Rochdale’s Carers’ Rights Day attracts hundreds

Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale Ian and Christine Duckworth, Carer Ivy Portlock; Sandra Montgomery of Rochdale Carers' Hub; Counicllor Billy Sheerin; Carer Tahira Riaz

Rochdale’s Carers’ Rights Day was attended by hundreds of carers who packed into the Royal Toby in Castleton for the annual event organised by Rochdale Carers' Hub.

The theme of the day ‘make connections-get support’ was underlined as 23 organisations showcased the range of services they provide to carers.

Local groups and firms that attended included Living Well, Alzheimer’s Society, Thinking Ahead, AST Hampson Solicitors, Rochdale Mind, Barnardo’s and Rochdale Circle.

Staff from the council’s adult care team were on hand to provide information and chat with carers about the range of free services they can access.

The carers’ choir opened proceedings by belting out tunes from yesteryear.

Carers enjoyed free health checks, pamper sessions, assessments and heard about a new ‘carers' voucher scheme’ to be launched in January.

Dignitaries included the Mayor of Rochdale, Ian Duckworth, ward councillors and people from across the health community.

There are now 25,000 carers of all ages across the borough of Rochdale providing dedicated help and support to their loved ones.

Tahira Riaz, a carer from Rochdale, said: “It was a great day and a really well organised event. There was so much useful information and advice for carers." 

Councillor Iftikhar Ahmed, council cabinet member for adult care, said: “Carers are the unsung heroes of the borough who do such amazing and understated work. It was great to see so many carers, young and elderly, in attendance. Well done to everyone who made it a Carers’ Rights Day to remember.”