In addition, there are weekly carer yoga classes in Lisburn and Newtownards with approximately
12 carers attending each class.
The Pharmacy Project is an ongoing initiative to identify unknown carers and the Trust is
supporting this project by providing initial and refresher training regarding carers' issues to
Pharmacists within the Trust area. The Trust is continuing to explore new initiatives to identify
carers such as making links with other agencies and community sector organisations in order for
support to be offered.
The Trust Carer Worker Network quarterly meetings are ongoing. These are effective forums
where Trust, community and voluntary sector workers meet to share support information for carers.
The Carer Implementation Group also meets quarterly and carers from all programmes of care
are involved in this group. Carer subgroups have been exploring new ways of imparting support
information to carers and have been working to revise the Carer Booklet and the information on
the Trust website.
Carers continue to be actively involved in training and support sessions; one carer facilitates
ongoing training titled 'Caring for Carers' which provides advice and guidance on needs, coping
skills and maintaining good health and wellbeing while carrying out the caring role.
• To continue to encourage the uptake of the Carer's Conversation
• To continue to promote short breaks for carers
• To enhance communication systems with carers through production of regular newsletters
and exploring other digital methods such as use of zoom to connect with carers
• To explore new initiatives in order to identify carers not known to the service so that
supports can be accessed
• To organise wellbeing events that will benefit carers
• To continue to work in partnership with stakeholders in order for carers to receive all
supports afforded to them
• To develop co-production work with carers so that future services and supports are
relevant, appropriate and have good outcomes for carers.
NEXT STEPS
"Thank you for organising
the excellent retreat day on Monday.
It was relaxing and therapeutic - even the
weather played ball! I am still feeling the effects
of it and just have to imagine the lovely setting to make
me feel relaxed. I am making new contacts and also
as a result of various talks organised by you, I have
reconnected with people that I knew from way back
which has been lovely".
One carer noted:
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Goal 5: Integrating the Care - Social Care