Carers of West Lothian

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

Carers’ Voice, with the support of Carers of West Lothian, was formed in January 2006. The group brings together, in an informal setting, individual carers and representatives from carers’ groups who are keen to influence the way that local services are delivered. <click for annual report>

The group meets on a 6-weekly cycle with each meeting having a particular focus or topic for discussion of interest to the group participants. For example, talks on the Independent Living Fund, Carers Assessments in West Lothian, Single Outcome Agreement Campaign (a national campaign to improve outcomes for carers in local authority plans and agreements with the Scottish Government for delivering services).

Carers' Voice is back after the Easter break with a programme for the summer months which we hope will be of interest to many carers.

26th May 2009 – John Jack, Director of Facilities, will be coming along to discuss transport/parking issues at St John’s.

7th July 2009– To be confirmed, Margaret Callander, Assistant Programme manager Older People Services, will give the group an update on Carer Information Strategy in West Lothian.

18th August 2009 – Don Williamson, Director, Shared Care Scotland, would like to hear carer’s experience of respite. This will be a great opportunity to come along and express your views.

I keep hearing from carers who would like to come along to our regular meetings, but for one reason or another – no prize for guessing which – just can't make it on a Tuesday afternoon. If this is true in your case, and you have an issue about your caring role which is troubling you, then why don't you let us know – by telephone, e-mail or whatever – and we'll raise it at our next meeting. We can't promise an answer but we certainly will direct it to
'someone who can'.

You can also keep in contact with us in another equally important way! Carers' Voice is increasingly being recognised by the NHS, the Council and other Health & Wellbeing agencies as being an important resource for consultation and information on carers and the issues they face. We are frequently being asked for our opinions and suggestions on all aspects of caring, and if you would like to take part in any of these consultations – whether on caring responsibilities in general or a specific aspect that particularly concerns you - then let us know and we'll include you in our short list of carers who are actively engaged in impacting on the decision-making process.

If you would like your comments to be included but you are unable to attend the meeting, contact the Carers of West Lothian Carers Centre on 01506 771750.

Hugh MacRae, Carers' Voice Chair

If you are interested in coming along, or would like a bit more information, please contact Annmarie or Mary-Denise at the Carers Centre on 01506 771750, or Hugh Macrae (Chairperson, Carers’ Voice) on 01506 890085.

Meeting Dates for 2009: 14th April 2009, 26th May 2009, 7th July 2009, 18th August 2009, 6th October 2009 and 17th November 2009.