CARER FRIENDLY MORAY is an event taking place in Elgin next month that brings together all the agencies in the region who are committed to improving the lives of carers.
The event on Wednesday, June 14 is being hosted by the Moray Carer Service Provider Network (CSPN) and will celebrate the near-8000 unpaid carers in Moray.
Each has a relative or friend they are looking after as they suffer from physical or mental ill health, disability, frailty or, in some cases, substance abuse.
The Elgin event is part of Carers Week, a national programme that this year focuses on carer friendly communities. It will offer a mix of speakers, workshops and taster sessions, and will also incorporate the Carer Friendly Moray Awards.
Previous recipients include The Monday Club, Elgin Express Cleaners, Aberlour Pharmacy, Elgin High School and a range of individual workers and volunteers.
Speaking on behalf of the CSPN, Sandi Downing said: “Bringing carers together from across Moray promises a buzz of conversation and a wealth of experience and knowledge that will be hard to beat anywhere in the country. We would encourage carers and health and social care professionals to take this opportunity to get involved.”
Speakers will highlight carer support in Moray and an insight into the new Carers Act and how it plans to give carers more choice and control over their support. The Carer Friendly Moray Awards will highlight those people and organisations that unpaid carers feel have gone the ‘extra mile’ in supporting them and making them feel valued and recognised.
Workshops will include launching Moray Council’s consultation on the eligibility criteria for Self-Directed Support for Carers, Preparing for the Unexpected and finding out more about the experiences of young carers in Moray.
Following a buffet lunch, carers will be able to join in a range of taster sessions, including complementary therapies, gentle exercise and healthy cooking.
The event is free to attend and offers anyone with an interest in carers and carer issues the opportunity to celebrate their contribution to Moray.
To book your place, call Quarriers on 01343 556031 or email carersmoray@quarriers.org.uk. Carers needing help with transport or respite to attend, should let Quarriers know as soon as possible.