Bexley marks Carers Week 2024

In June and July, Bexley Wellbeing Partnership worked with Bexley Carers Partnership in organising two events for unpaid carers in the borough. These events have developed over the last three years in constant conversation with groups of carers, with the intention of providing an event that makes them feel valued, visible and supported.

Over 100 carers attended the first event at Bexley Holiday Inn on June 11th. There were three massage therapists onsite, as well as Reiki, Tai Chi and meditation sessions. Feedback from carers showed that mental health and stress is a real issue and these activities were designed to make carers feel relaxed, decompress and have a feeling of being cared for themselves for a change.

There were stalls from many of the organisations that offer support to carers in the borough, as well as talks on direct payments and mental health coping strategies. A team from One Bexley were there to provide access to carers assessments and information for those carers who weren’t aware of the support that is available to them.

Cllr Melvin Seymour, Bexley’s Cabinet Member for Adults’ Services said: “For many carers their role is 24/7 and their immense contribution to society is often unnoticed. During Carers Week we have the chance to highlight this and this event hopefully shows them they are valued and gives them a few hours to recharge and find some support from a wide range of Bexley’s statutory and voluntary organisations.”

The Mayor of Bexley visited and spoke to carers and professionals alike, and there was a tasty lunch provided. Undoubtedly though, the stars of the show were the wonderful therapy dogs who loved the constant attention.

A second event was held at Erith Leisure Centre on Saturday 13th July 2024. There are many carers in the North of the borough and it was important to have another event to reach those people – it was also held at a weekend to reflect that many carers work throughout the week.

Again there were stalls to give information to carers, activities such as massage, Tai Chi, meditation and sound baths to help them relax, and a buffet lunch. More than 50 unpaid carers came along and were able to link with support and services they hadn’t before.

Yolanda Dennehy, Bexley’s Director of Adult Social Care and Health, said, “It’s vital we do everything we can to recognise and support our unpaid carers, and these events help by bringing many sources of support together under one roof. The role of a carer can be challenging and isolating. These events were a chance for carers to speak to professionals and connect with other carers in a relaxed setting.”