Hounslow Council are celebrating carers in the borough this week for National Carers Week with a series of events to help spotlight the work they do. 

A carer is defined as anyone who looks after a family member or friend who has a disability, mental or physical illness or someone who needs extra help as they grow older, it can be adults who look after a relative, friend or neighbour, a young person who takes care of a parent or other family member. 

There will be drop-in sessions and information stands at Hounslow House, The Treaty Centre, and other locations around the borough and the council are also teaming up with Brentford FC Community Sports Trust to put on a fun activity session for younger carers. 

Hounslow Council's Cabinet Member for Adults and Health Integration, Councillor Samia Chaudhary, said: "Carers Week is a great way for everyone in Hounslow to recognise the fantastic contribution that these people make to life in our borough. 

"There are many unpaid carers in our borough and many people who are looking after a friend or family member may not realise that they are officially carers and that help is available to them. 

"Caring for someone can have a big impact on someone's life, with many having to juggle their caring duties with looking after a family and work commitments." 

There will also be sessions for carers who are thinking of returning to work, along with Fresh Air and Friendship events, where carers can enjoy some of Hounslow's great green spaces and the council has also teamed up with The Alzheimer's Society to provide events and activities for those who care for people living with dementia. 

Cllr Chaudhary added: "We want to say a big thank you to all our unpaid carers in Hounslow. Please keep up the good work and get involved in Carers Week to find out how we can help you to help others." 

"We want to do all we can to support people. Please share your story with us, so we can get a better understanding of what it is like to be a carer in Hounslow.  

"We would like to use these stories as part of our ongoing campaign to raise awareness about caring and increase the recognition Hounslow's carers rightly deserve." 

Find out about all of the events going on by visiting the website.