The theme for this year’s National Carers Week (6 – 12 June) is ‘make caring visible, valued and supported’. As many of us emerge from the pandemic, the continued and lasting impact on unpaid Carers is very apparent. In a recent Carers UK survey, it is reported that 48% of Carers care for 90 or more hours every week. Now, more than ever, it is important that unpaid Carers are recognised for their contributions to the community, that they are valued and respected, and able to access the local and national services they need to best support them in their caring roles.

This year, Sutton Carers Centre, Sutton Council and other local partners want to take a different approach to Carers Week, using more creative approaches to raise awareness of Carers in Sutton, as well as helping to ensure that they feel visible, valued and supported within the community. Collectively, they have planned a whole host of special events that will take place throughout the week.

Today, the London Borough of Sutton Creative Arts Display opens at Sutton Central Library, featuring incredible artwork from Adult, Parent and Young Carers, supplied by Sutton Carers Centre and Sutton Parent Carer Forum. Each piece acts as a visible representation of what caring means to the Carer who created it.

That is not the only display at the Civic Offices this Carers Week. From today, the Council’s National Carers Week banner, created to celebrate Carers in Sutton, will be proudly positioned on the outside of the Civic Offices, where it will remain throughout the week and in years to come.

The Mayor of Sutton, Councillor Trish Fivey, and Deputy Mayor, Councillor Colin Stears will be welcoming Carers and staff from Sutton Carers Centre this lunchtime at the Mayoral Reception. This annual Carers Week event offers an opportunity to honour Sutton Carers of all ages. This includes a group of Young Carers from Harris Academy, a school that has implemented many changes to strengthen the support they offer their students who juggle caring with studies.

Sutton Carers Centre will be opening their doors to all Sutton Carers tomorrow (Tuesday 7 June), for their ‘Wellbeing Open House’ event, where they will be offering information and advice, health checks and other wellbeing activities as well as a few treats to say thank you. They would also like to welcome professional workers – especially colleagues who juggle caring alongside their paid work. This offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with Carers and the staff and volunteer teams at Sutton Carers Centre.