From a unique photo exhibition, celebrating the lives of local carers, to the launch of a local support group set up by an ex-carer, there’s a huge variety of events on offer in the county for Carers Week, this year.

Each event aims to raise the profile of Norfolk’s 100,000 unpaid carers and highlight the range of information, advice and support available in local communities.

Kicking off the week, on Monday 12th June, is the Carers Information Day at the Forum in Norwich, where Norfolk Carers and local support organisations will be on-hand to talk with carers about anything from how to take a break from caring to the benefits, grants and funding available to help make life a bit easier.

Also at the Forum in Norwich on Tuesday 13th June, is Norfolk Carers’ unique photo exhibition;  Local young photographer, Hannah Hutchins, who is also a carer, went out and about in the county, capturing portraits of both young and older carers.  Together with carers’ own words, the display gives a powerful insight into carers’ lives, that is both moving and inspiring.

The display is accompanied by a free talk by counsellor Chloe Swinton; “Learning to Live Well with Uncertainty” is about Ambiguous Loss, when a carer is affected by looking after someone with a life-limiting illness, dementia, stroke or brain injury. Chloe will explain the strategies for dealing with the uncertainties carers may face. Carers of all ages are welcome and e-tickets are available: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-free-talk-for-carers-learning-to-live-with-uncertainty-tickets-34864801560?aff=es2

On Wednesday 14th June Norfolk Carers’ Information Stand  will be at Sainsbury’s Pound Lane in  Norwich. Shoppers can pick up information about the practical and emotional support available for carers, with their groceries, and chat to one of our support workers.

 On Thursday 15th June, in Dereham, Norfolk Young Carers Forum and Norfolk Young Carers Partnership launch the “Carers in Mind” (Young Carers and Mental Health Campaign Workshop) to raise awareness of the 12,000  or more young carers in Norfolk and the impact that caring can have on their mental health and particularly those who care for someone with mental ill health.

Rounding off the week, Saturday 17th June sees the launch of North Walsham Carer Friendly Network; An ex carer has worked in partnership with Norfolk Carers (Think Carer Programme) , grassroots community groups and local churches to set up a network.that will reach hidden carers in the town, raise awareness of their needs and offer support.

In South Norfolk, also on the Saturday 17th June, there’s the launch of a community-led research group in Tibenham, aiming to find out about how best to identify residents who are carers and support their wellbeing.

Throughout the week, Norfolk Carers are at number of information stalls and events, including at Sainsbury’s in North Walsham, Norwich and King’s Lynn. Norfolk Carers also be at various GP surgeries, health centres and at the Norfolk and Norwich and James Paget Hospitals.

As well as the full calendar of events, the week sees the launch of the latest edition of Norfolk Carers’ new Handbook. The very popular handbook is packed full of useful information and local contacts for the county’s hard-pressed un-paid carers.  Sections include, for example, where to start for anybody who’s just found themselves in a caring situation, practical help, including emergency contacts, carers’ grants, funding and benefits, emotional support and taking a break.  This year the handbook features quotes and pictures of local carers and a special pull-out section for young carers.  It will be available at all the events during Carers Week and from Norfolk Carers Advice Line, an e-copy is also available to download.

More details on all these events, to get information, advice or support or to get a copy of  Norfolk Carers Handbook, Call: Norfolk Carers Advice Line: 0808 808 9876  Download from this Website, get in touch on Twitter: @NorfolkCarersUK and on Facebook NorfolkCarersUK.

See the full calendar of events on our groups and events pages.