Archive for February, 2010

The organisers of Carers’ Week 2010 have chosen the theme ‘A life of my own’ to enable carers to talk about aspects of life that most people take for granted. These may include family occasions, going on holiday, a meal out, or just relaxing for an evening with no worries or commitments.

Carers’ Week 2010 will run from 14th to 20th June, and during that time carers will be encouraged to express what they need to have a life of their own such as access to relevant and practical information to help with their caring role; an opportunity to take a break when necessary; support at times of crisis; and financial assistance.

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Wales Millennium Centre

Crossroads Care in the Vale’s CAMEO Group will have an afternoon to remember on Thursday 10th June when they visit the Wales Millennium Centre for a backstage tour.

CAMEO consists of former carers who were, until recently, caring for a loved one with memory problems. When the caring role ends it can be difficult to fill the void, and through CAMEO past carers have the opportunity to meet others who have gone through similar experiences. The group members meet monthly for a pub lunch, and benefit from mutual support and understanding.

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You may be interested to know that we have a small library at the Crossroads Care offices in West House with a wide range of books on all aspects of dementia and caring. Carers are welcome to browse the bookshelves and borrow the books.

One of the titles that has proved popular with carers is The Selfish Pig’s Guide to Caring by Hugh Marriott. The book acknowledges the fact that six million people in the UK provide unpaid care for relatives, and though they are anything but selfish pigs, they are liable to feelings of guilt, fatigue and isolation.

Alison Ryan, Chief Executive of the Princess Royal Trust for Carers, said upon its publication, “We have needed this book for 20 years. I wish I had been able to read it when I first became a carer”.

It has been described as thought-provoking, informative and brutally frank, but also funny and moving; a must-read for anyone involved with caring. (Click on the highlighted links for more reviews of the book at Amazon.co.uk)

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