National Carers Week 2024 is taking place across the country from Monday next, June 10th-16th and several events have been organised for Drogheda and elsewhere in County Louth.

The Louth East Meath Family Carers Support Group will be holding their annual Carers Week information event on Thursday June 13th in St Peters Church of Ireland Hall at the top of Peters Street, Drogheda from 1pm till 4pm.

There will be a wide range of groups taking part and the organisers are welcoming local groups to join them on the day as a great way to et people know who they are and what they do. There is no charge to take part and no entry fee for those who attend. Refreshments Tea/Coffee will be served.

You can contact the Louth East Meath Family Carers Support Group Chairperson, William Mahony at william.mahony55@gmail.com or 087 4615 465.

Carers Week Coffee Morning  

On Wednesday June 12 Family Carers Ireland is holding a coffee morning in the Barbican Centre, William Street which will be a great opportunity to have a chat with other family carers and your local Support Manager, Jacinta Kennedy Mulligan, a great opportunity to meet others and find out about how Family Carers Ireland can support you as a family carer.

To register please contact Jacinta Kennedy Mulligan on kmulligan@familycarers.ie  or phone: 041-9710158.

Louth urged to show its heart of gold

Family Carers Ireland has kicked off its national fundraising campaign, Heart of Gold, aimed at providing vital support to family carers in Louth. With an estimated 12,898 family carers in Louth, this campaign aims to recognise their invaluable contribution and raise vital funds.

Heart of Gold takes place on Thursday 13th June not only to raise funds for Family Carers Ireland’s critical programs, supports and services, but to also raise awareness about the challenges facing family carers.

As part of the campaign, a street collection will take place in Drogheda giving members of the community an opportunity to show their support and appreciation for family carers. For more information on other Carer’s Week events see: www.familycarers.ie/events

Jacinta Kennedy Mulligan, Community Support Manager, Family Carers Ireland, said, "The Heart of Gold campaign is a heartfelt tribute to the unwavering dedication and selflessness of family carers in Louth and beyond. It is about ensuring that the invaluable work and challenges faced by family carers are not only seen but understood.

Jacinta further encouraged the public to get involved, saying, "We invite everyone in Louth to join us on Thursday June 13th for our street collections, purchase a Heart of Gold pin, and consider participating in the 50 Miles in June Challenge. Every contribution makes a difference in supporting our family carers and ensuring they receive the assistance they need."

"Funds raised throughout the month of June will directly support vital services, such as our National Freephone Careline, counselling, respite care, and local drop-in centres. Additionally, the campaign will help provide peer support groups, training sessions, and carers' forums, which help to ease the isolation often felt by family carers. These services go beyond mere support; they are lifelines for those selflessly committed to caring for others."

Donations can also be made via the Family Carers Ireland website at www.familycarers.ie/donate .

Carers to receive €1,850 Carers Grant this week – O’Dowd

Meanwhile, over 4,000 carers in Louth are set to receive the Carer’s Support Grant from today, Thursday, 6th of June.

Louth and East Meath TD, Fergus O’Dowd, said: “The Grant is worth €1,850 and is available to all carers providing full-time care to an older person or a person with a disability, regardless of their means or social insurance contributions.

“Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys announced the allocation of nearly €275 million for the Carer’s Support Grant this year. 132,000 carers all over Ireland are set to benefit from this much needed support.

“Carers who provide care for two or more people will receive a grant in respect of each person being cared for, to tackle the expense and challenges associated with caring for multiple people.

“If you are already a recipient of Carer’s Allowance (full rate or half rate), Carer’s Benefit, or Domiciliary Care Allowance, there is no need to apply, you will automatically receive the grant. However, if you are not receiving any of this payment but are a full-time carer, you can still apply for the grant.

“Carers do some of the most valuable work there is, and they are a huge benefit to our society. Whilst out canvassing in the last few weeks, I have had the opportunity to hear the experience of people providing full and part time care.

 “We want them to know their work is appreciated. This grant hopes to assist carers to provide the best care possible, to reduce the risk of injury, to help family carers cope with the emotional and psychological aspects of their role,” O’Dowd concluded.