Princess gives royal seal of approval to work of carers’ centre
BRIDGEND Carers Centre received a visit from Her Royal Highness Princess Anne recently.
Princess Anne spent almost one and a half hours meeting members of staff and unpaid carers at the centre on Park Street, Bridgend, on April 3.
The unpaid carers present on the day ranged from young carers who care for their parents and siblings, to parent carers of children with disabilities, through to carers caring for partners suffering from life limiting and life changing conditions.
Irrespective of the problems faced by individual carers, they are always supported by the staff at the centre who go “above and beyond” to support carers in their caring roles, as well as providing a variety of respite opportunities.
A spokesman for the centre said: “As President of Carers Trust for many years, Princess Anne is well aware of the demands that caring places on unpaid carers.
“However it was truly inspirational to hear unpaid carers give their personal experiences of caring and the impact that the Carers Centre service and staff have made on their lives.
“The Princess really listened, empathised and understood.
“Many thanks to all the carers who attended for their openness and honestly and for sharing their journeys and experiences.
“The smell of freshly cooked Welshcakes, the sight of bright yellow daffodils and the sound of our Carers
Choir filled the centre, making it a very Welsh welcome on a sunny spring afternoon.
“After a tour of the centre and spending time chatting with carers and staff, Princess Anne unveiled a plaque to commemorate her visit to Bridgend Carers Centre.”
Chair of Trustees, Colette Colman, said: “Bridgend Carers Centre is a Welsh charity that has been operating in Bridgend County Borough for over 24 years.
“We support carers to fulfil their caring roles through a variety of services and activities.
“It was a huge honour to receive a visit from HRH Princess Anne to our centre to acknowledge the successes of our charity.”
Helen Pitt, CEO of Bridgend Carers Centre said: “Unpaid carers are facing continued challenging times with the pandemic recovery, and more recently the cost of living crisis.
“The Princess Royal’s visit to our centre has done much to boost the spirits of carers and the staff who are passionate about supporting unpaid carers.”
During her visit the Princess heard that Bridgend Carers Centre has yet to source alternative accommodation when they move out of their current premises at the Quakers Meeting House.
The spokesman said: “We explained that we are struggling to find premises of an equal standard, at an affordable cost that will allow us to continue our work in informing, advising and supporting carers across the borough.
“We were grateful for the Princess’ warm words in support of our search for new premises. If anyone is aware of suitable, accessible premises please get in touch.
“The centre would like to thank all those who attended to make the visit a massive success.
“Thanks also go to the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Mid Glamorgan, Colonel Philip Hubbard, Mayor of Bridgend Cllr Martyn Jones, Leader of Bridgend Council Cllr Huw David, Huw Irranca Davies MS, Sarah Murphy MS, John Mc Clean – Chair, Carers Trust, Catrin Edwards, Carers Trust, Rebecca Watkins, Moondance Foundation and Tom Robinson, Wales and West Utilities, plus the wonderful Trustees of Bridgend Carers Centre.
“Finally if you are caring for someone please get in touch with the staff by ringing 01656 658479 or visit the Bridgend Carers Centre’s website www.bridgendcarers.co.uk