Carers' Centre officially opens

At 2 pm on Wednesday, May 12, the Rotherham Carers' Corner was officially opened by Cllr Roger Stone the Leader of Rotherham Borough Council.

Also attending the event at the new Drummond Street premises was the Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Shaukat Ali.

Rotherham Carers' Corner - the name chosen by carers - is a resource centre that offers advice, information and support to all carers across the borough.

It offers a range of facilities including two private rooms, a meeting area, a 'chill-out' area, projector and screen, internet access and an information kiosk. 

Flexible to meet the changing needs of carers, the building can be utilised as a desk, meeting and relax areas. It has two large windows which will display relevant information for carers from appropriate agencies regarding services and activities.

The location is directly across from the bus station, library, theatre and council offices and there are a high number of disabled parking bays to allow access to the centre at the library, Norfolk House and in front of the bus station.

It is near the Rotherham Market and local town centre facilities and has level access.

Cllr John Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care said: "The fact that carers give so freely of their time is beyond dispute. The fact that no council, no government and no social service scheme could service without them is beyond dispute - and it is also beyond dispute that we have a duty to do all that we can to make their life easier.

"The beauty of this centre is that it has been shaped by carers, will be used by carers and will benefit carers. Because of this, I think that some of the solutions that will come about from the centre will be innovative and daring and will genuinely improve the lives of the thousands of Rotherham people who are carers.

"This building will be the flagship for caring in Rotherham and will provide support, encouragement and solutions for carers throughout the borough. This is the centre that carers have been asking for. This is the centre that carers have been demanding and this is the centre that carers have deserved for a long time."

The Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Ali, added that the new centre sits physically at the very heart of Rotherham. He said: "If this were a new business we would speak proudly of this prime location that will see lots of footfall and hundreds of customers. We would praise the building and talk about how well it has been designed and how well its large windows will attract customers.

"But this is not a business. This centre will be a friend, an ally, an advocate, a partner. In fact it will be what people want it to be because this building is about people who care for people."

Cllr Richard Russell, the Rotherham Carers' Champion, also expressed his delight at the opening. He said: "It is wonderful to see Carers getting something back. It is vital that somebody never feels that they have to struggle on their own and this centre will be a place for carers to receive the facilities and recognition they need and deserve.

Patron of the Rotherham Carers' Forum, MP for Rotherham Denis MacShane, said: "I was fortunate enough to be able to attend two of the events where Carers were asked for their opinions last year and was struck by just how innovative the whole process was.

"Carers have spoken about a centre for many years now and at last this has become a reality. I think this will be an important and valuable resource and one that carers will be able to contribute to as well as benefit from. I will follow the progress with great interest."

Local solicitors Howells has already donating £1,000 to the setting up of the project. Howells is one of many organisations providing professional advice and support at the centre on a regular basis.

Others include the Learning Disability Service, Crossroads, BME Carers, Job Centre Plus, Macmillan Nurses, Anchor Housing, Shelter, the Carers Forum, the Parents Carers Forum, Carers 4 Carers, Mental Health Services, Energy Efficiency, the Alzheimer's Society, Barnardo's, and Welfare Rights.