Join Swindon Carers Centre online for Carers Rights Day

An online event for Carers Rights Day will give unpaid carers in Swindon looking after a family member, partner or friend the chance to hear from and question health and social care leaders.

Each year, Swindon Carers Centre marks Carers Rights Day by bringing organisations together, to help carers understand their rights and find out about the help and support they are entitled to.

This year’s event, on Friday November 20th, will be held online due to Covid-19 at a time when the pandemic is creating many additional pressures for unpaid carers balancing their caring role with work, education and other commitments.

Following the theme ‘Know Your Rights’, the event is open to all carers, supporters and anyone interested in learning how to better support unpaid carers within their community or workplace.

There will be updates on key topics including: Hospital discharge processes, the Swindon Learning Disability Partnership Board, NHS priorities for carers and Swindon’s Carers Strategy.

Swindon Carers Centre will also be joined for a Question and Answer panel by:

• Robert Buckland, QC MP, Swindon South
• Justin Tomlinson MP, Swindon North
• Sue Wald, Director of Adult Social Services, Swindon Borough Council
• Cllr Brian Ford, Cabinet Member for Adult Health and Social Care, Swindon Borough Council
• David Freeman, Chief Operating Officer, Swindon Locality BSWCCG
• Abbey Mulla, Carer Leadership Support Manager, NHS England South West

Carers will be able to ask questions to speakers, as well as to voice their thoughts and experiences. Anyone unable to attend can submit a question (in advance) by emailing [email protected].

Professionals and trained volunteers at Swindon Carers Centre have been working throughout the Covid-19 pandemic to adapt and continue offering a wide range of support services for unpaid carers in Swindon.

Carole Powell, who became a carer for her son when he broke both of his arms in an accident, said: “Since being registered with Swindon Carers Centre, I have been given excellent support in every way. The team has supported us through this Covid-19 period with birthday surprises, food parcels and gifts along with the regular communications that lift carers’ spirits. Swindon Carers Centre has pulled out all the stops and gone the extra mile to support us as carers.”

Swindon Carers Centre CEO Susanna Jones said: “We know that, due to the pandemic, there are even more people looking after relatives, partners or friends living with an illness, frailty, disability or poor mental health, than before.

“We would encourage carers to join us for this event, and speak directly with health and social care leaders in the town, to ensure carer expertise and experience influences the development of future services.”

Swindon Carers Centre is organising this event on Friday November 20th, starting at 11am. Anyone interested in attending should email [email protected] for a link to join the online event, instructions on how to join and the full agenda.