A morning of celebration for unpaid carers took place at Bangor Castle as part of Carers Week 2026, hosted by Ards and North Down Borough Council.

Carers Week is an annual campaign, this year themed ‘Building Carer Friendly Communities’. It aims to raise awareness of the challenges faced by unpaid carers and to connect them with available support.

The event gave attendees a break from caring responsibilities. Activities included a presentation on the borough’s maritime heritage and a chair yoga session designed to promote well-being.

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Craig Blaney, described carers as unsung heroes and said society owed them gratitude. He noted that caring can be isolating and that the gathering was a chance to share experiences and build connections.

Carer Keith Ashe said the opportunity to get out of the house was valuable, allowing him to unwind. He highlighted that unpaid carers support family members around the clock and help ease demand on health and social care services.

Walter Rodgers, who cares for his wife, said he enjoyed meeting others and finding common ground, adding that caring can feel lonely day to day.

Sarah Devlin of the South Eastern Trust Carers Support Service said the event provided short-term respite and helped reduce social isolation by linking carers with peers and information.

The trust’s Carers Support Service can be contacted on (028) 4372 1807 or via carer.support@setrust.hscni.net.