Carers Week, taking place from 10-16 June 2024, is a UK wide awareness campaign seeking to increase visibility for carers with decision makers, services, employers, communities, and businesses.

There are 5.7 million unpaid carers across the UK caring for a friend or family members who due to illness, disability, a mental health condition or addiction cannot cope without their support. It is estimated that they save the economy £162 million a year – the equivalent of a second NHS. Yet, many carers feel that their role is forgotten and invisible.

The theme for the campaign this year is ‘Putting carers on the map’. We support over 12,000 carers through services, including over 8,000 young carers from the age of 4, young adult carers and adult carers.

Carers are offered a range of support including emotional and practical support, group sessions, 1:1 support, advice, guidance and signposting, workshops, activities, and respite. Imago aims to ensure that carers feel visible, valued, and supported. Recognition for carers has never been more needed.

During Carers Week, our teams will be out and about across the area delivering special events for carers and raising awareness of the role of carers in our communities.

Activities for carers include a Carer’s Cream Tea in Gravesend, information stall in Darent Valley Hospital, work and employment advice sessions and physical health and wellbeing activities in Lewisham and drop-in sessions at community spaces across north Kent. Come and support us on the following dates:

• 10^th & 11^th June: The Imago team will be raising awareness and funds for vital carers services at the charity space on the 1^st floor in Bluewater shopping centre.
• 11^th June: Celebration of Carers event in partnership with Ellenor hospice in Northfleet, Kent.
• 13^th June: Carers Week Conference, facilitated by Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust in Ashford.