Caring for the carers

Debbie Abrahams with TV presenter Angela Rippon

OLDHAM carers will be put in the spotlight for their dedication and generosity during a week-long awareness campaign.

The Princess Royal Trust Oldham Carers Centre has arranged a packed programme of events, under the title The True Face of Carers, next week to highlight vital contributions made by those looking after loved ones in the borough.

Marking National Carers Week from Monday, taster and information sessions as well as activities have been arranged at the Phoenix Street centre.

Kicking off the week is the launch of the New Oldham Carers Guide, with a guest speaker and light lunch from 11am on Monday.

Taster sessions involved pencil drawing, flower arranging and Tai Chi, are on offer from 1.30pm until 3pm on Tuesday.

Wednesday will see information stands from local services supporting carers as a one-stop-shop for all the inside knowledge.

Finally put your voice to the test during karaoke from 1pm on Thursday or take a guided walk around Dovestone from 10.30am.

The activities, which aim to bring carers from across Oldham together, must be booked by calling 0161-770-1188.

OLDHAM MP Debbie Abrahams has championed the borough’s 24,000 carers to see that they get the recognition they deserve.
Teaming up with TV star Angela Rippon at the House of Commons, she spoke out in support of those who provide vital care for loved ones who may be frail, ill or disabled. Debbie drew on her own experiences as a respite carer, looking after her mother who suffers from Alzheimer’s, to back Carers Week.

She said: “I know both the rewards and challenges of being a carer.

“Caring can be so incredibly demanding and it’s important that carers know that they don’t have to struggle on alone.

“They deserve to be recognised for their contribution to both our local community and to wider society.”

She went on to say Oldham carers are saving the country millions a year.