Carers Week 5th June 2023 – 11th June 2023
Carers Week is an annual campaign by Carers UK to spread awareness of what caring entails and help those who may not identify as an unpaid carer access support and advice. The theme for 2023 is ‘Recognising and supporting carers in the community’, there is a number of services and charities that can offer help and advice to unpaid carers, and those who suspect they may be a carer, within Swansea.
What is a carer?
According to the NHS, a carer is anyone, which includes children and adults, that look after a family member, partner or friend due to an illness, disability or mental health ailment among many more who cannot live well without their support. Often, these carers are unpaid and on average it can take an individual up to two years to recognise themselves as a carer which can lead to a delay in accessing support. Carers Wales estimates there are more than 370,000 unpaid carers in Wales of all ages and Social Care Wales estimate 12% of the population are unpaid carers.
Advice and Support in Swansea
There are several organisations that can provide support within Swansea and beyond to unpaid carers:
Swansea Carers Centre
There are a number of projects run by Swansea Carers Centre, including the Carers Dementia Service, Young Adult Carers Service and projects to support Male Carers and the B.A.M.E. community. They can provide support on a range of different subjects such as welfare and benefits, support groups, mental health support and counselling and respite care. Swansea Carers Centre can be contacted on 01792 653334, via email on admin@swanseacarerscentre.org.uk or via enquiries on the website. Representatives from the Carers Centre will also be attending the pop up Hwb in Llansamlet Tesco Community Room on Monday 5th June between 10am and 2pm, offering support and advice as well as a Tea & Chat session.
Dementia Carers Count
Dementia Carers Count acts as a virtual carers centre for any individual looking after someone with dementia. This service provides online information and support regarding a range of topics such as carer’s rights and benefits to managing your own physical and mental health. There are also free sessions available to connect with other carers virtually from all over the UK that aim to offer support and education in an informal setting regarding dementia. They are available to contact on 0800 652 1102 for support and advice.
Dementia Support Service
This service covers the Swansea and Neath Port Talbot area and can offer free practical support and guidance to those living or caring for someone with dementia. With a focus on person-centred support and a partnership of five key charities, the Dementia Support Service includes general information and advice, help at home, housing adaption and repairs, at home respite for carers and the opportunity to meet other dementia carers and access additional support through Live and Learn – Dementia. They are available to call on 01792 277778 or email at info@dementiasupportservice.org.uk
Marie Curie
Marie Curie offer a Dementia Care and Respite Service as well as a Dementia Helper Service that covers Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot. The Dementia Care and Respite Service can offer short episodes of care to offer families and carers of individuals with late-stage dementia respite. The Dementia Helper Service can provide a trained volunteer to support with companionship and emotional support, practical help such as attending appointments or social events, offer a break for family and carers and provide information and further support tailored to your area. For more information on either of these services, you can call 02922 678740 or email lat.wales.hub@nhs.net
Swansea North Dementia and Carers Project
Swansea Council for Voluntary Service, in partnership with Cwmtawe Cluster and Llwchwr Cluster, can support individuals who are registered in GP surgeries in Morriston, Llansamlet, Clydach, Gorseinon, Gowerton, Pontarddulais and Penclawdd with supportive coffee morning groups and access to a mentor if required. There are also services for people living with dementia as well as information on respite, community groups and activities. To find out more, you can contact Elaine James, Dementia and Carer Project Worker at SCVS on 07908 742718 or email elaine_james@scvs.org.uk.
To find out more about Carers UK, please visit www.carersuk.org/wales and to read more about how you can get involved with Carers Week 2023, please visit www.carersweek.org and show your support for all those fantastic carers out there!
If you need any additional support or advice, or would like to chat more about Carers Week, feel free to contact us via support@dementiafriendlyswansea.org or telephone on 01792 304519, alternatively you can send a query directly through the website.
Article written by Kayleigh Phillips