Carers invited to information and support event

Who looks after the carer?

What support is available as they carry out this important role?

Wiltshire Council and partners will be answering some of these questions at a Carer Support Event in March.

The event will be held in partnership with Prospect Hospice and Carer Support Wiltshire, and is an opportunity for carers to find out about a range of information and support.

The session will cover:

• Talking to relatives and looking after yourself
• Financial support and claiming benefits
• Support available to you
• Planning for the future
• End of life care
• Support available for those wanting to return to work

People are invited to the Cotswold Space at County Hall on 17 March from 3:30pm to find out more.

Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: Our carers do an amazing job every day, looking after their relatives or friends who often can't do without them. They do this demanding job, yet often they are the least likely to think about their own needs and welfare.  

This session will provide clear information and advice on important questions around being a carer and I'd encourage people to attend.

Emma Skeffington, partnerships and development officer at Carer Support Wiltshire said: We're looking forward to delivering a talk on how we can support carers so they can stay as healthy as possible themselves and are able to continue caring for their loved one.

We support carers in many ways, for example with support groups, free wellbeing sessions and a Returners programme, which is helping carers back to work. Research shows that when carers feel supported and are able to take regular breaks, they are much more likely to feel positively about their caring role and less likely to suffer from stress and loneliness. This is shaping up to be a fantastic and much-needed event just for carers, covering a wide range of topics that carers need to know about. We're looking forward to being a part of it.

People who would like to attend are advised to book their place (opens new window) for the event.