Carers support programme

If you answer yes to any of the following questions then the free Carers support programme can help you:

• Do you provide care for a member of your family, a friend or neighbour?
• Would you like the opportunity to gain more skills and knowledge to help you in your caring role?
• Do you need training in how to care for your back, manage stress and learn new skills in first aid?
• Do you want to meet other carers to share experiences, exchange advice and ideas, plus meet new friends?

Carers are unpaid people who care for the physical, mental and social needs of a relative, friend or neighbour. Caring for a loved can be a difficult task. Carers often lack vital information to assist them in their caring role and may neglect their own health as a result of their responsibilities.

The Carers support programme is a free training programme for carers offering advice on:

• Caring skills- Guidance and advice about subjects including giving medicines, infection control and nutrition. Coping with sensitive subjects such as continence problems and memory loss in older people.  
• Safer handling and looking after your back – Advice on daily back care, prevention of injury and an opportunity to practice safer handling skills.
• First aid skills- First aid skills appropriate to caring for someone in the home environment including falls prevention guidance.
• Accessing support for Carers and managing stress- Signposting the local support available for carers and instruction on stress management and relaxation.   

Over the four week course a free lunch is provided after each session and the floor is open for you to ask further questions and make new friends.

Locations and next steps

The Carers support programme is available in the following locations:

• Dorset - 01305 751160
• Somerset - 01823 345922
• Jersey - 01534 735611
• Devon - 01392 822646
• Northumbria - 0191 273 7938
• Avon - 01179533880

The programme is open to all carers, over the age of 18, who provide voluntary care.