Week of activities turns the spotlight on unsung heroes

A choir performance, massages, coffee morning, lunches and a live poetry performance – Renfrewshire Carers Week had it all.

The week was held to promote Renfrewshire Carers Centre and the wide range of services it offers, as well as to provide some fun and respite for carers.

The week began with the centre’s AGM which heard from board members, Renfrewshire Council leader Iain Nicolson, Meg Wright from Carers Trust Scotland and poet Jim Carruth.

The centre linked up with Sainsbury’s at Braehead and had an information stall there throughout the week, and the store also put on a coffee morning for carers, customers and staff.

Diane Goodman, centre manager, said: “On Wednesday we had a healthy session where carers got their blood pressure taken, someone from Renfrewshire Leisure did a keep-fit class, and we had a healthy eating session.

“It was about making sure carers look after themselves as well.

“We had a pamper session which was very nice. There were a lot of holistic therapies there as well as cheese and wine and chat.

“Thursday was our biggest day.

“We had another pamper session in the centre and Braehead Shopping Centre provided a lunch for carers and volunteers, and the choir performed as well.

“Throughout the week the centre had information stalls at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, the Piazza, and at Erskine Home in Bishopton.

“It helps raise awareness. A lot of information was taken away by people. It was good for us to get out and about trying to promote the carers centre. A lot of people don’t identify themselves as carers and we want them to see that there is help out there.

“It was a busy, full-on week and we’re recovering now.”

Renfrewshire Carers Centre is a registered charity providing free, confidential support and advice to carers.

Services provided from its Embroidery Mill centre include advocacy, emergency planning, emotional support, training, respite, befriending, young carers, support groups, counselling, information, legal surgery, young adult carers, and social activities such as the choir and arts and crafts and a drop-in café.

Carers can self-refer by telephone or drop into the centre.

If you are interested in accessing any of the centre’s services, contact 0141 887 3643 or email enquiries@ renfrewshirecarers.org.uk

Alternatively, check the website http://renfrewshirecarers.co.uk/

It was about making sure carers look after themselves as well. It was a busy, full-on week Diane Goodman