News Archive - Busy time during Carers Week

National Carers Week starts on Monday (12 June) and Thurrock's Carers Centre is planning a series of free events to celebrate.

Thurrock Council and Thurrock Primary Care Trust (PCT) - along with charities and other organisations - have put together a week-long extravaganza at the Cromwell Road, Grays, centre, aimed at helping carers relax and find a more fulfilling life.

The week starts with the PCT's Expert Patient Programme team holding two half-hour sessions. The programme, is a free self-management course for people living with a long-term health condition, teaching skills and techniques to improve health and well-being, pain management; medication management; problem solving and to reduce stress.

Usually carried on over a six-week course, the team will be highlighting how the scheme can help people improve their lives by managing their own long-term conditions.

A repeat programme is scheduled for Thursday, 15 June.

Over recent years the carers Week Pamper days have proved a big hit at the centre and two are planned for this year's event.

On Tuesday (13 June), Back Massage, Indian Head Massage, Reiki, Hot Stone Therapy, Reflexology, and Allergy Testing will be available between 9.30am and 4.30pm.

More pampering is planned for the Thursday between the same times and, in addition, a nail technician will be providing mini nail treatments and manicures between 10am and 2pm.

On Wednesday (14 June), the centre is hosting an open day with its focus is on Stroke and Alzheimer's awareness. Carers are also invited to join the team for a Ploughman's Lunch and an afternoon of entertainment.

The final day of events comes on Friday (16 June) when seated exercise will be demonstrated and the carers Centre's new Art Therapy class will be demonstrating their new-found skills. In addition there will be a Macmillan Nurses Coffee Morning.

Pam Palmer, Team Manager, at the Carers Centre, said: "If you are caring for someone and you want to be pampered, need information or would like to meet other carers then come along to one or all of the events.

"Refreshments will be available throughout each day for you to buy."

Anyone interested should call 01375 413754 to let the centre know the day or days they are attending.