Here is our checklist - hope you find it useful!
- Get a head start on organising by starting early.
- Set up a group to plan your event, particularly if other organisations are involved.
- Decide what you want to achieve, such as raising awareness, reaching out to 'hidden carers', or celebrating the work carers do. It may be several of these things rolled into one!
- Give everyone within the planning group the opportunity to have responsibility for different tasks, but make sure they have the time to spare and don’t feel pressurised to take on projects that they aren't confident in doing.
- Choose a theme and format for your event to help give you all a focus.
- Keep in touch with the other members of your branch, group or organisation. It's likely that they'll be excited to hear how things are progressing and will want to get involved on each step of the way.
- Decide on a date. Check it doesn’t clash with any other major local events, after all, you want the best possible turn-out.
- Plan your budget.
- Locate a venue; remember to check that it is accessible for disabled people.
- Invite special guests such as celebrities and local dignitaries. Many tend to have a busy diary, so get in touch as soon as possible.
- Send out invitations to carers, carers' friends and supporters with plenty of advance warning. Make it clear if travel expenses or alternative care costs can be claimed.
- Plan the publicity and ensure it is produced in plenty of time. This could include speaking to your local paper, putting up posters and telling other carers groups about what you're doing. Have a look around the Carers Week website for more information and how to get your free promotional materials.
- Order your Carers Week leaflets, posters and promotional materials.
- Organise and book the catering.
- Have plenty of helpers on hand to welcome everyone to the event.
- Make sure someone is available to take plenty of photographs of the event....we'd love to see them here on the Carers Week website!
- Take a sigh of relief and thank everybody for playing their part! A well-earned celebratory cup of tea for all your hard work will be in order!
