We met with Jude Pinder (Torbay Council), Helen Burns (Mencap Family Carers) and Lindsey Jeffrey (Torbay Carers Services) so we could discuss our views as carers.
We talked about how we want to reach more Carers of people with Learning Disabilities, so that these Carers know about our roles as Carers Reps on this Board. We discussed whether it might help if we have an email address for carers of people with LD to send general questions in to us via email (we cannot answer individual case questions, but we want to know about general issues and concerns to raise up to the Board). We are going to hold an LD Carers Rep open Drop-In for carers (with coffee and cake) on Wednesday, November 22, 10am to 1pm, at Paignton Carers Centre. We have advertised this in the Autumn edition of Signposts for Carers magazine (out now!!).
We talked to Jude about the issues around Transport and the cost of having Electric vehicles for Carers and the people they Cared For – Jude is going to follow this up.
We talked about the concerns around the proposed closure of Train Ticket Offices – this is a big worry for us and the people we care for since Ticket machines are not always accessible. What can be done to ensure we don’t lose Ticket Offices?
Carers reporting that the cost of living is continuing to have a huge impact for them and the people they care for. We want this noted at the Board. Also, from Lindsey, just to say that the Consultation Survey for Torbay Carers Strategy 24 -27 is due to go live about now. This will be on-line and also a paper version can be filled in. If any help needed with completing either version then please call Engaging Communities Southwest on 08000 520 029. Please tell any Torbay carers you know about this. Thank you.