Alness first stop for Highland carers roadshow – with Ullapool and Dingwall to follow
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PEOPLE in unpaid caring roles can find out about potentially life-changing help available to them at a roadshow event visiting Alness next week.
From September 20 to October 6, events are happening throughout Highland to let people know about the help available for people with unpaid caring roles.
The Alness event is at the Perrin’s Centre main hall on Wednesday, September 20. There's another in Ullapool at the Macphail Centre on Tuesday, September 26 and at the National Hotel in Dingwall on Wednesday, September 27.
A spokesperson for the roadshow explained: "It’s estimated that one in three of us will be carers at some point. We may not even realize that we are carers because we just find ourselves caring for a relative or a neighbour. This can be a reciprocal and easy arrangement, but there is rarely a plan for what you will do if the caring becomes more time-consuming or begins limiting your own life.
"Consequently you can become so immersed in caring that you don’t have time to see what help is on offer to give you a boost. You don’t have to be in receipt of carers allowance to qualify for help and support.
"The Short Breaks fund, for example, could help an unpaid carer to take a short holiday or enjoy their hobby. Perhaps an ebike is what would make a real difference to your quality of life as an unpaid carer, a sewing machine or getting a gardener round if things are becoming a bit wild outside.
"One person used the fund to pay for a dog walker for a year, as that was one less thing to worry about, another bought a self-care massage package for a year. Additionally, there are many Highland organisations offering unpaid carer support such as befriending, creative fun projects, emotional support, advocacy and more practical help."
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Acknowledging that simply identifying what help is available can be tricky, a host of agencies have collaborated to launch a Highland Roadshow with events in Fort William, Aviemore as far west as Skye and into Thurso and Wick.
It's a chance to meet face to face with the real people who can help you in a completely informal environment where there’s no such thing as a silly question.
The spokeswoman said: "Online services are great but can seem complicated or alienating to lots of folk. Another reason for the Roadshows is to bring people together, so we’re encouraging not only unpaid carers, but professionals and potential volunteers to come as well."
Leading the initiative for NHS Highland, Jennifer Campbell says: "We’re really hoping to reach carers who are ‘off-radar’. In Highland, there are thousands of people of all ages working hard to support a neighbour, friend or relative, but many aren’t aware that there is any help available to them personally. There’s clearly a natural tendency to concentrate on the person being cared for before yourself. We want to offer support before someone becomes overwhelmed. Sometimes small things can make a big difference.
"Last year we funded glass-blowing equipment for a carer who loves his hobby and shares it with his brother. They find it relaxing and rewarding and now even make a bit of money selling their beautiful work locally."
Creativity In Care – a community interest company based in Ross-shire – will be hosting the Alness event at the Perrin’s Centre main hall on Wednesday, September 20.
“Feel free to drop in for refreshments and chat anytime between 11am and 2:30pm”, said Karrie Marshall, director. “You can chat with our friendly colleagues and partners from Befrienders Highland, Thriving Families, Highland Hospice, NHS Highland, Partners In Advocacy, Scottish Fire Service, Alzheimer’s Scotland, Connecting Carers, Change Mental Health, Laughing Geese Ltd, and more… all involved in supporting unpaid carers and hosting events around the Highlands to raise awareness. People involved with Creativity In Care will also be happy to tell you about how therapeutic they’ve found the arts for dealing with their caring role, and about what’s coming up this winter online and in person.”
Ring Karrie on 07716111585 if you want to chat before the event or ring Lori on 07966 565 138 to find out more about the event closest to you.
