Bedfordshire charity aims to make carers feel more visible and valued as part of national campaign

Carers in Bedfordshire is celebrating and recognising the vital contribution unpaid family carers make to the county.

The push is part of national awareness campaign - Carers Week - which runs until June 13.

A carer is anyone who cares, unpaid, for their friend or family member who due to illness, disability, mental health problems or an addiction, cannot cope without their support, or need extra help as they grow older. A carer is also a parent looking after a child with special educational needs.

Chief executive officer, Chris Stelling, said: “This year, more than any, carers need to be made visible and valued. They are the unsung heroes who behind closed doors throughout the Covid pandemic have played an essential role supporting their relatives and friends.

"They have forgone breaks from caring and much of the support they would normally have relied on. This is why we’re supporting Carers UK’s campaign to urge the Government to urgently increase funding for carers’ breaks.

"There are an estimated 40,000 carers across Bedfordshire and whilst we support many in their caring journey, we know there are thousands we are yet to reach."

Carers in Bedfordshire is also bringing Carers Week to life by running a series of events and activities, including:

Carers of all ages have been invited to enter a photography competition with an image to represent ‘My Caring Role’

A Neon Run has been organised where carers can run any distance in their brightest clothes

Walks for carers in Bedford Park on Thursday (June 10)