Message to parent carers – 'we’re prepared to care'

The Carers’ Resource in Rochdale is reaching out to parents of children with physical or learning disabilities with a simple message – “we’re prepared to care”.

Sandra Montgomery, Carers’ Resource Manager, explains why it’s important that more carers reach out for support: “Being responsible for any child is rewarding and brings both joy and challenges. Being the parent or carer of a disabled child or young person brings an extra element of challenge – unique to each person – but is no less lacking in smiles and tears. The only difference is the level of support that families with disabled children may need.

“At The Carers’ Resource we care for carers. Our aim is to offer them the help, support and advice that they need to succeed in their caring roles. We know that everyone needs a little helping hand at some point and we’re prepared to care.”

Noreen Akhtar, 37, from Rochdale, is a parent carer with five children. Two of her children have severe learning and physical disabilities. Her 11-year-old has autism, no speech and still wears nappies having to be ‘PEG’ fed via a feeding tube inserted into the stomach to provide a safe and long-term method of obtaining nutrition. Her youngest, aged 3, has recently been diagnosed with Global Development Delay (GDD) so his motor skills, speech and language, cognitive skills and emotions are not developing at a normal rate.

Noreen describes how The Carers’ Resource offered her a lifeline at a time when she felt isolated, helpless and alone: “The first time I went to The Carers’ Resource I felt lucky that I had finally found a place where carers matter and are valued and appreciated. Most of all, I felt listened to and understood. Anything I needed to know was there for me, research was done for me, support and childcare were put in place to enable me to have a break. I wish all carers knew about The Carers’ Resource.”

Across Rochdale Borough there is estimated to be over 23,000 carers.

The Carers’ Resource offers carers free, regular and personalised short breaks as well as the opportunity to access various support groups and signposting or referrals to services that can help in their caring situation.

During Carers Week, taking place 10-16 June 2013, the Carers’ Resource has scheduled a week long programme of activities offering carers the chance to participate in pampering, sports, arts and craft social events. As well as receiving essential free health checks from qualified health professionals including blood pressure and cholesterol checks carers can access diet, nutrition and exercise advice.

“If you’ve never engaged with The Carers’ Resource before, Carers Week is the perfect time to find out what it can offer you. Come and join the fun, meet other carers and take some well-deserved time for yourself”, encouraged Noreen.

A specialist assistive technology session has been specially arranged during Carers Week offering an introduction to the latest technologies. Carers can test the equipment or simply watch the latest demonstrations.

Councillor Jean Hornby, cabinet member for adult care at Rochdale Borough Council added: “Carers invest so much of their time looking after their loved ones that they rarely have time for themselves and they risk neglecting their own health and well being needs.

"Carers Week offers carers the chance to readdress this balance.”