Saturday morning saw us up early and out to see to the horses before setting off for the carers exhibition at St. Mary’s Church in Alsager. Not that I am carer myself but I was anxious to see what was on offer for people who find themselves in that position. The good news is that there is alot of help available but the problem is communicating that fact to those who are actively caring.
The first group we met with were the lovely ladies of St. Luke’s Community Outreach team. Service manager Joyce Key explained that the Outreach team offer assistance to patients and their carers during serious illness and bereavement. They operate a Support Centre, staffed by volunteers, which is open for two days a week. Another important aspect of their work is operating the Community Volunteer Scheme which is ably coordinated by Kath Knight. The Community Volunteers are trained home visitors who help reduce isolation and relieve stress by offering practical support and companionship in the patient’s own home. Patients registered at Alsager Health Centre, Scholar Green or Rode Heath Surgeries may be referred or you can contact the service direct on 01606 555819.
The next group we chatted with were from Demenshare. This innovative group have developed a website for dementia sufferers and their carers which provides lots of information and a message board allowing people to get in touch with others in a similar situation. The project is supported by Cheshire East Council, Age UK Cheshire, Central and Eastern Cheshire PCT and Opportunity Links. Click onto Demenshare.com to access the service and share your experience.
Finally, we chatted with Lucia Scally from Cheshire East Healthwatch about their new service. Healthwatch will give information about health and social care services, listen to peoples views about those services and look at the way those services are provided in the future. Cheshire East Healthwatch are currently consulting residents for their views and have put together a questionnaire to aid them in directing services. If you live in the Cheshire East area and would like to contribute click on the link Healthwatch and complete the questionnaire.
An useful, informative and enjoyable morning all in all with some inspirational people with great innovative ideas! If you would like further information on any aspects of help available for carers and what we do to help here at Keen Pharmacy just click on the link to contact us.
