UNPAID carers from across the district have received a big 'thank you' – plus their Covid and flu jabs!

Events were held in Keighley, Shipley and Bradford as a special tribute.

And as well as being given cards, cake and drinks, the carers were offered the chance to have their vaccinations.

Information and advice was also available to help people understand their rights.

The sessions – to mark Carers Rights Day – were run jointly by the Carers' Resource charity, Bradford Council and Act as One Bradford District and Craven.

The Keighley event took place at the Markazi Jamia Mosque.

Chris Whiley, chief executive officer of Carers' Resource, said: "We wanted to thank all unpaid carers for everything they have done during these difficult times. People who are looking after their family or friends work incredibly hard and it’s important they are recognised and appreciated.

"Many don’t see themselves as carers and may not realise that they have rights.

"These Carers Rights Day events were a chance for people to find out more about what a carer is, and what their rights are."

Anyone providing unpaid care for a friend or family member who – due to illness, frailty, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction – couldn't cope without that support, is a carer. Included are parent carers caring for a child with additional support needs.

Helen Hirst, chief officer for NHS Bradford District and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group, said: "On behalf of our Act as One health and care partnership, I’d like to say 'thank you' to all our unpaid carers who do a tremendous job all year round and are continuing to do so despite the impact of coronavirus.

"I’d also like to thank those who came to our events and got vaccinated against the flu, as part of our collective effort to protect our most vulnerable."

Therese Patten – chief executive of Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust – says that as an organisation which provides help to people in their own homes, it sees the huge impact unpaid carers have.

"Their selfless work eases the pressure on local health and social care services," she added. "Our message to carers is that we really appreciate all you do, especially as you’ve had to deal with the ongoing impact of the pandemic."

For further information about the support available to carers in the district, visit carersresource.org.