“THALPO” - Cyprus Informal Carers Empowerment Network has officially been registered and launched as a non-profit association in the Republic of Cyprus, marking an important step towards recognizing and supporting the thousands of people who provide unpaid care to those who need it.
Informal care refers to unpaid care and support provided to older people, people with disabilities, people living with chronic conditions, and others who require assistance. It is typically provided by family members, friends or others close to the person receiving care. Although it is a vital part of health and social care systems, this invaluable contribution to society often remains unseen and unrecognised.
Shortly after its official registration in Cyprus, THALPO achieved an important milestone at European level by becoming a full member of Eurocarers, the European network representing informal carers and their organisations across Europe.
At European level, Eurocarers is the collective voice of informal and family carers. It works with European Union institutions, national governments, research organisations and civil society organisations to promote policies that recognise, support and empower carers. It also highlights that the vast majority of long-term care in Europe is provided by informal or family carers.
This membership represents an important development for Cyprus. For the first time, the country now has an organised body directly connected to the European movement for informal carers, creating access to expertise, research, best practices and opportunities for international collaboration.
Against this background, THALPO was established with the following aims:
- Raising awareness of and promoting recognition for the role of informal carers in Cyprus.
- Providing informal carers with information, support and opportunities for empowerment.
- Developing educational initiatives and support groups.
- Collaborating with national and European organisations.
- Contributing to the development of evidence-based policies on informal care.
“The official registration of THALPO and our membership in Eurocarers are two important milestones for the development of the informal carers movement in Cyprus. Thousands of people across the country care for parents, children, spouses and other loved ones every day, often without even recognising themselves as carers. Our aim is to give them a voice, support, information and the reassurance that they are not alone. Through our collaboration with Eurocarers, we are bringing European experience and best practices to Cyprus, helping to build a society that truly recognises and supports the people who care for others,” said Marios Kantaris, President of THALPO.
THALPO invites anyone who provides daily care for a family member or loved one to get in touch with the Network and become part of a new community built around mutual support, access to information and empowerment.
If you care for someone, you are not alone. THALPO is here.
Contact Information:
Email: thalpwcare@gmail.com
Facebook: THALPO – Cyprus Informal Carers Empowerment Network
