This Carers Rights Day, Awen is shining a spotlight on the work we do using the arts to support the wellbeing of carers in Bridgend through partnerships with organisations such as Bridgend Carers Centre, Tu Vida, Inclusability, Special Families and more.

You are considered a carer if you have a responsibility for the wellbeing of anyone who requires regular support due to illness, mental health, old age, disability or additional needs. Adults and young people can all find themselves in caring roles at one stage of their life. Carers Rights Day is about raising awareness of carers’ rights and entitlements, to help carers get the support they need.

Thanks to Carers Respite Funding from Bridgend County Borough Council, we have seen the benefit of creating events where all the family can attend, so that people can connect whilst feeling comfortable and safe in our spaces. We have increased the number of bespoke, relaxed events we offer for this reason.

Events this last year have included a Royal Ball for families to commemorate the King’s coronation in a unique way; an exclusive Alice in Wonderland Trail at Bryngarw Country Park; and a relaxed cinema screening of Sing 2. In addition, we have provided complimentary tickets for veteran carers to attend two shows – Magic of Motown and Lipstick on your Collar. In June we were also delighted to be part of the Carers Day celebrations in Bridgend with a performance from singer/songwriter Jon Lillygreen (pictured).

Our projects and events are developed with input from our partners to ensure they meet the needs of participants, and feedback has shown how much they value these opportunities. We continue to promote and support the Hynt scheme in our venues, which allows one free ticket for carers attending a performance with the cared for person. Hynt card bookings can be taken both online and over the phone for all Awen venues.

Awen’s core aim is to ‘make lives better’, and we believe carers deserve our support. For more information on Carers Rights Day visit Carers Rights Day | Carers UK.