"It's tiring and stressful, but we have to carry on": Rugby woman shares importance of Carers Week

Sue Kerrett, 77, became her husband’s full-time carer when he was paralysed 13 years ago.

She supports Carers Trust Heart of England (HofE) and Warwickshire County Council (WCC) Carers Week, a UK-wide campaign to raise awareness of unpaid carers and increase their visibility with decision makers, services, employers, and communities.

Sue said: “It’s very tiring and very stressful, but we have to carry on.

“It does get you down, but you have to grab the bull by the horns and get on with it.”

The annual Carers Week event took place at Coventry’s CBS Arena. It welcomed exhibitors, attendees and sponsors and was supported by Coventry’s Lord Mayor, Roger Bailey and Lady Mayoress, Pauline Venables.

The event, which took place from June 8-14, celebrated the vital contribution carers of all ages make, while offering practical support and advice.

This year’s theme ‘Building Carer Friendly Communities’ highlights how local support networks can make a lasting difference to carers’ lives.

Local partners, including teams from Warwickshire County Council and Coventry City Council, were on hand to share information on regional services. Attendees also had the opportunity to speak with Carers Trust Day Break and Regulated Care teams about respite services, meet Adult Wellbeing and Young Carers teams, and access specialised guidance for young adult carers aged 18-25 who are transitioning into adulthood.

The free, family-friendly event also included arts and crafts and opportunities to connect with others.

Claire Dale, Carers Trust Heart of England CEO said: “This is our biggest event of the year and a unique chance to recognise carers across Coventry and Warwickshire while connecting them with the support they need.”

Cllr Anne-Marie Sonko, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health, said: “Unpaid carers are the compassionate backbone of our communities, dedicating themselves to the wellbeing of loved ones who could not manage without them.

"Warwickshire County Council is deeply committed to building carer-friendly communities, ensuring that no carer feels isolated or unsupported. Carers Week is a vital opportunity to celebrate their extraordinary contributions, and to remind carers of all ages that we are here to support their health, wellbeing, and resilience.”

For more information visit https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/carers. For more information, visit www.carerstrusthofe.org.uk.