Message from John Barker (25.4.24)
On Monday 22nd April the Learning Centre Parents Group invited Dawn Smith to talk to the group. Dawn is one of the Carers Link Officers working for Oldham, but also has a great deal of relevant experience within Social Care.
The meeting was very well attended with 22 parents attending.
Dawn introduced herself and her role. A key part of this was Dawn introducing the Carers Assessment which is available for anyone who is providing a substantial amount of care for someone over 18.
This includes parents and carers of people with additional needs.
POINT and Childrens Services provides a similar offer of a Carers Assessment for carers of children under 18. (details are on CYPF referral tool)
As soon as your child turns 18 you can be referred for a Carers Assessment and you are entitled to a reassessment every 12 months.
The assessment can take about an hour and is designed to explore how your wellbeing is affected by being an unpaid carer and is there to complement the support you are getting not to take anything away.
The carers team can provide you with information about the range of services and support available to you, as well as practical advice on how to manage your caring responsibilities. The Assessment is confidential and usually takes place over the phone. Just a note to add that there is a current waiting list of approximately 6 weeks for an Assessment due to its popularity.
Dawn has kindly provided the following information and links:
Here is the link for carers information / referral process/ information:
https://www.oldham.gov.uk/info/200244/caring_for_someone
To refer for a needs assessment. Here is the link, which provides advice and information:
All this information and more, can be found on the Oldham Council website:
Also attached is a flyer for a Oldham Carers Drop in group that meets at the Link Centre every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 10am - 12noon.
Oldham Carers Drop In Group Poster
Dawn has also attached the referral guides for relevant parts of the council that may be supportive. The CYPF (Children, young people and families) has links to benefit advice which some of the parents may find useful.
I hope this information and signposting is helpful. Please don’t hesitate to contact me on jkbarker@newbridgegroup.org or Dawn on carers.services@oldham.gov.uk if you have any questions or would like any further support.
The telephone number for ARCC (Adult Referral Contact Centre) and carers team is 0161 770 7777 Option 2.
The next Learning Centre Parents/Carers group meeting will be on Monday 1st July from 2-3pm based at the Learning Centre.
This will just be for Parents/Carers without professionals attending.
Regards,
John Barker
Deputy Head