First, Stephen Gilbert, MP for St Austell and Newquay, joined a Carers’ Support Group at Age UK Cornwall’s Newquay Day Centre, where he discussed their concerns.

A new Cornwall Carers’ Service has been commissioned by the Council this year. Managed by Cornwall Rural Community Council, they are working with Age UK Cornwall, Carers Rights and Disability Cornwall to provide support and advice in the community through carers’ groups.

Mr Gilbert was able to hear first-hand from carers about the issues they face and the support they need. One of the carers gave him a copy of a poem, written by Kerry Black, a carer in Fife, to illustrate the way they feel (see below). Stephen Gilbert said, ‘One of the questions that we don’t ask enough is who is caring for the carers? Carers do a huge amount of good work helping to support people of all ages in all parts of our communities and we have to make sure that they are properly looked after as well as the people that they care for. It was very useful to hear first-hand some of the issues that carers face and I’ve undertaken to make sure that they get a response from the Government on their concerns.’

Kelvin Yates, Carers’ Service Manager, said, ‘Carers put their own lives on hold to look after loved ones, family and friends. They provide 24/7 care and support, often feeling isolated in their homes and communities, and facing continuous challenges accessing services and support.

‘Carers know what will help those they care for, and in turn this can help carers who work tirelessly, without the additional burden of ‘battling’ to access the right support. Meeting with Stephen Gilbert MP was an opportunity for carers to voice first-hand their personal experiences of these issues, and their concerns over proposed welfare reforms. It was good to receive such a receptive and supportive response.’

Mr Gilbert was then joined by Sarah Newton, MP for Truro and Falmouth, to hear about ‘Changing Lives’, a wide-ranging partnership which is developing a number of services, including support for volunteering and a programme tackling falls in older people.

Changing Lives brings together Cornwall Council, NHS Cornwall and a range of voluntary sector organisations. Together, they aim to improve the health and wellbeing of the people in Cornwall by creating a society that encourages mutual aid, with communities taking control and responsibility, and celebrating diversity.

A number of services have been developed as a result. Scott Bennett, Chairman of Volunteer Cornwall, which is one of the partners in ‘Changing Lives’, also explained the Social Impact Bond Cornwall is involved in. He explained, ‘We are trying to encourage ethical investment to develop new approaches alongside traditional services, which we hope will have the power to improve people’s lives and increase their independence.’

Sarah Newton said, ‘I was pleased to have the opportunity to learn more about the Changing Lives programme, and the wider support offered by Cornwall Council to people in Cornwall, particularly to those with care needs, and the carers who look after them.

‘It is important to remember the role the six million carers in the UK play in looking after our vulnerable people. The estimated value of the care and support offered by carers nationally, many of them informally caring for family members, is a staggering £119billion per year.’

Armand Toms, cabinet member for Adult Care and Support, said, ‘We were pleased to have the opportunity to show both MPs the progress we are making. The new Carers’ Service is still becoming established and working towards national accreditation. The Newquay group is an example of the community support carers tell us they want. Working in partnership with the voluntary sector is helping to make that a reality.’

A new Cornwall carers’ strategy was developed in 2010 and is now being delivered. One of its main aims is to offer universal access to all carers. As a result, the Council has commissioned a Carers’ Service, run by Cornwall Rural Community Council. In partnership with Age UK Cornwall, they launched a telephone helpline, during Carers’ Week in June. There is also a newly-launched website and one-to-one support available, as they work towards national accreditation.

Volunteer Cornwall is an organisation dedicated to developing active and engaged citizens through volunteering. Its Volunteer Centres, situated in Liskeard, St Austell and Redruth, match people who want to volunteer with organisations that need them. It offers a range of projects and services – all designed to support and develop volunteers and host organisations.

Photo caption standing left to right -

Scott Bennett, Chairman of Volunteer Cornwall; Nigel Clark, Director of Care, Age UK Cornwall and IOS; Stephen Gilbert MP (St Austell & Newquay); Kim Mundy, Senior Directorate Support Officer (Policy), Cornwall Council; Ian Jones, Chief Executive of Volunteer Cornwall; Sarah Newton MP (Truro and Falmouth); Andrew Brelsford, Senior Manager at Volunteer Cornwall; and Dr Tamsyn Anderson GP (Newquay Health Centre).

A lovely Carol Service was held at Truro Cathedral on Monday 5 December, to recognise the dedication and commitment carers give to their loved ones.  The service was attended by more than 200 carers, carers support workers, staff from the care sector along with the Deputy Lieutenant Professor Alan Livingston CBE.

The service was led by The Reverend Canon Rob Dickenson, carers and young carers took part, giving poignant readings along with beautifully sung carols from St Hilary’s Primary School Choir and a solo by Dawn Maddern, Young Carers Coordinator.

Kelvin Yates, Manager of CornwallCarers Service (CCS) said,

“This was the first time the Carol Service has been held by the new Cornwall Carers Service and the first time I had attended.  I was overwhelmed by the spirit of these selfless people and I am delighted we were able to hold a Carol Service to thank a proportion of our carers in Cornwall.  I would also like to thank everyone who contributed to the Carol Service in helping to make it such a success”

After the service, everyone enjoyed tea and mince pies, kindly donated by Sainsbury’s, Truro and were able to have a chat with other carers and the staff from CCS.

Monica Thomas, Carers Support Manager of CCS said,

“The service gives carers the recognition and respect for the important contribution they make in caring for people who otherwise could not remain in their own homes”

If you would like to find out more about Cornwall Carers Service and the support that is available to anyone whose life is affected by taking responsibility for a partner, relative or friend due to frailty, severe illness or disability, please phone the helpline on 01872 266383 or go to the newly launched website www.cornwallcarers.org.uk