The vital contribution carers make to their families and local communities will be celebrated with a week of activities in Bradford.

National Carers Week runs from Monday to Sunday, June 19, to highlight the unpaid care carried out by carers for someone who is ill, frail or disabled.

This year the theme is ‘The True Face of Carers’, which calls for greater recognition for the diverse range of people who give up their time, money and health to look after somebody else.

Carers Week is organised by a partnership of nine national charities – Age UK, Carers UK, Counsel & Care, Crossroads Care, Dementia UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, MS Society, Parkinson’s UK and The Princess Royal Trust for Carers.

Councillor Amir Hussain, Bradford Council’s executive member with responsibility for social care, said: “Carers make a massive contribution to improving the quality of life of others and the wellbeing of society generally.

“The world would be a much worse place without their efforts, which would cost billions if they had to be paid for.

“It is right that we recognise the vital role that carers play and the fact that sometimes they need help and support as well.

“The events in Carers Week will give carers some time to relax as well as information that will better equip them to deal with their health, finance, working and social life.”

Carer case studies

Elaine Booth, of Holme Wood, Bradford, cares for her mother who is agoraphobic with additional physical health needs, her husband who has degenerative disc disease and her son with Asperger Syndrome. She said: “I support my mum to go out of the house. If I didn’t do this she wouldn’t go out. I take her to the shops, to medical appointments and to see her friends. My husband has mobility difficulties. I support him with little things we all take for granted like putting socks on in a morning, and my son has lots of autistic behaviours and needs lots of nurturing.

“Caring does have its ups and downs. It can be tiring and really stressful, but I also find it very rewarding. I feel proud of the achievements we make together as a family. Sometimes when the doors are closed at night you feel so alone, but that’s getting better now since I recently found out about Carers’ Connection Bradford. I’ve realised other people are in similar situations to me.”

Sara Abdulla is a mother, wife and carer for her father who has psoriasis, a heart condition, angina, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and other health conditions. Sara said: “I’ve been a carer for the past 22 years for different family members and it’s been a real struggle fighting to find the time I need. There are three people in my family and all of them need my love and attention.

“I do try and find time for myself. Working part-time helps, but I still have to get up at 5.30am to prepare lunch for my father before I go to work. I come home during my breaks to tend to dad. Even a visit to the shops can be difficult as it needs planning in advance.

“When I’m ill I have no time off from my caring role, I just carry on. I’m a diabetic, but go to all my appointments on my own.

“I never thought I’d be a carer I just became one. It felt like it was my duty to. Without the Support of Carers’ Connection Bradford I don’t think I’d be here now. I’ve been using the service for a few years and I keep in touch with other carers. Knowing someone is there to listen is comforting and I also share my experiences with other carers..”

For information about Carers’ Connection Bradford call (01274) 323323 or email carers.connection@bdct.nhs.uk or visit bdct.nhs.uk.