People who provide unpaid care or support to adult friends or family members who are ill, frail, disabled or have mental health or substance misuse problems are being offered support by North Yorkshire County Council.
The North Yorkshire Carers Forum was launched in March, with the aim of ensuring that the views of carers influence the way services are developed by the county council and by other groups and agencies.
The forum will meet once every quarter, with the next meeting scheduled during Carers Week 2011, on Tuesday June 14.
The forum will take place at the Galtres Centre in Easingwold, and will combine a recognition and celebration lunch for carers with an information event for the carers of North Yorkshire.
The forum starts at 10 am and finishes at 2pm, and carers are being invited to attend for the whole event or just for aspects that most interest them. The county council recognises the restraints on many carers’ time and has tried to make the event as central to the county as possible and as flexible as possible.
“People who provide unpaid care for their family members or friends do a tremendous job, often in very trying circumstances,” said County Councillor Clare Wood, Executive Member for Adult and Community Services.
“They deserve all the support we can give them, and this newly-launched forum is an ideal way of offering practical help, advice, and information from experts in their particular fields.”
Some highlights of the day include information around Self Directed Support (Personal Budgets) and practical information as to how this impacts on carers and the people for whom they care. There will be opportunities for carers to raise specific issues with a number or professionals and specialists covering a wide range of topics, including benefits and employment opportunities.
Seamus Breen, the county council’s Assistant Director (Commissioning and Partnerships) will discuss the impact of proposed changes to the National Health Service, and how they relate to services provided by local authorities.
The forum is open to anyone in North Yorkshire who is a family member or carer for an adult who is: ‘ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or substance misuse problems.’ Places can be booked by telephoning Anne Horner on 01609 533635, or by e-mail to anne.horner@northyorks.gov.uk
Carers who are unable to attend the forum can still benefit from advice and information by contacting Sarah Wileman on 01609 534940 or sarah.wileman@northyorks.gov.uk, to be included in future communications.
