Carers First are proud to have opened a new permanent residence to support carers at Broomfield Hospital this Carers Rights Day, November 21.
The drop-in centre is available to support the wellbeing of care partners and provide practical advice and guidance, as well as supporting people to recognise their role as a carer.
If you are looking after someone in the hospital, for example visiting or taking them to an appointment, or if you need additional support at home, then the drop-in centre is available to help. Carers First staff are available to offer a wide range of services and resources in a friendly, welcoming environment.
Bridget Potgieter, Carer Support Advisors for Carers First and member of staff at the drop-in centre, was present at the opening.
She said: "The opening of Carers First Broomfield Drop-in Hub was a highlight of Carers Rights Day for the Essex Service, attracting carers and staff to take the time to chat to the team and gain information on Carers First and support available.
“Carers First shall continue to be present at Broomfield Hospital as a regular occurrence on Fridays from 10am to 4pm, creating awareness of unpaid carers, the importance of identification of unpaid carers and offer continued support.
“We have had various carers approach us on the day with a variety of queries and concerns, from imminent discharge of the person they cared for to parent carers seeking knowledge on support for complex learning and health difficulties, where our team was able to provide support on discharge processes, Carers Rights, schedule community support and signpost to services tailored to need."
The theme for this year’s Carers Rights Day was ‘recognising your rights’, and Carers First aim to help carers to understand their rights, and to access the support available to them with this new drop-in centre.
Carers are offered a safe space to speak to the team of staff when they find themselves needing information, guidance, or simply a friendly face to speak to.
The drop-in centre can be found in the atrium, alongside Macmillan’s information and support centre.
Carers First can support carers with information on the support available in their local community, advice on benefits or as a working carer, access to a statutory carers assessment or events and activities locally that can give them a short break from caring. To find out more visit carersfirst.org.uk.
If you are interested in volunteering at the hub, visit www.carersfirst.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering or email volunteer@carersfirst.org.uk.
Online Help and Advice
Visit our online support section where we have provided advice and guidance on a range of relevant topics to help you in your caring role.