Informal carers invited to come toNewbuildings event

Cathy Magowan, Western Trust Carers Coordinator said: “Many people across Northern Ireland provide a caring role for a loved one but don’t recognise themselves as a Carer.

“Often they see themselves as a mother, father, son, daughter, wife, husband, brother or sister whose role it is to help and support a family member.

“A Carer is someone who provides regular and substantial care for a family member, friend or neighbour who is disabled, ill or old and frail. A Carer carries out this role in an unpaid capacity.”

She added: “According to recent Census 2011 the number of people in an informal caring role in Northern Ireland has risen by 16 per cent, but this is thought to be an underestimate.”

The Western Trust Carer Support Team in conjunction with the New Buildings Community Environmental Association is inviting carers to come along to the Carers Health and Information event from 10am to 12noon.

All Carers are welcome to attend. Light refreshments will be available. Information stalls include: Benefits Advice; Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke; Mencap; Parkinson’s UK; MS Society; Carers Trust; Alzheimer’s UK; Warm Homes; Tena and Carers Support NI.

You do not have to be in receipt of Carers Allowance to be a carer. Some carers do not qualify for this benefit. For more information on Carers Allowance see the Carers Allowance Factsheet.

For more information and to register please contact Carmel Corrigan, Western Trust Community Development Worker, Shantallow Health Centre, Racecourse Road, Londonderry Tel: (028) 71355023 or email: [email protected]