Hartlepool reaches out to its army of carers

Hartlepool's army of carers gained valuable support thanks to events in town to mark National Carers Week.
Staff members from Hartlepool Carers at the event at the Grand HotelStaff members from Hartlepool Carers at the event at the Grand Hotel
Staff members from Hartlepool Carers at the event at the Grand Hotel

Hartlepool Carers spearheaded the event by reaching out to people who look after a friend or family member and put them in touch with agencies that can help make life easier.

Eighteen different organisations were brought together under one roof at the Grand Hotel on Friday which was well attended by registered carers.

Around 18 different Hartlepool agencies attended the Hartlepool Carers event at the Grand HotelAround 18 different Hartlepool agencies attended the Hartlepool Carers event at the Grand Hotel
Around 18 different Hartlepool agencies attended the Hartlepool Carers event at the Grand Hotel
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And all week, Hartlepool Carers took over a shop unit at Middleton Grange shopping centre in partnership with Public Health Hartlepool and other support organisations for anyone to visit.

Karen Gibson, manager of Hartlepool Carers, said: “This week has been National Carers Week and the them has been building carer friendly communities.

“It is about raising awareness of carers and recognising the contribution they make to society and letting them get information as to what support is available locally.”

More than 1,000 carers are registered with Hartlepool Carers.

Around 18 different Hartlepool agencies attended the Hartlepool Carers event at the Grand HotelAround 18 different Hartlepool agencies attended the Hartlepool Carers event at the Grand Hotel
Around 18 different Hartlepool agencies attended the Hartlepool Carers event at the Grand Hotel
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But a 2011 Hartlepool census showed that out of the 92,000 people living in the borough, just under 10,000 stated they had caring responsibilities.

Nationally, it is said carers save the economy £132 billion a year.

The event at the Grand Hotel was attended by organisations such as Hartlepool Citizens Advice, Epilepsy Outlook, Healthwatch, IncontrolAble, The Bridge dementia support, and Hartlepool Borough Council to explain about personal budgets.

Karen added: “We invited a variety of different agencies who work with carers directly and indirectly who can provide support.”
Many of the organisations were also at the unit in Middleton Grange throughout the week plus various health agencies.

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Karen said of the week: “The two events have been really successful and been very well attended.

“The shop has been busy all week with people dropping in to get information both from ourselves and the public health team.”

Hartlepool Carers is currently looking for people to join its Carers Strategy Group as it develops a new plan of action for the town.

Supporters can also sponsor workers Alice Pearce and Roxanne Boagey who are doing a parachute jump on Friday, June 17, to raise money for young carers.

Visit the offices at 19a Lowthian Road, Hartlepool, to sponsor them.