Celebrating family carers across Peterborough

The awards were presented at a special event at KingsGate Conference Centre in Peterborough, held jointly by Carers Trust Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Norfolk and Peterborough City Council to mark national Carers Week.

The event brought carers, organisations, charities and businesses that support them together under one roof. Those who attended were able to have a chat, take part in workshops and visit a marketplace with numerous stands offering support and advice. The afternoon was dedicated to recognising and celebrating all family carers in the region for their outstanding work with Pride in Our Carers Awards.

Gillian Beasley, Chief Executive of Cambridgeshire County Council & Peterborough City Council, knows first-hand about the joy and heartbreak that a carer can feel. Speaking at the event she said: “The enormous contribution of our carers not only makes an invaluable difference to the people they support, it is an integral part of our health and social care system and deserves better recognition.

“Within our communities carers are vital partners, bridging the gap between health and social care services. What none of us must forget is that carers have their own needs too. We must be alert and responsive to those needs, or we risk compromising their health and wellbeing

and – by association – the recipients of their care.”

Hosting the awards, BBC Radio Cambridgeshire presenter Dotty McLeod, told carers: “We know that none of you have done all the things you did for awards or trophies. Glory is the last thing on your mind. Like the estimated 168,000 carers throughout Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and Norfolk you just got on with it. But for some of you, just getting on with it wasn’t enough. It is this type of attitude which changes lives and it is this type of approach to life that we are here to recognise and celebrate today.”

Miriam Martin, CEO of Carers Trust Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Norfolk said: “This is a chance for the community to show their appreciation for family carers, as well as acknowledge the carer friendly GP practices, health and social care professionals, teachers, community organisations and businesses that support them.

“We want these awards to inspire individuals, organisations and business to find out more and understand how they can better support these unsung heroes. Nobody asks to become a carer and yet, for those who do, they take on the responsibility without uttering a word of complaint. They do it because they either want to or have to but they do so because of one other over-riding reason; love”.

There were over 50 nominations from all over Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and Norfolk. The categories and winners were:

Carer Friendly School/College

Christine Branigan & Ashleigh Wren, Peterborough Regional College

As Young Carer Ambassadors at the college, they provide information and advice to groups and individuals. They raise the profile and the issues surrounding young carers every day by wearing T shirts and talking to people. Most of all, they understand because they walk in the shoes of young carers every day and they listen.

Carer Friendly Employer

Her Majesty’s Passport Office, Peterborough

It is clear from those who have received support from the team at the Passport Office what it means to them. It can be very hard caring for someone and being able to go to work has been a lifeline for some. It has helped them keep their independence, their identity and has reduced the stress of worrying about money at a time when they are already stressed.

Employees can attend groups or one-to-one sessions, they are supported with flexible working hours, in emergencies and there is always someone to talk to.

Carer Friendly Health Care Award

Dr Amar Hussain, Boroughbury Medical Centre, Peterborough

Dr Hussain sees his role at the practice as just doing his job. He accepted the award for the whole team at Boroughbury Medical Centre. Identifying and supporting carers is a very important part of his work as he is very conscious that carers often put themselves last and their health can suffer. Dr Hussain spends time with carers to ensure that they receive the support they need from the practice and organisations like Carers Trust Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Norfolk.

Special Recognition Award

Mario & Dina Schipani

Since 2009, Mario and Dina have organised, run and cooked for a lunch club at South Grove Community Centre in Peterborough. A grant from Peterborough City Council is managed carefully to ensure that the lunch club continues and volunteers willingly support it.

Outstanding Contribution to Carers Award

North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust

The team based at Peterborough City Hospital are acutely aware of the problems facing carers and do everything in their power to support them. They run sessions for staff as well as visitors to the hospital, as well as a bed, they provide packs for anyone who might need to stay overnight with someone they care for and they provide parking when it is needed.

Most of all, they take the time to listen and will point people in the right direction to make sure they receive support they need.