Tameside Carers share their experiences to encourage support from the Carers Centre 

FOR Carer’s Week (9-15 June), local carers have highlighted the support they receive from Tameside Carers Centre.

The Carers Centre, in Tameside One, Ashton, offers a variety of support for people in Tameside who provide informal and/or unpaid support to a partner, family member, friend or neighbour and they could not manage without this help. This could be supporting someone with finances, shopping, cooking meals, dressing, medication, providing personal and emotional support and/or helping them to access services.

Alan and Michelle, who have been visiting the Carers Centre for around 12 months, talked about the ways in which the centre has helped them.

Alan, who cares for his wife with mobility issues, said that the Carers Centre provides “an interesting break, you get a chance to socialise with people.” He then went on to explain there is an opportunity to speak with professionals for advice and guidance on the challenges that come with caring.  

He recommended: “Anybody who has a similar issue, to myself, I would suggest that joining as a carer as early as possible actually helps because you get to know the team and people with similar issues. It is well worth starting early.”

Michelle, who cares for her husband, expressed the versatility of support she receives at the Carers Centre.

Michelle explained: “I don’t know where I would have been without this place this past year. I really don’t.”

When discussing what the centre offers, she said: “There’s so much going on, along with emotional support, there is also events, lunches, Christmas parties. I really do look forward to coming, it’s a break away from your caring role.”

Executive Member for Adult Social Care Cllr John Taylor said: “It is heartwarming to hear the impact the Carers Centre has on the lives of our residents. We really do hope they have encouraged others to access the range of support that is available.

“We are thankful for the amazing team at the Carers Centre, offering truly life changing work. Your efforts don’t go unnoticed.”

If you or someone you know could benefit from support from the team, drop in to the centre for one of the drop-in sessions. Find more information at www.tameside.gov.uk/carerscentre and connect with them on Facebook for regular updates by searching ‘Tameside Carers Centre’.

The Tameside Carers Centre is based in the People Place at Tameside One, Market Place, Ashton-Under-Lyne, OL6 6BH.