YHIP have recently facilitated a series of new ways of working learning sets for service users and carers. Attendance was via an expression of interest process and there were 13 successful applicants. Attendees had varied experience in user and carer involvement and whilst for some the ALS was very much a personal journey, for others the process provided a platform to further enhance, develop and inspire their involvement and engagement. An excellent example of which is the work of Anita and Diana, two carers from Rotherham who felt the learning sets provided them with information, networks and inspiration to further enhance the excellent work of carers for carers (C4C).
C4c started in 2000 initially as campaigning group, which then went on to provide a formal structure in response to Standard 6 of the National service framework, working in partnership with a number of agencies and provider organisations. However whilst that is the official description the true reason behind its conception was born out of anger and frustration and “not wanting others to experience what I had to go through” C4C is a group of ordinary carers from Rotherham who know the stresses that carers feel and aim to make life better for them. C4C members are all volunteers, there is no hierarchy, no leader, and everyone is equal and valued for the skills, diversity and experience they bring to the group. In essence C4C “looks at peoples wants, needs and issues and does something to address them, moving away from a box ticking exercise. It is often professionals and bureaucracy that make simple solutions complicated”. To find out what the issues were C4C actually asked carers what was really happening, using simple and meaningful questions, and the response was fantastic providing accurate information to feed into professional forums.
With the exception of £1000 received in 2006 and a small office funded by the council, C4C does not receive any formal funding. It relies on the tenacity and enthusiasm of its members who apply for various pots of money and small grants, from a variety of sources, as well as utilising the skills of its members to raise funds. It is the strengths of its members and a pyramid approach to skill sharing that has enable C4C to undertake and deliver a vast amount of activities which include: Wrap training, Mental Health first aid training, Ministry of food pass it on, Phoenix social group and Ring around Carers to name but a few.
Ring around carers was developed to support isolated carers, new carers or those in crisis. It is organised and manned by C4C members who take it in turns to ring vulnerable carers to offer support, whilst also providing carers with a point of contact if required. Whilst not replacing existing services it provides an excellent community network and support structure from those and for those with personal experience of the issues that face carers on a daily basis.
The work of C4C is tireless and the list is endless but the following activities give an insight into the enthusiasm and creativity of the group.
‘Fat woman swimming in the dark’ – began with 2 carers checking out the local 7-9pm aquarobics class and attendance by C4C members has now steadily increased. The class is for woman only, has woman lifeguards and is shielded from the spectators which makes it ideal for those who lack in confidence or whose cultural beliefs do not allow them be seen undressed in public. Following the class the group meet in the sauna to discuss a variety of issues and have recently made links with an Asians woman group who attend the session, some of whom are also carers. After putting the world to rights in the sauna the group continue there discussions in the local Chinese. Discussions are currently taking place with the local PCT to seek funding to support carers with school age children to attend day time sessions and also to provide swimming lessons for those who want to further develop their skills and confidence
Do carers look good naked? – the idea is that with the help of Gok Wan (TV stylist) the C4C will produce a ‘Calendar Folk’ (male and female carers) naked calendar which will be sold to raise money for C4C. Acknowledgment has been received from the programme producers so watch this space!!!!!!
What C4C demonstrates is how much can be achieved with very little money but stacks of commitment, enthusiasm, hard work and personal experience. It is important to acknowledge that no one size fits all and replicating C4C across the patch would not be the answer. However it is worth considering how we continue to work in partnership with users and carers and how we share the immense skills and experience that exist within C4C and other similar groups to support the development of other community groups across Yorkshire and Humber.
For more information contact nicki.hollingsworth@yhip.org.uk