As we approach the Christmas period and draw closer to the end of another year I would like to take this opportunity to wish all local carers and those who are working alongside them the very best for the holidays and New Year.
We Care You Care journey
I have now been Project Lead on We Care You Care for nearing two years and what a journey it has been, both personally and professionally.
We Care You Care has been developed to help people looking after loved ones in the South Tees area to recognise they are in a caring role and have information and resources at hand to make informed choices and access support should they need it.
In this time we have created and developed our website which is jam-packed with information, advice, tools and signposting for carers and those working alongside them. We have developed our Facebook page and have created and shared 29 e-bulletins with local professionals. We are the branding and communications arm of the South Tees Carers Forum and have connected to a wide range of organisations. I have presented the project to teams who are likely to come in contact with carers including Adult Social Care Teams, local housing support teams, social prescribing teams and community services and will be continuing this in the New Year. I have had the absolute pleasure of meeting some incredible local carers who have shared their stories with me to raise awareness through our communication channels and support our local carers campaigns. I look forward to expanding this work in the New Year and meeting many more local carers and highlighting the realities of looking after loved ones.
Over the festive period when the pressures of caring can mount up I would urge anybody who is feeling overwhelmed, feeling isolated or feeling like they are at breaking point to ask for help. The one thing I have been really impressed with is the fantastic range of services available across the South Tees area and their genuine commitment to supporting local carers. Make use of them!
Find out about what local support is available to you.
I hope you manage to have a happy holiday period whether you celebrate Christmas or not and are able to find time to prioritise your needs. Very best wishes for the New Year.
Kelly, Project Lead.
