BOSSES at intu Braehead shopping centre made sure it was the turn of volunteer carers to be looked after.
The mall laid on a slap-up lunch for more than 20 carers gave over mall space free of charge to the Paisley-based Renfrewshire Carers Centre to mount a display stand and hand out advice.
Renfrewshire’s Deputy Provost, John Caldwell also visited the mall as part of national Volunteers’ Week to hand out certificates recognising the vital role carers play in society.
And he also paid tribute to the volunteers who give up their time to work for the intu Braehead Shopmobility Service.
After the Renfrewshire Carers Centre Choir had performed in the mall and a bucket collection taken among shoppers, Depute Provost Caldwell said:
“I am delighted to be here today to recognise the essential part you all play. It gives me great pleasure to present you with these certificates of thanks.”
Volunteer carers provide unpaid care and support to a family member, partner, relative or friend, of any age, who could not otherwise manage without this help. This could be due to age, illness, disability, long term condition, a physical or mental health problem or addiction.
Renfrewshire Carers Centre supports carers by providing them with opportunities to have a life outside of caring through a range of services.
The organisation is based at Unit 55, Embroidery Mill, Abbey Mill Business Centre, Paisley PA1 1TJ and carers can contact them by logging on to www.renfrewshirecarers.org.uk or calling 0141 887 3643.
Marie Granger, volunteer co-ordinator at the Renfrewshire Carers Centre said: “We are very grateful to intu Braehead for giving carers a lunch to recognise the selfless work that they do looking after others and for the chance to let people know about the work we do as an organisation.”
Marketing manager for intu Braehead, Lydia Brown said: “Volunteer carers play a vital role in society and we wanted to give them a treat and give them time to relax and enjoy a lunch at intu Braehead.”
Braehead’s Shopmobility Service gives thousands of disabled visitors their independence back with the chance to do their own shopping by providing – free of charge – wheelchairs, electric scooters for use in the centre and personal assistance if required.
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With pic. Caption: Caring for the carers – Renfrewshire Depute Provost John Caldwell, third from left, presents certificates to three of the carers, Anne Denholm, left, Brenda Duncanson and Mark McCabe at the intu Braehead mall.