Renfrewshire Carers Centre has marked 30 years of supporting unpaid carers across Renfrewshire with a celebration at Paisley Town Hall.
The event took place in January and brought together staff, volunteers and supporters to reflect on three decades of work in the community.
Depute Provost of Renfrewshire, Councillor Cathy McEwan, attended the celebration and spoke about the impact carers have on local communities. She joined Centre Manager Diane Goodman in cutting an anniversary cake to mark the milestone.
The Centre began in January 1996 when CARD – Carers Action Renfrew District – secured funding to create a dedicated service for carers. Funding was provided by the Princess Royal Trust for Carers and Renfrewshire Council to establish what was described as a “one stop shop” for carers.
It started with two members of staff. Today, the organisation has 81 staff and more than 30 volunteers.
The Centre provides a wide range of support. This includes information and advice, advocacy, peer support groups, counselling, training, short breaks, care at home, support for young carers, adult support services, emergency plans, support for ethnic minority carers, Self-Directed Support, and a carers discount card.
Renfrewshire Carers Centre said partnership working has been key to its success. It works with local services, voluntary organisations, community groups and statutory partners to improve the lives of carers and the people they care for.
Core funding has been provided by Renfrewshire Health & Social Care Partnership and Renfrewshire Council since the Centre began. Additional funding has come from organisations including Carers Trust, The National Lottery, The Robertson Trust, Shared Care Scotland and BBC Children in Need.
In messages shared as part of the anniversary, carers spoke about the impact of the service.
One said: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Coming here was the best foot forward I have made in a very long time.”
Another said: “The love and care I received from Renfrewshire Carers most certainly helped me to be where I am today. The service provided was incredible, and for that, I am eternally grateful. It’s the only place on the planet, that you know every single person is in the same boat as you, and that in itself creates great strength, courage and compassion. I really don’t know where I would be today, without you all.”
A third added: “Thank you as well for always being there and listening to my ups and downs along the way.”
And another said: “I’m almost overwhelmed with the kindness and understanding, you’re like a lifeboat to me and I cannot tell you how much I appreciate it… Thank you again, you’re a light in the darkness and we so badly needed your help.”
The Centre said it looks forward to continuing its work for the next 30 years.
Headline photo: Renfrewshire Carers Centre staff and supporters celebrate 30 years at Paisley Town Hall
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Carers Centre
Photo: Depute Provost of Renfrewshire, Councillor Cathy McEwan, and Centre Manager, Diane Goodman cutting the Anniversary Cake
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Carers Centre