Carers Week 2020

There are 6.5 million unpaid carers in the UK. They care for a family member or friend who has a disability, mental or physical illness or who needs extra help as they grow older.

 

Whilst many feel that caring is one of the most important things they do, carers face incredible challenges. Caring has an impact on all aspects of life, from relationships and health to finances and work. Caring without the right information and support can be tough.

 

It is vital that we recognise the contribution carers make to their families and local communities, workplaces and society, and that they get the support they need.

 

Open Letter to Carers 

Online support, events and activities

 

Whilst face-to-face services are temporarily closed or operating on an emergency basis only, many organisations are still operating online or via telephone.

 

Cardiff and Vale Carers Gateway 

The Cardiff and Vale Carers Gateway has been established to provide information and support to unpaid carers in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan. The service aims to improve the quality of life of both care-givers and care-receivers by helping them remain independent.

 

The team work with carers and professionals across the region to help carers with things such as:

 

• Promoting the support available for carers across the region

• Supporting people to access local services

• Identifying new services that are needed to help carers

• Raising awareness of who carers are and the challenges they face

• Providing training and development opportunities for carers

• 02921 921024
• gateway@ctsew.org.uk

 

Care for a Cuppa, Carers Wales

Carers Wales are holding a series of online Care for a Cuppa talks and information sessions every Tuesday from 14.30 - 16.30 (unless otherwise stated). 

 

Each session will be held in English and will feature a different speaker every week from 15:00 - 16:00. There is also an opportunity for you to chat with other carers before and after each talk.

 

Care for a Cuppa website

 

 

Carers Week Activities 2020, Carers Wales

Carers Wales will be hosting a number of activities and talks for the duration of the week. 

Each session will have a 30 minute window before and after to chat with other carers and officers Dawn and Amber.

Session will be held on Zoom, click on the individual links connected to each activity or talk to join. 

 

Carers Week Activities

 

 

Dementia Talking Point, Alzheimer’s Society

Dementia Talking Point is an online support community for those affected by dementia. It's free, open day or night and can be accessed online.

 

Dementia Talking Point

 

GVS Third Sector Services Directory

GVS is supporting third sector organisations and taking enquiries from the general public during the Covid-19 crisis. 

 

The directory provides information about third sector front line services and helplines to support people during the Coronavirus crisis. It also includes information about other services and community hubs.

These services may change and are reliant on staff and volunteers, who may not be able to respond to all requests for support.

 

Third Sector Directory

 

GVS COVID-19 Guidance for Community Support Groups

Glamorgan Voluntary Services has produced the following guidance for new and emerging support groups working in the community.

 

Guidance for Support Groups

 

GVS Community Liaison Officer

The Community Liaison Officer role is a one stop shop service. They work closely with health and social care teams to support families, young adults and those experiencing long term medical conditions, aged 18 to 60.

 

The aim is to help people remain independent by helping them access community services. They provide support with finances and benefits, loneliness, isolation, social activities, parenting, access to advocacy, transport, condition specific issues, housing, support at home on discharge from hospital.

 

• carole@gvs.wales 

Learning for Living, Carers UK

Carers UK has launched its latest bilingual e-learning program for unpaid carers in Wales. Learning for Living helps carers develop a greater understanding of the unique skills and knowledge they offer as part of their caring role and how they can transfer these skills to the workplace.

 

The programme aims to boost confidence amongst unpaid carers who often underestimate the value of these skills when job searching or looking at changing roles.

 

Learning for Living

 

 

Macmillan’s Online Community 

The online community offers group discussions based on cancer type and various issues. They also offer an ‘Ask an Expert’ service. The community is open 24/7. 

 

Macmillan Community

 

 

Marie Curie Supporting Carers

If someone you’re close to has a terminal illness, Marie Curie offers a range of support for carers.

Their site includes information about supporting someone with a terminal illness. They also offer a free support line for advice or emotional support.

 

On the Taking Care site, you can browse videos of carers and professionals sharing their experiences, encouragement and ways of coping.

 

 

 

The Sofa Singers

Set up by vocal leader, James Sills, in response to the global self-isolation, The Sofa Singers bring together hundreds of people in real time for a 45-minute choir rehearsal. They learn a classic song with some optional harmonies/backing parts.

The Sofa Singers is free and takes place online on a weekly basis.

 

The Sofa Singers 

 

Virtual Tours