Supporting Carers This April: Gloucestershire Carers Hub and Carers UK’s Active April
Supporting Carers This April: Gloucestershire Carers Hub and Carers UK’s Active April
Carers UK’s host Active April each year, it is a time to raise awareness of the vital role unpaid Carers play and encourage them to prioritise their own well-being. This can be to stay active both physically and mentally.
The Gloucestershire Carers Hub is proud to support this initiative and throughout April has offered a variety of resources to help Carers stay active and healthy.
The Importance of Carer Wellbeing
Being an unpaid Carer can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be demanding. Taking care of yourself is essential to ensure people can continue to provide support to someone else. Physical activity is a proven way to reduce stress, improve mood, and boost energy levels. As well as staying active mentally can give stress relief and give someone time away from their caring role.
Active April Events at the Gloucestershire Carers Hub
This April, the Hub has held several exciting activities to help Carers get active, this includes organising walks within the local community along with online sessions to support those who would like to be more active but cannot leave the person they support.
NHS Bus Tour
Throughout April, our team have been out and about in various locations around the county where we welcomed other organisations to join us. We have met a variety of unpaid Carers and have offered them support, information and a listening ear.
BBC Radio Gloucestershire
The Gloucestershire Carers Hubs Regional Manager, Lisa Walker, appeared on BBC Radio Gloucestershire where she spoke about the importance of employers identifying Carers within the workforce and how they can support them.
Listen here from 1:52:19
Willow Trust Boat Trip
Our Carers along with those they support had the opportunity to embark on a voyage down the Sharpness Canal on a canal boat. This gave the Carers and those they support the opportunity to meet other people and share experiences. The outing also allowed them to take some time to relax and unwind, whilst taking in the picturesque scenery.
GSWR Railway Visit
With thanks to The Rotary Club of Gloucester, our Carers and those they support have embarked on a journey through the countryside aboard a steam train. This gave them an opportunity to meet other Carers and also enjoy the relaxing journey from Cheltenham to Broadway.
Beyond Active April
The Gloucestershire Carers Hub offers year-round support for unpaid Carers, we support Carers to incorporate physical and mental activity into their lives. We run regular exercise sessions online, in person walks and outings for Carers and those they support to come along and join in with.