Carers Week – A life of my own
Each year the importance of carers is recognised during national Carers Week. This year Sense Scotland partnered with Carers Scotland to hold an event at TouchBase, as part of Carers Week. It was a big success with a welcome mix of seriously useful information, expert demonstrations as well as time for carers to relax in the various chill-out sessions.
Isobel Allen OBE, a Sense Scotland Trustee and former trustee of Carers Scotland, welcomed everyone and drew attention to the results of a recent survey conducted for Carers Week, that found: 70% of people in Scotland who look after an ill, frail or disabled loved one do not have a life outside their caring role. 76% have lost touch with family and friends as a result of their role as a carer. Not only is this socially isolating but it also means that they have fewer people to rely on to help with caring. 78% say they’re worse off financially and 47% say they’ve had to give up work
Thanks must also go to contributors:
Sandra Allen of Tunstall, who demonstrated a huge range of Telecare equipment Paul Begley and Fiona Collie, from Carers Scotland, who presented a DVD that showed how Telecare is being used in many different situations to help support people in their own home. Nicola Smith and Sophie Dobson from Cairn Trust Management, who specialise in managing trusts for people with complex support needs - for more information go to www.cairntrusts.co.uk Lori Duncan and her mum Jane demonstrated Penfriend, as well as Jaws, a text-to-speech screenreading program Selena Begley, the new face of the Family Fund in Scotland was that people were aware of the changes that now allow more people to apply to them for a grant - more information from the Family Fund at www.familyfund.org.uk from where you can find out answers to frequently asked questions. Stress busting sessions included Reflexology, Indian Head Massage, a nail bar and relaxation/visualisation,
If you’d like to find out more about any of these resources contact Dr. Stuart Aitken on phone: 0141 429 0294
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