Island unpaid carers are being asked for their views to shape an Isle of Wight Carers Strategy.
The Isle of Wight Council, IOW NHS Trust and IW Clinical Commissioning Group are developing a strategy for carers on the Isle of Wight, in collaboration with Carers IW, Age UK Isle of Wight, People Matter IW and Healthwatch Isle of Wight.
Following results of a survey aimed at carers, a range of both in-person and online focus groups have been organised to give both professionals and carers an opportunity to share their views, address concerns and improve services for the future.
Where and when
The Focus Groups are being held on the follow days:
- Thurs 10 Mar 2pm – 4pm at Carers Centre*
- Wed 16 Mar 11am – 1pm at Carers Centre
- Mon 21 Mar 11am -1pm at Carers Centre
- Fri 25 Mar 10am-12pm at Carers Centre at Mental Health carers group
*Carers Centre can be found at the back of The Riverside Centre, The Quay, Newport, PO30 2QR.
To book your place or attend online, please contact Carers IW on (01983) 533173 or email [email protected]
Love: A hidden community providing vital care
Cllr Karl Love, Cabinet lead for Adult Social Care and Public Health said,
“Our Island unpaid and volunteer carers are a hidden community and often work unseen providing vital care to loved ones. The work in isolation and we want to do more to support them and listen to their voice. Unpaid carers can have poorer health compared to those without caring responsibilities, due to the stresses in their caring role. It is important that carers can access information and advice on balancing their caring role with their home life, finance, employment or education”.
“Carers IW, Healthwatch Isle of Wight and Age UK are running a series of focus groups to hear and gather together carers stories and experiences, which in turn will inform the Isle of Wight Carers Strategy.
“I want to encourage carers and caring professionals to take part in these focus groups, some of which, I hope to attend. I also want to thank our unpaid carers, an army of magnitude, for your commitment but most of all for showing your care to others and sometimes in very difficult circumstances. I look forward to hearing about your lives and stories and we want to try hard to make a real difference to your life”
There will be an Isle of Wight Council commissioning officer and representation from the voluntary sector, working together on the Carers Strategy at all sessions.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
Image: Ravi Patel under CC BY 2.0
