11:50pm Tuesday 31st August 2010
By Claire Lomax
Help is at hand to improve the health and well-being of the growing army of unpaid carers across the Bradford district.
The award-winning Yorkshire charity Carers’ Resource – which has bases at Shipley and Skipton – is urging the local community to take advantage of more than 25 free training sessions.
Each one is tailored to equip carers with the skills needed to overcome the day-to-day challenges they face – enabling them not only make a positive difference to their own lives, but also those of the family member, friend or neighbour whom they care for.
Part of the national Caring with Confidence programme, the initiative explores practical aspects of day-to-day caring – such as communicating with others; stress and time management; making the most of available benefits; and maintaining health and well-being.
Each session gives carers the opportunity to develop skills, get advice and information, talk and share experiences with others.
Founding director Anne Smyth said: “These sessions reach out into the heart of the community, offering carers an extra dimension of hands-on support and advice.
“Carers have a tough job – it can mean unrelenting pressure, little chance to relax and a lot of worry. We all know how the growing number of carers across Bradford district struggle with their roles while coping with work and family life. Access to training opportunities such as Caring with Confidence can make a really big difference.”
The sessions are free to any carer aged 18 and over and there can be help with the cost of any alternative care required and travel to the venues, which include the Marie Curie Hospice, Eccleshill Library, Bradford and District Autistic Support Group and St Matthew’s Church in Bradford; the Clarke Foley Centre in Ilkley; and Airedale Hospital in Steeton.
Registration forms are available from carersresource.org or on (01274) 449600 or (01756) 700888.
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