You can admire the recently restored clock while you’re there…

Hey, this is really important. As many readers will know, the issues surrounding carers and their support is a subject dear to my heart, and in these particularly difficult times it’s really vital that anyone who is a carer, or who may be a carer’s friend or relative makes sure that all the help available is understood and claimed.

Caring is a full time job in the truest sense,  and carers don’t always have time to find out what’s out there to help them. To this end, this Friday 29th November 2013, there are events at Brownhills Parkview Centre and Pelsall Village Centre to help those who support others find out what their rights are, what help they can get, and talk to other folk in the same boat.

Everyone is invited to attend, and there will be lots to see and do. The Brownhills event is from 10:00am to 1:00pm, and the Pelsall one from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.

Walsall Council issued this press release:

Pop into Brownhills and Pelsall for Carers’ Rights Day

Walsall residents who look after friends, families or neighbours are being invited to Carers’ Rights Day sessions later this week to find out more about the support available.

Information will be available at Brownhills Library from 10am-1pm and at Pelsall Library from 2pm-4pm on Friday 29 November 2013.

The theme for this year’s event is Rights, advice, support, and it is focusing on ensuring that carers understand their rights and have access to the support they need in their role.

Carers will be able to find out about the advice and support that they are entitled to including benefits checks, training courses, carers’ assessments, one off direct payments, complementary therapy and much more. 

There will also be an opportunity to have a look at the Carer Aware course. 

This is an easy to use online course that helps people to determine if they are a carer and also explains what rights carers have and the support available both nationally and locally.

A Rempod – reminiscence pod – will provide an eye-catching backdrop to the information stands. Rempods are three-dimensional scenes from yesteryear and include a traditional pub scene and ballroom.

They are used to help people with dementia to feel less anxious and create a backdrop for reminiscence therapy.

Councillor Barbara McCracken, portfolio holder for Social Care with Walsall Council Coalition, said: ‘If carers are able to make arrangements to attend one of Friday’s sessions I would urge them to do so.

‘There have been, and will continue to be, so many changes to welfare benefits and people may need financial advice.

‘There have also been some major advances in technology that could be of benefit – Telecare for example may mean that some carers are able to enjoy a good night’s sleep, safe in the knowledge the cared for person is being supported through monitoring equipment.

‘As well as this practical information there will also be the opportunity to see a rempod in use and understand how effective this can be in helping people with dementia.’

Brownhills Library is at the Park View Centre, Chester Road North, Brownhills, Walsall, WS8 7JB.

Pelsall Library is at Pelsall Village Centre, High Street, Pelsall, Walsall, WS3 4LX.