SQUASH sessions, walking with a countryside ranger and an afternoon of music are among events being planned to recognise the value of carers throughout East Lothian.

Carers Week, which runs from June 10 to 16, is a UK-wide awareness campaign seeking to increase visibility of carers with decision makers, services, employers, communities and businesses.

Carers of East Lothian (CoEL) has released a programme of events to mark the week.

CoEL’s programme of events is free for carers to attend and includes a drumming workshop, an arts and craft session, an afternoon of music, a walk with the countryside rangers service, a wellbeing day including yoga, forest bathing and laughter yoga, outdoor activities at Foxlake Adventures and a cinema screening of The Great Escaper starring Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson.

Carers have also contributed to artworks and a photography exhibition that will be shown during the week.

The events will provide carers with the opportunity to take a break from their caring roles and spend time with other people in similar situations.

The theme of the campaign week is “Putting Carers on the Map”.

There are estimated to be 20,000 unpaid carers in East Lothian. The Scottish Government estimates unpaid care is currently saving Scotland £12.8 billion per year in social care costs, plus £320 million in health care costs.

Gemma Twells-Davison, communications and engagement coordinator at CoEL, said: “We are thrilled to be able to offer this programme of opportunities for carers to come together during Carers Week 2024.

“At CoEL we are committed to ensuring unpaid carers receive the recognition and support that they deserve.

“We are also very thankful for the support from the East Lothian organisations that have offered complimentary or discounted rates for Carers Week as this contributes to an East Lothian where unpaid carers are valued and respected.”

For full details of the programme of events, go to shorturl.at/1JE1n