Carer Support Pembrokeshire LAUNCHED

Posted on September 30, 2024October 1, 2024 by Michael Ford

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the new Carers Support Pembrokeshire – a dedicate resource designed to support carers in our community providing information, advice and support for carers in Pembrokeshire.

Our new service offers:

Expert Guidance: We offer tailored one-to-one support from experienced professionals on managing your caring responsibilities.
Resources and Tools: Access a wide range of helpful materials, including guides, local services, and financial support information.
Support Networks: Connect with other carers and discover local support groups, training, and events tailored to your needs.
Carers Grants
Short breaks, respite and replacement care
Free monthly legal advice surgeries

Rydym wrth ein bodd yn cyhoeddi lansiad gwasanaeth newydd Cymorth i Ofalwyr Sir Benfro – adnodd pwrpasol a gynlluniwyd i gynorthwyo gofalwyr yn ein cymuned, trwy ddarparu gwybodaeth, cyngor a chymorth i ofalwyr yn Sir Benfro.

Mae ein gwasanaeth newydd yn cynnig:

Arweiniad Arbenigol: Rydym yn cynnig cymorth un i un wedi’i deilwra gan weithwyr proffesiynol profiadol ar reoli eich cyfrifoldebau gofalu.
Adnoddau ac Offer: Gallwch gyrchu ystod eang o ddeunyddiau defnyddiol, gan gynnwys canllawiau, gwasanaethau lleol, a gwybodaeth am gymorth ariannol.
Rhwydweithiau Cymorth: Cewch gysylltu â gofalwyr eraill a darganfod grwpiau cymorth, hyfforddiant, a digwyddiadau lleol wedi’u teilwra i’ch anghenion.
Grantiau Gofalwyr.
Seibiannau byr, gofal seibiant a gofal amgen.
Cymorthfeydd cyngor cyfreithiol misol am ddim.

Find out more about the service through the downloadable leaflet / Dysgwch fwy am y gwasanaeth trwy’r daflen y gellir ei lawrlwytho

Access the service via our online referral form / Cyrchwch y gwasanaeth trwy ein ffurflen atgyfeirio ar-lein

Or call 0300 0200 002 or email carerssupportpembs@ctcww.org.uk / Neu ffoniwch 0300 0200 002 neu e-bostiwch carerssupportpembs@ctcww.org.uk

— PRESS RELEASE — Carer Support Pembrokeshire

Posted on August 20, 2024August 20, 2024 by Michael Ford

— PRESS RELEASE — Carer Support Pembrokeshire

Carers Trust Crossroads West Wales is delighted to be working in partnership with Pembrokeshire County Council and Hywel Dda University Health Board to support unpaid carers living in Pembrokeshire. The Carers Support Pembrokeshire service will offer adult carers information and support on a range of issues including access to short breaks, financial support, carer wellbeing and a range of other topics.

Carers Trust Crossroads West Wales is a proud Network Partner of Carers Trust, the largest UK wide network of carers organisations and play a significant role in influencing policy to improve the recognition and support for unpaid carers across the UK. As a regional charity, our mission is to ensure that unpaid carers in West Wales are heard, valued, and have access to the support, advice and resources they need to live fulfilling lives.

Alison Harries, Chief Executive Officer at Carers Trust Crossroads West Wales said:
“we have been delivering support services for carers in Carmarthenshire for over 40 years and more recently secured funding to provide financial information and support to carers in Pembrokeshire through the Welsh Government funded Carers Support Fund.

We are delighted to be working with Pembrokeshire County Council and Hywel Dda University Health Board to support carers across the county. Carers are at the heart of everything we do, and we look forward to working in partnership with colleagues to make sure that carers receive the vital support they deserve.”

Pembrokeshire County Council Carers Champion Cllr Mike James said:
“It’s great to see this collaborative effort continue, especially as it supports people in our communities who need it most. This is an excellent example of effective partnership working, for the carers in our county.”

For more information or support carerssupportpembs@ctcww.org.uk

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

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

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 Adult Social Care, Carmarthenshire County Council) and Nick Andrews from Developing Evidence Enriched Practice (DEEP)
A video message from Luke Clements on the legislative and policy context
Information about the experiences of carers from Claire Morgan (Director of Carers Wales)
Reflection from a social worker about his work with a carer

In the afternoon, guests were able to join tables for discussions on different topics. This included:

Early support
Information/advice and assistance
Carers assessments
Respite/short breaks/direct payments.
Impact of the cost-of-living crisis on carers

Discussions were captured and will be collated to inform strategies in Carmarthenshire including the developing prevention strategy. This was a wonderful example of co-production and the day enabled qualitative information to be gathered, so that the voices of carers could be included in planning for support provision.

One theme that kept emerging throughout the day was the importance of relationship-based practice and how this can support a better understanding of those with caring responsibilities and their needs. It was evident that there is complexity within families with multiple carers and in some cases, this was not always being recognized and supported. It was suggested that there needs to be more of a proactive approach in identifying those with caring responsibilities who may benefit from assessment.

There was a great deal of discussion about the need for short breaks to be bespoke and in line with what matters for both the carer and the person with care and support needs. There were also suggestions for direct payments to be used flexibly and creatively to ensure a person-centred approach.

Feedback from carers was positive and there are plans to hold a similar event next year

If you would like to find out more about this topic, please have a look at the Welsh Government annual report for 2023 on the delivery plan for unpaid carers:

Unpaid carers delivery plan annual report 2023,

Carers Rights Day 2023

Posted on March 18, 2024March 18, 2024 by Michael Ford

This year we celebrated Carers Rights Day with a vibrant and engaging event at the National Botanic Gardens. The event, attended by 64 unpaid carers, was facilitated by Professor Nick Andrews of Swansea University and focussed on carers rights to have a break from their caring role.
More people are caring for a loved one than ever before and we all know that caring for a loved one can be a positive and rewarding experience, but carers need support and access to short breaks to help them continue their vital role.
It was uplifting to hear from so many carers what the importance of a short break means to them, giving them a much-needed opportunity to recharge their batteries and have some well-earned rest and relaxation.