6 June 2022

This week (6 to 12 June) is Carers Week, and there are many ways to mark this: 

  1. Take part in Carers Week activities – see the programme here
  2. Make a pledge about involving carers in your local service
  3. Check out the Triangle of Care standards and see if your service is meeting them
  4. Become a Carers Champion in your local service and lead the way
  5. If you are a staff member caring for a loved one, join the Carers at Work Staff Network 
  6. Take part in carer awareness training, which is co-delivered by carers
  7. Involve carers, families or parents in your improvement projects
  8. Bring an idea to the Carers Council meeting about how we can make carers more visible, valued and supported

This short piece 10 things carers want staff to know is also well worth a read if you haven’t already seen it.

Messages from across CNWL for Carers Week 

Ann Smith, Chair of the CNWL Carers Council encourages everyone to participate in Carers Week and has this message for fellow carers: 

“As always I am amazed at your commitment and resilience to your caring role. You demonstrate such fortitude. I know for many of you it is not easy but you continue regardless. At times it seems endless but we do make a difference, slow but sure. Thank you all for your hard work”.

Philip Perkins, Carer Governor adds:

“Being a carer is at times a lonely existence. I feel I couldn’t get support as a carer and as a man too it was difficult. I found a group for male carers through the Carers Network, which is so amazing because at last I can talk to men about my experiences, and there are trips planned – it’s a very social network. 

Being a Governor has also given me a voice and we want to ensure the Trust is giving a voice to carers across all CNWL Divisions.”

Grace Levy, Carer Engagement Lead concludes:

“There is so much that staff can do to involve, inform and support carers. All mental health teams should by now have returned their Triangle of Care self-assessment and appointed a Carers Champion - community teams will be doing the same later in the year. This work does make a difference and we urge all teams to prioritise this or ask us if you need help.

Please also signpost carers to further support using this page.”