Let’s talk about Gloucestershire Carers Hub, the wonderful work that they do, what they deliver and most importantly what they can offer a caregiver. Whether that be yourself or someone you know.
Do you, or someone you know require support, advice or opportunities? Maybe you are curious, planning for the future and would like further information on options should you find yourself unexpectedly becoming a caregiver later in life? If so, read on.
What is Gloucestershire Carers Hub?
The Hub provides a range of free services to caregivers over the age of 18 across Gloucestershire. This is regardless of the age of the person that is being cared for. They are there to offer advice, guidance and support in a variety of forms and can also sign post the caregiver to other independent services which may be appropriate and helpful to the individual. Importantly, the service is tailored to the individual concerned recognising that every situation is different and therefore requires a person-centred approach.
What do Gloucestershire Carers Hub offer?
Assessments: The Hub initially offers a holistic assessment which allows the caregiver to discuss their needs, what support systems they have in place and what they see as their strengths. A more formal assessment called The Care Act Compliant Assessment dives a little deeper looking into the caregiver’s role, how they are managing at home, finances, employment, wellbeing and time for them. Through this assessment advisors can deduce if under the Care Act 2014, a caregiver is eligible for a payment to support their wellbeing.
Furthermore, caregivers are also informed of the Carers Emergency Scheme. This is essentially a contingency plan for carers. It aims to address and prioritise who would look after the person they care for if they cannot, for example, in an emergency. There are two levels to this. All caregivers are eligible for level 1, whereas level 2 is based upon more complex needs. Find out more via the website:
www.gloucestershirecarershub.co.uk
Need a break?
If a caregiver has been identified as having eligible needs (Care Act 2014) they will have access to varying short breaks. Allowing the caregiver to relax, switch off and reboot! Just knowing that this is available can make such a difference to our wellbeing.
Similarly, so can the opportunity to make links and form new friendships with others in the same position. The Hub offers this by way of a buddying up scheme. Companionship, understanding, positivity and shared experiences with others lift us up and help us get through our day.
Health and Wellbeing
Health Liaison Officers are on hand at GCH who work with health professionals to ensure that caregivers are supported within the health service, giving them a voice. caregivers can also access a range of therapeutic services via GCH, including wellbeing sessions and counselling. These services are both internal and external.
They also actively encourage and champion caregivers to recognise their own positive attributes, skills and strengths through a series of sessions designed to ensure they are aware of their capabilities, refreshing and building upon them.
Employment, training and volunteering
Gloucestershire Carers Hub can also help you navigate the following areas.
Employment: Assistance with ensuring employers support you as a caregiver.
Making them aware of what their responsibilities are towards you, how they can support you and ensure you remain in work.
Training: Developed from caregiver feedback, they offer a variety of sessions, training, development opportunities and physical activities which change regularly.
Volunteering: Volunteering with GCH gives individuals the opportunity to support others within their community through a variety of roles.
And last but not least….!
The Carers Aware Discount Scheme
As a strong supporter of Gloucestershire Carers Hub, The Bespoke Life offers a 5% discount off our hourly as part of their “Carers Aware Discount Award Scheme”. The scheme offers a range of discounts and offers on various services, ranging from restaurants & food outlets to health & leisure and much more. Simply put, it is a discount card that gently acknowledges your role as a caregiver.
If you know someone who you think may benefit from being referred to the Gloucestershire Carers Hub, you can get in touch with them via the information below:
Telephone: 0300 111 9000
Email: carers@peopleplus.co.uk
Website: www.gloucestershirecarershub.co.uk
We all need a little help from time to time, and Gloucestershire Carers Hub is there, a very friendly support service, waiting for a time when you may need them.
