Carers offered free access to Houses of Parliament and QPR stadium as thank you from town hall
By Adrian Zorzut, Local Democracy Reporter
Carers will be able to tour some of London’s most iconic landmarks for free in June as part of a thank you from one council.
Kensington and Chelsea Council (RBKC) are offering unpaid carers in the borough free access to the Houses of Parliament and Queens Park Rangers stadium during Carers week between June 5 and 11.
The London council will also cover the costs for carers visiting St Paul’s Cathedral, Kew Gardens, Chiswick House and the Royal Mews.
Kensington and Chelsea’s Adult Social Care lead, Councillor Sarah Addenbrooke, said: “It’s inspiring to see the dedication carers have for the person they are looking after.
“It can be incredibly challenging emotionally and physically and carers week is a great chance for carers to have a break for a few hours and just relax and enjoy something different.”
The tours will be covered by Carers Network, a local charity funded by the council.
In Kensington and Chelsea, you can have a tour of the Royal Mews at 2pm on Monday, Chelsea Physic Garden at 2pm on Thursday and the Museum of Brands at 11am on Friday.
Gogo-Rose, a carer who attended last year, said: “Carers Network Programme is God-sent! Awesome sessions! Educational and recreational. Also entertaining. Very friendly group. It’s a great Programme. Please keep it up. Thank you so much.”
Another carer, Valerie, added: “I really appreciate all the trips which were arranged for carers week. I learnt so much and engaging with other carers. It was really lovely. Thank you.”
Labour councillor Portia Thaxter said: “We, the Labour Opposition in Kensington and Chelsea support the Carers and we value their commitments.
“The council and the Conservative-led government should be finding ways to support Carers to relief them from their 24 hour caring duties for their loved ones, instead on putting a plaster on top of a wound pretending to help with their PR activities.
“It is unfortunate that RBKC Tory leadership cannot see and value of Carers in the way they should. Unpaid Carers should be support and valued for their time and efforts, as they are offering 24 hours a day care for their love ones.
“Cares are the back bone to the community’s needs and if the council cannot relief them from their 24 hour caring duties, they should at least get paid for their services and not just offering them free tickets. When is this PR exercise stop?”
Carers week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of the challenges unpaid carers face and highlight the support available to those in this position.
Pictured top: Unpaid carers attending a tour of QPR stadium last year (Picture: RBKC)