A CHARITY is staging a series of events to mark national Carers Week.

Carers’ Resource is holding information stands in supermarkets and GP surgeries.

And pamper sessions, day trips and afternoon teas have been organised.

The aim of the initiative is to celebrate carers and raise awareness of their role.

Carers’ Resource helps around 16,000 unpaid carers across the Bradford, Skipton and Harrogate districts.

Chris Whiley, the charity’s chief executive, said: “The economic value of the contribution made by unpaid carers in the UK is estimated to be £132bn a year, which is almost the budget of the NHS.

“We know that some people look after someone else 24 hours a day, seven days a week, without a break for years on end. Others may be supporting someone who lives independently or in a care home. Whatever caring situation someone has, we are celebrating them during Carers Week.

“We’re putting on events to recognise and support carers but I also want to encourage the public to celebrate carers they know. Get a carer a coffee or a bunch of flowers, take care of their loved one for an hour to give them a break, or just enjoy a chat.

“Also, we want carers to make sure they are registered with us so that we can keep in touch – and if they need us or their circumstances change, they have us in their minds and can give us a call.”

Carers Week begins on Monday (June 10), and an information stand will be held at Sainsbury’s in Keighley the following day.

Other activities in the district will include an art show, boat trip, lunch and manicure and pedicure treatments.

Forthcoming events also include a carers’ fun and information day at Keighley Civic Centre, in North Street, next Friday, June 14.

The event – from 12.30pm to 4pm – is being organised by Modality Surgeries, but with support from organisations including Carers’ Resource.

Attractions will include speakers, a ukulele band, zumba, tai chi, a painting group and reflexology. A range of groups and charities will have information stands and Carers’ Resource staff will be available for private discussions. Refreshments will be served.

More details can be obtained from Kay Nichols on 01274 449660 or knichols@carersresource.org, or visit carersresource.org/events.