Freshers Week in Carmarthenshire

Posted on September 27, 2024September 27, 2024 by Michael Ford

Freshers Week in Carmarthenshire

As young people across the country prepare to embark on the next chapter of their lives for college or university, young carers face unique challenges in balancing their academic ambitions with their caring responsibilities. Carers Trust Crossroads West Wales steps up to support these young carers, offering essential guidance, arranging continuing support information as they make the significant transition into further and higher education.

During Freshers Week, our entire team was present at colleges and universities across Carmarthenshire to connect with new and returning students who may be young carers. We aim to ensure that young carers are identified early, feel welcomed, supported, and informed about the assistance available to them during their studies.

Relocating for uni

Moving away to university is a significant milestone, but it can also be a time of uncertainty, particularly for young carers who are used to balancing their education with caring responsibilities at home. Carers Trust Crossroads West Wales understands the complex pressures young carers face and is dedicated to providing practical solutions to help them succeed in this new environment and offer peace of mind of support available for the family remaining at home.

Our experienced staff are equipped to engage directly with young carers at Freshers Fairs, answering questions, offering information and resources, and helping to identify specific support services that can make their university experience smoother.

Collaborating with Education Establishments

Our commitment to young carers goes beyond Freshers’ Week. Carers Trust Crossroads West Wales actively collaborates with schools, colleges and universities on an ongoing basis. We regularly engage with teaching staff, student support services, and key establishment members. These interactions are vital for ensuring that young carers are identified early, allowing them to access the help they need before they become overwhelmed.

Through our outreach programmes and staff training sessions, we equip others with the tools to identify, support and refer these students on. Whether it’s by identifying potential young carers in their classes or guiding them to relevant resources, education establishments play a crucial role in early identification, creating a supportive environment for young carers and helping them access additional support.

Future Frontline Professionals

In addition to working with education staff, Carers Trust Crossroads West Wales also reaches out to student teachers, nurses, and other future professionals. By raising awareness during their training, we aim to build a network of informed individuals who can identify and support young carers in their future careers.

This outreach is critical, as young carers often remain hidden within educational and healthcare settings, only being identified when their responsibilities begin to take a toll on their academic or personal well-being.

For more information about our services and how we support young carers, please visit our get in touch with our dedicated team. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of young carers across West Wales.

Young Carers Festival 2024

Posted on September 9, 2024September 9, 2024 by Michael Ford

Young Carers Shine at the 2024 Young Carers Festival in Wales

A group of dedicated young carers from our community recently had the opportunity to attend the annual Young Carers Festival 2024, held in Llanelwedd at the Royal Welsh Showground. The event, which took place over the weekend, brought together young carers from across Wales for a celebration of their hard work and resilience. Although the festival included camping for several groups, our attendees participated on August 21st as day visitors, allowing them to experience the highlights of the event while returning home the same day.

A Day of Fun, Learning, and Connection

Despite attending for just one day, the experience was packed with engaging activities, workshops, and entertainment tailored to meet the needs of young carers. From outdoor challenges to creative arts sessions, the festival provided our young carers with a much-needed break and the chance to be around others who share similar life experiences.

Empowering Young Carers

In addition to the activities, the festival included informative sessions aimed at empowering young carers and giving them a voice. Workshops focused on mental health, self-care, and practical skills were a key part of the event. Although our group’s time at the festival was brief, they still took part in discussions about the challenges they face and what support they need. Topics such as better access to mental health resources and improved respite services were emphasised.

Building Connections and Community

The festival was more than just a break from daily responsibilities — it was an opportunity to connect with others who understand the unique challenges of being a young carer. While our group couldn’t stay overnight, the bonds they formed and the shared sense of community left a lasting impression.
Youth worker Michael, who accompanied the group, remarked, “Even though we could only attend for a day, the young carers had an amazing time. It’s important for them to know they’re not alone and that there’s a whole community of people who understand what they’re going through. Events like this help build their confidence and show them how much they’re valued.”

Looking Forward

The 2024 Young Carers Festival may have only been a single day for our group, but its impact will be long-lasting. The attendees returned home with new friendships, positive memories, and a renewed sense of belonging. Our community is proud of these young carers and appreciates the support that events like this provide.

As the role of young carers continues to be recognised, the festival highlighted the ongoing need for increased resources and better support. While our young carers face many challenges, their determination and strength were evident at this year’s festival, reminding us of the importance of continuing to champion their needs and celebrate their contributions.

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

Carers and Carers Assessment

Posted on March 28, 2024 by Michael Ford

Am I a Carer?

It takes two years on average for someone to identify themselves as a carer. Many people consider caring as part and parcel of family life and see themselves primarily as a partner, wife, son, sibling, cousin, parent or a close friend. As a result they might not see the need to identify themselves separately as a carer.

But identifying as an unpaid carer can bring benefits such as access to support services, information, validation and access to carers rights.
Overall, identifying as a carer and accessing support can help to enhance wellbeing and many carers feel a greater sense of fulfilment when their role is recognised and valued.

Am I entitled to a Carers Assessment?

The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 came into force on the 6th April 2016.
The Act in Wales applies to people in need, of any age and introduces equivalent rights for carers to those they care for.

If you provide unpaid care for someone you are entitled to a Carers Needs Assessment whether or not you live with the person who you care for, and you can have an assessment regardless of whether the person you care for has had their own assessment, or whether the person you care for is having social care support.

The purpose of a Carers Needs Assessment is to find out what your needs as a Carer are and to help you to access services or support that you may need to help support your wellbeing while you carry out your caring role.

The local council, usually a Social Worker, will carry out the Carers Needs Assessment and there is a clear legal duty on the local council to consider the following:

they must assess whether you have needs for support or are likely to do so in the future.
the extent that you are able and willing to provide care and will continue to be able and willing to do so.
what matters to you and the personal outcomes that you wish to achieve.
the extent to which support, preventative services, provision of information, advice and assistance can assist you with achieving those outcomes.
the assessment must also have regard to whether you work, wish to work and whether you are participating or wish to participate in education, training or leisure activities.

A Carers Assessment could result in a Care & Support Plan to help you manage your caring role including accessing breaks from caring.

Contacts that might help…

Posted on March 18, 2024July 5, 2024 by Michael Ford

Having easy access to useful contacts can help reduce what might be a stressful situation. Here is our list of need-to-know contacts:

Mental Health and 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

Young Carers Update – Dec 2023

Posted on March 18, 2024 by Michael Ford

Recent months have been buzzing with activity at the Carmarthenshire Crossroads Young Carers Project! Many young carers successfully secured Amser grants, treating themselves to cinema vouchers or short breaks. Witnessing the positive impact on their lives has been truly heartening. Monthly meet-ups with carers from across the county have created a supportive community. We’ve also conducted awareness-raising sessions in schools, helping young individuals self-identify as carers and access the support they need. As the festive season approached, we secured micro grants, ensuring all young carers could enjoy Christmas activities tailored to their preferences—soft play for the youngest, bowling for teenagers, and a delightful Christmas meal for young adult carers in Swansea. It’s been wonderful to see them relax, enjoy, and form new friendships. We have some exciting things booked in for next year for our young and young adult carers and look forward to updating you all in the next E-Bulletin.