Ca(i)re – Putting the "I" into Care Project

The aim of the Ca(i)re Project is to provide health promotion, recreation and social care to unpaid carers in Edinburgh, through the context of lifelong learning. This is achieved through free educational, recreational and therapeutic courses, open days, social events, and a weekly drop in and information service.

The Ca(i)re Project is staffed by one full time and one part time worker and managed by a multi- agency management committee, including six carer representatives.

 

Attendance

489 carers were on the register at the end of March 2007.

65 new carers joined the Project during 2006-7.

171 carers attended the drop-in, courses and events provided by Ca(i)re. Of this number, 19 were men. The drop-in now has an average of 10 (2 men) people for 50 weeks of the year representing 500 visits.

 

Courses

There were 29 courses held of which eight were health/self development based..

An average of eight people attended courses each week, and courses are run for an average of eight weeks. Many courses have outcomes benefiting health, education, and social opportunities.

An example is The Film Studies course:

A carer comments: “Always felt calmer, more balanced and stretched mentally after each class”

The benefits of balancing learning together with the support of meeting others in a similar situation is  illustrated in the next quote form the Mixed Media Art class: “The tutor manages to keep us painting even when there's an earnest support group in progress”.

 

Taking  statistics from  a specific  course, Historic Walking, showed that 14 people felt their interest in learning had improved, six said their confidence was better, eight said their health was better and five felt their caring situation had improved.

“Gave me a good break and some exercise”. “ Allowed me to care better and feel less tired”.

“Enjoyed the walks - identification of plants by guide.  poetry was good, easier than I thought it would be”. Summer Evening Poetry

 

Other courses are geared towards health and social benefits through learning, such as the Ballroom Dancing class: “I felt brighter and more relaxed after the dance class, I like to be active, so dancing is a great break for me.”

 

An ongoing series of visits to the Pentlands offered opportunities in creative writing, walking and responding to the environment.

 “Made it easier to cope with (caring) as I felt generally younger after each Pentland walk and so much stronger. This course led to joining the Southside writers group Walking and Writing.”

 

“Has taught me skills that I can use to deal with difficult situations, look at things differently, cope and move forward.” Life Coaching (new course).

 

Companions on The Journey Course

The second of these longer term groups has run, giving carers the opportunity to reflect on their needs in the caring journey and move forward in a supportive setting. The course is based on reflection and group support, with input from speakers on carer’s information, learning opportunities and counselling.

To date, both of these groups now meet independently on a regular basis.

 

Five NHS Health Courses:

These were held in five localities of Edinburgh: and were attended by an average of five people per week- average of 26 people  benefited in total. Of these 26 people, 17 said they had benefited by: getting out more, having a break from their situation, and increased confidence, 15 said that their health and their interest in learning  had improved as a result of the course. 11 people felt their caring situation had been affected positively by attending. On average, half of the evaluation forms sent were returned to us.

 

Carers Comment: “Reduced stress levels and learned techniques to use at home that benefits us all”.

“Wonderful to have time for oneself - felt encouraged and uplifted”.

“As it was a gentle exercise course it helped me to move when arthritis was making me less mobile”.

“Carers survival pack very helpful especially the phone line when I just can't cope anymore”

 

Volunteers

The volunteer base is developing with 10 volunteers helping on a regular basis with mailing, Open Days, events, and the drop-in.

 

Former Carers

A programme of activities was initiated by Ca(i)re during 2006 to encourage former carers to attend outings together.

 

Events

13 carers enjoyed a visit to The Lyceum Theatre with a backstage tour prior to performance.

There were 5 other taster sessions and open day events which included the Christmas Party and the Annual Carers Week Open Day.

A carer’s comment on the Ca(i)re Open Day provides a reminder of  the standard and wider aims Ca(i)re aims to achieve:

 

“The whole experience was excellent - socially, intellectually and health - wise too.”