EVENTS are taking place up-and-down the county as part of National Carers’ Week, with quizzes and coffee mornings being some of what's on offer. 

The events are being held by local carer organisations with support from Cumbria County Council to bring carers together to highlight and recognise their achievements and the huge contribution they make.

A carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to a family member or friend who has a disability, mental or physical illness, substance misuse issue, or who needs extra help as they get older.

READ MORE: Carers week highlights the vital job carers undertake

Cllr Patricia Bell, Cabinet Member for Health and Care Services said: "It’s great to see so many different events taking place across the county to bring carers together as part of National Carers’ Week.

"The support people provide in their caring role is of vital importance to the health and care system and is often unsung.

"That's why coming together for Carers' Week is so important. It is a chance to make the role they play more visible and a chance to show our appreciation for everything they do."

It is estimated that at least 10 per cent of the national population are carers - equivalent to nearly 7 million people in the UK, with research indicating that there are more than 97,000 unpaid carers in Cumbria.

This year, National Carer’s Week is also recognising the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on unpaid carers’ lives.

Many carers have had to increase the amount of care that they provide, whilst others took on new caring responsibilities for their relatives and friends who are disabled, ill or older and who need support.

READ MORE: Carer Support Eden and Dementia Carers Count launch project

This week there have been a range of events happening in Carlisle as well as online sessions.

Some of the activities have included drop in sessions at Carlisle Library and coffee and chat events at Harraby Community Centre.