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The important role played by those in South Tyneside who look after someone due to an illness, disability, mental health or an addiction, will be thrown into the spotlight next week as the council and its partners come together to mark Carers' Week.

The theme of this year's campaign, which runs between 6 and 12 June, is 'Making Caring, Visible, Valued and Supported.'

Councillor Anne Hetherington, Lead Member for Adults, Health and Independence said: "Carers' Week is the perfect opportunity to recognise the valuable contribution carers make to their families and communities.

"However, it is also right that we recognise the challenges they face. Unpaid carers and the challenges of caring should be recognised in all areas of life. Caring should be valued and respected by everyone in our society, and carers should have access to the information and support they need, where and when they need it."

Supporting vulnerable communities is a priority for the Council.

To mark the week, a number of activities are being held in South Tyneside. South Tyneside Adult Carer's Service (STACS) has various events taking place for its members from coffee morning get togethers to a day trip to York. Carers who are not yet a member are welcome to register with STACS and then access the activities on offer. For more information email STACS@cgl.org.uk or phone 0191 4061531.

A host of activities are also on offer for young carers throughout the week. TEN South Tyneside Young Carers have organised a number of events from cinema trips to trampolining to ice cream treats. To find out more and reserve a place visit 

The South Tyneside Living Better Lives Resources Centre is hosting a carers drop-in on Wednesday 8 June 1-5pm where carers can view the assistive technology on offer. Assistive technology can help people to live safely and independently both at home and when they go out and can give carers peace of mind. It can also help reduce the chance of hospital admissions and improve the quality of life for both carers and those they care for. The Living Better Lives Resources Centre is at 22 Royal Industrial Estate, Jarrow, NE32 3HR.

Carers can also access A Better U 12-week lifestyle programme, run by First Contact Clinical. The first session for carers starts on Thursday 9 June between 2pm and 4pm at Marsden Road Community Centre. Carers are welcome to bring along the person they care for should they wish but are asked to inform them of this when booking. People can sign up by calling the automated phone line on 0191 4329838 or via 

Carers UK will be joining Â鶹ÊÓƵ on Friday 10 June between 10am and 11am to jointly host an online awareness-raising session for employees about Employers for Carers digital resources. This free resource is also available to small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) in South Tyneside and can help employers to retain employees with caring responsibilities while making sure working carers have access to essential guidance, information and support. Any SMES wishing to access the resources should visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/article/74003/Carers-resources-for-businesses.

Anyone who cares for someone due to illness, disability, mental ill-health or an addiction, can access free digital resources available on Â鶹ÊÓƵ's website. To find out more go to www.southtyneside.gov.uk/article/74002/Resources-for-carers