Visible, Valued & Supported

That’s the theme for Carers Week this year, running from 6-12th June. It’s all about raising the awareness of caring and recognising the challenges unpaid carers face, writes Sara Whatley

It is likely that three in five of us will care for someone at some point in our lives. This is a huge amount of people taking on caring roles, and many of them don’t even recognise they are carers.

Being a carer means caring for a family member or friend, unpaid, who cannot cope without that support. To help recognise carers and celebrate their vital roles in our society, Carers Week is being held from the 6-12th June this year. This is an opportunity to highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and to recognise the difference carers make to families everywhere.

Carers Week can also help those who don’t think of themselves as carers recognise that they are, and that there is help available. All they need to do is reach out to one of the many wonderful organisations for carers, such as Carers UK, and access support and advice. During Carers Week thousands of people get involved with organising activities and highlighting just how important caring is. Activities could be online, in person, through the post or over the telephone. Here are some ideas to help support and raise awareness of Carers Week: • Spread the word on social media using the hashtag #CarersWeek • Ask local politicians to support Carers Week • Use your own website or blog to raise awareness and share information • Invite carers to tell their stories through creative writing, poetry or in person at an open-mic-night or event (easy to do online too) • Arrange a wellbeing or exercise class for carers, this could be online too • Organise a quiz night or a workshop, such as knitting, painting or dancing – let carers show their fun side too! • Host a simple and supportive coffee and cake morning – you could even invite experts to share knowledge on subjects such as diet, nutrition and sleeping.

Coffee morning bakes could be anything from loaf bakes, cupcakes, tray bakes or a classic Victoria sponge. To get you started, here is one of my favourite healthy and easy flapjack recipes, adapted from Madeleine Shaw. INGREDIENTS 1 banana, mashed 1 carrot, grated 1 apple, grated 50g (1¾ oz) raisins or chopped dates 50g (1¾ oz) chopped walnuts (optional) 1 tsp cinnamon 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey 120g (4¼ oz) melted coconut oil or melted butter/spread 300g (10½ oz) oats 1 egg

METHOD 1 Preheat oven 175°C. Whisk the egg in a bowl then add cinnamon, maple syrup, oil and banana and stir. 2 Add in grated carrot and apple, oats, raisins and walnuts, if using, and stir again. 3 Scope mixture into a lined baking tray and bake for 25-30 mins. Cool, slice into squares and enjoy!

Don’t forget to add your event to the Carers Week website so other people can see it and join in too. Together, we can show our support to carers and recognise what a vital role they play in our lives. www.carersweek.org

Visit our website to: • discover tips on improving your health and wellbeing • view equipment to help you stay independent • find support for carers • learn about options for extra care and support.

Do you need help to use the website? • Email: socialcare@westsussex.gov.uk • Phone: 01243 642121