Who we are About Us About Us Worcestershire Association of Carers is a registered charity that was founded in 1997 providing an independent source of information, advice and support for unpaid adult carers in Worcestershire. We provide representation for carers at a local and national level and support carers to have a voice in decisions that affect them. We understand the role of unpaid carers and the huge contribution they make to the community. Our Vision Every Carer in Worcestershire is fully recognised and supported in their caring role Our Mission To enhance the lives of Carers, empowering them to make informed choices that positively influence their lives Our Aims Increase the number of carers identified and receiving support in Worcestershire Raise awareness of caring within the wider population in the county Develop and provide quality support and services in response to carer needs throughout Worcestershire, with greater reach, into parts of the community which have been traditionally hard to reach A greater voice for carers to influence policy making and service planning that affects their lives Develop WAC as an effective and sustainable organisation Increase the number of volunteers involved in WAC Worcestershire Integrated Carers Hub The new Worcestershire Integrated Carers Hub supported by Worcestershire County Council and the three Clinical Commissioning Groups launched on 1st July 2016. The Hub supports unpaid adult carers across the County and builds on Worcestershire Association of Carers current provision, by providing a one stop shop for carers. The services that we provide include: Carer Pathway Advisors: They provide information, advice and support by telephone and in drop in information points across the county. Health and Social Care Engagement and Community & Partnerships: The two teams work closely with partner organisations to raise awareness of the needs of carers, help us reach more carers and improve carer’s access to Hub services. Carer training: Adult carers can access information, advice, support and training, tailored to their individual needs all in one place. Listening Ear: A telephone befriending service which supports those who are caring for someone close to the end of their life. Carer Talktime: Regular telephone contact with one of our trained volunteers to reduce the isolation that carers can experience. Carer Groups: These support groups are held once a month throughout the county, run by carers but supported by WAC. To find out more, call the Carers’ helpline on 0300 012 4272, visit www.carersworcs.org.uk or email: [email protected] The helpline is open Monday - Friday 9am - 7pm, Saturday 9am - 12 noon.