SWINDON CARERS NETWORK
SWINDON CARERS NETWORK was started by Swindon Carers Centre in order that family , partners, close friends or neighbours who are the main providers of community care are properly consulted and involved in the planning of health and social services.
Any person who is looking after a member of their family, partner, close friend or neighbour can become involved with the Network's activities. All carers known to the Centre automatically receive mailing about the Network.
SWINDON CARERS NETWORK - is formally recognised by both Swindon Borough Council and Swindon Primary Care Trust as the main organisation to whom they refer when needing to consult or involve carers.
SWINDON CARERS NETWORK - holds a meeting once a year for all members to discuss progress being made by the various planning groups and to comment and contribute to future planning of community care services.
Work is carried out by three main planning and reference groups:
PLANNING GROUP - LEARNING DISABILITY:
A joint group for parents of children and adults with a learning disability.
REFERENCE GROUP - OLDER PEOPLE/PHYSICAL DISABILITY:
A joint group for carers with the responsibility of looking after an older person or someone with a physical disability.
REFERENCE GROUP - MENTAL HEALTH ADULTS (18-65 yrs):
A group for carers who are looking after and adult with mental health problems.
On issues relating to young people and children with caring responsibilities we work jointly with Swindon Young Carers. Young carers have produced their own version of a Carers' Policy and Strategy.
The learning disability planning group meets monthly and the reference groups meet quarterly to work on the various action plans contained within the Swindon Carers' Policy and Strategy and other developments that are taking place. The groups also support any carer who is representing their group at planning level.
Some members of the planning groups represent the Network by attending other meetings associated with joint planning for health and social services.
These include:
- Joint Commissioning Board - Mental Health;
- Joint Working Group - Carers;
- Learning Disability Partnership Board and its various sub-groups;
- Swindon Mental Health Local Implementation Group
In addition, all members can be asked for their views either directly or via postal questionnaires so that carers can be consulted or involved with:
- The development of new services including the new Carers' Charters;
- Any review of services to ensure they are of good quality and meet carer's needs;
- Commenting on leaflets designed for users and carers;
- Training for staff within health and social services;
- Taking part in the recruitment process for key posts within both health and social services.
Contact: If you would like to know more about the SWINDON CARERS NETWORK or become involved on one of the planning or reference groups, or any other aspects of the work please contact:
Deb Bignell
Development Manager
Swindon Carers Centre
1 Wood Street
Swindon SN1 4AN
Tel: 01793 531133
Fax: 01793 533530
Email: deb.bignell@prtc-swindon.org
Carers Network Member