	CARERS of WEST LOTHIAN Providing Support, Information and a A Voice for Carers in West Lothian

3 Years Funding for Outreach Project Extension

Big Lottery Fund Supporting Carers in West Lothian

In July 2002 Carers of West Lothian received significant funding from the Community Fund (now known as the Big Lottery Fund) to help people who look after disabled, ill or frail family members and friends, but who do not see themselves as "carers". Often these "hidden carers" are unaware of assistance available to them, are unknown to service providers, and therefore receive little or no support.

It is well established that the most effective way of making contact with unidentified carers is through GP practices, and that working with health services also increases health personnel's awareness of carers' needs. Carers of West Lothian's 3 ½ year project therefore aimed to identify and offer support to 1,000 "hidden carers" through working in partnership with 14 GP practices in West Lothian and St. John's Hospital.

By the end of the project in January 2006, Carers of West Lothian had worked with 14 GP practices and St John's Hospital identifying almost 1,200 carers. All of these carers were given information on services and how to access help in West Lothian. In addition many of them received varying levels of individual support from the organisation's carer support staff team, and benefited from group training, recreational and relaxation courses, and holistic therapy massage sessions.

With the success of the initial project evident, the organisation was delighted when the Big Lottery Fund announced the award of a further 3 year grant, enabling the work of the project to be extended to all the GP practices in West Lothian, identifying and offering support to an additional 800 carers.

The second phase of the project will also focus on creating a greater awareness amongst health and social care staff of unpaid carers and the issues that they face, encouraging them to routinely identify carers and direct them to Carers of West Lothian's information and support service.

The project staff team and volunteers at Carers of West Lothian deserve special acknowledgement for their unfailing commitment and enthusiasm in ensuring the success of the project. The Project Advisory Group, with representatives from a cross section of health and social care staff, has been invaluable in supporting and providing project direction. However, the successful outcomes could not have been achieved without the help of so many other individuals and groups, and the organisation is looking forward to continuing to work with all of them to improve the lives of unpaid carers in West Lothian.

If you look after a family member or friend who is disabled, ill or frail and would like information or support to help you to care, please contact Carers of West Lothian either by telephoning 01506 771750, or e-mail office@carers-westlothian.com or by dropping in to the Carers Centre (located within the Strathbrock Partnership Centre in Broxburn).