Host of events planned to mark Carers Week

TEENAGERS from Huddersfield got a taste of Army life in a ‘Supercamp’ project which is being piloted by 4th Infantry Brigade.

Young people scrambled over high walls, splashed through water and learned what a basha is, as they tackled obstacles in Catterick, North Yorkshire.

More than 270 teenagers from the region have been tackling everything from fitness to fieldcraft and problem-solving to a military assault course, learning how to cook rations in the field and put up an Army basha (temporary shelter).

The camps give young people an insight into what the Army does and what it can offer them as a member of the Army Cadet Force youth organisation. They also receive an idea of the Officer Training Regiment if they go to university. Mumtaz Ali, the youth work leader of the Huddersfield Pakistani Community Alliance, said: “I think some of the young people have found it quite challenging because they are used to a home where they have got parents doing everything for them. They come here where suddenly they are having to mind themselves.”

He said that some of the group had shown interest in an Army career and one had been given information on how to be a vehicle mechanic in the Army. CARERS Week is being marked by several events in Kirklees over the next seven days.

Tens of thousands of people across the area provide unpaid care and support to family members, friends and neighbours.

Without this support, ill and elderly people would rely much more on social care and health services and would be much more socially isolated.

Carers Week, from June 12-18, celebrates and recognises the vital contribution made by 6.5 million people across UK who provide unpaid care for disabled, ill or older family members or friends.

Carers Count, the information and advice service for unpaid carers across Kirklees, is working in partnership with other organisations this year to provide information and advice, fun, entertainment, and fundraising – all to support carers who do wonderful work within

A drop-in at Dewsbury and District Hospital’s main entrance during visiting hours on Monday, June 12.

A drop-in at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary’s main entrance during visiting hours on Wednesday, June 14.

Information stand at Sainsbury’s on Market Street in Huddersfield (10am to 2pm) on Wednesday.

Vintage tea party at Tolson Museum, Ravensknowle Park, on Thursday, June 15, from 10.30am to 2pm. Carers Count is working in partnership with Kirkwood Hospice to put on the informative, yet fun event.

The party will include information stands from organisations that provide support to carers, a fun adult bouncy castle, outdoor Tai Chi on the grass, arts and crafts demonstrations along with how to make a memory boxes.

The event is open to anyone who is a carer or anyone who wants to find out more about any of the services.

The final event is a charity fashion show on Thursday, June 15, at 7.30pm at PPG Canalside, Leeds Road, Huddersfield.

It is a joint venture between Carers Count and Carers Trust and the aim of the fashion show is to raise funds for the carers worked with.

The funds will then be fed back into services to provide trips and pamper days.