The idea
Our Support Dementia Caregivers project will provide support to informal, unpaid carers for those living with dementia. In order to achieve this, we will:
* link carers with professionals who can provide practical advice and information;
* signpost carers to existing services;
* connect carers so they can share personal lived experiences through peer support;
* provide exercises to improve mobility and strength;
* offer sessions which use art and creativity to improve the mental health of our carers;
* link with external groups to give carers an opportunity explore opportunities they might not otherwise know about or be able to enjoy;
* provide transportation for those who find it difficult to atten our sessions due to mobility challenges or lack of transportation;
* and provide opportunities for carers to receive dementia care training.
What we'll deliver
- 6 exercise sessions
- 6 sessions linking carers with professional services
- 6 art and creativity sessions
- transportation for up to 6 carers to attend 12 sessions
- 12 opportunities for peer support
- 6 opportunities for dementia care training
Why it's a great idea
This project will help reduce loneliness and isolation by providing transportation for people to socialise and receive support. It will also help offer carers a sense of respite and help them to feel that they are seen by people who care. The project will help improve the mental health of those who take part because they'll be able to connect with others who have a shared lived experience and our exercise sessions will help improve the mobility, strength and flexibility of carers who often have a physically demanding job in looking after their loved ones.
Steps to get it done
- Hiring external freelance practioners to deliver exercises during our sessions
- Buying equipment to help facilitate exercises
- Provide volunteers and carers with dementia awareness training
- Hiring external groups to offer hands-on creative activities for our carers
In Lancashire, nearly 1 in 10 people provide unpaid care for a friend or family member, neighbour or loved one who cannot care for themselves. Carers often report feeling invisible, forgotten and stressed and are looking for ways to connect with others. They report finding great comfort in speaking with other carers and are looking for ways to socialise which doesn't exclude the person they're caring for. Blue Flamingo already provides this service, but with the great need carers face, we want to do more to help them. This project aims to fulfill that goal and bring a much needed services to informal, unpaid carers - many of whom are nearing breaking point or crisis themselves. With your help, we can give them the support they need to continue carrying on with their relentless caring role.
