Partnership are providing carers registered with Warrington Carers Hub the opportunity to book onto canal boat trips.
- Warrington Carers Hub is also available Monday to Friday at the Gateway, and at the Living Well Hub on Tuesdays if you’d like to drop in for any advice or support.
Listening to carers’ views
Launching this Carers Week is a local survey that will inform the next Warrington Carers Strategy, which will set out what we need to deliver to meet unpaid carers' needs for the next three years.
Carers in Warrington will have the opportunity to contribute to this survey online until the end of July. Throughout Carers Week, carers are also invited to drop in at the Living Well Hub, based at on Horsemarket Street in the town centre, to share their views face-to-face with the council’s adult social care team.
Caroline Williams, director of adult social care, said: “Unpaid carers play a fundamental role in helping people and communities in Warrington. It is a valuable yet challenging role, with people often juggling other commitments such as work, education and family life.
“Due to caring responsibilities, carers can often put themselves in second place, which can place strain on their health and wellbeing. This is why it is important that carers access the help and support that is available to them.
“The Warrington Carers Strategy details how we will strive to provide support for our carers, given the selfless work they do.
“It is important that we listen to our carers, so we can shape the next strategy to something that reflects the local picture and the current and future needs of carers in Warrington.”