Carers Week 2015 is running from the 8 – 14 June. Carers Week is a UK-wide annual awareness campaign. Its aim is to improve the lives of carers and the people they care for. Carers Week raises awareness of carers and there are plenty of opportunities and event in Kent and Medway to find out more about the caring and the support that you can receive.

One in eight of us are currently carers looking after an ill, frail or disabled family member or friend. The very nature of caring means very often people don’t at first, or sometimes ever, identify themselves as carers. Rather, they think of themselves simply as wife, husband, son, daughter, mum, dad or perhaps grandparent, niece or nephew helping a loved one.

Without the right help and support caring can have a devastating impact – carers can quickly become cut off with their physical and emotional health, work and, their finances all hit hard.

This Carers Week is focusing on building Carer Friendly Communities. Communities which support carers to look after their loved ones well, while recognising that they are individuals with needs of their own.

Carers Week is brought to life by the individuals and organisations who come together to organise activities and events throughout the UK, drawing attention to just how important caring is.

For more information and advice about caring go to Live It Well Carers page.

• Find out more about Carers Week
• To see what support and help Kent County Council give carers follow the link.
• To see what support and help Medway Council give carers follow the link.