Appreciating Mayo's Hidden Treasures: Family Carers, an event organised by The Carers Association and the Mayo Volunteer Centre this past Monday, 5th December, was a huge success. Carers from all around counties Mayo, Sligo, & Galway ventured to Breaffy House Hotel where they were provided with information, advice, and guidance in their caring roles.

Organisations represented on the day included: Acquired Brain Injury Ireland, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Breaffy House Leisure Centre & Breaffy House Spa, Brí, The Carers Association, Caring for Carers, Castlebar Counselling & Psychotherapy Centre, Croi HeartSmart Programme, Enable Ireland, Family Centre, Castlebar, Home Care Medical, HomeInstead Senior Care, HSE- Public Health Nursing, Incontinence Support & Health Promotions, Irish Cancer Society, Irish Online Counselling & Psychotherapy Service, Irish Wheelchair Association, Jack & Jill Foundation, JKL Stay at Home Care, Ltd, Mayo County Council - Housing Adaptation Grants, Mayo- Roscommon Hospice, Mayo Volunteer Centre, National Council for the Blind, National Learning Network, Western Care, and Western Alzheimer's.

A health check area was provided by Staunton's Pharmacy, Ltd (Castlebar), O'Brien's Unicare Pharmacy (Claremorris), and Boots Pharmacy (Castlebar/Westport) where carers had their blood pressure and body mass index checked. The pharmacies also had information on medication, blister packs, flu shots and general health advice.

A dietician and nurse from Abbott Laboratories were on hand to offer advice and information on nutrition and following a healthy diet. Paul O'Brien, Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor, launched an exercise programme designed specifically for carers which will be rolled out in 2012 around Co Mayo.

Information was also available on carers supports groups throughout the county: Aírc - supporting children with disabilities in Co Mayo, Ballina Carers Support Group, Castlebar Carers Support Group, Clán Beo - supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities, mental health issues, sensory disabilities, autism spectrum, and physical disabilities, Claremorris Carers Support Group, COPD Support Group, Mulranny Carers Support Group, Support & Social Group for Carers dealing with Dementia, and Westport Carers Support Group.

A designated pamper allowed carers to take time out for themselves with reflexology, shiatsu, and/or beauty treatments. All therapists generously donated their time to benefit carers. Six local crafts vendors were also on hand to add to the festive mood.

The Carers Association and the Mayo Volunteer Centre would like to thank all who took part in the day. The collaborative effort showed family carers that they are not alone. There are 5,440 carers in Co Mayo. We recognise the noble job carers do on a day-to-day basis. We honour them for their selfless dedication to the loved ones, neighbours, and friends that they look after. Thank you for being there, thank you for your care.

Anyone wishing to receive further information can contact 086 3775702 or mayocarers@gmail.com