Unpaid carers in the Helensburgh and Lomond area are being invited to attend a variety of events this Carers Awareness Week.

The Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) - working in close collaboration with Argyll and Bute Carers Centres - officially launched Argyll and Bute Carers Strategy for 2024-2027 on Sunday, June 10, the start of Carers Awareness Week.

Centres across Argyll and Bute – including the Helensburgh and Lomond Carers SCIO - will host events during the week to highlight the importance of supporting and promoting the new strategy.

The Helensburgh centre is hosting several events such as a cuppa and mental health chat on Tuesday, June 11, and a coffee and cake event on Friday, June 14.

HSCP Carers Act implementation officer, Kirsty MacKenzie, said: “I am very pleased with the new Carers Strategy, designed to empower unpaid carers and improve access to support, services, respite, and short breaks.

“The strategy is centred on the overall health and wellbeing of unpaid carers and those being cared for.

“I would encourage community members to participate, whether by attending events or simply spreading the word.

“Together, we can ensure that unpaid carers receive the recognition and support they deserve, making Argyll and Bute a more compassionate and caring place for all.

"On behalf of the HSCP, I would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to all Argyll and Bute Carers Centres, stakeholders, carers and volunteers for their contributions to the design of the Carers Strategy."

These events aim to bring together carers, community members, and local organisations to share valuable resources, offer support, and celebrate the contributions of unpaid carers.

In addition, centres will offer one-on-one consultations to help carers navigate the available unpaid carer support and services tailored to their needs, including eligibility for Social Security Scotland benefits.

Emphasis will be placed on health and wellbeing, acknowledging the emotional impact of caregiving and providing strategies to manage the caregiving role.

Argyll and Bute HSCP’s associate AHP director, Linda Currie, said: “Carers can often be unseen, yet their experiences are equally important as those they care for. Supporting their health and wellbeing is our priority to help them cope with their caring role.

“Carers Centres in Argyll and Bute are run by charitable organisations to provide people with information, support, or assistance.

“Based on identified needs and personal outcomes they may also assist and support with some respite or a short break.

“We encourage adult and young carers to get in touch with their local Argyll and Bute Carers Centres to determine if they are eligible for an Adult Carers or Young Carer Statement assessment.

“This could be the first step in getting important support. It's an opportunity to talk about the help you need as a carer.”

An unpaid carer is someone who provides help to a friend or family member needing support, perhaps due to illness, older age, disability, a mental health condition, or an addiction.

These carers provide invaluable assistance to the people they look after, but this can be very demanding and have an impact on many carers’ physical health and mental wellbeing.

To keep up with what Helensburgh and Lomond Carers SCIO are doing this Carers Awareness Week, visit: www.facebook.com/helensburghandlomondcarers.