Ahead of Carers Week the supporter organisations held the “Carers Week Reception: Supporting Unpaid Carers” event at the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday 5 June 2024. The event, sponsored by Gillian Mackay MSP, brought together supporters from the charities behind Carers Week to reflect on all that carers across Scotland do to look after their family members or friends who have a disability, illness, mental health condition or who need help as they grow older.
The Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport, Maree Todd MSP, spoke at the event and was joined by Helen Walker, Chief Executive, Carers UK, as well as by unpaid carers Abbie Rough and Celia Sweeney, who shared their stories. Many MSPs from across the Parliament joined guests to hear more about the importance of Carers Week.
Richard Meade, Director, Carers Scotland said:
“Carers Week is a vital annual opportunity to ‘put carers on the map’. It is great to see the Scottish Parliament acknowledge this week at our parliamentary reception and for many MSPs to join us in helping to raise awareness of the challenges that many unpaid carers face. Unpaid carers make a huge contribution to society, and it is only right that they are recognised, valued and supported as a result.”
Celia Sweeney speaking at the Carers Week reception at the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday 5 June 2024