CARERS in the borough came together for a special annual event devoted to them at Hackney Town Hall.

More than 100 people attended the 2009 Carers Conference, held on 17 March, to take part in workshops, find out about services available, and speak about their experiences as carers to Council, voluntary sector and NHS representatives.

A new service named Homeshare Day Care was also launched at the event, which allows carers some hours of respite while those they care for spend time in volunteers’ homes.

The theme of this year’s conference was partnership, and the event explored how the Council, NHS, voluntary sector and other partners can improve how they work together with carers.

Carers are people who provide unpaid care and look after a friend, relative or neighbour, and Hackney Council provides a range of support services for them, including a free two-day retreat; free training courses; support accessing work and education opportunities; an emergency home respite service; and the Carers Card, offering concessionary rates of up to 50 per cent at Council leisure centres and discounts at local shops.

Cllr Nargis Khan, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “I’m pleased that so many carers came along to the conference to find out more about the range of services that are available to them. The Council is committed to improving services for carers, and to valuing their important role.”

For more information, and to apply for the Carers Card, contact Hackney’s Carers Helpline on: 020 8356 5054, e-mail: info@hackney.gov.uk or visit www.hackney.gov.uk/carers