Carers

Information for carers of people with MS in the Wessex and West Region.

There are over 6 million carers, in the UK, young and old. One million providing care for over 50 hours a week. Are you one of this dedicated band? We hope the information on this page will help you in this valuable role.

If you need more information about caring, please do not hesitate to ring the MS Society Helpline 0808 800 8000 or contact The Princess Royal Trust for Carers.

Young Carers will find their Young Carers Net site very interesting and supportive as is the www.youngcarer.com site.

If you are a professional working with carers? Then these are the links for you www.carers.org/professionals and Young Carers Initiative.

MS Society Supporting Carers

The MS Society provides support at three levels:

  • National
  • Regional and
  • Branch level.

 The MS Society's Carers Programme has brought together under one umbrella the many and varied activities that are already taking place. The new commitment at national level to develop the delivery of services and local support has resulted in better support for carers of people with MS.

The Regional Committee is looking for a volunteer to liaise with Branch Support Officers and National Centre to ensure effective delivery of welfare support including support by the Society to carers. The regional Support Development Officer's role in this process is described on the Regional Web Pages.

Many branches arrange Carers' Group meetings and signposting to other sources of help and information. Some local Primary Care Trusts run a 'Looking after Me' Carers' Course. All Local Authorities have a duty to to assess carers' needs and many have programmes of meetings and social events. Doctors' surgeries and health centres also have carers meetings where professionals can give advice and support. The St Johns Ambulance Brigade and the British Red Cross also run courses for carers from time to time.


Young Carers Festival 2007 on YouTube

Click Title to go to YouTube Page


Highlights

Carers Rights Day

Friday December 5th is Carers UK's Carers Rights Day 2008 to raise awareness of the needs of carers, increase take up of benefits and to make sure carers know their rights.


Helpful Website Links

Please let your Web Pages Editor know of any links for carers, specific to the Wessex & West Region, that you would like to see below.

Links:

MS Society's Carers' Home Page

MS Society's Young Carers' Page

MS Society's Free Publications for Carers

The Princess Royal Trust for Carers - working with the MS Society to support carers.

The Princess Royal Trust for Carers,  Young Carers Net

The Children's Society  National Young Carers Initiative

Carers UK, The Voice of Carers, campaigning for Carers.

Crossroads - Caring for Carers.

ACE National Partnership - led by Carers UK, the partnership is working to support the inclusion of carers in training and work, funded by the European Social Fund's Equal programme.

MS Active Source - find your Local Multiple Sclerosis or Carer Support Group.

The  St John Ambulance Brigade and the  British Red Cross - both run courses for carers.

Jewish Care

Carers Christian Fellowship

Black and Minority Ethnic Carers