Development of Carer Support

Involving Carers in the Belfast Trust's work 

The Belfast Trust acknowledges and values the vital role of carers in the provision of care for those who are ill, frail or have a disability. We are committed to improving the range and quality of support we provide for adult and young carers. We also want to ensure that carers are real and equal partners who are involved in the planning, delivery and evaluation of services.

The Trust has reviewed it's strategic plan for supporting carers in order to ensure that it maintains its focus on this important issue.  The Carer's strategy 'Belfast Carer's, at the heart of the Belfast Trust' was launched in June 2010.  

The overall aim of this strategy is:

To develop support for carers of all ages in their caring role and to promote and protect their health and wellbeing.

The key priorities are:

  1. Identifying Carers
  2. Communication
  3. Carer Support Services
  4. Young Carers
  5. involving Carers

If you would like to be involved in influencing the work of the Trust in planning and service development please contact one of the Trust’s Carers Co-ordinators .

 

Carers Working Group

The Trust also supports a Carers Working Group which has members who are all current carers and come from a range of caring backgrounds. They have been working in partnership with the Trust to shape how carers are viewed and treated.

Aim

The Carers Working Group will be a voice that raises the profile of carers within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and influences the development of the Trust’s strategic plan in order to improve the health and well being of carers in the Belfast area.

Objectives

  1. To establish and maintain influence on behalf of carers at a strategic and operational level within the Belfast Health & Social Care Trust.
  2. To advise on the design and development of staff induction and training programmes to raise awareness and promote the importance of the Carer’s Role and Needs.
  3.  To lobby for carers rights as equal partners, and champion issues with policy and decision makers.
  4. To advise on the design and development of accessible information, training and services for carers.
  5. To provide an effective networking opportunity for sharing information on carer issues.