“It’s about showing we care about you.”
That was the message to carers from across the Wishaw area following a successful event at the NCT Centre in Newmains.
The event, run in partnership with local charity Lanarkshire Carers, saw over 60 people who care for a loved one enjoy an afternoon tea before Morningside Primary pupils entertained the audience with a few musical numbers from hit stage shows Annie and Oliver.
Ray Fallon, from the NCT Centre, organised the event, which was held during Carers Week.
She said: “The whole point of the day was to say thank you to these people for all the hard work they do.
“Many people just don’t realise the work that carers do so this was done to show them that they are appreciated by everyone.
“The whole place was buzzing and the kids from Morningside Primary were excellent. They really made the day for everyone.”
As the centre’s dementia friendly co-ordinator, Ray also revealed a new initiative designed to give carers a little break while knowing their loved one is looked after.
“We are running a Sporting Memories project at the centre to help those suffering with dementia,” said Ray.
“Our plan is that while people are taking part in the project, their carers can enjoy a pampering session.
“Whether it be a massage, reiki or something else, it means the carer can relax for an hour or so while the class is on knowing the person they care for is well looked after and they can relax which is very important.”
Latest figures showed that there are over 7,000 carers across North Lanarkshire.
As a former carer herself, Ray, who looked after her beloved husband James during his six year battle with dementia, understands the immense pressure faced by carers when caring for a loved one.
She added: “When you are a carer yourself, one thing you hear from a lot of people is that you have to make time for yourself.
“But when people say that, they don’t realise that you simply can’t leave that person.
“You can’t leave them if they are incapable of looking after themselves.
“It can be very difficult.
“That’s why we are trying to show people that they are valued by everyone within in the community.
“They don’t get enough credit for the work they do.”
