A new resource designed to support unpaid carers through some of the most challenging changes in their caring journey has been launched across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.
Caring through change – Handbook to support unpaid carers has been developed through partnership working between Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Cardiff Council, Vale of Glamorgan Council, Compassionate Cymru and Age Cymru, and importantly, through co-production with unpaid carers themselves. The handbook recognises the vital role unpaid carers play in supporting loved ones and aims to provide information and reassurance when circumstances change.
The handbook was officially launched on 1 October at the Cardiff and Vale Regional Unpaid Carers Assembly. The programme for this year’s Assembly was developed with unpaid carers and has a particular focus on transitions and changes within the caring journey. This shared focus highlights how timely the new resource is and reflects the issues that are currently a priority for many unpaid carers across Cardiff and the Vale.
Change is an inevitable part of caring. It may happen gradually as someone’s health or needs change, or more suddenly following a new diagnosis, a move into residential care or bereavement. For unpaid carers, whose caring role can become central to everyday life, these transitions can have a significant emotional and practical impact.
The handbook brings useful information together in one place, covering a new or changed diagnosis, anticipatory grief, sharing care at home, managing stress and anxiety, residential care, sudden or unexpected loss, bereavement and life after caring. It also signposts carers to local and national organisations that can provide further help and support.
All of the partner agencies included are extremely proud of this resource and know how vital this information may be to carers, Councillor Norma Mackie of Cardiff Council states.
“Unpaid carers make an enormous contribution to the lives of the people they care for and to our communities, but we know that caring circumstances can change, sometimes very suddenly. Caring through change has been created to provide practical information, reassurance and clear routes to support at the times when carers may need it most. I hope this handbook helps carers to feel better informed and, importantly, reminds them that support is available and they do not have to navigate these changes alone.”
This is echoed by Dr Claire Beynon, Executive Director of Public Health of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.
“Supporting the health and wellbeing of unpaid carers is incredibly important. Caring can be hugely rewarding, but changes in a loved one’s health, care needs or circumstances can also have a significant impact on the carer themselves. This resource is a great example of what we can achieve by working together across health and local government, bringing trusted information and support into one accessible place for carers across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.”
Councillor Eddie Williams, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Social Care and Health, said:
“Unpaid carers make a vital contribution to communities across the Vale of Glamorgan, often balancing caring responsibilities with work, family life and their own wellbeing. This handbook provides practical advice and support during some of the most challenging transitions carers may face and demonstrates our commitment to ensuring carers can access the information and help they need.”
The Caring through change handbook is available in both printed and electronic formats, helping unpaid carers, families and professionals to access and share the resource. It will be widely distributed across community locations including hubs and libraries and GP surgeries following the launch.
Download the Caring through change handbook / Find out how to request a printed copy – https://cavrpb.org/caring-through-change/