To all carers in Wrexham and beyond, thank you.
In the run-up to Carers Week which took place this week (5th–11th June 2023), I have been working hard to ensure that the voices of unpaid carers in Wrexham don’t go unheard.
For the past 25 years, I worked as a nurse, district nurse, and social worker in Wrexham. I know the vital work that unpaid carers do to support our community. It’s vital that their efforts are recognised, and that they are given the support they need. This applies to caring for their loved ones, as well as having a life outside of caring responsibilities. This is why I have been working with Wrexham County Borough Council to try and improve what they do to support Wrexham carers. I was particularly pleased to meet with Bethan Rogers, the newly announced Unpaid Carers Development Officer for Wrexham Council. I will also be working closely with Wrexham Council and North East Wales Carers Information Service (NEWCIS) to develop a Wrexham-based Carers Strategy, because I know what unpaid carers do is truly exceptional and they deserve our support. They are our unsung heroes.
In addition, Wrexham Council wants to hear from you if you provide unpaid care to a friend, family member, or neighbour who couldn’t manage without that support. If that applies to you, please make sure you have your say. You can follow the following link to their unpaid carers survey: Your Voice - Wrexham (yourvoicewrexham.com).
During Carers Week in Parliament, I was honoured to sign a pledge of support for young carers and young adult carers – based on their voices and lived experiences. Most importantly, I got the chance to speak with two brilliant young carers to hear their stories.
Worryingly, many unpaid carers make the mistake of not identifying as carers. They therefore miss out on vital information and support. If this applies to you, then please do not hesitate to get in contact with my office by emailing sarah.atherton.mp@parliament.uk. We are here to help!