Keeping in touch with carers - Carer's Champion, The Becklin Centre

A series of blogs for #CarersWeek

Tracy Hallam is a Carer’s Champion on Ward 1 at The Becklin Centre and shared what they have been doing to support carers.

“Ward 1 have been sending a letter to carers. The aim of the letter and information sheets are to show there is support both on the ward and in the community even at this difficult time for carers and where to gain that support from if needed. It has been discussed during telephone calls the frustrations of carers not being able to visit the ward or attend meetings face to face. Carers have voiced however their appreciation and acceptance that this is a temporary situation and the ability of being in touch with phone contact. Carers have been in touch with patients via a ward mobile phone that can do ZOOM as well as contacting the patients on their own phones which has had a positive effect on both patients and carers.

“To celebrate Carers Week previously we have given out ‘goody bags’ to carers and held a raffle which has had excellent reception. This year we were thinking of holding a ‘Coffee and Treat Morning’. As well as having a coffee morning with treats, we were going to have carers week banners and balloons on the ward as well as thank you cards which were going to be given with acknowledgement of our appreciation. Unfortunately this will have to take place at a later date, but we will still be sending out thank you cards with a verse in to say hello, thank you and to check in that the carers are ok later next week.

“It is vital to make sure that carers are aware that they are not forgotten and despite not being able to as previously, hold events on the ward to ensure they still have input/involvement to patient’s care.”