Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust is inviting staff and members of the public to attend a talk to find out how carers across the district are being offered vital support.

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear first-hand how the Care Trust’s dedicated resource, ‘Carers Hub’ is improving patient experience and the impact it has had on carers since its opening in March 2016.

The provider of mental health, community health and specialist learning disability services will be hosting the event on Thursday 30 June at Bradford College, 12.30pm-2pm.

Tracey Corner, Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust Patient Experience Lead, said: “We will discuss the importance of offering carers a place to meet, the chance to recharge their batteries and gain access to free advice and information. We will focus on how our ‘Carers Hub’ is making a real difference to people caring for family and friends.”

Maria Fisher, carer for her 21 year old son Ben and her 82 year old elderly father Bill, said: “The Carer’s Hub is helping me in my caring role as it’s somewhere to go when I need a break and I’m feeling overwhelmed to share difficulties and triumphs with other carers. This is so important to me, as I’ve always believed in support groups and the power you can gain from being with likeminded people in similar situations. Sometimes you don’t need to say anything; there is a knowing between people, that is a support in itself and I find it quite therapeutic.”

Before the carers talk, the Trust’s ‘Board on the Road’ meeting will take place at 10am and members of the public are welcome to attend the meeting.  During the meeting, the Board will hear about a carer’s experience of services, discuss how the Care Trust is performing in a range of areas and will receive an update about the Trust’s BME Diversity in Employment Strategy. There will be a networking opportunity from 12pm-12.30pm.

Board Papers, including the agenda for the Board meeting, will be available on the Trust’s website from Monday, 27 June.  You can view these at:http://www.bdct.nhs.uk/board-papers

If you would like to attend the talk and/or Board meeting, please call Ritta Harrison on 01274 363430 or email rita.harrison@bdct.nhs.uk

The Board on the Road’ meeting and Carer’s Talk will be held at: Michelle Sutton Theatre, David Hockney Building, Bradford College, Great Horton Road, Bradford, BD7 1AY.

The Board on the Road’ meeting 10:00 am until 12:30 pm

Carer’s Talk 12:30 pm until 2:00 pm

ENDS