TO MARK National Carers Week, carers in Angus had time off from their usual responsibilities yesterday to enjoy a day of fun, relaxation and being looked after at the Carnoustie Golf Hotel.

The Angus Carers Centre in Arbroath hosted the event in conjunction with its annual general meeting and over 90 carers attended.

During the AGM, all present, including carers, volunteers and professional workers, enjoyed a presentation by Professor Elizabeth Wilson, director of nursing with NHS Tayside.

Professor Wilson spoke about the developments within NHS Tayside to help support those who care for a family member.

The day continued with a variety of workshops on offer, from fun and laughter to easy gardening, from relaxation to wine-tasting and from looking after your health to making felt beads.

The opportunity to sit down and have a lovely lunch served to them was appreciated by the carers as a rare treat.

Angus Carers Centre manager Katy Webster said, “It is lovely to see carers have such a happy time, having the opportunity to be looked after rather than doing the looking after and to relax and meet with others in similar situations.”

The theme of this year’s Carers Week is Carers Can’t Afford To Be Ill. A survey undertaken by carers’ organisations showed a large majority of carers admit to feeling ill, anxious or exhausted, with a staggering 95 per cent of those questioned saying they regularly cover up or disguise the fact their health is suffering in order to continue with their caring responsibilities.

The Angus Carers Centre’s aim is to support those family carers through recognising their caring responsibilities and providing information, advice and a wide range of support to them.

In addition to Carers Day, the centre is promoting awareness of carers this week through displays in main hospitals and health centres throughout Angus, as well as organising some social and fund-raising events.