Bath & North East Somerset Council is working in partnership with the B&NES Carers Centre to improve the health and lives of carers across the district.
The Council’s Active Lifestyles Team are working in partnership with Bath & North East Somerset Carers Centre to provide the Big Lottery funded Carer Community Activator Service
The Service offers carers a range of free health checks, gives advice about breaks and delivers one to one support to help carers become more active and take time out for themselves.
David Trumper, Operations Manager of the Carers’ Centre said: “People who are carers tend to put themselves last and are often less healthy than they should be.
“This programme provides carers with a personalised 30-minute Health Check to help them to understand potential risks and feel confident enough to take the next steps to feeling healthier and fitter – with the support of their Community Activator.”
The Service employs two Community Activators who work with carers to increase physical activity through exercise at home or by getting involved in an activity such as an exercise class or walking group, with a personal break opportunity provided.
Cllr Martin Veal (Conservative, Bathavon North), Cabinet Member for Community Services said: “Sometimes the thought of becoming active or doing exercise can seem very daunting, not at the top of the priority list or simply not for you. We find that carers really benefit from working with a Carer Community Activator.
“A change of scenery, getting active and meeting new people can do wonders to lift spirits and increase confidence.
“However, the programme will be coming to an end this autumn so now is the time for carers who aren’t already involved to take up this fantastic opportunity”.
The benefits experienced from the programme can be life changing.
Jane has been a carer since her husband had a stroke in 2013. She said: “At the time, I didn’t realise I had become a carer. So when the nursing service Sirona came to our home to check on my husband’s condition and asked me, ‘What about you?’ I was shocked. Why were they asking about me? I was fine.
“It was my husband who was ill. No, I was told, you are his carer and there is a wide range of services available to help and support you.
“It was then I realised I’d become run down from all the worry. I was referred to the Community Activator programme and for the past two years have had one-to-one exercise sessions. I’ve lost four stone and I’m fitter than I’ve been for decades.
“The boost to my energy and confidence has made me a better carer for my husband.”
As well as acting as a carer, Sandra has four children. She said: “I am up at 6 and don’t sit down before 8. Before I met Kath from the Community Activator programme I felt tired all the time. Now I’ve lost weight, feel great and my confidence is back!”
If you care for another and need further information or want to book a free Health Check, contact the Carers’ Centre on: 0800 0388 885 or email: [email protected].
