THE BIRCHES - 7 JULY 2004
TRACEY JELFS, Worcester Carers Unit
We were pleased to welcome Tracey Jelfs, Carers Development Officer for Children with Disabilities to our
July meeting at The Birches.
Tracey began by telling us a little bit about the Carers Unit, how it came into being and what the role is. Although
based in Worcester City, the Carers Unit covers the county of Worcestershire. It was set up in response to the
Audit Commissions Report of 2002 and can help anyone who looks after a relative, friend or neighbour who, because of illness,
disability or old age, cannot manage without help.
The Unit's aims are:
- to provide a central point of imformation and support for both carers and professionals
- to link carers with appropriate agencies, eg Housing, Health, Social Services and Education
- to help carers find respite care
- to act as an advocate for carers' rights
- to help and advise carers with the Carers' Assessment
- to encourage carers to use the Emergency Alert Card Scheme.
Next, Tracey talked about the vital role played by carers in this country. It is estimated that nationally
57 billion pounds are saved each year as a result of the work done by carers - for the county of Worcestershire
that equates to about 60 million pounds per annum.
Finally, Tracey discussed with us how the Carers Unit might benefit WASGAP members and their families. It
was strongly agreed by all present that the best help that could be offered by the Carers Unit to adoptive families
was that of respite care.
The importance of providing parents and children with respite care before a crisis occurs was seen as vital - "prevention
is better than cure." Provided before the problems escalate, respite care would go a long way in helping to maintain
placements and to prevent family breakdown.
Tracey went away armed with questions raised by the members and promised to return at a later date with answers.
For further information on the Worcestershire Carers Unit, please call:
0800 389 2896
Our thanks to Tracey for an informative evening.
Jackie
WASGAP
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