The second Recognising the Carer conference held at Solihull Hospital has proved a tremendous success, highlighting the vitally important role of the carer.

The event, held by Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, was opened by Meriden MP Dame Caroline Spelman before Solihull entertainer and Panto favourite Malcolm Stent warmed the audience up with his typical wit before speaking of his admiration for the work carers do.

Also speaking during the day was Tommy Whitelaw, from the Dementia Carer Voices group, who gave a deeply moving talk about his experience of caring for his late mother Joan during her battle with dementia.

Later in the day Ian Leech gave an emotive presentation about the grieving carer touching on the tragic death of his daughter Melissa and how he and his family have coped with the loss. There was also a talk from Solihull Young Carers and the Trust’s own carers’ forum.

The conference was closed by Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust Interim Chair Rt Hon Jacqui Smith who thanked all the carers and health professionals who attended on the day and the speakers for being so open.

Organiser Margaret Meixner said: “Carers play such an important role. They can be of any age, or from any background, but share the common thread of providing help and support, without payment, to someone who could not manage to stay at home without their help. This unique event is for them.

“This year’s event was a great success with some truly inspiring and informative talks and I would like to thank everyone who attended and all those who spoke so openly about their experiences.”

Tommy Whitelaw spoke about his ‘You Can Make a Difference’ campaign which he has toured across the country and also helped launch a fundraising drive within the Trust to raise money for a reminiscence room at Heartlands Hospital in memory of his mother Joan.

He said: “It was a pleasure to speak at the 2016 Recognising the Carer conference and to have the opportunity to talk about my experiences as a carer, as well as to raise awareness of dementia and my campaign.

“I am delighted that Heartlands is looking to raise funds for a reminiscence room in my mum’s memory as I know how important it is to have a quiet space within the busy acute environment for patients and carers to reflect and be at peace during what is a stressful and emotional time.”

To find out more about the fundraising campaign and to donate visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/DementiaandCompassionateCare