Carers Week 2021 takes place 7th - 13th June. It is an annual campaign to not only raise awareness of unpaid Carers, but also to highlight the challenges they face and overcome on a daily basis, and to recognise the contribution Carers make to both families and communities throughout the UK. This is also a time to help people who may not think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify themselves as Carers and receive the dedicated support that they deserve.

Over a year on, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is still very much present, with Carers continuing to face challenges as a result. Many people have taken on more caring responsibilities for family and friends, who, because of disability or illness (physical or mental), may need additional support. Carers should be recognised for the positive impact they make, be respected for what they do for others, and be provided with information, support and understanding; this is why the theme for 2021 is ‘Make Caring Visible and Valued’.

During Carers Week, thousands of individuals and organisations all across the UK come together to provide support, activities and celebratory events for Carers, whilst promoting the vital role of Carers within our communities.

Here at Sutton Carers Centre, alongside many of our usual activities, we will be leading a range of events to help raise awareness of Carers in Sutton, and help ensure that they feel visible and valued within the community. Soon we will be releasing Sutton’s timetable for the week, so please tell us what you have planned so you can be included. In the meantime, please keep an eye on our website www.suttoncarerscentre.org (currently being re-vamped) and our Twitter and Facebook pages for the latest updates.

If you would like to run an activity for Carers Week, but you are not quite sure where to start - or perhaps would like to get involved in a joint event with us at Sutton Carers Centre - then please contact Chiara Borwick on communications@suttoncarerscentre.org or 020 8296 5611. We would love to hear from you!

The NHS will offer you a vaccination when it’s your turn – this will be when you’re in a priority group. At this time, the vaccine is being offered to:

· people aged 45 and over

· people at high risk from coronavirus (clinically extremely vulnerable)

· people who live or work in care homes

· people health and social care workers

· people with a condition that puts them at higher risk (clinically vulnerable)

· people with a learning disability

· people who are the main carer for someone at high risk from coronavirus

You’ll only be offered an appointment if you’re in one of these priority groups and, if you are, you can book an appointment at a larger vaccination centre or community pharmacy site online or by calling 119 for free (7am – 11pm, seven days a week). Alternatively, you can wait to be invited to go to a local NHS service. For more information visit: https://swlondonccg.nhs.uk/your-area/sutton/ (Note this information is correct as at 14/4/2021)

There are a few ways to get your test - you can book and receive a test at centres and pharmacies near you, or pick a kit up to do the test yourself at home. Alternatively, you can order a kit to be delivered to your door from the gov.uk website.

Age UK Sutton's Services 'Community Support' and 'Home from Hospital' offer FREE support to Sutton's 50+ residents and their families.
Providing information, practical, emotional and social support and advice.
If you or someone you know is experiencing challenges in life we can help plan and set goals to overcome them.
Contact us on 020 8078 0002 or via email on info@ageuksutton.org.uk

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is an important time for practising Muslims that involves a month of fasting, worship and community celebration. It began on 12 April 2021 (subject to moon sightings) bringing with it a change to normal daily life for many of our Muslim communities and NHS workforce.

To help build confidence, reduce any barriers to access and support the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine amongst Muslim communities during the month of
Ramadan, please view this document.