Marian Harkin MEP To Launch Carer’s Week

June 13, 2012 - PRLog -- During the event at the Old Ground Hotel in Ennis at 3pm, Ms. Harkin also will officially launch the revamped Caring for Carers Ireland website, www.caringforcarers.ie, as well as present certificates to 30 Family Carers from County Clare who recently completed a computer skills course organised by Caring for Carers.

Caring for Carers Ireland in partnership with Clare County Library, the Clare Volunteer Centre, Clare Sports Partnership and the Health Service Executive Health Promotion Services in Clare, is co-ordinating the events around Clare specifically for Family Carers.

According to Pat Shannon, Head of Services, Caring for Carers: “We are delighted that Ms. Harkin has accepted our invitation to launch Carer’s Week. We are particularly delighted that she will be presenting certificates to participants of the IT course. The course, which we hope to have 1,000 carers signed up to nationwide by the end of 2012, provides people who have never used a computer before with basic IT skills, including how to use email and the internet. This course, which has been funded by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, gives carers the opportunity to communicate online with others as well as access information of relevance to them and those receiving care.”

Other events scheduled to take place during Carer’s Week include a Health & Wellbeing seminar at Glór, a lecture on Herbal Medicine at the Daycare Centre in Ennistymon, an advice session on Osteoporosis & Nutrition at Regina House in Kilrush, a Laughter Workshop in Ennis, and a series of Mid Summers Walks at various locations throughout the County.  Meanwhile, Mayor of Clare Councillor Pat Hayes will launch an exhibition of works from the 'Writing & Art' Primary Schools Competition, themed 'How We Care'.

“We would ask that anyone interested in attending any of the events contact us to register their interest,” Mr. Shannon stated.

National Carers Week, now in its 6th year, is co-ordinated by nine leading Irish organisations that support family carers, including Caring for Carers Ireland, The Alzheimer Society, The Disability Federation of Ireland, Headway, and The Irish Hospice Foundation.  A full list of Carers Week events taking place locally is available at www.caringforcarers.ie or contact 065-6866515.