In the Press.
York Hotelier Becomes Patron Of City’s Carers Forum
Caring Team – Best Western Monkbar’s June Nelsey (centre) with York Carers Forum founders Katie Smith (left) and Irene mace. Picture by Malcolm Rouse
A recently-formed organisation, which aims to raise awareness of issues facing the city’s unpaid carers, has appointed a leading hotelier as one of its three patrons.
York Carers Forum was founded by a group of carers including Katie Smith and Irene Mace, who began her caring “career” in 1991 when her father had a stroke.
On behalf of their Committee the pair approached June Nelsey, director of the Best Western Monkbar Hotel, about using her city-centre venue for a meeting during Carers Week 2008.
After learning that as well as running the hotel June was also helping to care for her elderly mother, the pair asked if she would share her story with group members.
June said: “Both Katie and Irene are inspirational ladies. They, like all carers, are very much unsung heroes. However, they have now helped to form this excellent organisation which gives these people a stronger voice in the city.
“I was both honoured and delighted to be asked to become one of the patrons of York Carers Forum. And, as these are two very persuasive ladies it was impossible to say no!”
Next month (June), York Carers Forum is playing an active role in UK Carers Week, being held between June 8 and June 14, by organising several events.
The first is a Service of Thanksgiving being held in York Minster at 1.30pm on Tuesday, June 9. It will last for approximately 45 minutes and will be followed by refreshments in the Chapter House. All who are associated with unpaid carers are welcome to attend.
There will be an opportunity to light a candle for a loved one and the names of those no longer living will be read out during the service. Because of limited space, admission is by ticket only, available (free) from Katie Smith (secretary) York Carers Forum, c/o CVS, 15 Priory Street, York, YO1 6ET.
Blue Badge holders can also apply to Katie for permits to park in the Purey Cust car park and people can reserve wheelchair spaces, large printed service sheets and register names to be read out.
The second is an all day event in the Guildhall taking place on Wednesday, June 10. There will be information, tombola, light snacks and a singing workshop.
May 26, 2009