SOUTHAMPTON is set to celebrate the hard work of its carers with a series of events this week. 

To mark National Carers Week, the city council and its partners will be hosting activities across the city including tree planting, sending sunflowers to carers and workshops.

The annual campaign, which raises awareness of caring and the challenges unpaid carers face, will this year have the theme of "make caring visible, valued and supported".

There are an estimated 66,679 unpaid carers in Southampton.

Councillor Lorna Fielker, the boss for health, said: "We truly value their dedication, supporting their loved ones and neighbours day-in and day-out, juggling caring with work and other responsibilities".

READ MORE: Southampton care provider ups pay for carers amid cost of living crisis

Cllr Fielker added: “Carers week provides us with the opportunity to come together to celebrate our many carers across the city and highlight the vital role they play in our communities.

“Many people who help and support a family member or friend do not recognise themselves as carers.

"This means that they miss out on the support that is available to them.

"I hope that through the activities and awareness-raising this carers week we can ensure more people access the support and useful information available in Southampton.”

Some highlights for the week include a celebration lunch for around 70 carers on Monday, an online make caring visible event on Wednesday and a dementia workshop on Thursday. 

For more information, visit the council website. 

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