Unpaid carers from across Norfolk and Suffolk are being invited to sign up for a free course to help them meet the challenges of caring for someone as they reach the end of their life.

The “Caring with Confidence” initiative, which is being run by the Norfolk and Suffolk Palliative Care Academy in partnership with Norfolk Carers Support, The Carers Agency Partnership (CAP) and Suffolk Family Carers, begins next week.

Running at a variety of venues across the two counties, the courses will give unpaid family carers emotional support and practical assistance to help them prepare for the end of life, as well as guidance on ways they can effectively support the person they care for.

The programme will also help people develop coping mechanisms so that they can gain control over their situation, provide day-to-day practical tips and signpost them to agencies which may be able to provide further support. They will also receive advice about managing their finances and looking after themselves.

The courses take place at:

• The Diamond Centre, School Lane, Norwich, starting on Wednesday 4 March
• Connaught Hall, Station Road, Attleborough, starting on Thursday 5 March
• Louise Hamilton Centre, James Paget University Hospital, starting on Thursday 12 March
• The Hyndman Centre, Bury St Edmunds, starting on Tuesday 17 March
• North Walsham Community Centre, New Road, starting on Wednesday 18 March
• The Burton Centre, Haverhill, starting on Thursday 19 March
• The Assembly Room, Town Hall, Downham Market, starting on Thursday 19 March

The programmes are made up of six sessions, and take place over a four month period. Full details of dates and timings are available at www.bereadyforit.org.uk/category/our-news/ with further sessions in Beccles, Ipswich and Mid Suffolk following soon.

Maggie Parsons, project lead for the Academy, said: “This course has been specially designed to give unpaid carers all of the help and support they need to meet the needs of someone reaching the end of their lives.

“As well as emotional and practical advice, it will equip them with the techniques they need to cope at what can be an extremely challenging time. A variety of other help will be on offer, such as advice about finances and tips on other places they can go for further support.

“At the same time, the courses are a fantastic opportunity for unpaid carers to meet up with other people in a similar situation, share experiences and offer mutual support.

“We are delighted to be working with Norfolk Carers Support, The Carers Agency Partnership and Suffolk Family Carers to deliver Caring with Confidence and would encourage as many unpaid carers as possible to sign up to take part.”

The courses have been funded by Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils and developed in partnership with the Academy.

For more information about courses in Norfolk or to book, email [email protected] or call 01603 219924. For Suffolk courses, please call 01473 835420 or email [email protected].

Carers who need more help or advice, or would like to find out if they are eligible to book a short break so they can attend the course can call the free CAP helpline on 0808 808 9876. For more information, visit www.carersagencypartnership.org.uk

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Notes: The Norfolk and Suffolk Palliative Care Academy is a group of individuals and organisations which are working together to improve palliative care education and training and ultimately patient care. Its aim is to give patients more choice at the end of their lives, provide more support for carers and increase transferable skills so that staff can deliver care in all areas more effectively.

It is primarily funded by Health Education East of England (HEEoE), which aims to continuously improve the quality of education, training and development in the region so that the health and care workforce can respond effectively to the needs of patients, carers and families.

In addition, the academy receives support from HealthEast, NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney’s Clinical Commissioning Group, Norfolk County Council and East of England Strategic Clinical Network for Cancer. It also works in partnership with the Norfolk and Suffolk Dementia Alliance.

The Carers Agency Partnership (CAP) is commissioned by Norfolk County Council and the Norfolk Clinical Commissioning Groups. It consists of a group of eight experienced local carers’ organisations which offer a range of services and support.

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