Norman Lamb MP launching the new North Walsham Carer Friendly Network
Unpaid carers in North Walsham have received a boost as a new scheme is launched in the town to try to help and support more people who find themselves looking after a friend or relative.
Several local voluntary organisations have teamed up to establish the network including; North Walsham Good Neighbour Scheme, Furze Hill Dementia Cafe, Voyager, St Nicholas Parish Church Alongside Scheme and the Roman Catholic Church Support Group.
By working together with Norfolk Carers, it’s hoped the organisations will gain a better understanding of the support that’s available to unpaid carers. It’s hoped the initiative could really benefit the health and well-being of people in the town. Peter de Oude from Norfolk Carers has worked to help establish the network:
“The North Walsham Carer Friendly Network is a very positive development at the heart of the community, which means that unpaid carers will be better connected with each other and local groups and organisations, and so be better informed about what support is available. We know that this peer support complements clinical care, benefits carers’ day-to-day living skills,their self-esteem, physical and mental health and well-being. This in turn improves their ability to cope with the demands of looking after someone.”
Norman Lamb MP, who launched the scheme says, “Carers deserve our recognition and gratitude for the inspiring work they do. Too often, however, this work goes unnoticed and the needs of carers are overlooked. Being a carer can be an immensely challenging, isolating experience. We have to do more to support people who look after a loved one – to help them to look after themselves and be able to live their own lives as individuals. ”
For information about this scheme and others, please call the Norfolk Carers Advice Line on 0808 808 9876.
