I am delighted to be able to support Carers Week which runs from the 18th 50 the 24th of June. I know that there are thousands of carers caring for family and friends across my constituency. Without their support those needing care would have a substantially reduced quality of life and the NHS and local government would have a substantially higher spending commitment. I would like to thank these carers for their dedication and commitment to caring.

As part of Carers Week, North Lanarkshire Council’s local Carers Support Project, the Carers Liaison and Support Project (CLASP) are holding a Carers Information Event in Harthill on Thursday 21st June 2012. This event will be a joint venture with NHS Lanarkshire Health and will comprise of a Health and Wellbeing event to identify hidden carers, promote services to local carers in a rural community.

The event will be supported by Addictions services, local GP’s, Housing and Social Work, Advocacy projects, Community Mental Health teams to ensure that carers and cared for are supported through advice and supports to enable carers to perform their caring role in as free and as stressless environment as possible.

In Airdrie the Princess Royal Trust, Lanarkshire Carers Centre is holding a ‘’West meets East’  event on Saturday 16th June at 11am.  This will be similar to the successful event that took place in 2010 but this year will be much bigger and guaranteed to provide entertainment, dance and food from around the globe.

The event will be held at the Airdrie Leisure Centre and will offer the opportunity for health checks, information on healthy lifestyles and trying out the latest exercise, relaxation and dance classes. This will offer something for all ages and all abilities.

The Centre’s International Women’s Group will send you out further information nearer the time but you can reserve your tickets now by contacting the Airdrie base on 01236 755550.

Please remember that entry is by ticket only and on a first come basis. It is a family event so when booking places children age 3 and over must be included in your ticket numbers.

Further details about this and other events can be found at the newly launched Princess Royal Trust, Lanarkshire Carers Centre web site.