	CARERS of WEST LOTHIAN Providing Support, Information and a A Voice for Carers in West Lothian

Carers Week 13-19 June 2005

Carers of West Lothian organises Information Stands

Carers of West Lothian organised Information stands throughout West Lothian as part of this year's national Carers Week (June 13-19).

The Information Stands were located at Strathbrock Partnership Centre, West Lothian Connected, Broxburn Job Centre and St John's Hospital throughout Carers Week and involved Disability and Carers Directorate, Jobcentre Plus, West Lothian College Information Officer and the Pension Service.

Carers Week supports the UK's six million carers - people who look after a sick or disabled friend, partner or relative. Many carers are not aware of the services available to them, and the thousands of events taking place up and down the country help to publicise the support that exists.

The theme of this year's Carers Week is "work, rest and play" to highlight the right of every carer to have the opportunity to lead fulfilling lives of their own, whether through work, study or leisure activities.

"Anyone with caring responsibilities will be more than welcome at our event. It's an ideal opportunity to meet with people in a similar situation, find out more about the local support and services available to them and to give themselves a break," said [spokesperson for the group].

Carers Week 2005 is supported by a number of high-profile celebrities including TV personalities Gloria Hunniford, Esther Rantzen and Cilla Black as well as actresses Shiela Hancock and Pam Ferris - all of whom have been carers themselves.

Cilla Black says "I helped care for my husband Bobby, who sadly died of cancer in 1999, so I understand the challenges as well as the rewards that looking after a loved one can bring. I'm supporting Carers Week 2005 because I think it's important that carers get the support they need to be able to carry on - whether it's getting time to work, to study or to do something they enjoy on a regular basis."

2005 is the eleventh annual Carers Week. It is jointly organised by seven UK wide charities - Carers UK, Crossroads Caring for Carers, Help the Aged, Macmillan Cancer Relief, MS Society, Rethink and The Princess Royal Trust for Carers.

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