New course announced for Carers

11/06/2008

To coincide with Carers Week, Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust has launched a new course aimed at helping those who care for other people.

‘Looking After Me’ is a free course for adults who care for someone living with a long-term health condition or disability. It is run by the same team who organise the successful Expert Patient Programme, a course designed to help people self manage, whilst living with a long-term health conditions.

The Carers course looks at relaxation techniques, dealing with tiredness, exercise, healthy eating, coping with depression, communicating with family, friends and professionals and planning for the future. This new programme complements the existing course for people with a long-term condition or disability.

Chief Executive of Gloucestershire PCT, Jan Stubbings said: “We are really excited to be able to offer this new Carers course for the residents of Gloucestershire. As the name implies, the course is about carers making time to look after their own health needs. The needs of carers are sometimes not acknowledged when a family member or friend is unwell for a long period."

By taking part in the course, carers will learn new skills to help them to cope with their caring situation; develop the confidence to take more control of their own lives and meet with others who share similar experiences.

The PCT is also highlighting Carers Week to their own staff. In collaboration with Gloucestershire County Council, a display is available all week in the PCT offices in Brockworth. Staff are also being encouraged to attend advice sessions run by the County Council along with Carers Gloucestershire to find out what help is available to them locally as a carer.

For details about the carers course or the main Expert Patient Programme Course please contact Kay James on: 01452 309217.