Provost pays tribute to area’s kind carers

Oct 1 2008 by Robert Mitchell, Wishaw Press

NORTH Lanarkshire Council played host to over 300 carers from across the area at a special annual reception held in recognition of their effort and dedication in caring for a relative or friend.

Provost Tom Curley officially welcomed carers and other invited guests to the reception and lunch held at Motherwell Civic Theatre.

He commended their work and said: “It is really such a pleasure to host this special event and, in person, pay tribute to the excellent work carried out by all carers on a daily basis.

“Carers provide vital support, without payment, to many relatives, partners or friends who are in need. I would like to thank North Lanarkshire carers for their devotion and commitment to improving the quality of life for the people they care for.”

It is estimated that in North Lanarkshire alone there are around 33,000 carers with many people not recognising themselves as carers. Work continues in the area to involve carers, represent the views of carers, identify new carers and ensure that information and support relevant to their caring role is available.

As part of ongoing joint working a partnership of carers, carer organisations, the council and NHS Lanarkshire have produced a consultation draft for a new Strategy for Carers. The partnership is keen to get the views of carers, service users and partner organisations which will help shape the development of support services for carers from next year until 2012.

Convener for housing and social work services, Councillor Barry McCulloch also took the opportunity to commend the work of North Lanarkshire’s carers. He explained: “It was great to share time with the area’s carers who undertake an immensely valuable role in caring for people who rely on their support to live independent lives in the community.

“The carers lunch provides a forum for carers to share experiences and to talk to council staff and colleagues from the health services and other organisations in place to offer support. I hope that by continuing to work in partnership with our carers that we are getting it right in terms of providing them with the information, support and training to carry on caring.”

Following the publication of NHS Lanarkshire’s Carers Information Strategy in 2007, a number of initiatives are proposed this year including an audit of carers’ experiences, provision of information for carers of people with non malignant conditions and support to young carers. Closing proceedings was Liz Seaton, a carer, chairperson of North Lanarkshire Carers Together.

CARING CROWD: Provost Tom Curley gets proceedings underway at the annual carers lunch at Motherwell Civic Centre.