Carer Training

Caring with Confidence programme

A carer’s journey into caring

“I found the 'carer' label very useful when my daughter became increasingly ill. One day a relative said "no wonder you're finding it hard to keep working, keep a home, keep yourself together - you've become her carer.

That was my light bulb moment, as I was able to see how life had slid. One day of sickness, one lost bodily function after another into a blinding mess, and how we'd morphed from Mum and daughter, to struggling mother and full time carer for an increasingly dependent child.”

It became clear to this carer that she needed expert advice and support to make the adjustments that both her and her daughter needed.

With the proper support, this mother has seen her severely disabled daughter achieve adult independence and a rewarding life of own.

“Family caring is born of love. It is never just a transaction, but it is damn hard!”

Carers always benefit from some level of support. Their role requires energy, determination, persistence, resilience and confidence and we can help with all that.

Our support goes some way to reflect the £132 billion it is estimated carers in the UK save the British economy every year.

Worcestershire Association of Carers is passionate about supporting, empowering and building on the skills and experience of thousands of family carers. Our work is described as a lifeline.

Caring with Confidence programme?

The free group sessions are delivered all over Worcestershire and available to anyone in a caring role. Sessions link together into programmes but are designed to work with and adapt to, the changing and unpredictable nature of caring.

Each 2 or 3 hour session is highly interactive, tackling all of the challenges carers face, such as

• emotional ups and downs,
• daily practical matters
• legal and financial issues
• moving and handling
• first aid,
• better communication

Besides the tackling practical issues, carers have told us that the programme offers a social setting, where they can offer and receive support from other carers who understand the issues of being an unpaid carer - feeling like ‘Finally, I’m not alone!!’