Caring

To us a carer is anyone who takes it upon him or herself to look after someone they know who needs extra help and support in order to cope. There are an estimated six million informal carers in the UK who take on this kind of role. Caring can be lonely, and devoting time and energy to someone who is unwell can be a worrying and thankless task. Often seen as heroes by friends and colleagues, carers can in private experience frustration and guilt at the mental and physical impact caring has on their lives.

With the current emphasis of caring for people within their local community plus an ageing population, the caring role is likely to become even more widespread in the years ahead. Providing support for carers is therefore becoming more important than ever.

The Carers Online Project

The Carers Online Project is funded by Essex County Council. It is working within the three West Essex districts of Uttlesford, Harlow and Epping Forrest.

The project aims to help carers recognise the importance of looking after their own health needs, since improving their physical and mental health will allow them better to support their loved ones. We hope to achieve this in a variety of ways:

• Exploring and promoting the usefulness of the Internet and encouraging carers to communicate online.
• Facilitating training suitable for people who have never used a computer or who would like to learn more.
• Promoting use of the West Essex Mind web site, in particular the Carers Forum, allowing carers to raise and discuss issues of specific interest.
• Contributing to the development of supportive relationships between the many local carers groups and charitable organisations within West Essex.
• Identifying and promoting ways for carers to volunteer to help and support each other.
• Catering for the diverse needs of carers across the three differing districts.
• Reaching out to young carers and those from minority ethnic backgrounds.
• Ensuring carers views and suggestions on the project are regularly taken into account.

Training

Informal computer training can be arranged locally using the project's own laptops, or on your own computer at home. This can cover topics such as:  

• Starting off with computers
• Using email
• Using the Internet
• Online video phone calling
• Using the Carers Forum
• Word Processing

Other organisations such as Essex Libraries help us to provide group computer training sessions. Courses can usually be arranged locally. They are good fun and no previous computer experience is required. Contact the Project Coordinator for more details.

Respite Care

We can also provide respite care whilst carers take part in training sessions. Our aim is to help the cared-for person engage in activities in the community if possible. We will first discuss his or her needs with the carer and agree how best to use the respite time.

The Carers Forum

The Carers forum is open for discussions on any subjects relevant and of interest to carers. Anyone can read comments already posted and reply to them. To add your own messages or start new discussions you need to apply to be a member. This is simply done on-screen; all you need is an email address.

The forum is accessed from the main menu of the West Essex Mind website, or why not go straight there? Click here

Supporting Carers

The Carers Online Project Coordinator is available to visit local groups and organisations to initiate and aid with any of the above activities and to hear carers views and suggestions.

For more information please contact:

Tim Matthews (Project Coordinator): 07772 505251

Graham Mansell (Respite Care Supporter): 07981 292774

or email carers@westessexmind.org.uk

More Help

There are many local organisations and websites specifically aimed at carers. For more information search the West Essex Mind website Mental Health Directory. Click here