Roughly 1 in 6 local adults are carers, but not all of the carers access the support they (and their loved one) may need.

That's according to the Cheshire East Carers' Hub, which recently had the pleasure of hosting a Carers Information Day in Macclesfield at St Michaels Church. 

The event was part of the hub's National Carers Week activities, a campaign which aims to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the amazing contribution carers make to families and communities throughout the UK. Child and adult carers from Macclesfield and further afar were invited along for a morning of information, relaxation, and plenty of cake.  

Cheshire East Carers' Hub provides a single point of access for both young and adult carers who provide care to a friend, family member or neighbour living in Cheshire East.  

Macclesfield South Councillor and Mayor Fiona Wilson learns about support carers can get in Macclesfield. She is accompanied by her husband and consort Brian Puddicombe, who is a Cheshire East Councillor.

The Hub ensures that carers of all ages have access to information, advice and a wide range of support services across the county and nationally. 

Macclesfield MP David Rutley and Mayor of Macclesfield, Cllr Fiona Wilson attended the event.

"A big thank you to Cheshire East Carers Hub for inviting me to celebrate Carers Week at St Michael's Church," our town's MP of 12 years said.

"This week provides the opportunity to thank carers for their important work and to recognise the support they need. It was great to see so many organisations take part, which provide vital support and advice for carers – this is much appreciated by carers of all ages across Cheshire." 

Dawn Brown (Service Manager) MP Mr David Rutley, Joanne Priest (Team Leader) Cllr Fiona Wilson Mayor of Macclesfield, Helen Hassall (Carers assessment and Support Officer) Teresa Jennings (Chief Officer NCompass) Cara Fullelove (Young Carers Team Leader).

Carers Week is brought to life by individuals and organisations who come together to provide support for carers, run activities and highlight the vital role carers play in our communities. 

The theme this year was 'Making Caring Visible, Valued and Supported' Even before the pandemic, thousands of unpaid family carers of all ages across the UK were caring for their loved ones and friends.

The pandemic intensified existing pressures on carers even further. Many people have had to take on even greater caring responsibilities, or new ones, for family members and friends who need their help due to illness, disability or frailty.  

Council-funded services available to carers include day's out, providing carers a break, access to certain grants or funds, and peer support.

Mayor of Macclesfield Councillor Fiona Wilson opens Macclesfield Carers Day with Dawn Brown.

One carer, who chose to remain anonymous was glad they went to the event.

"Thank you all very much, it was so well worth a visit, to meet people and pick up some helpful information," they said. 

"I really appreciated the kindness of the timed pampering sessions too!"

Carers can get extra help - and find out more - by clicking on the red link below.

There are approximately 42,000 unpaid Carers in Cheshire who would be able to access support from Cheshire East Carers Hub. Roughly 1 in 6 adults have a caring role.

You can find contact details on how to access the Hub's services by clicking here.

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