AMANDA JERMAN

CARERS’ ADVISER FOR WARWICK DISTRICT

I have worked in Social Care for over 5 years, with most of my time spent supporting carers. I am able to offer up to date advice and information on a number of subjects including, benefits, help at home, carers and employment and many other things. I work flexibly, offering home visits, telephone support and meetings at a convenient location. 

Having the opportunity to talk confidentially on a one to one basis, can help relieve the feelings of loneliness and isolation, that many carers feel.  

Meeting so many carers, has helped me have a better understanding and insight to the very difficult situations many of you face, on a daily basis. I thank you for sharing those experiences with me. My work is varied, I see everyone as unique and individual, with the right to be heard and listened to in confidence.

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

I have worked in other capacities with families who have a family 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 three years.

My role has been to develop this post and I have found the best way to do this has been to be guided by carers and to respond to their needs. This has meant that the work is interesting and wide-ranging. I support three groups; one is for generic Carers including Learning Disabilities who meet in Alcester monthly, one group of only Carers of Learning Disabled who meet quarterly in Stratford and one Independent group of Carers of People with Learning Disabilities who meet at Warwick.

I am a partner in producing in a small information booklet for carers and people with Learning Disabilities in an easy read format called “Bridging the Gap” I also 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 is my job to research the information required by carers.

IAN HARRIS

CARERS’ ADVISER FOR BLACK AND MINORITY ETHNIC COMMUNITIES

Over the years I've been privileged to work with those on the fringes of society, people who have found themselves unexpectedly down on their luck, or in a position where they have to call for the help of others.

I'm sorry to say that this description is a fairly accurate representation of a large number of people who I meet regularly in my work with South Warwickshire Carers' Support Service.  It's an ugly truth that many Carers who get in touch with us are in desperate situations.  When me and my colleagues first meet them, it's no great surprise to find Carers who are exhausted, financially drained and desperately wondering what they have to do to get back a 'normal' life.  And if English is not their first language, can you imagine how much more difficult it is to find help? When racism seems to be part of a daily life that is exhausting enough because you are caring for a family member, who do you turn to?  Where do you go for help?  I'd like to say that this is where I come in.

Apart from my more general work with Carers, working with those from sometimes neglected communities is my specialty.  As the Black and Minority Ethnic Advisor for South Warwickshire Carers' Support Service, I work with representatives of the Polish, Portuguese, Caribbean, Asian and Irish communities (and others).  Together we look at the difficulties that particular individuals face and try our best to smooth the way towards what people deserve and are entitled to.

IAN HARRIS

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

I’ve been in post for a year now and looking back over what felt like a short year 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 hope to get our own support groups up and running this year.

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.

LYNDA McEVOY