Supporting carers through Carers Week

As part of Carers Week (6 – 12 June 2022), the Trust offered local services, groups and carer champions funding to host events throughout the week.

Awarded from the Trust’s ‘caring for carers fund’ and supported by NHS Charities Together and EyUp!, the funding saw groups such as the carers wellbeing service in Calderdale host meals out and afternoon teas for local carers.

Lydia Woodall, team leader at Making Space in Halifax who host the carers wellbeing service, said: “We had great feedback from carers stating how nice it was to have a meal or afternoon tea out. It gave carers a break from caring and chance to meet other carers and form peer support.”

The family and friends team at Barnsley Recovery and Wellbeing College also hosted a Scarborough respite coach trip for 13 carers who are supported by the team.

Kathryn Hines, family and friends practitioner at Barnsley Recovery and Wellbeing College, said: “The seaside trip allowed carers to relax, reduce their stress levels, breathe in fresh sea air and exercise outdoors; helping to take their minds off their caring responsibilities at home.

“By our team organising and funding the trip it also took away responsibilities of driving and parking, alongside financial worries about being able to afford a day out.

“Carers also shared that the trip allowed them to build their confidence in going out in public again, with some carers not being away from home since before the first COVID lockdown.”

Funding also allowed afternoon teas for carers within the Wakefield community learning disabilities team, Prince of Wales Hospice and the GOSH carers group.