Press Release – June 13th 2011
Thousands of Family Carers take part in 5th National Carers Week June 13th -19th
Over one hundred and thirty events for Family Carers from every county in Ireland take place this week as the 5th National Carers Week gets into full swing. (June 13th-19th) Events include pamper days, health checks, massages, training sessions, and day trips.
Tom Hopkins, Fair City Actor, speaking about the contribution of family carers says ‘A member of my family cared for my mother for years, enabling her to continue to live at home. We all need to remind ourselves how valuable Ireland’s family carers are.’
Speaking at the launch today, Carers Week organiser, Liam O’Sullivan says; “Every person in the country has a chance this week to acknowledge the contribution of Irelands 274,000 family carers. Make a family carer you know a meal or send them a card acknowledging what they do; or give them a call just to say ‘you are doing something really important”
The latest Quarterly National Household Survey identified 274,000 people who provide unpaid help or assistance to someone. This equates to 10% of women in Ireland and 6% of men.
National Carers Week , now in its fifth year, is co-ordinated by Care Alliance Ireland in partnership with eight other leading Irish charities who support family carers including: The Alzheimer Society,The Carers Association, Caring for Carers, The Disability Federation, Extra-Care, Bri, Headway and The Irish Hospice Foundation.
For further information contact: Liam O’Sullivan 087 207 3265 E-mail; ndo@carealliance.ie
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Notes to the Editor:
Family Carers are usually immediate relatives who provide very high levels of care, at home, for children and adults with severe disabilities, frail older people and people who are terminally ill.
Family Carers will be available at the Mansion House launch for interview on request.
The national launch of the week takes place in The Mansion House on Monday June 13th at 11am. Family carers will speak of their experiences, together with The Lord Major of Dublin, Gerry Breen, and actor Tom Hopkins, (aka Christy Phelan, Fair City).
A full list of Carers Week events taking place nationally is available at http://www.carersweek.ie/
Family Carers will not be Forgotten and Deserve to be Protected
5th Annual National Carer’s Week Highlights Contribution of Ireland’s Family Carers
Leading carers organisations will draw attention to the massive contribution of full-time family carers in Ireland at a week-long programme of specially organised events during the 5th Annual Carer’s Week. Plans for the celebratory events, taking place nationally from the 13th to 19th June next, were announced at the official launch of Carers Week in Dublin today June 7th.
The latest Quarterly National Household Survey identified 274,000 who provide unpaid help or assistant to someone. This equates to 10% of women in Ireland and 6% of men.
Liam O’Sullivan, of Care Alliance Ireland, says “We know that full time family carers provide an average of 110 hours of care per week. The recent Prime Time Investigates programme painted a picture of a group of valuable yet vulnerable people who are feeling the full brunt of our nations economic woes.”
O’Sullivan goes on to say; “Both Irish and international research, has identified Family Carers’ high levels of anxiety, stress, depression, back injuries and loneliness together with inadequate time to themselves and poor quality of life. This is particularly so for those who provide around the clock care.”
National Carers Week , now in its 5th year, is co-ordinated by Care Alliance Ireland in partnership with eight other leading Irish organisations who support family carers, including The Alzheimer Society, The Carers Association, Caring for Carers Ireland, The Disability Federation of Ireland, Bri, Extra-Care, Headway, and The Irish Hospice Foundation.
For further information contact: Liam O’Sullivan 087 207 3265 E-mail ndo@carealliance.ie
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Notes to the Editor:
Care Alliance Ireland is leading in the co-ordination of the week and will host the national launch in The Mansion House on Monday June 13th at 11am. The Lord Major, Cllr. Gerry Breen, together with Tom Hopkins (aka Christy Phelan, Fair City) will join with us in celebrating the week. www.carealliance.ie
Family Carers are usually immediate relatives, who provide very high levels of care, at home, for children and adults with severe disabilities, frail older people and people who are terminally ill.
Locally based Family Carers are available for interview on request.
Over 100 events are taking place around the country specifically for Family Carers.
A full list of Carers Week Events nationally is available at www.carersweek.ie
Press Release – June 7th 2011
