Support to unpaid carers across Knowsley came under the spotlight during a visit to Knowsley Carers Hub.
Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Cllr Del Arnall visited the support service at Bewley Drive, Kirkby, run by NCompass, which provides information, advice and guidance, and a wide range of support services to help carers in their caring role.
During the visit Cllr Arnall was shown around the office, seeing the space where carers attend regular coffee mornings and access elements of the service, such as the aromatherapy room.
She also heard about a new coffee and chat group in Knowsley Village which was set up following feedback from a carer, and new ‘walk and talk’ groups in three parks across the borough to help carers get out and about and meet other carers in their local area.
Cllr Arnall said: “I was delighted to visit Knowsley Carers Hub and hear about the fantastic services they provide for carers across the borough.
“Carers provide invaluable support that enables thousands of residents to live safely and independently. This selfless commitment to others can take its toll on carers who face significant demands that can impact all aspect of life from relationships to health to finances and work.
“In Knowsley we recognise the contribution carers make, the value of support services like Knowsley Carers Hub and the difference they make to the lives of carers every day.”
Who are Carers?
A carer is someone who provides unpaid care, for a few hours a day or round the clock, to a friend or relative who could not manage without their support. The care they give may be due to age, illness, disability, mental health problems, or substance misuse.
Support provided by Knowsley Carers Hub
The hub works directly with individual carers to discuss their concerns and needs and design a tailored personalised support package.
Support available includes:
- Specialist 1-2-1 and group support
- Information, advice and guidance on range of matters relevant to the caring role, including benefits
- Support to take breaks from caring, including befriending and peer support
- Support to access health and wellbeing services
- Support to access community resources, networks and services
- Newsletters detailing local groups, activities and training
- Online Carers Community Network
- Carers Help and Talk (CHAT) Line and Pen Pal services
- Support to access professional counselling
- Volunteering opportunities as ‘Friends of Knowsley Carers’, including volunteering for the CHAT Line and Pen Pal services
- Carers Awareness Briefings for professionals
- Access to CareFree and 24 hours helpline
Contacting the hub
Fill out the online form and register here Call on: 0151 549 1412
Email: enquiries@knowsleycarershub.org.uk