Shropshire Community Council

Link officer for carers of adults with learning disabilities

The link officer for carers of adult of learning disabilities has played a crucial part in developing awareness of carer's needs in the county. The link officer has helped identify a number of hidden carers as well as establishing links with carers who are known to local services. The link Officer advocates for individuals but also seeks to influence the way local services respond to the needs of family carers.

Ongoing consultation has highlighted priority areas for family carers and these are reflected in the work of the post. Particularly important are work on communication and information, respite and emotional support.

Initiatives involve:

• The Link Officer has developed a 'grab' sheet to ensure vital information about the person with learning disabilities is available in an emergency if the family carer is not present and they have to go to hospital.

• Profiling Carers Needs: Carers are supported to request a Carers Assessment and are offered a pre-meeting to ensure they maximise the benefit of having the statutory assessment.

• The training needs of staff have been highlighted and the Link Officer is involved in training across the county and has made a training video about three family carer experiences; 'Could you do what I do?'

Contact:

Flick Pennel
Link Officer For Carers Of Adults With Learning Disabilities
Community Council Of Shropshire
Ivy House
Upper Church street
Oswestry
Shropshire SY11 2AA

Tel: 01691 680255