The first of the Caring for Carers Weekend of 2012 took place from Friday 8^th to Sunday 10^th June hosted by the Centre for Lifelong Learning, St. Angela’s College, Sligo and sponsored by the Lions Club Association, Ireland.

Minister John Perry, TD agreed to officially open the Carers Weekends on the first Friday evening, following by a dinner on campus for the carers and a night of entertainment. The College campus plans to be a hive of activity on Saturday, with carers engaging in activities from reflexology, massage and make-up application, to computer tasters, individual counseling and skills training in the state-of-the-art clinical skills laboratory.

'This is an opportunity for a key event in the North West that can be showcased as good practice in caring for carers during National Carers Week,' explains Dr Anne Taheny, President of the College. National Carers Week is in its sixth year and runs the 18th to 24th of June. The President also recognised the support of the Lions Club Association along with support groups including Sligo/Leitrim Mental Health Services, North West Stroke Group and Carers Association representatives available to offer valued support and advice.

Saturday concluded with carers treated to a sensational boat cruise on Lough Gill, with a meal and entertainment. On Sunday morning, Fr Michael Duignan arranged a special blessing for carers. 

'This final event cements for carers what the weekend is about,' explains Dr Niamh Plunkett, the Director for the Centre for Lifelong Learning, 'The anticipation of attending on Friday, the enjoyment and fulfillment received from activities on Saturday, along with making new friends. Carers leave on Sunday with a feeling and a sense of belonging and most importantly the sense of being cared for themselves.'

Dr Plunkett also noted that the feedback from carers who attended the previous weekends clearly indicates that the event exceeds all expectations.  Carers stress the importance of having future Caring for Carers Weekends and all carers strongly agreed that St. Angela’s College, Sligo provided the ideal location for this event. 'Carers stressed the importance of regular Caring for Carers Weekends, with St. Angela’s College, Sligo on the tranquil shores of Lough Gill offering the ideal location for the event.' she added.

The second Carers Weekend is scheduled for Friday 6^th of July to Sunday 8^th of July hosted on the St Angela’s College, Sligo campus, a tranquil setting on the shores of Lough Gill.

For more information on the Carers Weekend offered at St. Angela’s College please contact:
Mary Henry (Lions Club Association) at 085 7469530 or 071 918 5750 or
Dr Niamh Plunkett, Director, Centre for Lifelong Learning, St. Angela’s College at 071 9135623 or nplunkett@stangelas.nuigalway.ie