FALKIRK & Clackmannanshire Carers Centre organised an awareness raising event at Alloa Town Hall, as part of its Carers Week programme.

As the theme for the week was ‘building carer friendly communities’ the event gave members of the public the opportunity to find out about services in the local community that help to keep them healthy, active and safe in their homes.

Information was also provided about carers services and support, as it is estimated that three out of five people will take on a caring role at some point in their lives.

Sharon Morgan, carers support worker, said: “The event was very successful and the feedback from carers and local organisations very positive”.

During the event on Tuesday 9 June there were representatives from Age Scotland, Anticipatory Care, Co-op Funeral Care, CTSi, Dementia friendly Communities, Epilepsy Connections, Fire Service, Home Energy Scotland, Ludgate House Resource Centre, MECS, Pharmacy Services, Play Alloa, Resonate, Tullibody Healthy Living and Wee County Walkers.

There were short presentations about self directed support, stopping doorstep crime, falls prevention, living it up, Red Cross and heal the whole of me health checks were provided by Tullibody Healthy Living.

Council leader, Councillor Les Sharp, drew the winning ticket for the big prize draw which belonged to lucky Pauline Shaw – the first prize she had ever won.

Carers affiliated to the Carers Centre were also offered vouchers that entitled them to discounts in the following businesses participating in the ‘building carer friendly communities’ initiative: The Holly Tree and The Forge in Menstrie, Lynne Stewart Hair Salon in Alva, Gordon MacFarlane Jewellers in Alloa, The Butterfly Inn in Tillicoultry and Muircot Farm in Coalsnaughton.

Prizes for the big draw were generously donated by The Holly Tree, No 71 Bistro, The Beauty Spot, The Nail Studio and The Makers Gallery.