Message from the Chief Executive - Jennifer Twist
Welcome to the Spring edition of CareLine , which focuses on carers ’ entitlements , benefits and rights .
I was delighted to catch up with the many carers who came to the Carers Forum on 5 th February , but concerned to hear that people were worried and confused about changes to benefits and services . I hope that the articles in this edition will answer many of the most common queries , but please do call or email us ( 01323 738390 or info @ cftc . org . uk ) if you would like more information or have any questions on topics not covered here .
Carers have also told us how concerned they are about the impact of the government ’ s austerity measures on the Health and Social Care system , in particular the continued pressure this places on local authority budgets . This winter , with carers , our Board of Trustees and staff team , I have been taking a close look at the services Care for the Carers provides . Our mission is to improve the quality of carers ’ lives by helping the local community recognise and value the role of carers , and by enabling carers to have a voice and access the services and support they require .
It is so important in the current climate that we are doing everything we can to make the very best use of the resources we have , and to continue to offer the support that you most value . Everything we do , and hope to do , has been set out in a revised Strategic Plan which aims to :
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Keep us focused on achieving the most important developments
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Help us to share our work with carers , partners and funders
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Refine our plans and make sure they reflect carers ’ needs and wishes
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Raise awareness of carers , and carers ’ issues
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Ensure that we always offer high quality services
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Identify and address unmet needs
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Help us to raise much needed funds for carers and carers ’ services
I would like to thank the carers who are part of our Involvement Network for helping to shape these plans – your input has been crucial in ensuring that we understand the support that carers need now . The final draft will be available on our website in April – please do take a look and let me know your thoughts .
Note from the Editor
Welcome to the Spring Edition of CareLine ! This issue is jam-packed with as much information about carers benefits that we could fit in ; at times they can be confusing ( I know I ’ m baffled ! ) so please don ’ t hesitate contact the office on 01323 7383890 if you need any more information .
Careline is the free magazine for all unpaid carers in East Sussex , so please do let me know if there is any information you ’ d like to share with other carers , or topics you ’ d like us to cover in the next edition . call me on 01323 738390 or email me at davidt @ cftc . org . uk
I hope you enjoy this edition ,
David Thompson
2 Care for the Carers