NewsFlash – Summer 2024 – Issue 5

Posted on June 27, 2024July 2, 2024 by Michael Ford

Summer 2024 – Carers Newsflash – Issue 5

Dear Valued Carers,

As the warm days of summer unfold, we are delighted to welcome you to our latest edition of the Carmarthenshire Carers Newsflash, specifically for our dedicated community of unpaid carers. This season is not just about sunshine and relaxation, but also about recognising and celebrating the incredible efforts and selfless dedication you bring into the lives of those you care for every day.

In this edition, you’ll find:

Carers UK Carers Week 2024 report – ‘No Choice but to Care’
Carer Survey – tell us what’s important to you and help shape the West Wales Carers Strategy 2025-2030.
Community Events, Resources & Support: Information on some virtual and in-person events and information on support services and resources available to you.

We understand that caring can be a demanding journey, often filled with both rewarding and challenging moments. Our goal with this newsletter is to provide you with valuable information, and useful resources to help you navigate your caring journey.

Thank you for all that you do. Your dedication makes a profound difference in the lives of those you care for, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

Wishing you a restful and joyful summer,

Best wishes from all at

Carer Trust Crossroads West Wales

Putting Carers on the Map – Carers Week 2024

Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face, and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. It also helps people who don’t think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support. Carers Week is led by Carers UK with the support of a number of other charities. This year we celebrated Carers Week 10th – 16th June and helped to ‘Put Carers on the Map’ in Carmarthenshire with an informative and […]

Carers Strategy Survey 2024

The West Wales Regional Partnership Board (WWRPB) has launched a new survey to gather your views on support for carers in West Wales. The survey is aimed for those who provide care for a person, have previously provided care, or an organisation which supports carers. Your views on the services in West Wales will inform the Carers Strategy 2025 – 2030, which guides and prioritises the work that is required across West Wales. The survey is completely anonymous. Share your views and take the survey by clicking here.

No choice but to care – Carers Week Report 2024

Carers UK carry out an annual survey into caring and this year their No choice but to care report was published on the first day of Carers Week 2024.

The report found that 62% of those who are currently providing or those who have previously provided unpaid care said that they had no choice in taking on the role because no other care options were available – this is around 10 million adults.

While caring can be rewarding, the impact of providing unpaid care has been more negative than positive for all areas current and former […]

A fond farewell and a new appointment

It is with a heavy heart that, after ten years of dedicated service, we say goodbye to our Service Development Manager, Joanne Silverthorne, who has been an integral part of our team at Carers Trust Crossroads West Wales and her departure marks the end of a remarkable chapter for our organisation.

Jo’s journey with us began after her pivotal role in establishing the Carers Information Service in Carmarthenshire during her seven years at CAVS.

When she transitioned to Crossroads, it was truly our gain. Her personal experience as a Parent Carer fuelled her passion and commitment, infusing […]

FREE Carmarthen Mental health service – Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen MIND

Through our six-week, guided self-help programme, we provide clients with the tips and tools to understand themselves better. We provide workbooks and activities by email or through the post and keep in touch weekly to listen, talk things through and cheer them on!

Delivered face-to-face, digitally, over the telephone or online. The course can be accessed by self-referral or referral by a health practitioner. Active Monitoring Support can be accessed within the week, so there’s […]

ACTIF Sports and Leisure – FREE 3 months

As an unpaid carer you could be eligible for a FREE 3 month membership.

This would entitle you to use all of Actif Sport and Leisure facilities.

Don’t miss our – limited membership available! The membership includes individual use of: Gym Fitness classes Swimming (during public or lane sessions) Health suite Health checks Exercise programmes

Carers Wales – Me Time

Me Time – Online support sessions for Carers – June to July

Dementia support in and around Ammanford

Are you looking for other people with dementia to talk to? There is a regular get-together for people, in and around Ammanford, who have a diagnosis of dementia, to: discuss our concerns together. share, learn from and support each other. just talk, be together and have fun! with tea, coffee, and biscuits.

Where: The Meeting Room Glanavon Retirement Housing, Park Street, Bettws, Ammanford, SA18 2EX.
When: Drop in Tuesday between 1pm and 3pm

Please email for further information, directions or to have a chat about what we can do together: Email: dwfn@peter-clark.com
We particularly need help from Cymro Cymreig and […]

Dementia support with Admiral Nurses

Hywel Dda University Health Board, in partnership with Dementia UK, provide a specialist service for carers of people living with dementia who are experiencing difficulties as a result of their caring role. The team focus on delivering person–centred and relationship-centred dementia care.

The West Wales Admiral Nurse Service provides practical advice and emotional and psychological support from diagnosis to post-bereavement, helping people to learn coping strategies and come to terms with the diagnosis. The service can help carers to navigate health and social care systems; provide education on […]

Working together to support Carers – Co production in action in Carmarthenshire County Council by Emma Taylor-Hill

A ‘Working Together to Support Carers conference’ was held recently in Carmarthenshire. The Head of Adult Social Care said Supporting Carers is a priority in Carmarthenshire and the local authority wants to ensure a co production approach is used to inform this work. The audience was made up from practitioners and carers. This included representatives from statutory and third sector services. The agenda included a series of presentations in the morning including: Welcome and introduction to the day by Avril Bracey (Head of […]

Investors in Carers – Gold Award revalidated

Our CEO Alison Harries is very proud to receive a re-validated Investors in Carers Gold Award from Anna Bird – Assistant Director -Strategic Partnerships, Diversity & Inclusion at Hywel Dda Health Board “Supporting unpaid carers of all ages is the heart of who we are what we do” “Carers Trust Crossroads West Wales are delighted to have achieved our gold level revalidation, supporting unpaid carers of all ages is the heart of who we are and what we do therefore it is great that this has been recognised with this accreditation. Credit goes […]

Catalysts for Care – Drop in & find out more

Meet and chat to lots of service providers

Friday 12th July 2024 2:30 – 4:30pm

Ffrwnes Fach, Park Street, Llanelli, SA15 3YE

Free taster sessions including: Tai Chi & relaxation sessions, VR digital experience…

Carers Wales – Roadshow in Carmarthen

When: Wednesday 17th July 2024, 11am -3pm
Where: The Taf Suite, Halliwell Conference Centre, University of Wales Trinity St Davids, Carmarthen

Join us at our in-person Roadshow in Carmarthen, where you can meet local carers and hear more about Carers Wales, our campaigns and support. There’ll be lots of opportunities to chat to Carers Wales staff, ask questions and get information and support.

Llais Cymru – June 2024 update

Llais is the national, independent body set up by the Welsh Government to give the people of Wales a stronger voice in their health and social care services. You can find out more about us by visiting www.llaiswales.org This is what we have been up over the past few months: Asking your opinion – We have been asking the public how waiting for treatment has affects their lives daily.

What we have done – We have completed projects on A + E and Living Happier and Healthier within the community and those reports will […]

Care and Repair – Managing Better

Care and Repair offer a Managing Better service

Managing Better is a free home visiting service offering advice and practical help for people over the age of 50 who have hearing loss, sight loss, dementia, or have had a stroke.

How we can help you: […]

Carers Support West Wales

During Carers Week 2024, the Carers Support West Wales team shared their latest promotional bilingual videos promoting the services available on their regional website, Carers Support West Wales (CSWW). The CSWW website supports the provision and accessibility of consistent carer specific information, assistance and advice for unpaid carers in the three counties.

CSWW is divided into three distinct sections, allowing carers to easily navigate the platform and explore information locally and regionally. On the ‘My Community’ section, carers will find local offers, promotions and discounts that can support them in their caring role in their community. […]

Carer’s Groups, Information Drop-In & Peer Support – Adferiad

Do you care for a family member, friend, or neighbour?

Would you like to meet up with people in a similar situation? Join our friendly group for a cuppa and a chat where you can access information & advice from our staff on how we can support you as a carer.

How can Carers Trust Crossroads West Wales support unpaid carers?

Carers Newsflash – quarterly e-bulletin updates
Crossroads Care – Replacement Care and Regulated Care – providing carers with a break from their caring role.
Young Carers Support Service – one-to-one support, workshops, training, group peer support, clubs, and activities for carers age 5 – 25 years.
CATCHUP Welfare Benefits Advice Service – benefit advice, checks, form filling and Appeal Tribunal Representation.
Hospital Discharge Support Service – help with communication with medical staff when the person you care for is in hospital and support to help carers understand their rights and to be involved in discharge planning.
Community Discharge Support Service – help with communication with staff when the person you care for is in a community hospital or temporary care facility and follow-up post discharge support for carers and family members to ensure a smooth transition from hospital to home.
Money Matters Service – help to maximise income, improve budgeting skills, access to workshops, access to carer grants, discounts, and concessions.
Independent Professional Advocacy as part of the 3CIPA Service – advising carers of their rights, support during assessments and/or care planning reviews, complaints, and safeguarding concerns.
Time Together Project – offering a range of short break options for carers along with wellbeing activities for carers and the person they care for.
FREE Legal Advice Surgeries – in partnership with NewLaw Solicitors who offer free confidential advice on issues such as Lasting Power of Attorney, Court of Protection & Deputyship, Will & Trust Funds, Protection of Assets, etc.

Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing Helplines

Mental Health Helpline for Wales	24-hour helpline 0800 132 737 Or text help to 81066
Age Cymru Mental Health Support	08000 223444
Carmarthenshire Community Mental Health Team	01267 236017
Mind Info Line	0300 123 3393
Samaritans	116 123
Iawn	www.iawn.wales.nhs.uk

Useful Contacts

Carers Trust Crossroads West Wales	0300 0200 002 www.ctcww.org.uk
West Wales Action for Mental Health	01267 245572
Stroke Association	07799 436050
Age Cymru Dyfed	03333 447 874
Alzheimers Society	0333 150 3456
Care & Repair	01554 744300
Mencap	community.partners@mencap.org.uk
Adferiad Carers Information Service	0333 121 1332
Delta Wellbeing	0300 3332222
Macmillan Cancer Information Service	01267 227904
Dewis	https://www.dewis.wales/
West Wales Carers Support	https://carerssupportwestwales.org/
Citizens Advice Bureau	01267 234488 / 01269 569267 / 01554 759 626
Advocacy West Wales	01267 223197
Carmarthen Mind	01267 222990
Llanelli Mind	01554 752751
Links	01554 757957
Versus Arthritis	0800 7563970
Carers UK Helpline	0808 808 7777
Connecting Carmarthenshire	0800 917 6255

Llais Cymru – June 2024 update

Posted on June 26, 2024June 26, 2024 by Michael Ford

Llais Cymru – June 2024 update

This is what we have been up over the past few months:

Asking your opinion – We have been asking the public how waiting for treatment has affects their lives daily.

What we have done – We have completed projects on A + E and Living Happier and Healthier within the community and those reports will be published soon. We also completed the Wayfinding project, and we are happy to say that we are working with the Health Board with some positive developments for patients.

Where have we been – We have spoken to clients at Links Llanelli, the Mental Health Recovering Gathering, Carmarthenshire Carers Support Services at carers week and Myrtle House Community Food Bank and have made representations which have resulted in a better, more positive experience for service users.

Where are we going?

During the month of July, we are:

Attending the Carmarthenshire Carers Forum
Attending Pride at Llanelli and Pembrokeshire
Representing Llais at the Royal Welsh Show

If you would like to share your Health and Social care experience with us, please contact us via westwalesenquiries@llaiscymru.org

ACTIF Sports and Leisure – FREE 3 months

Posted on June 25, 2024 by Michael Ford

ACTIF Sports and Leisure – FREE 3 months

As an unpaid carer you could be eligible for a FREE 3 month membership. This would entitle you to use all of Actif Sport and Leisure facilities. Don’t miss our – limited membership available!

The membership includes individual use of:

Gym
Fitness classes
Swimming (during public or lane sessions)
Health suite
Health checks
Exercise programmes

Carers Wales – Me Time

Posted on June 25, 2024June 26, 2024 by Michael Ford

Me Time – Online support sessions for Carers – June to July

Monday 1st July – 2-3pm: Book Club

Come along to our informal and relaxed Book Club session! The session is a chance for carers to get together and take some time for themselves, have a chat with like-minded people and share the escapism of getting lost in a good book. If it is your first session, just bring your favourite book, we’d love to hear a bit about why it’s your favourite.

Wednesday 10th July – 11am-12pm: Getting the most out of your Carers Assessment.

Come and join our I&A Officer Nia Constant who will explain how to get the most out of your Carers Needs Assessment.

Monday 15 July 1.30-2.30pm: Caregiving – how to avoid burnout with Hazel Carter

An informative and thought provoking talk from award winning author Hazel Carter. Being an unpaid carer for a loved one is one of the hardest jobs in the world, especially if that loved one has a terminal or rapidly progressing condition.

Tuesday 16th July – 1-2pm: Crafty Catch Up

Join this online session to meet other carers whilst working on your latest craft project. Whether it is knitting, crochet, diamond dot art, card making, quilling, rock painting, jewellery making or simply anything you enjoy making. This session is informal and a chance to chat, create and connect with other carers.

Thursday 18th July – 11- 12pm: Could you be a Digital Champion?

Would you like the opportunity to upskill your digital know how? To find out more, why not join Carers Wales Me Time session with Digital Communities Wales. The session will explore the importance of Digital Champions and how they can support people across communities in Wales with their digital skills and overcome barriers to digital inclusion.

To Register: https://carersuk.org/wales/onlinesupport

Care and Repair – Managing Better

Posted on June 25, 2024June 25, 2024 by Michael Ford

Care and Repair offer a Managing Better service

Managing Better is a free home visiting service offering advice and practical help for people over the age of 50 who have hearing loss, sight loss, dementia, or have had a stroke.

How we can help you:

A free Healthy Home Check for your home
Check what benefits you’re entitled to and help you apply for them

Help you reduce risk of falls and injury at home
Help you access useful services and connect you with our partner agencies

Help to assist you to live independently and safely
Advise on technology to increase your independence, reduce loneliness and boost your confidence

Click here to find out more

Carer’s Groups, Information Drop-In & Peer Support – Adferiad

Posted on June 24, 2024June 24, 2024 by Michael Ford

Carer’s Groups, Information Drop-In & Peer Support

Do you care for a family member, friend, or neighbour?
Would you like to meet up with people in a similar situation?
Join our friendly group for a cuppa and a chat where you can access
information & advice from our staff on how we can support you as a carer.

Adferiad Carer Groups CCISS Flyer

Catalysts for Care – Drop in & find out more

Posted on June 21, 2024June 21, 2024 by Michael Ford

Meet and chat to lots of service providers

Friday 12th July 2024

2:30 – 4:30pm

Ffrwnes Fach, Park Street, Llanelli, SA15 3YE

Free taster sessions including:

Tai Chi & relaxation sessions
VR digital experience
Dementia awareness sessions
Seated exercise

For more information call Lucy on 07789 793228 or lucy.cummings@planed.org.uk

Carers Support West Wales

Posted on June 21, 2024June 21, 2024 by Michael Ford

Carers Support West Wales

During Carers Week 2024, the Carers Support West Wales team shared their latest promotional bilingual videos promoting the services available on their regional website, Carers Support West Wales (CSWW).

The CSWW website supports the provision and accessibility of consistent carer specific information, assistance and advice for unpaid carers in the three counties. CSWW is divided into three distinct sections, allowing carers to easily navigate the platform and explore information locally and regionally.

On the ‘My Community’ section, carers will find local offers, promotions and discounts that can support them in their caring role in their community. An interactive map provides a quick visualisation of any activities close by as well as the relevant contact details.
The ‘Support’ section provides support that is felt could benefit them as a carer such as how to register as an unpaid carer with your GP and how to register for a Carers Recognition Card. Using a filter system to navigate this, carers are able to search several local and national organisations to find the information they need.
The ‘News’ section shares essential information that is timely and relevant, from a list of support with cost-of-living crisis to Carers magazines providing local and national information that may be useful to carers and professionals.

For more information, please visit carerssupportwestwales.org or contact info@carerssupportwestwales.org

Dementia support with Admiral Nurses

Posted on June 21, 2024June 21, 2024 by Michael Ford

Dementia support with Admiral Nurses

Hywel Dda University Health Board, in partnership with Dementia UK, provide a specialist service for carers of people living with dementia who are experiencing difficulties as a result of their caring role.

The team covers Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire with a focus on delivering person–centred and relationship-centred dementia care.

The West Wales Admiral Nurse Service provides practical advice and emotional and psychological support from diagnosis to post-bereavement, helping people to learn coping strategies and come to terms with the diagnosis. The service can help carers to navigate health and social care systems; provide education on dementia, signpost carers to other services and support carers to develop coping strategies.

Admiral Nurses support people at difficult times in their dementia journey, including when the condition progresses, or when tough decisions need to be made, such as a transition into residential care.

Part of the role of an Admiral Nurse is to deliver specialist interventions to carers and one particular intervention we offer is the Strategies for relatives programme (START), this intervention aims to provide carers with coping strategies and has been proven to reduce depression and anxiety for family carers of people with dementia when measured at eight months and two years after they had received the intervention. We have delivered 106 individual START sessions either 1-1 or in a group setting.

One of the carers who recently attended a START group said this:

“The START programme made me feel very supported and cared about. The Admiral Nurses were kind and very helpful. They treated us with compassion and understanding. I cannot rate them and the START course highly enough. Meeting other carers was really helpful too. We got along really well and supported one another. It’s so important not to feel you are the only one caring for someone with dementia. It’s good to feel you are not alone and that is what the START programme did for me. Thank you.”

If you are a carer of someone living with dementia and would like to be referred to the service, please contact your health or social care professional who can make a referral for you.

More information about the charity Dementia UK can be found here: https://www.dementiauk.org/

Charlie Duhig
Admiral Nurse Clinical Lead.