Submitted by Carrie Brookes on 5 Jun 2020 - 4:18pm
A new website for Middlesbrough carers has been launched today for Carers Week 2020 with local TV celebrity Steph McGovern backing the national call for individuals, services and organisations to do their part in Making Caring Visible – helping carers get the practical, financial and emotional support they need to care for a loved one.
We Care You Care is the name of the partnership in Middlesbrough for organisations supporting local carers. It has launched a new website today www.wecareyoucare.info aimed at carers and people who may be unaware they are a carer, giving easy to access information on rights, benefits, and local organisations offering support.
During Carers Week 2020 We Care You Care is inviting health and care services, schools, employers and businesses across the community to recognise the vital contribution made by unpaid carers in Middlesbrough using the hashtag #WeCareYouCare.
Steph McGovern has filmed a special message for Middlesbrough carers on the We Care You Care Facebook page, giving her backing and thanking them at this difficult time. Andy Preston, Mayor of Middlesbrough has also acknowledged the contribution unpaid carers make to society with a video message.
Kelly Baxter, WCYC Development Officer said:
“This Carers Week our community is recognising the contribution of unpaid carers in Middlesbrough by launching our new website www.wecareyoucare.info to ensure local carers have access to information, news and organisations that can support them. We’re also sharing messages of support from public figures who recognise and appreciate the invaluable contribution of Middlesbrough’s unpaid carers and shining a light on the fantastic range of local services and organisations.”
What is Carers Week?
Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. It also helps people who don't think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support.
This year, people across the country are continuing to face new challenges as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. Many people are taking on more caring responsibilities for their relatives and friends.
What's happening in Middlesbrough?
Due to the pandemic we are focusing our campaign on utilising technology recognising that many more people are now sourcing information and advice online or via social media. Like and follow our We Care You Care Facebook page to keep up to date with our activity throughout the week.
Here is what we are going to be doing throughout Carers Week 2020:
- Launching our We Care You Care Website to inform, advise and signpost carers and professionals to local support.
- Showcasing the diversity in local support for carers which not only reflects Middlesbrough's diverse community but also the diverse needs of carers.
- Sharing some, not to be missed, appreciation posts by a range of people you will hopefully recognise.
- Providing insights in to experiences of some local carers.
Please feel free to share and comment on our Facebook activity; we are keen to reach as many people in Middlesbrough as possible.
If you have stories to share or have some useful information that will help local carers, please get in touch. We are working hard all year round to recognise, value and inform carers. Contact Kelly Baxter, We Care You Care Development Officer by e-mail: kelly.baxter@mvdauk.org.uk
