A handbook designed to support unpaid carers through changes in their caring journey has been launched across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.
Caring through change – Handbook to support unpaid carers was developed through partnership working between Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Cardiff Council, Vale of Glamorgan Council, Compassionate Cymru and Age Cymru, and through co-production with unpaid carers themselves.
It 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 focuses on transitions and changes within the caring journey.
The handbook brings together information on 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.
It is available in printed and electronic formats and will be widely distributed across community locations including hubs, libraries and GP surgeries following the launch. It can be downloaded, or a printed copy requested, at https://cavrpb.org/caring-through-change/
Councillor Norma Mackie of Cardiff Council said: “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.”
Dr Claire Beynon, Executive Director of Public Health of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, said: “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.”
