Kingston Carers’ Network is the voluntary sector strategic lead for carers and aims to provide a voice for young and adult carers supporting someone in the borough. It is vital that we are aware of the issues that matter to carers and to share these with decision making bodies. We have been voicing carers’ concerns about issues such as Carers’ Breaks funding and the need for more inclusion in local decisions. Please get in touch if you would like to raise any issues that affect you as a carer.
Carers Board
KCN co-facilitates the Carers Board with Royal Borough of Kingston. The Carers Board have been working on the Kingston Carers Strategy which will shape the information and support services offered to carers in the borough until 2025. The Carers Board are always keen to hear from as many carers as possible. To get involved and for further information please contact Adults Commissioning at adultscommissioning@kingston.gov.uk or call 0208 547 7000.
KCN aims to:
- Provide a place for carers to raise concerns and ideas relating to caring in Kingston and decide how those concerns and ideas will be raised and with whom
- Be used as a resource for statutory services to consult carers when reviewing local provision and service development
- Campaign for carers rights, recognition and improving local services
- Share information about local and national policies affecting carers
- Describe examples of good practice that could be used to improve services and support for other carers in the borough
Important issues raised by carers in the past:
- Health and wellbeing – including carers own mental health
- Changes to the services and support for the people they care for
- Reduced funds for statutory and voluntary organisations and what this means for carers
- Recognition from health and social care staff about the role of carers, to be respected and treated as partners in the care provided
- Appropriate and flexible ways for carers to take breaks
- Getting / staying in employment
- Financial matters
Kingston Mental Health Carers Forum
Kingston Mental Health Carers Forum (KMHCF) was formed in 2001 to support mental health carers who are often reluctant to make thier situation generally known. They routinely respond to telephone and emails contact from members and also hold monthly drop-in sessions at Tolworth Hospital for those visiting Lilacs Ward and Kingston Mental Health Service at the Acacia Unit. Membership of KMHCF is free and carers can participate as much or as little as they feel able. If you would like to find out more, you can visit the KMHCF website.