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Dare to Care

(Picture: Crossroads Caring for Carers Logo)

Crossroads Caring for Carers Wales

Phone: 029 2022 2282
Email: wales.office@crossraods.org.uk

The theme for this years Carers Week is “My Life as a Carer”. So let us be quite clear who we are talking about. Carers provide unpaid care by looking after an ill, frail or disabled family member, friend or partner.

(Picture: Photo of two women stood in a garden)

The word is often used for paid care staff in the social care field and as a carers’ organisation we are very keen that the wider public ensures correct use of the word.

(Picture: Carers Week Logo)

Carers week aims to;

Recognise and celebrate the contribution made by carers

Campaigns for better support and services

Promotes policies and best practice that can improve carers’ quality of life

Reaches out to hidden carers, ensuring they know where support can be found.

In Wales there are 340,745 adult carers, 11.7% of the population (Census 2001). They provide 70% of the care given in the community, free of charge, thus saving government about the equivalent of a second Health Service.

Crossroads Caring for Carers is the leading provider of practical support for carers in England and Wales. Our service is about giving time- improving the lives of carers by giving them time to be themselves and have a break. There is a Crossroads scheme in each Local Authority area in Wales and these are all independent charities. In Wales there are 215 trustees who give time to the governance of the scheme, 694 trained and paid staff who provide the breaks service. We support carers of all ages caring for any illness.

The training and potential for staff development within the organisation is shown in the profile column. Crossroads are always looking for dedicated people who want to learn and yet have a caring personality and are committed to making a difference for carers in their locality. Please see the advert from Rhondda Cynon Taf Crossroads.

(Picture: Photo of a Carer and two elderly people sat in a garden)

Hannah’s Story

Before joining Torfaen Crossroads almost two years ago I didn’t have much of a life outside my home and school. Looking back now I realise how unhappy I used to be, but since Crossroads has become a part of my life, I’ve experienced so many exciting things from helping record a song about Young Carers to Salsa dancing and windsurfing. Every time I go out with the staff, I’m guaranteed a good day out because I never laugh so much and genuinely have so much fun! The staff are so easy to get along with and can always put a smile on your face. Along the way I’ve been on some incredible residentials, met some amazing people and made some great friends. I can honestly say Crossroads has changed my life and I’m proud to be a part of something so special!!!!

Parents Comments

My daughter stopped going to School from the age of 11 as my husband and myself are disabled. I was so worried, as I knew that she wasn’t getting any education and wasn’t having a childhood. I found that the Social Workers didn’t help at all. My daughter didn’t have any friends, and was getting more and more depressed.

Since joining the project, things have got so much better. My daughter now receives home tutoring and has made plenty of friends.

Without the Young Carers project, I don’t know what would have happened.

Thank you for all the support you have given us.

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