Caring for carers at Durham Cathedral

Durham Cathedral will show it cares this week by providing special offers and discounts for carers during National Carers’ Week, from Monday 8 June until Sunday 14 June.

National Carers’ Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. This year, the theme is Carer Friendly Communities, with a focus on supporting carers and recognising their own individual needs.

Durham Cathedral will emphasise its role as a carer friendly community by offering 10 per cent off in the Cathedral Shop and Undercroft Restaurant during National Carers’ Week for holders of a Carers’ Card, issued by Durham County Carers’ Support.

The Cathedral will also be offering two-for-one entry to the Cathedral Tower for those with a Carers’ Card whilst an information stand in the Cathedral Cloister will provide further details about Durham County Carers’ Support.

Marie Wisson, Volunteers Manager at Durham Cathedral, said: ‘Carers play an incredibly important role in the community, yet their dedication and compassion often goes unnoticed. We have many staff and volunteers who are carers, often caring for partners, parents and grandchildren at the same time, and we are working with Durham County Carers’ Support to offer help and support for those who need it.

‘We also offer a listening service at Durham Cathedral for anyone who wants to talk to someone about something that is troubling and those who are feeling lonely. Our volunteer listeners and chaplains are always ready to greet visitors with a friendly ear and a reassuring smile. Carers’ Week is a wonderful opportunity to thank carers for everything they do, whilst promoting the Cathedral’s commitment to pastoral care for all visitors, staff and volunteers.’

The Cathedral’s participation in Carers’ Week reflects the organisation’s on-going commitment to enhancing its visitor welcome and pastoral role in the local community, highlighted last month by the Cathedral’s involvement in Dementia Awareness Week.

For more information about pastoral care and support offered by Durham Cathedral, please visit the Cathedral’s website.