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

Cares Week 11th - 17th June 2007

Come along and try your hand at something new for carers week!

To help celebrate Carers week this year Carers of West Lothian are offering carers the opportunity to try a new pastime or hobby. We have taster sessions on subjects from card making and quilling, to planting up and presenting hanging baskets and planters and, following on from the success of TV programmes such as "Who do you think you are?" there is the chance to learn the basics about genealogy, using the computer to research their family history.

We have also organised a coach trip to the Falkirk Wheel. This outing will be leaving from the Strathbrock centre at Broxburn on Thursday the 14th June. We would at this point like to thank the people at The Falkirk Wheel who have very generously waived the entrance fees for this visit as a contribution to Carers week.

Once again as part of Carers week we will be sending a group of carers for a much needed 5-day break at Pontins in Blackpool. Norwich Union and the Princess Royal Trust sponsor the break and, once again the bus will leave from McArthur Glen on Monday the 11th

There will be the usual erecting of information stands at various locations during Carers week, so please come along and speak to us if you have any queries relating to your caring situation. In addition to our information stand at the Strathbrock centre Broxburn on Thursday the 14th we will be offering free health checks for carers. We know that it's important for carers to look after themselves so please come along and take advantage of this offer.

Details of all our activities during carers week can be found below and anyone wishing to book a place on any of the events should contact Jim Brown at the Carers of West Lothian centre on 01506 771750

Carers Week Programme

Monday 11th June:: Pontins Group departure
Tuesday 12th June:: 10 -12 noon:- Card Making
09.30-12.00 noon:- Information Stand, Almondvale Centre, West Lothian Connected
1-3pm:- Quilling, Strathbrock Centre Broxburn
Wednesday 13th June: 10 -12noon:- Potting Baskets & Tubs, Ability Centre Carmondean Livingston,
2.30-4.00pm and 7-8pm:- Information Stands at St John's Hospital Livingston, afternoon (accompanied by support worker from Parent Connections providing support service for lone parent families affected by disability)
Thursday 14th June: Falkirk Wheel Outing
9.30 -12.00 noon:- Info Stand, Strathbrock Centre including NHS free health checks for carers at Height, Weight, Blood Pressure and Body Mass Index
Friday 15th June: 1 -3 pm:- Genealogy, Strathbrock Community Centre
11am - 1 pm:- Presentation on Managing Stress and Relaxation Techniques, Meeting room 1 Strathbrock

There are an estimated six million people in the UK caring for a loved one who can't manage without their support. It is estimated that some 16,000 carers live in West Lothian many of whom don't recognise themselves as carers and aren't aware of the support and services available to them.

Carers of West Lothian offers support, advice and a listening ear to carers across West Lothian looking after family members or friends who are unable to care for themselves.

For further information or help you can contact us on 01506 771750 or visit the Carers Centre located within the Strathbrock Partnership Centre, 189a West Main Street, Broxburn, open Mon - Fri 10.00am - 3.00pm.

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