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Carers UK - carers' participation

Method(s) Used


Name of person who posted the project:

Clare Woodford


Location of project:

United Kingdom


Date when the project started:

2005


Date when the project ended/project ongoing:

2008


Background to project:

Carers UK has always involved carers in our campaigning, and run campaigns which have relied heavily on local carers taking action in their local groups - e.g. Carers Rights Day [7 Dec 07], Carers Week
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The Equal Partners project gives dedicated support for local carers
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In 2005 Carers UK was awarded Big lottery Funding to run a 3-year project to provide dedicated support for local carers' groups to help them influence services and improve them for carers.
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Purpose of project:

Carers UK Equal Partners helps carers to make their voice heard and improve local services. Equal Partners gives carers the facts, skills and back-up to achieve change locally; carers provide Carers UK with the evidence to strengthen our campaigns.
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Project activities:

We provide carers with:
WRITTEN MATERIALS
tailored briefings on topical issues, in a lively, easy-to-read format, with lots of case studies and signposts to other information, examples, and regualar newsletters highlighting carers' groups around the country who have changed practice or run a successful campaign.
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In addition our resources include factsheets on campaigning, materials and guides to help carers work with MPs and politicians, use the media and run a successful local campaign.
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TRAINING/EVENTS
We run a course called 'Carers Voices' which helps carers to make their case for change and strengthen their communication and presentation skills, and get their voice heard locally.
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We also run events for carers - e.g. policy seminars, consultation events on Government policy.
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INFORMATION SHARING NETWORK
We also facilitate an online campaigning forum, where carer campaigners can get advice and ideas from other carers about what techniques work and how to overcome barriers.
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All the support we provide is free for carers, and we pay their expenses when they attend events.
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Project results:

Equal Partners carers' training is being evaluated independently. The initial results showed that an overwhelming majority of people going through the training had found it excellent or good.
Particular elements which they found valuable were
  • Communication and assertiveness skills
  • Advice about presenting their case to others

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90% of participants tell us that they are finding the information briefings easy to read, useful and prompt them to take action.
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Other anecdotal feedback about the project has been really encouraging: One carer told us "When I read the Equal Partners Human Rights Briefing, I felt empowered and more confident to negotiate with social services"
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Other carers are having success such as
1. a group in Leeds managed to get a senior director appointed as a Health Champion for carers, appointed by the PCT
2. a group in London has lobbied successfully for an Emergency Card scheme to be put in place to give carers reassurance if anything happens to them.
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Contact details:

www.carersuk.org/equalpartners
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Clare Woodford, Project Manager
clare.woodford@carersuk.org
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