Published 9th July 2021 by

Throughout July and August a series of information sessions are being held specifically designed and delivered to help you if you are looking after a family member or friend. If you are a carer, these sessions delivered by Norfolk & Suffolk Care Support, will help you to manage your caring responsibilities and know more about the support that is available to you.

Upcoming dates

  • July dates – 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st and 27th July.
  • August dates – 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 26th and 27th

These sessions will be held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 11am and 12.30pm. If you are interested in joining one or more of these sessions, please contact Sarah Okatan by email: educationandtraining@carersmatternorfolk.org.uk

The sessions will be virtual and will be delivered on Zoom.

The type of topics covered

Navigating the Health and Social Care System – It can be difficult to find your way around the system and to know who to talk to, and when. This session will help you with this. It will provide you with a map, along with some useful phone numbers and websites, and an explanation of how you can make use of them.

The Carers Assessment – What is a carers assessment? How can you organise one? Where can you go for support? All of these questions are answered in this session and you’ll also learn more about how to access support as a carer, and how a Carers Assessment can help you get what you need.

A Checklist for Carers – Are you getting the support you’re entitled to? This session provides more information about the support that’s available, benefits that you might be entitled to and the support and benefits that the person you are caring for might be eligible to receive. This is a great session to attend if you’re new to caring or if you need to top-up your knowledge.

The Care Needs Assessment – What is the care needs assessment?  Has the person you’re caring for received one? This session covers what the assessment is, how you can organise one and information and questions to consider before and after the assessment.

Finances and Benefits – Are you getting the benefits you’re entitled to as a carer?  Do you need information and advice about finances?  This session goes into the various benefits for carers and the person you are caring for.  You’ll be signposted to organisations and helplines to help you to get the information and support you need.

Choosing and Paying for Care – This session looks at your options if you need to access emergency or respite care for the person you care for along with more long term options.  You’ll also learn more about the different care provisions (residential and homecare) in Norfolk and how your loved one’s needs will be assessed as part of their Care Needs Assessment.  You’ll learn more about the criteria used to assess a person’s eligibility for support from Norfolk County Council and will have the chance to learn more about organisations that can support you in choosing care.

And coming up… we are also looking to hold future sessions covering topics such as wellbeing, isolation and loneliness, positive thinking, moving and positioning, seated exercise and assistive technology. The dates for August are 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 26th and 27th August.