Do you care for a loved one, are you being cared for, have you chosen caring for your career or do your neighbours depend on you during our winter cold snaps.

If you or someone you know should be recognised then enter the Northern Ireland Carers Awards 2013.

The aim of the awards is to celebrate carers across Northern Ireland whose efforts in providing care to other people are particularly exceptional and deserving of recognition.

Beverley Brown, General Manager, Funeral Services Northern Ireland, said:  “This year sees us recognise the efforts of carers for the second time.  Last year we were overwhelmed by the number of entries and the lengths some people in our Province go to when caring for others.

“Caring is at the heart of everything that we do here at Funeral Services Northern Ireland.  It’s such a selfless task which is why we consider these awards to be so important in thanking carers in all our communities for the help they give others.”

There are four categories open for entry submission:  Paid Carer of the Year, Unpaid Carer of the Year, Voluntary Community Carer of the Year and Young Carer of the Year.  The awards ceremony will take place on 23 October 2013 and each category winner will receive £100 in vouchers.

For further information on how to enter, contact Joanne Barrie at Funeral Services Northern Ireland by email at joanne.barrie@fsni.info or in writing at: Joanne Barrie, Funeral Services Northern Ireland Ltd, 300 Newtownards Road, Belfast,BT4 1HF.

Northern Ireland Carers Awards 2013

A carer is defined as someone who:

• gives help and support to someone who, due to disability, illness or frailness, is unable to manage living without some form of assistance
• is paid or unpaid, could be any age, and could live with or apart from the person they care for.

The award categories are:

• Paid Carer of the Year

Criteria: This award is open to any adult (18 and over) who provides care and support to someone who:

o   is being cared for at home

o   is being cared for in hospital

o   is living in residential or nursing care

o   is being assisted in an educational establishment

• Unpaid Carer of the Year

Criteria: This award is open to any adult (18 or over) who volunteers to provide support and companionship to a range of people who may be isolated or have no family, usually by visiting them at home, whether a large or small amount of care is provided.

• Voluntary Community Carer of the Year

Criteria: This award is open to any adult (18 or over) who provides care and support to people through volunteering with a charity or local organisation, whether a large or small amount of care is provided.

• Young Carer of the Year

Criteria: This award is open to anyone under the age of 18 who looks after someone in their family or in the community who has as disability, illness, mental health condition or addiction.  This includes helping around the house, looking after siblings or taking on extra responsibility for someone else.

The prize is £100 worth of Co-op Vouchers for each category winner

HOW TO ENTER

1. Chose the category or categories for which you want to nominate your family member, friend, colleague or yourself. If you are entering more than one category, separate entry forms must be completed.
2. Read the judging criteria carefully
3. Write an account of no more than 300 words stating why the nominee should be considered. An additional account from a colleague; or service user/family carer is helpful but not essential.
4. Please make sure that the name of the nominee and the award category is included on all separate pieces of supporting information.
5. Complete the entry form and attach it to all other separate pieces of supporting information.
6. Closing date for entry – 27^th September 2013

RULES FOR ENTRY

• Funeral Services Northern Ireland Carers Awards 2013 are open to anyone deemed to fit the criteria associated with Paid Carer, Unpaid Carer, Voluntary Community Carer and Young Carer. All entries will be treated confidentially
• Entries will be judged by a panel of reputable, independent and impartial adjudicators
• Entries will not be returned
• One copy of submission is required
• Use one entry form per entry. Photocopies are acceptable.
• Judging will take place during week commencing 30^th September 2013
• Shortlisted entrants will be notified during week commencing 14 October and will be expected to attend the awards ceremony in Belfast on Wednesday 23 October 2013.
• Upon entering the awards, nominees agree to be included in any publicity associated with the awards.