It was great to take part in the Swindon Carers Centre ‘Walk a Mile’ event again this year, as part of Carers Week 2022.
Swindon Carers Centre supports around 4000 carers locally, but on 2015 figures, there are estimated to be around 21,000 carers here in Swindon alone, which means that the figure is now probably higher. It is therefore vitally important to raise awareness through events such as ‘Walk a Mile’ so that we can let carers know that they are not alone and that they have friends. I am reminded of the old saying: “A problem shared is a problem halved.”
There are people here in Swindon who might not even realise that they are carers. Swindon Carers Centre can help signpost carers to the support that is available locally.
It is also important that we raise awareness of the invaluable contribution that all of our unpaid carers are making to our society, and that is why I am happy to support Swindon Carers Centre and the ‘Walk a Mile’ event every year.
As part of Carers Week 2022, I also attended an event hosted in Parliament last week to raise awareness; the ‘Walk a Mile’ event in Swindon is one of many events which took place across our country. Carers are a part of a very large network, who without complaining, and without seeking praise, get on with the job of caring for their loved one.
The weather was glorious on Sunday afternoon, and it was fantastic to see so many people enjoying the Community Choral Festival at the Town Gardens Bowl in Old Town. Many great choirs took part in the event to support our excellent Open Door Centre here in Swindon, and I was delighted to perform alongside them.
The Open Door Centre is a brilliant local charity that works hard to make a positive difference in the lives of adults with learning disabilities, enabling its members to achieve their highest potential. The charity provides a range of activities within a safe, supportive and non-judgmental environment, and members are involved in every level of decision-making about the running of the Centre.
Members are encouraged to be independent adults, understanding their rights and choices, in order to be respected, confident, and valued members of society.
The group, which received one of the first Queen’s Awards for Voluntary Service back in 2011, organised the Choral Festival to raise much-needed funds for the centre, and also to provide their members with educational opportunities including stewarding, catering, and general event management, as well as performance opportunity for the choir, and the chance to demonstrate their enthusiasm for the Jubilee through their artwork.
The event gave Open Door members a wonderful opportunity to organise a larger event, challenging boundaries and giving members confidence in their abilities, as well as showcasing just how much adults with learning disabilities can achieve. There were many wonderful performances, and I would like to thank all at the Open Door for a fantastic afternoon, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
You can find out more about The Open Door Centre on their website here http://theopendoorcentre.co.uk/ If you would like to join me and take part in an event to raise money for this wonderful local charity, please get in touch with me by emailing [email protected]
Over the past two years, I have been working alongside Councillor Gary Sumner to support local residents in Badbury following the removal of their post box. Royal Mail proposed several unsuitable locations for a new post box, and after pressing them on behalf of local residents, I am pleased that finally, Royal Mail has accepted that they could work with a new location. A working post office is now open so residents can send their post again.
Finally, this coming Thursday, 16th June, from 10 am until 2 pm, the brilliant Livewell Team at Swindon Borough Council, who I work closely with, is hosting a Volunteering event at Sanford House. If you are interested in volunteering for any of their wonderful projects or you would like to find out more about their work, please do pop along.
