Jarrow Crusade provides backdrop for annual South Tyneside carers' march
Annual carers’ march set to start from the Jarrow Crusade memorial in South Tyneside.
The famous Jarrow Crusade will be the backdrop and inspiration for carers and their supporters when their feet hit the street as part of an annual awareness campaign.
They plan to take part in a ‘Carers March’ through the town as one of several events planned in South Tyneside for this year’s national Carers Week.
Dozens of people are expected to walk through central Jarrow, starting from beside the ‘Spirit of Jarrow’ sculpture, at Morrisons supermarket.
They will journey along Low Road, before finishing at St Andrew’s Church, in an event which starts at 10am on Sunday, June 14.
It has been organised by South Shields-based Connected Caring, a support organisation which offers advice and guidance to unpaid carers.
Drop in sessions - here’s where
Its other events during the week, starting on Monday, June 8, include a day trip to Durham, an afternoon of celebration and two drop-in support sessions.
Monica Scott, its community and digital development worker, said: “We will meet beside the Jarrow Crusaders statue, which we thought would provide a meaningful backdrop.
“Our march is intended to raise awareness of carers and the work they do.
“We also want to raise awareness of the support that is available to them and how they can access that support.
“This event is about firmly putting carers in South Tyneside on the map and highlighting the invaluable contribution they make every single day.
“The Buddhist monks have kindly agreed to allow us use of the church for refreshments at the end of the walk.
“It is a beautiful and welcoming space, and we’re looking forward to coming together there after the march.
“We hope this will be a meaningful and impactful event. It promises to be a special occasion, and hopefully a lovely summer day, too.”
‘Carers are the backbone of our communities’
Monica added: “Carers are the backbone of our communities, and this march is an opportunity to stand together in solidarity and make their contributions more visible.”
Connected Caring’s events start on the Monday, with an information session with partners at Cleadon Park Primary Care Centre, in Prince Edward Road, South Shields, from 10am to 12.30pm.
It will allow carers to find out what the support available to them and help them to connect with local services.
And on Thursday, June 11, carers can enjoy a day trip to Durham, with time to browse shops and explore the city.
It departs at 10am from Age Concern’s base in Beach Road, South Shields, at a cost of £10 per person.
The following day, a ‘Carers Celebration’ will be held, from noon to 4pm, at Hedworth Hall, in Dean Road, South Shields.
It will feature a buffet, music and other entertainment and provides a chance for carers to celebrate the work they do.
Additionally, two drop-in information sessions are being held for those who cannot participate in other events across the week.
They take place at Age Concern, from 5pm to 7pm on June 8, and from 10am to noon on Saturday, June 13.
More information about Connected Caring and its events is at www.connectedcaring.org.uk, via Facebook or by calling 0191 406 1531 or Freephone 0800 304 7724.