Monday June 12 2017 11:00 AM

Ireland’s 360,000 Family Carers given opportunity to be recognised for their contribution to our society’s wellbeing.

Thousands of Family Carers are taking part in events in every county this week as part of  Carers Week 2017 (June 12–18). Care Alliance Ireland, which is responsible for coordinating Carers Week, says that every person in Ireland has a chance this week to acknowledge the contribution of our 360,000 Family Carers.

“This week we should focus on doing something for those who contribute so much to Irish society. Whether you call in, make a meal, offer help and support, or simply give them a call to say ‘you are doing something really important’, there is a huge value in simply saying ‘thank you’” says Liam O’Sullivan of Care Alliance Ireland.

Speaking at the launch of the 11th National Carers Week, Lorraine Dempsey, Family Carer and founder of the Special Needs Parents Association;

"There was a point in my life when I recognised that I was in a role that far outweighed that of a typical parent or what I had expected with the birth of my first child. My baby was going to grow up with needs that required me to go above and beyond.  It was at that point that I started to identify as a Family Carer and also feel the loss of other roles I once had. Having had to leave the nursing profession, I was now providing nursing care for my own child, but without the same level of recognition. Carers Week enables us to shine a light on carers roles, our needs and our aspirations. It gives us recognition for the uniquely selfless role we have on top of our primary identity as mothers and fathers, husbands and wives, brothers and sisters and sons and daughters".

A new partner to the week in 2017 is St. Michael’s House. David Dunne, Head of Operations, said;

“As a new partner in Carers Week we wish to acknowledge the tremendous work carried out by Family Carers. It’s only right that their contribution should be celebrated. Our Five Year Strategic Plan focuses on providing Family Carer’s with the skills and supports that they need to continue this work and maintain people with disabilities in their own communities. We are delighted to be hosting events to celebrate Carer’s Week”.

At the launch, Jack Renton, aged 12, from Galway, presented a selection of his own photography, which provides an insight into his family’s life, in particular his older brother Ethan,  who has high support needs. Jacks mum, Ger Renton, is a leading Family Carer blogger. ‘It’s me and Ethan’

Liam O’Sullivan, went on to say “We are delighted to celebrate the 11th annual National Carers Week in Ireland, along with our ten charity partners. The need for family care has increased by an estimated 40% over the past 10 years. We have increasing numbers of all age groups needing more care and families provide this care, day in day out, without question. Now is the time to commit more resourcing to this area, so that people with disabilities and their families can be at the centre of our community, not on the fringes.”