Are You a Carer?
A carer is anyone who cares, either paid or unpaid, for a friend or family member. Anyone can be a carer, from a young person looking after their parent to an older person looking after their spouse who has dementia. Whilst it can be very rewarding, caring can having an impact on many aspects of your life.
If you are please let us know – we may be able to help you
You are not alone
Did you know that 6.5 million people in the UK are carers; that’s 1 in 8 adults? Growing numbers of people are taking on caring roles for family and friends, which can be a hugely rewarding experience, enriching relationships and bringing satisfaction and well-being. However, up to 50% of Carers miss the support they need to stay mentally and physically healthy whilst caring. It’s more important than ever to shine a spotlight on the huge contribution carers make and reach out with information and support.
Western Vale Family Practice Carer’s Champion – Renae Crockford
My name is Renae Crockford and I am part of the Nursing Team at Western Vale Family Practice, I am also the Carer and Dementia Champion. We are very privileged to have lots of support available in the Vale and it’s part of my job to connect patients and their Carers with these services. There really is something for everyone!
At Western Vale Family Practice, we pride ourselves on providing excellent support to our patients and through my role I can take time to listen and understand your particular needs, signpost you to the support that is available and help you to engage in local clubs and groups, potentially meeting others in similar situations.
If you ever feel that you need specific guidance or support as a Carer and you are a patient at Western Vale Family Practice, please feel free to arrange an appointment with me, appointments can be made at Cowbridge Health Centre, St Athan Surgery or Llantwit Major Clinic.
Information
There is a wealth of information on www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/carers, http://www.dewis.wales, http://www.ymcacardiff.wales/, https://gov.wales/topics/health/socialcare/young-carers-toolkit/ and NHS Choices about carers and caring. All of these sites offer practical advice as well as information on support and financial services that are available to you.
Please also contact Carers Direct for more detailed advice and support:
- Telephone: 0300 123 1053 (open 8am to 9pm Monday to Friday, 11am to 4pm at weekends. Calls are free from UK landlines).
- Helpline Information: http://www.nhs.uk/carersdirect/carerslives/helplines-and forums
- Email: CarersDirect@nhschoices.nhs.uk
Silver Carers GP Accreditation
We are really proud to confirm that in November 2018, Western Vale Family Practice was the first GP surgery in the Vale to receive Silver Carers GP Accreditation. See:
Are you a Young Carer?
A Young Carer is defined as someone under 18 who provides care on an unpaid basis for another person. The person they look after may be a parent, a brother or sister, a grandparent or other relative.
They may provide practical or physical care, help with personal care, and help with domestic tasks and/or emotional support.
There are an estimated 700,000 young carers in the UK and a recent survey in the Vale of Glamorgan indicated that 1 in 12 (8%) of pupils in primary or secondary school could be young carers.
Young carers face serious caring responsibilities, in addition to the daily tasks they complete for their parents such as housework, cooking and bathing, they live with the added pressure of school and, often, a lack of understanding from schoolmates.
For more information and guidance see:
https://www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/en/living/social_care/adult_services/Carers/Young-Carers.aspx
