BRADFORD District Care NHS Foundation Trust is getting behind Carers Week (June 10-14), with a series of activities which aim to support those in a caring role to recharge, make new friends and access support.

During Carers Week 2019, special activities taking place to support and recognise carers will include a valuable opportunity for carers to share their views with Healthwatch Bradford and District at the Horton Park hub, and for the first time, two staff drop-in sessions for Trust staff who are carers.

Events throughout the week will also include complimentary pamper sessions for carers, who can book to have a free head, hand, neck or foot massage, a ‘Fish and Chip Friday’ lunch and a special celebration event.

The Trust has three hubs across the district for people in a caring role to recharge their batteries, gain access to free advice and information, and meet others in similar situations.

These are at: Horton Park Health Centre, 99 Horton Park Avenue, on Monday to Thursday 10am-4pm and Friday 10am-2pm; Lynfield Mount Hospital, Heights Lane, Tuesdays 11am-3pm; and Dyneley House Medical Centre, Newmarket Street, Skipton, Wednesdays 12.30pm-3pm.

Isla Skinner, Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust Patient Experience Lead, said: “Often people don’t think of themselves as ‘carers’ – they say they are just looking after a loved one, friend or neighbour.

“However, being a carer isn’t always full-time and the support they provide is invaluable, with often the littlest things making the biggest difference.

“We want to do all that we can to help people find the support they need through our Carers Hubs.

“We would love people who care for someone to come along, on their own or with the person they care for and visit our Hubs at Horton Park Health Centre or one of our pop-up cafés at Lynfield Mount Hospital or Dyneley House Barn, Skipton.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to take some time out of their day to feel listened to and celebrated during Carers Week.”

To find out more about the activities and support within the hubs, or to express an interest in volunteering, visit: www.bdct.nhs.uk/support-for-carers, call the information line 01274 251112 or email carerhub@bdct.nhs.uk