Search for Hartlepool's hero carers: Award launched in memory of campaigner who died of Covid-19

The Hartlepool Pride in our Carers Awards has been launched and organisers want to recognise the people who are doing unbelievable work during the lockdown.

It comes as it is believed Hartlepool has more than 12,000 people who are caring for others and it could have risen higher during the lockdown.

Everyone from adult carers to youngsters aged from five to 18 can be nominated for honours in an awards which has seven categories and is being run by the Hartlepool Carers Group.

It has been launched as the UK gets ready to mark Carers Week from June 8.

Hartlepool Carers chief executive Christine Fewster said: “Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK.

“It also helps people who do not think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support.

“The campaign is brought to life by thousands of individuals and organisations who come together to provide support for carers, run activities and highlight the vital role carers play in our communities, drawing attention to just how important caring is.

“This year, people across the country are continuing to face new challenges because of the coronavirus outbreak. Many people are taking on more caring responsibilities for their relatives and friends who are disabled, ill or older and who need support.

“They need to be recognised for the difficulties they are experiencing, respected for all they are doing, and provided with information, support and understanding.

“Hartlepool Carers are delighted to announce the annual award ceremony will still take place, just a bit differently in 2020.

“We recognise the amazing work across the town and feel it is essential (now more than ever) we celebrate and ‘shout from the roof top’ about the love, care, and dedication we see daily across Hartlepool.

“We are giving you the opportunity to say thank you to someone who cares by nominating them for a Carer Award.”

FACTS ABOUT HARTLEPOOL’S HUGE FAMILY OF CARERS

The awards come at a time when Hartlepool is believed to have an astonishing 12,000-plus people who are caring for others.

The figure could be much higher as more and more people carry out the role of a carer for their loved ones during the lockdown.

The town is thought to have carers as young as five who are helping loved ones. Hartlepool has around 2,000 young carers.

But help is at hand thanks to the Hartlepool Carers Group.

Hartlepool Carers is helping in numerous ways including its ‘Care for a Cuppa’ session which is a virtual weekly get together every Wednesday at 10am, available by visiting the Hartlepool Carers Facebook page.

There is also a service offering advice over the phone and the Carers has a buddy system. People can also access the group on (01429) 283095.

And another new addition to the facilities is a scheme called Carers Connect Service which it is running in conjunction with Care for a Call.

The new service is aimed at supporting carers who have difficulties in accessing or engaging in the community due to their caring role or issues arising from it, such as lack of confidence or because they have become socially isolated. To sign up for the service, call (01429) 283095.

THE CATEGORIES

l Adult Carer of the Year Award (Sponsored by Port Homes);

Nominate the family member, friend, or neighbour you know who goes out of their way to help and support others and who makes a difference in someone’s life. This category is for unpaid carers only.

l Young Adult Carer of the Year Award (Sponsored by Hartlepower)

Nominate the family member, friend, or neighbour you know who goes out of their way to help and support others and who makes a difference in someone’s life. This category is for unpaid carers only.

l Young Carer of the Year Award (Sponsored by Hartlepool Roundtable)

Nominate the Young Carer (aged 5-18 years) you know who goes out of their way to help and support others and who makes a difference in someone’s life. This category is for unpaid carers only.

l Parent Carer of the Year Award (Sponsored by 1 Hart, 1 Mind, 1 Future Parent Led Forum)

Nominate a Parent Carer who you know who goes out of their way to help and support their child with additional needs or disabilities. This category is for unpaid carers only.

l The Extra Mile Award (Sponsored by Mayfield Insurance Brokers)

Nominate an individual who has demonstrated the most carer friendly approach in their working role and who has made a difference by going the extra mile. This category is for paid staff only.

l Special Recognition Award 2020 (Sponsored by Hartlepool Borough Council)

Nominate a family member, friend or neighbour who deserves a special recognition for the support they provide throughout the year, which has led to significant changes in someone’s life. This category is for unpaid carers only.

l Hartlepool Family Award 2020 (In memory of Ruby Marshall MBE)

A new category this year, nominate a whole family who have come together to provide love and support to ensure families remain connected in Hartlepool. This category is for unpaid carers only.

All winners in all categories will receive a certificate to thank them for their dedication and hard work alongside some amazing prizes!

HOW TO ENTER

This year is slightly different and due to social distancing measures, we can accept nomination via:

l Email [email protected], subject field ‘Nomination’

l Post to Hartlepool Carers, 19a Lowthian Road, Hartlepool TS24 8BH (Please remember there could be delays due to the current covid-19 outbreak)

l If you do not have access to email, call (01429) 283095 between 9-5pm (Mon-Thur) and 9-3pm Fridays.

It is important you provide:

- Your name and contact details

- The person you are nominating, address and contact details

- The category you are nominating for and

- The reason why you believe they should win the award (up to 250 words)

ALL entries must be received by June 5 2020.

Please do not attach any further information or pictures as these will not be considered during judging.

All entries will be shortlisted and then judged by an independent panel of carers and professionals. The decisions of the judging panel are final.

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