Frequently asked questions
What is a carer?
A carer is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction cannot cope without their support.
What do Neath Port Talbot Carers Service offer?
We offer a wide range of services to help support carers in their roles, such as a volunteer-based sitting service which allows the carer a break, free of charge counselling sessions, general information, support and advice. We also provide emotional wellbeing workshops to help with mindfulness and stress management, and events/activities to allow carers to meet others experiencing similar situations and give each other mutual support.
What kind of support can I expect?
Carers needing support from NPT Carers Service can reach out to us for information and advice about their legal entitlements as carers, and what other services and organisations are there to support them in their caring role; or they can request help to enjoy a much-needed break from their caring responsibilities via our sitting service or "breaks for carers", where we organise day trips, workshops and more.
What is a Carers Assessment?
All carers new to the service have the right to an assessment. This is a time set aside for you to talk about your caring role and what help or support you could benefit from.
What kind of Counselling do you offer?
If you feel your your mental health has been affected by your caring role, for example, you have been experiencing stress, anxiety or similar and would like to talk to someone about it, we have teamed up with Neath Port Talbot MIND to offer a fast-track counselling service.
What sorts of activities/events do you put on?
We put out a seasonal newsletter that details all our upcoming events, workshops and activities. We put on coffee mornings, nature walks, emotional wellbeing workshops, arts and crafts days, singing sessions, shopping trips and much more.
Do you offer any wellbeing support?
We are currently in talks with organisations like Cyfle Cymru and established education centres like Neath Port Talbot College to offer carers a wide range of free, fully-funded courses in things like manual handling and first aid. We are also offering a brand new course with MIND covering topics such as stress management, grief and confidence building.
How can I volunteer?
We are always on the lookout for volunteers who want to help us with our service. Volunteers can support carers by looking after their loved ones whilst the carer gets the opportunity to have a much-needed break. We also need help raising awareness by handing out leaflets and providing a friendly presence on our outreach posts.
What kind of courses do you offer?
We offer courses to help with everyday challenges such as manual handling and basic first aid. We also have some fantastic links with Cyle Cymru and Neath Port Talbot College that specialise in a wide variety of free courses too - these include basic I.T., safeguarding and more.
How do I keep up to date with news?
You can find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, where we post regular updates of our upcoming activities and share useful information and news to support our carers. We also send out a bi-annual print newsletter and regular email bulletins updating our carers about our services, workshops and events.
If the person I care for passes, can I still make use of the service?
Unfortunately, the service is only available to those who are looking after someone. After a carer’s cared-for person passes, the carer is removed from the database and we point them towards different organisations and charities who are better able to assist. We do however offer a grace period of 6 months where you can still access our services and attend our activites/events.
I’m a carer. How can I access your support?
Many of our carers are referred by social services, but you can access us directly, too. You can refer yourself via email (information@nptcarers.org.uk), phone (01539 642277) or get in touch directly though the website by using the "contact us" page.
Do I need to have a social worker or a formal carer to access the service?
No formal carer or social worker is needed.
Are there any hidden fees or charges with this service?
No. The only exception is that we may ask for a very small fee if we put on a particular activity, such as providing hot meals. at our annual Christmas parties. Generally speaking, these sorts of activities will be in the minority and we will let you know in advance if there will be a charge.
Is there any outreach support with this service?
Yes, we frequently visit GP's, local community centres and other charities to spread the word about our services. We also run drop-in sessions and free, confidential advice at these posts.
FAQ
Got Questions?
NPT Carers wants to give you direct, comprehensive answers. We have assembled a list of questions we are frequently asked down below, but if you don’t find what you’re looking for, then by all means give us a call or send us an email.