Carers Week 2016 starts on Monday 6 June and this year two of the region’s biggest employers are taking an innovative approach. For the first time NHS Dumfries and Galloway and the Council have teamed up to support Carers in the workplace.
Both organisations are recognised as Engaged Carer Positive employers and they are hosting a number of information sessions designed to help staff who are juggling work and caring responsibilities.
Commissioning Officer for the Carers Strategy Larel Currie and Health and Wellbeing Specialist Philip Myers have been working with partner organisations to make sure Carers don’t feel isolated or overwhelmed. Larel said: “Carers Week is an important annual campaign and there are a number of events being held across the region to let Carers know where they can turn for support.
“We recognise that many people will be struggling to balance work with caring responsibilities and we want to make sure they know that the NHS and Council actively support employees in this situation.
“There are an estimated 13,955 of Carers in the region; however we know this number is likely to be significantly higher. Over 50% of these Carers work and many may be NHS or Council employees. It is vital that Carers know what support is available and how to access that support when they need it.”
Phillip added: “During the course of Carers Week we’ll be visiting Council and NHS workplaces in Dumfries, Stranraer, Annan and Castle Douglas so we can raise awareness of just what’s on offer. And we have a number of information stands in case people can’t make it on the days we’ll be around.”
The programme of events for NHS and Council staff during Carers Week in Dumfries and Galloway is as follows:
Monday 6 June
Dining Room at Galloway Community Hospital, Stranraer – 11.00am to 2.00pm
Social Work Services, Ashwood House, Stranraer – 11.00am to 2.00pm
Tuesday 7 June
Cargen Towers, Dumfries – 11.00am to 2.00pm
Wednesday 8 June
Dining Room and Main Foyer, Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary – 11.00am to 2.00pm
Continued on next page:
Thursday 9 June
Annan Town Hall – 11.00am to 2.00pm
Friday 10 June
Gardenhill Medical Centre, Castle Douglas – 11.00am to 2.00pm
Information stands will be available from Monday 6 to Friday 10 June at the following locations:
Midpark Hospital, Dumfries
Dining Room, Crichton Hall, Dumfries
Reception and Members’ Lounge, Council Offices, English Street, Dumfries
