6. Dundee City Council
a) Carers Rights Day: The Princess Royal Trust for Carers Dundee Carers Centre identified the need for information events from consultation with carers. Carers have sought opportunities to gain general advice from professionals independently of the person they care for. Often the carer acts as advocate/ communicator on behalf of the person they care for and does not always have an opportunity or time to seek additional information on their own behalf.
The aims of this local event are to give carers information about their rights and to support them in their caring role. This event was held on Carers Rights Day in December 2008 and December 2009 and is expected to be held in December 2010.
Each carer has the opportunity to see two professionals with whom they would like a 'surgery' type private appointment. There are opportunities to have health checks and Red Cross First Aid advice about what to do in a health emergency. In December 2009 foreign language support was provided by staff from the Dundee Minority Ethnic Carers Project.
The council works in partnership with NHS Tayside, Dundee Carers' Centre, and the Red Cross.
b) Short Break Guide: This guide for carers and those they care for was produced by Princess royal Trust Dundee Carers Centre in partnership with Dundee City Council and NHS Tayside. The guide gives information and confidence to seek support, advice and funding for a short break. This guide provides advice to carers (and the person they care for) to allow them to arrange a short break.
This guide gives comprehensive information about Dundee based resources and was produced and developed by Dundee City Council and a former carer. A variety of private, statutory and voluntary organisations also contributed to this guide.
c) Future Matters Group: The Dundee "Future Matters" group organises an annual event for young people and their family carers (around February or March each year). There have been four events so far bringing together many organisations to allow young people and their families to browse information and speak to service providers. The focus of the event is reviewed annually and has previously covered topics such as housing and direct payments.
Group members plan, organise and participate in the event along with invited speakers and information stalls. The 2009 event featured a drama performance by young people which was recorded. This will be shared with professionals, young people and carers for education purposes.
The Group have developed a website http://www.thefuturematters.co.uk/. The website provides carers, young people and professionals with information which may help them negotiate a smoother transition to adult life.