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