Disruption awards - Dementia Carers Count

This is a great picture of the staff of Dementia Carers Count, the organisation that is running a project funded by the Dementia Trust as one of our current Disruption Awards.

The purpose is to empower carers to recognise their skills, develop confidence, improve self-esteem, and give credit to the personal development gained in the caring role. It provides the opportunity to explore how those skills can transfer into the workplace should a carer wish to return to work, either if there caring role comes to an end, their circumstances change and/or they wish to make career/work changes.

The final evaluation will come after February, but in the mean time coaching has been offered to a small number of carers, to try out the service offer.

Sue Hinds, who is the Head of Services for Dementia Carers Count, told the Trustees about two women who are already involved.

“There are two carers from the same family, a mother and daughter, both aiming to return to work after caring for the husband/father. The mother was an NHS worker, the daughter had remained in study rather than commence career opportunities at a time when her father required support. She feels she is therefore behind her peers in terms of experience for the job market.”

The Trustees believe that the opportunities given for carers to share experiences with others and visualise themselves succeeding are exactly what is needed. Experience in caring can be of huge value in the job market, if we know how to confidently project those skills.

The Dementia Trust looks forward to sharing videos on social media to celebrate this work, and the carers who have been involved.