Press Release – June 14th 2010
Thousands of Family Carers take part in 4th National Carers Week June 14th 20th
Hundreds of events specially organised for Family Carers from every county in Ireland take place this week as the 4th National Carers Week gets into full swing. (June 14th-20th) Events include pamper days, tea dances, lunches and day trips.
Speaking at the launch today, Carers Week organiser, Liam O’Sullivan said; ‘Every person in the country has a chance this week to acknowledge the contribution of Irelands 161,000 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’ ”
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Figures recently released indicate that Ireland’s full time Family Carers work more than three times longer than the average paid worker, providing in excess of five thousand (5,720) hours of care per year to family members. This corresponds to 110 hours care per week or close to 16 hours caring per day. This compares to the national average of 1,664 working hours per year for the average worker. (Source CSO) In total there are 161,000 family carers in Ireland, with over 40,000 classed as full-time carers. (Census, 2006)
National Carers Week , now in its fourth 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,The Disability Federation, The National Rehabilitation Hospital, Extra-Care, Bri, Headway and The Irish Hospice Foundation.
For further information contact: Liam O’Sullivan 086 8272127 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 14th at 10.30am. Family carers will speak of their experiences, together with The Lord Major of Dublin, Cllr. Eimear Costello, and Jim Bartley (aka Bela Doyle, Fair City). Professional photos of the launch will be available to media outlets later in the day.
A full list of Carers Week events is available at http://www.carersweek.ie/events.htm
June 1st 2010
Full time Family Carers work 3 times longer than average paid workers
4th Annual National Carer's Week Highlights Contribution of Ireland's Family Carers
Leading carers charities 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 4th Annual Carer's Week. Plans for the celebratory events, taking place nationally from the 14th to 20th June next, were announced at the official launch of Carers Week in Dublin today June 1st.
Figures, recently released indicate that Ireland's full time Family Carers work more than three times linger than the average employed worker, providing in excess of five thousand (5720) hours of care per year to family members. This corresponds to 110 hours care per week or close to 16 hours caring per day. This compares to the national average 1,664 working hours per year for the average worker. (Source CSO)
In total there are 161,000 family carers in Ireland, with over 40,000 classed as full-time carers. (Census, 2006)
Speaking at the launch, well known actor and star of Fair City Tom Hopkins commended the commitment of family carers who go above and beyond the call of duty on a daily basis, saving the state an estimated €3bn per year.
"Fair play to family carers, particularly full-time carers. They are to be commended not just for the loving care they provide to their loved ones' he says. Adding " 'I am urging everyone to do something during National Carers Week to show a carer they know that they are valued. It can be something very small like a thoughtful message of support; dropping in for lunch - but bringing the lunch with you already made; or indeed making sure the family carer can participate in one of the special events that are being organised. Just make sure to do something!.'
National Carers Week , now in its fourth year, is co-ordinated by Care Alliance Ireland in partnership with eight other leading Irish charities / NGOs who support family carers. Newest participant in the partnership, Derek Greene, CEO, The National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH), points out that hundreds of events, specifically for family carers, will take place throughout Ireland. Mr Greene says : "We are delighted to be a part of Carers Week, this is our opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the vital contribution that family carers make to the lives of so many people who require ongoing support and care."
Other national partners in Carers Week include: The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Bri, The Carers Association, The Disability Federation of Ireland, 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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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 14th at 10:30am. The Lord Major of Dublin, Cllr. Eimear Costello, together with Jim Bartley (aka Bela Doyle, 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.
Family Carers available for interview on request.
A full list of Carers Week Events is available at www.carersweek.ie
