The Princess Royal Trust Carers of West Dunbartonshire

Carers of West Dunbartonshire

Carers of West Dunbartonshire is an independent, voluntary organisation which is managed by a voluntary Board of Directors. The service is principally funded by West Dunbartonshire Council and is affiliated to the Princess Royal Trust for Carers. There are approximately 10,000 carers living in West Dunbartonshire.

The organisation aims to provide a range of services which will support carers and allow them to fulfil their caring role in the most healthy, knowledgeable and positive manner.

The service operates from one main office in Clydebank and also operates a varitety of outreach bases within Dumbarton and Alexandria. The main office is open Monday - Friday from 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

During these times carers from across West Dunbartonshire are welcome to drop - in, telephone or visit by prior arrangement. Who is a carer? A carer is someone of any age who looks after and supports a relative or friend, who because of their disabilty, illness, frailty or addiction, would not otherwise be able to live independently at home.

Many carers provide a substantial amounts of regular care and are not paid for the help and support they give. Caring for someone can be very stressful. Carers often have little help and regularly suffer financially, physically and emotionally.

Outreach Venues We operate a variety of outreach bases within Dumbarton and Alexandria

Tuesday - Learning Disabilty Resource Centre, Bruce Street Dumbarton. From 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday - St Augustine's Church Hall. St Mary's Way, Dumbarton. From 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Friday - Vale of Leven Hospital, Alexandria. From 9:15 a.m. - 1.00 p.m.

How to Register? If you would like to register with the Carers' Centre, you can do so by telephoning or visiting our main office.

Sainsburys Drumchapel - Charity of the Year!

We are delighted that Sainsburys Drumchapel has nominated Carers of West Dunbartonshire as their Charity of the year. We are particualy pleased as the nomination came from staff who work in the store and who have recognised the importance of supporting carers.

The year ahead will consist of the store's employees holding fundraising events and encouraging customers to support the Carers' Centre. By acknowledging the significant role which unpaid carers have within our community and the challanges which they face Sainsburys Drumchapel has demonstrated that it is committed to ensuring the well - being of it's workforce and customers, many of whom will themselves be caring for someone.

As a large local employer and retailer Sainsbury's plays a key role within our community. We are confident and excited that together we can demonstrate that the business sector and voluntary sector can work in partnership to improve the quality of lives of the carers within our local community.

Simon Ross, Store Manager said " as someone who lives and works in the local area, I am delighted that we are supporting such a valuable local cause. This is an exciting partnership and I am confident that by working with the Carers' Centre, together we can make a real impact on carers lives."

If you would like to support the Carers' Centre, collection tins will be situated at the cash desk, the cafe and the petrol station for you to make a donation.

CARERS – DON’T FORGET YOUR FLU JAB!

If you look after a partner, relative, friend or neighbour who can’t get by on their own, you’re entitled to ask your own GP for a free flu jab. This is important because if you get the flu, you may be too ill to look after them. Call your GP practice for further details.

CARERS WEEK!

The trust is one of the nine national partners of Carers' Week, whose theme this year is -

"In sickness and in health"and aims to highlight the fact that carers’ health and safety is of paramount importance.

Carers of West Dunbartonshire will use the week to celebrate and recognise the contribution which carers make to those they care for and to their communities. We have planned a variety of events and awareness raising activities events which will pay tribute to local carer.  We are asking carers;