Survey Launched on Needs of Carers in the Borough
Hounslow Council seeking to increase access to support
Cllr Chaudhary visits Carers Week coffee morning hosted by Karen Adams (centre right) from Our Barn
To mark Carers Week (6-12 June), Hounslow Council is launching a new survey to understand the needs of carers across the borough.
Many people take on unpaid caring responsibilities to support their partner, family member or friend who cannot cope without their assistance. This may be due to illness, disability, mental health difficulties or addiction, but many are doing it alone and are unaware of the support they can access.
To ensure more carers have access to the support they need and deserve, the Council has created a short survey. The survey aims to help the Council understand the issues and concerns affecting carers across the borough. Residents with lived experience of providing care – even if it was in the past - are encouraged to take part. Anyone that completes the survey before Friday 8 July will have the chance of winning a £50 Amazon voucher.
Councillor Samia Chaudhary, Cabinet Member for Adults and Health Integration said, “Carers’ Week is an opportunity for us to recognise the vital role carers play in our communities, providing a lifeline for those they care for, holding families together and enabling loved ones to get the most out of life.
“Yet many are stretched to the limit – juggling care with work and family life, or even struggling with poor health themselves.
“We want to hear from residents on how this support can be tailored and improved for the future.”
Hounslow Council also runs a Carers’ Assessment programme and any resident who feels that the care they provide is taking its toll, is urged to get in touch.
The Council’s Short Breaks programme is just one example of the support available to carers and families to help them cope with the challenges. The Short Breaks programme provides carers the opportunity to have a break from their caring role, safe in the knowledge that their loved one is being cared for by someone with appropriate skills, training, and expertise.
Zenon, aged 15, is just one of the young people to benefit from the Council’s Short Breaks for young people with special educational needs programme run by Brentford FC Community Sports Trust.
Speaking about the benefit of the programme Zenon’s mum, Claire, said, “The sessions have allowed me to feel normal. Knowing he could attend these things without me was amazing. I knew he was safe and cared for and was being exposed to many different things that would help with his social skills.
“Schemes such as these are a lifeline, and long may they continue to enhance the lives of children with special educational needs and their families across the borough.”
Resident can complete the Carers survey by visiting the council’s website.
Find out more about support for Carers in Hounslow.
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June 10, 2022