22nd July 2024
Wonder Wellness Activities and vital work to improve the experience of discharge for Carers.
We, Carers Voice Norfolk and Waveney, are committed to improving the lives of unpaid Carers across Norfolk and Waveney. Recognising that many Carers often prioritise the wellbeing of those they care for over their own health, we recently organised a series of wellness activities in June and July, based on direct feedback from Carers themselves. These activities were a key part of our Carer Involvement Meetings and focused on providing carers with opportunities to take time for their own health and wellbeing.
Carers were invited to share their preferences, and from their input, we developed a schedule of enriching activities, including:
- Seated yoga sessions, including the opportunity to join an in person session at the College of West Anglia
- Guided hand reflexology
- Windowsill gardening
- Meditation and sound bath session
In addition to these wellness activities, the “What Matters to Me” segment of our Carer Involvement Meetings provided an important platform for Carers to voice their experiences and concerns. One prominent issue raised was the discharge process, where some Carers felt excluded from planning, and were not provided with adequate information about medications and follow-up appointments.
In response, we are actively working with Carers and practitioners across health and social care to co-produce a comprehensive booklet for Carers. This project is being led by Graham Goodwin, our Carers Voice Ambassador, alongside Carolyn Fowler, Executive Lead for Carers within the Norfolk & Waveney Integrated Care System. The booklet will serve as a vital resource for Carers, offering guidance from hospital admission through to discharge. It will be piloted at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Norfolk Community Health Care Services in the western region of the county. Key sections will include:
- Support for Carers
- Supporting the person you care for during their hospital stay
- Preparing for discharge
- A comprehensive checklist
Sharon Brook, our Chief Officer, emphasised the importance of this collaborative effort, stating: “Working with Carers and practitioners across the health and social care system has allowed for meaningful coproduction. The result will be a resource that Carers truly want and need to support them when the person they care for is admitted into hospital through to when they are discharged .”
This vital initiative is made possible thanks to the generous support of the National Lottery Community Fund, and we are incredibly grateful for their ongoing commitment to improving the lives of Carers in our community.
If you are an unpaid Carer in Norfolk or Waveney and would like to get involved in our future activities or provide feedback, please sign up to become a member here: carersvoice.org/carer-voice-membership/. Together, we can continue to make a positive difference in the lives of those who care for others.
12th June 2024
Carers Gather in Great Yarmouth for a Day of Wellness, Connection, and Support
The Carers Wellness and Information event held on 5th June at St. George’s Theatre, Great Yarmouth, was a resounding success, with a fantastic turnout from Carers in the local community. The event, designed to support unpaid Carers looking after a family member, partner, or friend, welcomed a diverse group of attendees eager to access resources, enjoy wellness activities, and connect with fellow Carers.
The day was filled with a variety of wellness activities, including free taster therapy sessions, creative workshops, and an abundance of delicious cake! Attendees had the opportunity to unwind, relax, and take some much-needed time for themselves. In addition to the wellness activities, a wide range of local organisations were in attendance to provide valuable information and resources. These included:
- DIAL Great Yarmouth
- Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care System
- Young Carers Matter Norfolk
- Great Yarmouth and Gorleston Young Carers (GYGYC)
- Suffolk Family Carers
- East Norfolk Medical Practice
- Norfolk County Council
- Caring Together Charity
- Vision Norfolk
- Healthwatch Norfolk
- The Shoebox Community Hub
The event provided a vital platform for Carers to learn about the support available to them in the local area and to connect with others who share similar experiences. The overwhelming positive feedback from attendees underscores the importance of such community-focused events in ensuring that unpaid Carers receive the recognition, resources, and respite they need. Carers commented:
‘I just wanted to thank you all the tremendous event..I am so pleased we went..we met several very helpful people and I can quite honestly say that it will make life so much easier for both of us.’
“What a great display that was put on yesterday by all concerned – we have met some great people and learnt a lot on the help that is available to us”
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our fantastic Ambassadors, organisations and attendees who made this event such a memorable and impactful day. The event truly highlighted the importance of the Carers Community Network in maintaining and building connections to improve the lives of Carers in the Great Yarmouth and Waveney area.
11th June 2024
Carers Voice celebrates overwhelming interest in Carers Identity Passports.
This ‘Carers Week’, Carers Voice will reach 3500 Carers Identity Passports issued to Carers in Norfolk & Waveney!
Unpaid Carers are now able to be recognised and are included in conversations about the health and wellbeing of the person they care for. The demand for the Carers Identity Passport has been nothing short of extraordinary, with 3,500 Carers in Norfolk and Waveney applying. This overwhelming response underscores the urgent need for such a resource, demonstrating the significance of recognising and supporting the vital role played by unpaid Carers.
The success of the initiative and the co-production of the project has achieved national acclaim with Carers Voice invited to speak about the Carers Identity Passport at both the NHS National Commitment to Carers Conference and at the Carers UK National Conference showcasing the positive impact and potential for replication on a broader scale.
Carers Voice Norfolk and Waveney, working together with Carers, NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board and practitioners across health and social care, marked Carers Rights Day on 24th November 2022 with the launch of the Carers Identity Passport. This innovative project aims to address the expressed needs of unpaid Carers of all ages in Norfolk and Waveney who seek recognition and support within healthcare settings.
The Carers Identity Passport, available in both digital and physical formats, is a tangible outcome of collaborative working. The initiative is designed to ensure Carers are recognised, valued and respected in their caring role in healthcare settings across Norfolk and Waveney. It is for identification purposes only and it enables conversations to be started so Carers, the people they care for, and staff, work together as a team.
Ros, Carers Identity Passport recipient shared: “I originally ordered my Carers Identity Passport because I care for my husband who lives with Alzheimer’s disease but I am also able to support friends and others at hospital or other professional visits. The Passport is recognised and I am valued and able to be included in those discussions, if needed, without question. The Passport affords me respect, recognition and allows me to offer valuable support.”
Sharon Brooks, CEO of Carers Voice shared: “We are thrilled that 3500 Carers have applied for the Carers Identity Passport. It is an extremely positive start to our continued commitment to ensure Carers in Norfolk and Waveney are recognised, valued and respected for the exceptional work they do.”
Carers Voice Norfolk and Waveney remains committed to ensuring that the voice of Carers is heard and listened to. This partnership working is important to improving the health and wellbeing of all Carers in Norfolk and Waveney
To request a Carers Identity Passport for free, Carers can visit carersvoice.org/carers-identity-passport or call 07932 095312