Events to help spread the word about Carers support

The Support for Carers Service, provided through Optalis in partnership with the Royal Borough and NHS Frimley, supports carers to continue with their important caring role. Carers Social Care Practitioner, Dulsey Tapera is based within the Optalis First Contact Team and has been supporting a number of carers events this year to help spread the word about support available.

This has included attending several World Cafe Events around the Windsor and Maidenhead area and being available to answer questions and provide information. 

Hosting a Carers Forum in September with a seated exercise session 

Support given can be in the form of a Timeout Card, Carers Direct Payment, referral to a service within the local authority or signposting to a community support group, depending on the outcome of the assessment. For example, young carers are assessed and supported through Family Action, dementia carers are referred to the Dementia Care Advisors and Alzheimer’s Dementia Support. We also have Community Support Workers based in the Mental Health Team who provide support to mental health carers.

The direct payment given to carers can be spent on things that make their caring role easier. They may also be eligible for a Timeout Card which gives access to a leisure centre in order for them to have a break from caring and to care for their own wellbeing. Respite makes a huge difference to the carer and to the person cared for. Other services available for carers through the council include parking permits and companion bus passes – see the council’s website for more details.