Bradford Teaching Hospitals is running a series of 'Check-up, Chill and Chat' sessions next week in aid of Carers’ Week.

Carers’ Week, which runs from June 18-24, is a national awareness campaign recognising carers for the contribution they make to those they care for, and to their communities.

Foundation Trust Carers’ lead, senior nurse Ruth Dixon, said: “There are 54,000 unpaid carers in the Bradford area who look after someone – 500 of these work at our Foundation Trust.

“These people juggle their caring role with their paid job so Carers Week is an ideal time for us to consider their needs and along with Carers Resource see how we can help make their lives a little bit easier.”

This year’s theme is ‘In Sickness and Health’ and the Foundation Trust, alongside the Carers’ Resource and volunteers from the BRI and St Luke’s, is running support sessions at both the Bradford Royal Infirmary and St Luke’s Hospital for these unpaid heroes.

On June 18, 20, and 22 there will be a staffed display from Carers’ Resource in the BRI main corridor as well as 'Check-up, Chill and Chat' sessions for unpaid carers on ward 29’s dementia café and quiet room from 11am to 2pm.

Here, carers can get practical, emotional or financial advice and support, they can also have a basic health check and a therapeutic hand massage from our volunteers while enjoying a cuppa and some cake. Carers will also receive a small gift (funded by hospitals’ volunteers) as a thank you for their caring efforts.

 At St Luke’s Hospital Horton Wing there will be a staffed display in the dining room corridor on June 19 and 21 where Carers’ Resource will be available to offer information and advice.

These sessions are also available to relatives and carers whose loved ones are         inpatients during June 18-24.

Carers’ Resource can be contacted directly on Bradford 449660.