Posted on: Thursday 8 June 2023
Unpaid carers are being offered e-learning courses to help them in their caring roles, thanks to Torfaen Council.
It's estimated there are hundreds of people caring for loved ones in Torfaen, many of whom will have assumed the role over a number of years without ever receiving awareness training in areas such as moving and handling a person, medication administration or stress management.
Now, the council is offering unpaid carers the chance to sign up for a range of courses currently only offered to staff.
Councillor David Daniels, Executive Member for Adult Services and Housing, who has recently been appointed the Council's Carers Champion, said: "This week is Carers Week which is a recognition of the support unpaid carers provide to their loved ones, so it is right they also get the help they need.
"It's the first time we have offered this service and we're interested to learn which courses are popular and what other courses people would find useful.
"We're aware there will be many people who may not recognise themselves as unpaid carers, so I urge anyone who looks after a partner, relative or friend who could not manage without their help to get in touch and find out what help is available."
The courses are online and can be done in your own time to fit in around caring commitments. To find out what training is available, visit Torfaen Council's Organisational Development site.
When completing booking forms, please enter "Unpaid Carer" under Organisation.
For details of local support groups for carers, as well as Carers Week activities, visit Connect Torfaen.
If you are an unpaid carer and would like to find out about other support, including benefits and grants, email Carers Support Worker Louise Hook on louise.hook@torfaen.gov.uk or call 07966 301108 or 01495 766138. Alternatively, visit Torfaen Adult Carers Facebook page.
(Pictured left to right: Carers Muriel Williams and Jean Haynes)