Bournemouth and Poole residents who provide unpaid care to a relative or friend, who could not manage without their help because of health and social care needs, are set to benefit from the launch of a new Carers’ Centre.
The centre is based at St. Ambrose Cottage, 42 Alumhurst Road, Westbourne, Bournemouth, in the grounds of Alumhurst Day Centre. The small team there provide support to help people continue their caring role while looking after their own health and wellbeing.
Services available include advice and information, a sitting service for the person they care for, taking a short break, training, a listening ear, and a friendly welcome on a Tuesday afternoons when carers can ‘drop in’ for a cup of tea and a chat. There is also a computer that carers, with help if they need it, can use to find information on-line.
The initiative involves Bournemouth Borough Council and Borough of Poole working together and is also supported by funding from Dorset CCG. This consolidates the joint working that has taken place since 2008 when they agreed their first joint carers strategy.
Councillor Blair Crawford, Bournemouth Council’s Cabinet member for Adult Social Care, said:“We value local unpaid carers and want to do all we can to support them. The Carers Centre will make life easier for them and the loved-ones they support in the community. The right information, advice and services at the right time can make a real difference to carers’ own health and enable them to continue their caring role.”
Councillor Karen Rampton, Cabinet Member for Health and Well-Being for Poole, said: “I’m delighted that, by working in partnership we are able to provide this Carers Centre. I’m humbled by the dedication and commitment our carers in Poole give to their family and friends day in and day out. It’s so important that we, the Council, support our carers to look after their own well-being as well as those they care for.”
The number of ‘drop in’ times for carers will increase throughout the year. Carers are encouraged to join the free information service to find out about local support, events and the range of ways they can take a short break by calling the team on 01202 458204.
The centre will also offer carers the opportunity to get involved as volunteers, brush up on office skill if they are thinking of returning to work, help keep the beach huts and holiday lodges in tip top condition, buddy up with carers attending one of the social events for the first time, and join in to make sure that other carers have help and support.
