​ellenor’s pioneering work with carers is recognised

ellenor recently had its pioneering work with carers recognised when it won an award from the NHS North Kent Clinical Commissioning Groups in the category of ‘Empowering hard to reach groups’. The award was presented during a Patient Experience Shared Learning Event at the Hilton in Dartford.

The award particularly recognised the introduction by ellenor of its Carers’ Cuppa initiative which was set up by the charity to provide support to carers, both caring for ellenor patients and others in the local community.

There to collect the award was Terrie Marsh, who ellenor supported during her husband’s illness and since his death and now runs some of the Carers’ Cuppa groups.

According to the Carers UK Manifesto, families are caring more than ever and many are finding it harder to get support – as the numbers able to access social care in England fall. Research has shown that full-time carers are more than twice as likely to be in bad health as non-carers; half of carers say they have experienced depression after taking on a caring role; and 61% say they are at ‘breaking point’.

Carers’ Cuppa provides an opportunity for carers to come together in a safe and sociable environment where they can meet other carers, have a break and find out about accessing services which could provide further support to them in their role. ellenor works in partnership with Carers First and other local providers to ensure that people are signposted effectively.

“We are delighted to have had our work with carers recognised with this award,” says Sarah Green. “At ellenor we don’t just provide support to our patients but to their whole family and everyone affected in some way by their situation. Carers are very much part of that equation – as the care they provide works in partnership with the support we give.”

Dates for Carers’ Cuppa:

28 April 7-9pm, ellenor Gravesend

4 May 10-12 pm, ellenor Dartford

14 May 11-1pm , ellenor Gravesend

Please visit www.ellenor.org for further dates