PEOPLE and businesses are being urged to pledge their support for South Gloucestershire’s 27,000 carers as part of Carers’ Week 2017, which runs from June 12-18.

This year’s theme is Building Carer Friendly Communities, and gives businesses, charities, public sector organisations and individual members of the public the chance to pledge their support for carers in their local community. 

A number of events are taking place in South Gloucestershire, including a Carers’ Week Lunch on Friday, June 16 in Thornbury and a Mental Health Carers Group meeting on Tuesday, June 13 in Yate. 

All carers in South Gloucestershire are also invited to the Carers Open Meeting at the Vassalls Centre in Fishponds on Thursday, June 15, where a light lunch will be provided between 10.30am and 1pm.

Dr Jon Evans, South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) Lead for Long Term conditions and End of Life Care, said it is important that carers are recognised and supported.

He said: “Around one in 10 people in South Gloucestershire are carers and these people provide unpaid care which is estimated to have a staggering economic value of £521million per year. 

“Carers’ week is a great opportunity to help us spread awareness of the important role which carers play and highlight some of the issues and challenges which carers face, often on a daily basis. 

"The events taking place across South Gloucestershire are a great way for local people to find out more about what support is available and meet other carers and professionals.

“We would urge others to visit the Carers’ Week 2017 website and pledge your support for local carers in any way you feel you can.“    

For a full list of events for carers in South Gloucestershire, visit http://www.southglos.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/carers/