A look ahead to Carers Week 2024

A message from Crossroads Care Orkney in Carers Week 2024

The theme for Carers Week 2024 is ‘Putting Carers on the Map’  - highlighting the invaluable contributions of Carers not only in Orkney but across the whole of the UK.

With your help we want to increase the visibility of Carers among decision makers, employers and throughout our community.

By raising awareness, we hope the challenges Carers face will be better recognised, helping you access the support you deserve.

This Carers Week, communities across the UK will come together to recognise the huge contribution unpaid carers make to society and without which social care services would collapse under the pressure.

Crossroads Care Orkney is the service appointed by Orkney Health and Care to support Unpaid Carers. We are keen to make a difference, get your location on our map and raise awareness, not just this week but with each week moving forward!

We are here to support all Carers and understand how difficult it can be taking that first step in seeking support - but the value of a listening ear is immense. We maybe can’t change the situation Carers find themselves faced with, but we can listen, advise, support and signpost to other services and organisations. Many people don’t recognise themselves as Carers and that’s absolutely fine - but life changes, and by registering with us as a Carer we can be there to support you through your journey if and when the time comes.

You do not have to be needing support to register as a Carer with Crossroads - but benefits of registration includes a quarterly newsletter to keep Carers up to date with all things caring and Crossroads, including funds you can apply for and opportunities to take part in Scotland wide events and groups for Carers. We have close links with many organisations not only in Orkney but in Scotland as well.

Crossroads is open 9:00am-5:00pm, Monday to Friday for Carers to pop in, phone or email.

But as it’s Carers Week we have a few special open days on. 

Please look out for us in the foyer at Tesco on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (week starting 10 June 2024)- do come and say hello and pick up a leaflet or leave us your details for us to get back in touch to see how we can support you.

Alternatively come and see us on Wednesday 12 June in the Carers Centre, Kirkwall Travel Centre from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Put your pin on our map for free entry into our raffle to be drawn at 3:00pm on Friday 14 June.

Please help us to make this a Carers Week to remember with raised awareness, shared understanding and most importantly learning from the Carers who have first-hand experience. Share this information with people you know are looking out for others in their lives.

Arlene Montgomery, Manager of Crossroads Care Orkney