Join us in celebrating South Ayrshire's unpaid carers at the first cAyrFest

South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership and Voluntary Action South Ayrshire have joined forces with a range of partners to organise South Ayrshire's first ever cAyrFest. This event is open to all and will take place on Saturday 22 February in Ayr town centre from 11am - 3pm.

This free, multi-venue festival will celebrate the contribution that unpaid carers of all ages make to South Ayrshire's communities. The event is aimed at celebrating unpaid carers and their families, however, is open to everyone to attend.

Activities on offer range across the event's four venues (Ayr Town Hall, the Grain Exchange, the Cutty Sark, and The Place) include: live music, archery, bike track, yoga, scavenger hunt, climbing wall, silent disco, family game show, cinema, crafts and much more.

Councillor Hugh Hunter, portfolio holder for health and social care said, "We are delighted to partner with VASA on cAyrFest. This is a great opportunity to celebrate our unpaid carers and raise awareness to ensure everyone is accessing the support available to them. We have been overwhelmed by the support provided by other services and organisations to make this event happen and are looking forward to a fun-filled day."

It is thought there are over 13,000 unpaid carers in South Ayrshire, although many do not access the support they are entitled to. An unpaid carer is someone who supports, or helps to support, someone who is ill, disabled, elderly, has trouble communicating, mental health issues, neurodivergent, or has issues with drugs or alcohol. Unpaid carers can be any age - in South Ayrshire we have Teeny Carers (under the age of 5), Wee Carers (primary aged), Young Carers (secondary aged up to 18 years old) and adult carers.

cAyrFest will not only celebrate the incredible contribution that our unpaid carers make, but also raise awareness and tackle the stigma associated with caring by opening the event up to everyone to attend.

Marie Oliver, Chief Executive Officer, VASA said, "VASA chose to get involved in this event as we think it is vital that unpaid carers are celebrated for their contribution to ensuring that their loved ones live in a safe and caring environment. We are delighted to be a part of what is sure to be an exciting day for all involved."

A range of stalls and organisations will be available on the day to offer first-hand support to carers and families, including local charity ThreeSixty who will host a range of mental health and empowerment activities at The Place on Newmarket Street. Refreshments and snacks will also be on offer whilst supplies last.

As part of the event applications are currently open for an art competition, all entries will be displayed in the Grain Exchange as part of cAyrFest celebration, visitors will be asked to vote for their favourite artwork, the winning portrait will have their portrait painted within the Alloway Tunnel project following the competition.

Join us on Saturday 22nd February for what is sure to be an incredible day.

Facebook event: https://fb.me/e/4I9V1JJ5C