Action for Carers’ training
Action for Carers run free courses for professionals to better understand how to identify, support and refer carers.
They are open to any professional in Surrey who is involved directly or indirectly with any form of service, support or intervention to ensure good practice in working with clients and families.
This includes education, health and social care professionals. (But please note we also offer short training sessions specifically on identifying and supporting young carers in school, please see more below.)
We have been running these courses for over 20 years, providing a thought-provoking insight into the difficulties unpaid family carers face in looking after an elderly, disabled, or unwell relative or friend.
Under pressure
Although The Care Act 2014 put in place stronger duties on both local and health authorities to support carers, latest research reveals there is still some way to go in ensuring carers are recognised and get the support they need. Carers remain under huge pressure, with their physical, and mental wellbeing affected, as well as caring having significant practical and financial implications.
Whether you work in education, health, social care or the voluntary sector, it is vital you are Care Act-compliant, and up-to-date with the latest best practice in working with carers.
Quality of presentations high and well thought out workshops.
Upcoming dates
Our main ‘Because Carers Count’ course runs monthly, usually online (Zoom).
Upcoming sessions are:
– Zoom, Wednesday 22nd January 2025, 9.30-11.30am
– Zoom, Tuesday 18th February, 9.30-11.30am
– Zoom, Tuesday 25th March, 9.30-11.30am
– Zoom, Wednesday 16th April, 9.30-11.30am
– Zoom, Tuesday 20th May, 9.30-11.30am
– Astolat, Coniers Way, Guildford GU4 7HL, Tuesday 10th June, 9.30am-12pm
– Zoom, Wednesday 23rd July, 9.30-11.30am
– Zoom, Tuesday 19th August, 9.30-11.30am
– Zoom, Wednesday 24th September, 9.30-11.30am
– Zoom, Tuesday 14th October, 9.30-11.30am
– Zoom, Thursday 13th November, 9.30-11.30am
– Zoom, Tuesday 16th December, 9.30-11.30am
To book, please email [email protected].
Please note we can also provide tailored training on request, for example for GP Practice staff.
Course content
Our training includes the following content, and covers carers of all ages (5+):
- insight into carers’ lives, their need for equality of opportunity and support
- latest facts and figures about carers and the impact of caring
- first-hand accounts from carers about the difficulties they face and how they would like to be supported
- an understanding of how to establish effective relationships with carers and an appreciation of their viewpoint
- The importance of taking a ‘whole family’ approach
- The impact of caring upon young carers and its effect on their life chances
- The legal rights carers in relation to The Care Act and Children & Families Act
- The role of the NHS and other key stakeholders in supporting adult and young carers including relevant local policies and toolkits including social prescribing
- Best practice in developing personalised support for carers and families at all stages of their journey.
- Details of the services available for carers in Surrey
A really useful, informative, thought provoking and emotional day.
For schools
For those working with young people, our Surrey Young Carers team have a wealth of knowledge and experience and can deliver training to schools and other organisations on young carers’ issues.
We have regular workshops for school staff to help them identify and support young carers. Find out more here.
Contact 01483 568269 or email us at [email protected] to find out more.
You can also find out more about the support we offer to schools here.
For colleges and universities
We work with colleges and universities to support students who are carers. Additionally, we present to key groups, including medical and nursing students, about the role of the carer at the University of Surrey. Please get in touch to find out more.