Carers Week runs from June 11 to the 17th.
The event sees thousands of family carers get involved in a whole host of events, across the country.
The week is a chance for every person in Ireland to acknowledge the contribution of our 360,000 family carers.
Care Alliance Ireland is behind the coordination of Carers Week and has called upon everyone to part take in whatever way they can.
“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.
This year, joining to support these incredible people are Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland (SBHI).
They have become a partner for the first time in Carers Week.
Tom Scott, SBHI’s CEO spoke about the collaboration and the future of the partnership:
"Through our Family Support Service across the country, we seek to support not only people living with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus but also their families, who are so often their primary caregivers.
"We are delighted to be on board as partners in Carers Week and look forward to this week becoming a bigger part of our work into the future.”
Ireland has one of the highest incidence rates in the world for spina bifida.
Around 40 babies are born with the lifelong condition each year.
Spina bifida is the most common neural tube defect (NTD) which causes incomplete development of the spinal cord.
It commonly causes significant mobility issues, continence problems, pressure sores, and social challenges of isolation and loneliness.
Speaking at the launch of the 12th National Carers Week, Dr Sabina Brennan, founder of TrinityBrainHealth.com, explained the realities for many carers:
"Caring for someone you love can be a rewarding experience. However, it can also be stressful and can put you in a lonely place. To provide the best care for their loved ones, carers need to stay healthy and connected. To do that they need family and friends who can provide social and emotional support.
"While help with housework or care related tasks is often welcome there is another (and perhaps even more important) way to help. Just be there. Visit, have a chat with the caregiver, and be a listening ear for them."
The Central Remedial Clinic also announced their partnership with Carers Week.
Their CEO, Stephanie Manahan, said:
“The CRC is proud to partner with others in celebrating National Carers Week 2018. As one of the largest disability organisations in the county, we are indebted to the thousands of parents and other family members who care for their loved ones.”
