Support Resources

AMANDA JERMAN
TEAM LEADER AND CARERS' ADVISER FOR WARWICK DISTRICT

I am able to offer up to date information on a number of subjects including: benefits, help at home and having a break. I work flexibly, offering telephone support, meetings in an informal location and home visits when necessary. 

I also facilitate two Carers support groups, in Kenilworth and Leamington.  The groups run monthly and provide the opportunity to meet other Carers, listen to interesting speakers and talk to an adviser.

Having the opportunity to talk with other Carers and meet an adviser can help relieve the feelings of isolation and loneliness  that many Carers feel.  Please call the office if you would like more information on groups, or look at the groups section of the website.

ANN JACKSON
CARERS’ ADVISER  SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE

I previously worked for South Wawickshire Carers' Support Service as a Primary Care Development Worker.  Sadly funding ran out for that post. I am now glad to be back in the service in the role of Carers' Adviser.  My post is generic and covers all of South Warwickshire.  I will be attending the monthly Shipston and Studley Carers' groups and I look forward to meeting local family Carers to welcoming new members.

BRENDA WATTS
CARERS’ ADVISER FOR CARERS’ OF ADULTS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES

I have worked with families who have a member with learning disabilities for a number of years and worked in this organisation as Carers Adviser for Carers of Adults with Learning Disabilities for over five years. I am guided by carers and aim to respond to their needs. This has meant that the work is interesting and wide-ranging. I support three groups all specifically for Carers of Learning Disabled; one meets quarterly in Stratford; one meets monthly in Warwick; and one independent group who meet at Warwick. The groups tend to focus on sharing the wealth of information, support and expertise held within the membership and this is enhanced by information from outside speakers. I attend various meetings to keep me up to date with new developments and to make sure the needs of the carers who I represent are not overlooked. As with the other Carers Advisers I can make home visits or come to the workplace in a lunch break or meet carers while they are out shopping. I know I don’t have all the answers but it I always try to find out answers to whatever questions are directed to me by carers.

CAROLINE HAFFNER
CARER'S ADVISOR TO CARERS OF A CHILD WITH AN ILLNESS OR DISABILITY

In my role I have met many courageous parents doing awe inspiring work bringing up their children. My role has been to offer whatever emotional or other support needed to enable them to keep up the good work. I have made sure that I have linked in with the various agencies engaged in working with the children and now have a better understanding of the assessment process and getting a special need statement. When the professionals come across families they consider need additional help they can refer them to our services.

Self-referrals are welcome and parents often spread the word between themselves. In the first instance, we chat about the issues over a cup of tea and then work out what I can do to help. I research information, make phone calls, attend meetings in a supporting role, sometimes taking notes, write letters, arrange meetings and sometimes introduce carers to each other where they can support each other. I attend on-going support groups and run my own support groups for Parent Carers in the Stratford and Leamington District. 

Recently SWCSS ran, in conjunction with other agencies, a communication course specifically for parents on “Social Stories and Comic Strip Conversations”. This proved very popular and we have a waiting list of parents who wish us to offer more courses for parents this year.

Coping with the challenging behaviour of children with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorders) is an area where parents need help. I have access to excellent resources, so don’t hesitate to contact me: 01926 485486 or e-mail: caroline@swcss.org.uk

LYNDA McEVOY
CARERS’ ADVISER FOR STRATFORD DISTRICT

I have been working for voluntary agencies in Warwickshire for the past 13 years. Over seven of those have been as an adviser with SWCSS which I joined, having gained a lot of experience by caring for my mother for many years.

My work involves offering help to carers by visiting them at home and by organising the local support groups in Stratford, Southam and Alcester.

Groups enable carers to meet on a regular basis for mutual support, receiving information about relevant issues and social activity through outings and pamper days.

Also carers gain confidence by meeting other carers and especially knowing all about carers rights.