LPFT celebrates Carers Week 2020 and encourages carers to seek support

Carers Week runs from the 8th to the 14th of June and this year the theme is ‘making caring visible’. In Lincolnshire alone, there are over 84,000 carers and in this period of increased isolation, it is more important than ever for carers to seek support. Carers Week is an important annual campaign that highlights the challenges unpaid carers face and helps them to recognise their importance.

LPFT is hosting a variety of events to celebrate Carers Week 2020, encouraging more carers to come forward to access support.

Jane Marshall, Director of Strategy, Planning and Partnerships said: “The role of a carer is rewarding but challenging, especially in this period of change and increased isolation. Many carers neglect their own needs and mental health and we want carers to know that support is available. “Carers Week gives us the opportunity to recognise the important roles of carers in our community, show our appreciation for what they do every day and remind them that we are here to help if they are struggling.

Laura Suffield, Carers Lead (Strategy and Partnerships) said: “We encourage carers to come forward, get involved in this week's events and access our support services. There are a range of fantastic virtual events coming up and being able to talk to other carers who understand what you are going through can make a huge difference to morale and mental wellbeing”.

During the week, LPFT is running the popular Lincoln carers’ education and support group which will take place on the evening of Thursday 11 June 6:30pm-7:30pm via WebEx.  On Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between 2-3pm, there are also ‘video cuppa and chat’ sessions run by the Carers Team on WebEx. These sessions are a great opportunity to talk to other carers, share ideas and ask for advice. If you are interested in joining either of these, please email lpft.carers@nhs.net and you will be sent a link to join the meeting of your choice.

Carers who would prefer to access support over the over the phone can call Laura on 07966 838977 for a friendly one-to-one chat between the hours of 8:30am and 4:30pm. You may also wish to join the LPFT carer WhatsApp group by emailing donna.bradford@nhs.net.

Telephone advice is also available from the Social Isolation telephone Response Service (SIRS), which supports carers in our community who need a friendly, non-clinical and non-judgmental chat. A listening ear during this period of uncertainty can be a lifeline for carers, allowing them to talk about their feelings and receive positivity to help them get through the day. SIRS has been progressing since the start of lockdown and officially launched this month thanks to funding from The Triangle Trust to support carers. SIRS is available to all carers, LPFT volunteers and anyone who is struggling with social isolation. Contact Pauline Mountain by calling 0800 8832111 for further information or to be matched with a MATE to talk to. 

As patient visiting remains suspended across inpatient wards, LPFT staff remain committed to keeping carers and patients in touch. Carers, families and friends can still connect with their loved ones by sending messages via a dedicated postcard service. Messages can be emailed to our carers team who create ‘postcards’ and deliver them to patients on our wards. Anyone who would like to send a postcard to a patient can email the dedicated carers email address at lpft.carers@nhs.net, with a message and the full name and date of birth of the patient, as well as the ward name.  Messages can also be transcribed over the phone by calling 07966 834977, Monday - Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm.

If you would like to access support or find out about how you can best support someone you care for with a mental illness, you can do so by emailing the Carers Team at lpft.carers@nhs.net. Being a carer can be extremely challenging and we encourage you to access support.

This week there are many activities and support groups planned, both online and over the phone. These are organised by LPFT, Lincolnshire carer organisations such as Carers FIRST and Every One Lincolnshire, and One You Lincolnshire. View the full list of suggested events below.