Carers who care for a family member or friend and Councillors attended a coffee morning on 8 October specifically for Carers and Councillors in Penmorfa, Aberaeron. The event gave Councillors the chance to listen to the concerns of those who care for loved ones and the challenges they face.
The event was arranged by the Ceredigion Carers Unit. During the coffee morning, Carers had the chance to share their stories with Councillors. Many Carers attended the event who have experience of caring for people at different stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
Chairman of the Healthier Communities Committee, Councillor Alun Lloyd Jones said, “The work and dedication of our Carers, both employees and family members, is priceless. Without the care and attention of these people, the Council and our County would be much poorer, uncaring, and oblivious to what is happening to the vulnerable of our society - both adults and children.”
The Carers felt they had been listened to and they were grateful for the chance to tell the Councillors their story. They hoped that their contribution will help to inform future practices and help other Carers who may be facing difficulties.
Councillor Alun Lloyd Jones continued, “It was such a pleasure to meet the ‘Caring’ group at the recent coffee morning, and to listen to their tales and how we might be able to help them to help others. From the bottom of my heart, I can say that we appreciate all that you do every day to improve the lives of others.”
The coffee morning is part of a series of consultations that the County Councillors will be having with members of the public, health and third sector partners. They will gather information about the impact of dementia in Ceredigion. The events aim to educate, raise awareness and to create more dementia friendly communities in Ceredigion. Through this, the Carers Unit aims to ensure that nobody will have to face diagnosis or caring alone.
The Council’s Carers Champion, Councillor Catherine Hughes said, “As the Carers Champion, I would like to thank everyone who came to the coffee morning and to give their time to speak with Elected Members about their experiences as Carers. Their tireless work for family or friends is invaluable and we appreciate their contribution a great deal. I also thank the Carer’s Unit for organising and for the work done across the county to ensure support for Carers.”
Ceredigion Carers Unit are currently planning a large event to celebrate Carers Rights Day on Friday 30 November. There will be many activities, presentations and information about Carers rights and how to get the help and support that Carers are entitled to.
Join us on 30 November at Aberystwyth University’s Old College from 10:30am to 3:30pm. For more information, search for ‘Diwrnod Hawliau Gofalwyr - Carers Rights Day’ on Facebook or contact the Carers Unit on 01970 633564.
07/11/2018