Norwich’s Carers Information Day hailed a success
Norwich's Carers Information Day marked the beginning of this year's Carers Week (9 - 15 June) - a week aimed at raising awareness of unpaid carers' vital role and acknowledging the challenges they face.
The event, organised annually by Care for Carers in partnership with Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT), aims to highlight the organisations across the voluntary, public and private sectors offering support to carers and those being cared for in Norfolk.
On Monday, June 9, The Forum was visited by more than 1,000 people. The event itself saw dozens of organisations attend, including Norfolk County Council, Alzheimer's Society, Vision, Breath Easy, Healthwatch Norfolk, services at NSFT, and more.
Peter Rowley, Founder of Care for Carers, said the event was "superb", adding that he and his wife, Christine, are "so proud" of the event that brought together services that support unpaid carers.
He said: "The event saw more people than ever receive the help and advice they needed. And for every one person helped, an average of 13 further people benefit, such as close relatives, friends and even medical professionals.
"Chris and I would like to thank everyone who took part, including those that needed help and advice, for making the day the success it was."
It also marked the first day of NSFT's month-long public engagement exercise seeking feedback on its draft Carers Charter.
This Charter will outline the Trust's commitment to working collaboratively with carers whose loved ones are receiving mental health care at NSFT, ensuring they are identified, valued, supported and engaged with.
Zoe Billingham, Chair of NSFT, said: "Our Carers Charter will act as a pledge and a promise to carers that they are going to be at the heart of everything we do as a Trust.
"It's our promise to all carers who have a loved one in our care that you really matter. You're someone we want to talk to; we want to engage with you about your loved one's care. It's a promise that we're going to do the work to get your loved one better together."
Kim Sedgwick, Events and Venue Hire Manager at The Forum said: "It's always a pleasure to host the Carers Information Day at The Forum, which provides such vital support and signposting to those who need it. It was great to see so many people visit the building and find additional help from such a range of local and national organisations."
Carers Information Day will return to The Forum on Monday, 6 October 2025.
To find out more about NSFT's Carers Charter and to provide feedback on the draft, please visit: https://www.nsft.nhs.uk/carers-charter