This week, we are coming together with partners across Barnsley to celebrate Carers Week, and the difference unpaid carers make to their families and local communities.

An annual campaign celebrating and recognising the role unpaid carers play in our society, this year’s theme is making caring visible, valued and supported.

It is important that carers are recognised for the challenges they face, celebrated for the difference they make and provided with the information, support and advice they need.

In Barnsley, it is estimated that over 28,000 people help care for a family member or friend.

Many people are taking on more caring responsibilities for loved ones who would not be able to cope without them. While we may refer to these people as unpaid or informal carers, they would probably say they are just being a husband, a wife, a partner, a mum, a dad, a son, a daughter, a friend or a good neighbour.

Many events are planned to recognise the role unpaid carers play in Barnsley and highlight the support available locally this week. Join in the festivities across the borough:

• Barnsley Carers Service will be out around the borough, hosting pop-up stalls in Goldthorpe (Monday) and Athersley (Wednesday).
• Barnsley Carers Service will be hosting a drop-in afternoon for unpaid carers at Priory Campus on Monday afternoon.
• A new group for young carers focused on loss and grief will be launched on Tuesday by Barnsley Carers Service and partners.
• A new series of Dementia Information and Support for Carers sessions, organised by Barnsley Carers Service, will start on Friday at Priory Campus.
• Beacon will be hosting their regular face-to-face sessions throughout the week, including a carers drop-in on Wednesday lunch-time at their Barnsley base.
• Butterflies will be at the Town Hall on Thursday afternoon with their carers' support group.
• Crossroads will celebrate our borough’s unpaid carers with a special coffee morning on Friday.
• Parkinson's Society will be bringing carers together at their Natter Café on Thursday morning at the Falco Lounge in our town centre.
• A Primary Care Resource Pack for Barnsley will be launched on Tuesday to help frontline health staff better identify unpaid carers.

We will also be sharing information on the support available to carers in our borough throughout Carers Week. Take a look at our Facebook and Twitter pages every day this week to learn more about local services.

Councillor Jenny Platts, Cabinet Spokesperson for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “In Barnsley, we want to make sure everyone can enjoy life in good physical and mental health, making sure you can get the right care and support you need. Carers Week is a fantastic opportunity for us to celebrate the difference unpaid carers make in our communities and make sure they get the support they need.

“If you help look after a friend or family member, I would encourage you to visit our website and learn about the wide range of support and advice available locally all year round.”

Caring has a significant impact on people’s lives, from relationships and health to finances and work, and the support carers provide varies considerably.

It can range from a few hours a week, such as picking up prescriptions and preparing meals, to providing emotional and personal care day and night for a loved one.

A wide range of support is available to unpaid carers in our borough, including our young carers. Please visit the Barnsley Carers Service website or the Young Carers Service webpage to learn more about how they can help you and your family.