Whether juggling family and work commitments to provide care a few hours a week, or caring 24 hours each day, if you provide regular help and support to a partner, relative or friend because they cannot manage without your help, then Carers Link is here for you.
In East Dunbartonshire 1 Person in 8 is a Carer.
For more information about the training schedule, please visit our 'What's On' section. If you would like a copy of our 'What's On' Newsletter - detailing forthcoming courses and events - sent to you directly, please contact us.
Awareness Course in Moving and Handling
Many Carers need to physically help the person they care for on a daily basis, often being expected to manage without any formal training and putting their own physical wellbeing at risk as a result. Carers Link has organised a Moving and Handling course for Carers in association with CORDIA, which will take place at the Learning Development Centre in Springburn and aims to support and empower Carers to feel more confident about the physical help they give. Carers will be shown how to use equipment correctly and will have plenty of time and opportunities to ask questions specific to their own situation.
Emergency First Aid
A course run in conjunction with St Andrews Ambulance Association has been tailored for Carers. It looks at the possible situations that Carers may face in and around the home.
Planning for the Future
A session on how to plan for the future and changes in the caring role. What rights do we have when choosing a care home? How do you choose a care home that will suit the needs of both the person being cared for and the Carer? Is a care home the only or best option? Are there alternative or additional supports that could help?
Looking After Yourself
An opportunity for Carers to explore how they can look after themselves while looking after someone else. Focuses on the physical and emotional impact of caring and how to recognise the warning signs and what do about them.
Stress Management
Most of us experience stress, however prolonged stress can have a major effect on our lives and our health. These sessions will explore what stress is and ways to mitigate its impact.
Group Relaxation
Taking time to relax and unwind, learning easy and effective ways to release tension and calm mind and body can help reduce anxiety and reduce depression, insomnia, fatigue, headaches and body pain. Techniques such as simple exercises, controlled breathing, muscle relaxation and visualisation will be used to show how calmness in body and mind can be achieved at home.
Assertiveness & Confidence Building
This session focuses on enabling Carers to develop skills to interact more confidently and assertively with others; be that the person being cared for, family member or professionals. Participants will explore different communication styles, develop assertive thinking skills and examine ways to deal with criticism and conflict.
Foundation Level Computer Skills
Being able to interact with the world outside the home is essential for Carers. The Computer is the ideal tool. This series of courses will introduce the basic skill required to confidently use a computer to access the internet, use email and explore the vast virtual information resource that can be found on the Internet.
Caring for Someone with Dementia
Caring for someone with dementia can be a very intensive, challenging, rewarding and at times stressful experience. A series of courses run of a number of weeks aims to address some of the main issues that face Carers. This series of sessions consists of:
Caring for Someone with Mental Health Difficulties
Providing Care and support for someone who has a mental illness can be very challenging and stressful time. A series of courses run of a number of weeks aims to address some of the main issues that face Carers. This series of five sessions consists of:
Parent Carers
Parents who have children with additional support or complex needs are faced with a long-term commitment to provide specialist care. This involves requiring greater medical and a practical help. The process of getting these services in place can be a very daunting and frustrating experience. Parent Carers are invited to take part in session tailored made for their needs. This often involves bringing in trainers from other organisations, for example: SENSE Scotland. Examples of the courses offered include:
Money Matters
Information and advice on how to maximize your income, focusing on what welfare benefits are available to Carers and the people they care for. This session is run with the Citizens Advice Bureau.
Direct Payments
Carers can have more control over the services they access by receiving the funding directly from the Local Authority to buy in help. This session is run with the Direct Payment Support Service.
