WORKSHOPS will be held to give carers the skills, knowledge and support they need to look after loved ones with dementia.
The Carers Support Programme for non-professional carers will start in June and will give them monthly workshops with useful advice from professionals.
The scheme will be run by mental health service Navigo with the Dementia UK Admiral Nurse Service, with workshops on specific issues such as incontinence.
Tilly Brock, admiral nurse clinical lead, said: "Most people never expect to find themselves in that position, so when they do, they may not have the knowledge and skills to give people the love and care they deserve.
"The aim of this workshop is to teach them and, ultimately, to reduce the stress and burden that many carers have to bear as it is a difficult and daunting job that many people do without pay."
Sandra Dawson, carers support worker for Navigo, believes that those who go may learn as much from others there as from health professionals.
She said: "Caring for someone with dementia can be very lonely and isolating as other friends and family members often don't know what to do and stop coming round.
"Sometimes, getting out of the house and speaking to someone who understands and is in the same situation can mean a lot to a carer.
"Talking and sharing has huge emotional benefits but it also helps teach people how to care – carers learn a great deal from each other."
Carers have been invited to a launch day at The Gardens Conservatory in the Konar Suite at Grimsby's Diana Princess Of Wales Hospital, from 2.30pm to 3.30pm on Tuesday, June 11, during National Carers Week (June 10-16).
This will be a chance to find out what's on offer and the first workshop will take place at Harrison House, Peaks Lane, Grimsby, on Friday, June 14, with details to be confirmed.
There will also be an open event for carers at Cleethorpes Memorial Hall on Monday, June 10, from 1pm to 7pm, offering all kinds of advice.
If you want to know more about the workshops, contact Sandra or Tilly on 01472 625982.
ON THE WEB: Find links to more information for carers at www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk
