Carer Voice and Influencing Training

Do you feel that unpaid carers need to be heard wherever decisions are being made about health and care services? Are you interested in speaking up for carers in your community, your region or even Wales-wide?

At Carers Wales we believe the experiences of unpaid carers need to be heard and understood by policy-makers, service providers, the public and all organisations involved in health and social care in Wales. That’s why we’re offering free online training to unpaid carers on carer voice and influencing.

Please note this training is only for unpaid carers, not those in a professional capacity.

The training will cover

• Who is responsible for health and care decision making in Wales, from the local level to national

• How carers can get a seat at the table e.g. becoming a Carer Representative, joining a Panel etc, and where to find these opportunities

• Up to date policy developments carers need to know about

• How to be influential and persuasive when communicating with decision makers

Unpaid carers save Wales over £10 billion a year, so the carer voice must be heard at every level.

If you have any questions about the training, please contact jake.smith@carerswales.org

Reserve Your Place

What: Training for unpaid carers on getting your voice heard and influencing decisions at every level, from local to national.

Date:  Thursday 26th October, 2023.

Time:  10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Location: Online via Zoom.

Planed
Time for Me
Funded Support

This project provides 18 hours of funded support to unpaid carers.  The aim is to provide respite for carers and offer support to the cared for (adults) by assisting them to groups. Use the details below to apply or to find out more information: 

Carers Rights Day
FREE Wellbeing & Information Day
For Unpaid Carers in Carmarthenshire

There will be Wellbeing Workshops available and information for carers on short breaks provisions on Friday 17th November, 2023, 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.  Carers will also be welcome to explore the gardens on the day with a hot buffet Lunch also included.

Carers must book on to the event by telephoning us on 0300 0200 002  to complete the necessary booking details and carers chosen requirements and to reserve a place.

Bowel Screening Wales
Information for Carers

Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in Wales. Bowel screening aims to find cancer at an early stage when treatment is likely to be more effective. Early detection is key. At least 9 out of 10 people will survive bowel cancer if it is found and treated early.  

Bowel screening is currently offered to people who are aged between 55 and 74 and live in Wales. We get address information directly from GPs. It is important that the person’s correct home address is registered with the GP. We do not hold any medical information.

Benefits of Screening

  • Finding bowel cancer early gives a person the best chance of survival.
  • At least 9 out of 10 people survive bowel cancer if it is found early.
  • Bowel screening can help find bowel cancer early, even if a person is well and does not have any symptoms.
  • People can complete the bowel test kit at their place of residence.
  • The bowel screening test kit is quick and easy to do, with just one small sample of poo needed.

As a carer you may have your own personal views about taking part in screening. Your view may differ from that of the person you care for and you may feel that the person you care for is not making the ‘right’ decision.

You must remember that your role is to provide the person with the correct information (in an appropriate format) and support, so that they can make an informed decision to take part in  screening or not.  The form below may help you to provide this informed information.

Unpaid Carers: Information, Advice & Support

Living In A Care Home In Wales

Are you a Carer?

“Do you look after a relative, friend or neighbour who is ill, frail, disabled, has a mental health concern or problematic substance use and who could not manage without your help? If so, then you are a Carer and there are a number of ways you can get help and support.”

Furnace House Surgery recognises that Carers contribute a significant saving to the NHS by looking after relatives, neighbours or friends who might otherwise have to go into long term care. Young Carers, under the age of 18 may be particularly vulnerable due to their inexperience and lack of life-skills. This practice is committed to providing appropriate support and consideration to its patients who are Carers whatever their age.

What Can We Do To Help?

Furnace House Surgery holds a list of those patients who are Carers and who have agreed to be on the register. The register enables the practice to provide Carers with information on local and national support and help. We can also arrange a referral to Social Services for a Carers Needs Assessment and other voluntary service agencies if required. At Furnace House Surgery we aim to raise awareness of the needs of Carers and to support them with practical help and information.

How Can You Register As A Carer?

Registration forms are available at Furnace House Surgery or speak to any staff member or downloaded here. Forms are also available from other voluntary organisations.

Amanda Sloyan is our Practice Carer’s Lead. You can ask to speak to her by telephone on 01267 236616 or make an appointment for a chat in the surgery.

What Is A Carer's Needs Assessment?

A Carer’s Needs Assessment is your opportunity to tell Social Services about the things that could make caring easier for you. It is an assessment of your needs, not those of the person you are caring for. Every Carer is entitled to an assessment. When you register with us as a Carer, the practice will offer you the chance of a referral.

How Do I Find Out More Information?

Furnace House Surgery has a dedicated Carers notice board in the waiting room with a lot of information and news of local events. 

Young Carers Service

The national Young Carer I.D. Card, funded by Welsh Government, is now available in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.  This enables a coordinated regional approach in supporting young carers, making it easier for them to access the help they need, when it is needed.

For young carers in Carmarthenshire please visit: https://fis.carmarthenshire.gov.wales/family-support/young-carers-service/

More Information For Carers

TO FIND OUT MORE PLEASE CONTACT ANY OF THE SERVICES BELOW:

Carmarthenshire County Council

More information about support for carers can be found here. 

Young Adult Carers (16-25)

For more information for young adult carers please call 0300 0200 002. 

Or an advisor can also be reached by mobile on 07535449686

Alternatively Email melanie@carmarthenshire carers.org.uk

Hywel Dda University Health Board

For more information for carers in English please visit the Hywel Dda website.

If you would like to view this service in Welsh please visit the Hywel Dda website.

Carmarthenshire Carers Information Service

Please write to the Carmarthenshire Carers Information Service at the following address:

The Palms Unit 3

96 Queen Street

Llanelli

SA15 2TH

Alternatively you may choose to phone them on 03000200002.

Or Email for more information  info@carmarthenshirecarers.org.uk

Carmarthenshire Young Carers Service

Please write to the Carmarthenshire Young Carers Service at the following address:

Ty Elwyn
Town Hall Square,
Llanelli
SA15 3AP

Alternatively you can phone them on 01554 742630

Or please visit their website.

Other Useful Links

Please visit Carers Wales to find out more about  what support and advice is available to you.

Alternatively visit the NHS website for more information.

If you would like to view resources on Alzheimer’s, visit the Alzheimer’s Society.