Caring counts
Carer Support Moray Autumn 2024
What can we do for you?
Now we’re settled in our new office, we thought it would be worth highlighting exactly what we’re here to do.
Support carers to complete/refresh their Adult Carer Support Plan/Young Carer Statement to help identify the impact of their caring role, and the supports to help. Completed ACSPs/YCSs go to the Social Worker for Unpaid Carers for further assessment.
Information and advice to help carers manage their caring role and its impact on them.
Referral and signposting to specialist agencies able to help, including, where appropriate, Community Care, OTs and other health and care professionals.
A listening ear, and sometimes counselling (adult carers only) for when carers need to talk to someone who understands and can help them navigate the emotions linked to their caring role.
Peer support to meet other carers and share the ups and downs of caring.
Learning and skills opportunities to help carers develop the confidence to cope with their caring role, and to continue to look after their own health and wellbeing to maintain a life of their own alongside caring.
Help carers think about how to take regular breaks from caring and occasionally, we may be able to offer funding and support to do so.
Present a carer perspective on behalf of the carers registered with us at local, regional and national meetings and events.
Equally important is knowing what we CAN’T do:
• provide homecare, nor fund its provision
• enable receipt of Carer Support Payments (carers have to do this directly with Social Security Scotland)
• award SDS to carers – completed ACSPs are sent to Moray Council for assessment against established eligibility criteria, from which that decision is made.
Carers’ Catch Up
It can be difficult trying to find time for yourself when you’re a carer. But it really is important that you do.
Getting used to spending too much time alone can do damage. Isolation can become a place of comfort, of security. Not having to face the world on a regular basis and deal with people, other than the essentials, can seem much more straightforward. The caring role is so full-on, prioritising it provides justification. As you begin to choose isolation, over time your previous confidence reduces or completely disappears, and the thought of getting out and meeting people makes you anxious and stressed.
What started out as prioritising your time can result in you becoming a prisoner at home.
This Carers’ Catch Up is the perfect place to feel more confident about getting out and about again. Run on the first Friday of every month, it gives you a chance to be yourself again and not just someone’s carer. Here’s what those who joined us thought.
“I was feeling a bit nervous when I first came in. I am leaving feeling like this is a safe place, so definitely feel welcomed, which builds my confidence.”
“I feel excited about future meetings and delighted to have spent time. So much useful information.”
“Lovely to have a break away with good company and great blethers. It’s been an escape.”
A quick thank you to those of you who sent in design options for our new service logo. We sent your ideas to our Marketing team, and they worked with them to create the logo you see on the front page and above. What do you think?
- Will Bowen
Short Break Funding - time to live
Who
The fund is open to unpaid carers of all ages in Moray. However, in an effort to ensure awards go to those people who really need them, applications will be prioritised.
When
The fund will open again for applications at 10am on Monday 9 September and close at 5pm on Wednesday 18 September. An email will be sent out or you can contact the office and ask for an application link after 10am on the 9th.
If your application has been successful, you will hear by Friday 27 September. If you’re unsuccessful, you can apply when the fund re-opens for a final time in January. Be aware, not everyone who applies will secure an award as funding is limited.
Why
The ethos of Time to Live funding is to ensure unpaid carers can:
• have more of a life of their own
• improve their wellbeing
• be better able to continue caring
While getting away for a few days can be blissful, we would encourage you to consider longer-term benefits that continue to reduce your stress, improve your wellbeing, build your resilience and give you something to look forward to again and again.
What
Breaks come in all shapes and sizes. You’re the one who knows what’ll work for you. You can:
• take the break on your own or include your cared for in the break
• stay in Moray or go somewhere different
• spend all your money on one thing or buy lots of smaller breaks
• stay somewhere overnight or go on a day trip/s
The choices are endless but remember, this money is all about improving your wellbeing and resilience, and enabling you to put yourself first for a change.
If you have any questions or queries about the Time to Live Fund or Respitality, on page 6, please get in touch.
Respitality is a Shared Care Scotland short break programme managed locally by us in Moray. Taking advantage of breaks kindly donated free of charge by local and national organisations, the programme is designed to match unpaid carers with relevant short breaks they would not normally find easy to take.
Avril, a parent carer who looks after her son who has Asperger’s, ADHD, Tourette’s, OCD and co-morbid disorders, contacted Quarriers in desperate need of a break.
“The past few months have been mentally challenging for me as I’ve been suffering from depression and exhaustion. My son’s vocal/body tics have also been quite severe at times.”
Quarriers suggested a Respitality break kindly donated by the Highland Wildlife Park, near Aviemore, for both of them. A day out in a stunning location could be just what they needed. Avril agreed:
“It would be somewhere different to go to as my son has never been. He loves animals and outdoors is like therapy to him as it reduces his tics and anxiety. It also helps him to relax, which then helps me. We both would benefit from this and it will be a joy seeing his face light up looking at the animals so close!”
Spending a Respitality day together with natural beauty all around did exactly what it was meant to.
“It was something to look forward to and a lovely surprise for my son. He didn’t know about it, so it was like a mystery tour for him. It was a joy to see him so relaxed around all the animals, especially the wildcat kittens - his favourite and mine! He enjoyed seeing polar bears for the first time.”
Avril even found the journey there uplifting: “It was lovely to see different scenery on the way to the park. It gave me such a boost to my wellbeing.”
The day helped Avril reset and gave her son an experience to treasure. They summed it up themselves when they said, “We both had a great time!”
