Carers in Sandwell can benefit from more respite activities thanks to a generous donation from the National Lottery Community Fund.
Black Country Brighter Lives, the charitable arm of Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, has received £11,600 from the National Lottery Community Fund to support the Trust’s Carers Service.
The cash boost will specifically support respite care projects that support the whole family, helping families to have the time and space to relax and connect outside of their usual caring responsibilities.
Thanks to the donation, the team will be able to deliver a variety of respite sessions such as cultural days, relaxation and creative sessions and organised socials and outings.
The sessions will take place in both the daytime and early evening so carers will be able to attend and benefit from the wellbeing support.
The Carers Service at BCHFT supports the carers of patients at the Trust in the Sandwell area, who are receiving treatment from children’s and adolescent mental health services, learning disability services or older adult functional mental health and adult mental health services.
A carer can be a relative or friend of the patient and they receive an assessment from the service to identify the help required so they can continue to care safely.
The team at the Carers Service provide tailored support for the individual such as education so they can gain a better understanding of their loved one’s condition; advocacy so they feel empowered to speak up for themselves and a care plan so they can carry out their caring role more easily.
Linda Price, Team Leader for Sandwell Carers Service, said: “We want to say a huge thank you the National Lottery Community Fund for this donation which will really make a difference to the carers who we support.
“Providing a chance for respite is crucial to support the wellbeing of carers, as their roles are often emotionally and physically draining.
“By looking after our carers, we can help them to be able to continue their caring responsibilities safely.
“We look forward to using this funding to provide respite sessions that can be enjoyed by carers and provide them with a much-needed boost.”
Manisha Patel, charity engagement officer, said: “We are very grateful to the National Community Fund for this generous donation that will make a real difference for our carers.
“Our Trust charity is proud to support projects across the Trust that are helping patients and their loves ones to build healthier and happier lives.”
More details about the Black Country Brighter Lives charity and how to get involved with fundraising can be found at: https://www.blackcountryhealthcare.nhs.uk/support-our-charity