Trafford News

NHS Trafford and Trafford Council celebrate opening of new Trafford Carers’ Centre

4:09pm Thursday 29th July 2010

Trafford Carers’ Centre has a new home.

After moving from the Stretford Memorial Hospital in May it is now based on Warwick Road in Stretford, and to celebrate, will officially open the new premises in a ribbon cutting ceremony on August 4.

“We are so pleased that the carers’ centre is in our new home,” said Kelly Hunter, centre manager. “To celebrate, we’ll be putting on a mini open day which will include information stands and free reflexology and complementary therapies for carers.”

Trafford Carers’ Centre is commissioned by NHS Trafford and Trafford Council to provide carers in the borough with emotional support, information and advice for carers and the person they are caring for.

“Often carers see themselves only in that role, so we try to help them find time to be the person they were before they began caring,” added Kelly. “It’s so important that carers have a life outside of their day-to-day duties but it can be difficult for them to do that, and that’s where we come in.”

Ways in which the centre can help include: Arranging peer networks and support groups for carers of someone with dementia.

Running Health Checks on carers, assessing their mental and physical health and letting GPs know of those who may need extra support.

Helping carers apply for grants of up to £300, which can be spent on anything to improve carers’ wellbeing – whether that be paying for exercise classes or buying a better mattress to aid sleep.

E-book information; interactive information leaflets full of information about different conditions and carers’ health.

“The new offices are able to house our entire team of staff and volunteers in one location,” added Kelly. “As we have more space, we have been able to recruit more volunteers for our administrative team and carers’ helpline, and to take more calls from carers.

“The move to a new building has also meant that we have been able to improve our infrastructure, with a new phone system, email and diary system, and network. These improvements are helping the centre to work more efficiently, and make better use of our new resources. As well as this, we now have our own dedicated room for volunteer counsellors and massage therapists to use; making these valuable support services easier for carers to access. “We also have our own facilities for carers’ forums, one-on-one meetings with carers and training sessions such as stress management.”

Trafford Council’s executive councillor Michael Young added: "We all know too well just what an amazing role carers perform. There selfless dedication to supporting friends or family members in their times of need is something that never ceases to impress me. “They literally put their own lives on hold and turn down personal opportunities to make sure the person they care for is helped. We really do all owe them a huge debt of gratitude."

Everyone is invited to the opening ceremony, which begins at 11.30am and will include a buffet.

If you would like more information on the carers’ centre and how it can help, call 0161 848 2400.

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