NHS West Essex Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is proud to be supporting Carers Week 2016, an annual awareness campaign that celebrates and recognises the vital contribution made by the 6.5 million people in the UK who care, unpaid, for a disabled, older or ill family member or friend. This year’s event runs from 6-12 June.

In support of the week-long event, there are a number of events being organised across west Essex that carers, their families and professionals can attend. One of these is the Carers Hub event taking place on Wednesday 8 June at the Harlow Health Resource Centre, Harlow Leisurezone from 10.30am to 4pm (Buffet lunch is available). Organised by the Action for Family Carers, the event will see a range of organisations from the voluntary and statutory sector offering information, guidance and support throughout the day.

During the week, there are a number of other local events that carers and professionals are warmly invited to attend. Visit the West Essex CCG website: www.westessexccg.nhs.uk for more information on these.

Dr Rob Gerlis, Chair at NHS West Essex Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “The CCG recognises the huge contribution that our carers’ communities play in the health and care system and we fully support Carers Week. It’s fantastic to see these events taking place across west Essex, and the rest of the country. I hope that through these events, individuals, organisations and services will be able to see just what a positive difference they can make to the lives of carers in their communities by thinking about what they need and building carer-friendly communities.”
For more information on Carers’ Week and on Carer Friendly Communities, visit the Carers’ Week website: www.carersweek.org