A SUCCESSFUL initiative to improve the health and wellbeing of North Yorkshire’s growing army of unpaid carers is poised for re-launch – just months after it was withdrawn.
The national Caring with Confidence programme was victim of Government cutbacks earlier this year – but it is now being restored in North Yorkshire.
The award-winning charity Carers’ Resource – which has bases in Harrogate, Ripon and Skipton – is working in partnership with North Yorkshire County Council to revive the popular initiative.
And it is urging the local community to take advantage of the free sessions when they get under way again later this month in Harrogate and Skipton (September).
Carers’ Resource founding director, Anne Smyth, said:
We are delighted to have been handed the key role in delivering this programme once again, reaching out into the heart of the community to help carers.
The scheme was both popular and successful and when national funding was withdrawn, it robbed carers of an important element of support. It is good news for carers that North Yorkshire County Council has recognised the worth of the scheme and stepped in to ask us to repeat it locally.
Each session is tailored to equip carers with the skills needed to overcome the day-to-day challenges they face – enabling them not only to make a positive difference to their own lives, but also those of the family member, friend or neighbour that they care for.
It explores practical aspects of day-to-day caring – such as communicating with others; stress and time management; making the most of available benefits; and maintaining health and wellbeing.
Each session gives carers the opportunity to develop skills, get advice and information, talk and share experiences with others.
Carers’ Resource has provided award-winning support to more than 10,000 unpaid carers and vulnerable people since its launch 15 years ago.
Alyson Hill, who is coordinating the programme at the charity, said:
Carers have a tough job – it can mean unrelenting pressure, little chance to relax and a lot of worry.
We all know how the growing number of carers across North Yorkshire struggle with their roles while coping with work and family life. Access to training opportunities such as Caring with Confidence can make a really big difference.
Caring with Confidence is completely free to any carer aged 18 and over.
The sessions take place at the charity’s Harrogate office at 11 North Park Road between 10am and noon on: 20th September, 27th September, 4th October and the 18th October.
They also take place at its Skipton office at Broughton Park between 10am and noon on September 21, September 28, October 5, October 19.
Places can be booked by telephoning 01423 500555
