The Princess Royal Trust for Carers Network Member

Carers' Health Checks

Carers can suffer ill health, missing appointments with their GP, often due to the fact that they care for someone in their home who is a permanent drain on their health. They may find that they neglect their own health, putting their own lives at risk.

This project has been extended to bring better health and well-being to the people who spend their lives looking after someone who is disabled or ill, physically or mentally. The project provides carers with a simple medical health check and the opportunity to offload, enabling carers to talk about their situation; whether they are feeling overstretched, eating sensibly, sleeping well, having time to relax, to talk about drinking habits, smoking, weight, the future and their general state of mind and wellbeing

Many companies employ staff who also have a caring role.  So how do 'Health Checks' benefit the business? We are aware that the business sector is being challenged to be more active in investing in staff and we hope that this project can help to achieve those aims. The Work and Families Act 2006 and Employment Rights Act 1996 give working carers rights to manage work and caring .We hope that by providing health checks we can identify issues before they get out of hand, keeping carers in the work place, easing the stress they find themselves under and helping them to be better equipped for their caring role.

One carer from Shepway, who underwent a 'Health Check' commented "The health check I had done has saved my life. The nurse identified a health problem and I was told to see the Doctor ASAP and was admitted to hospital for treatment. I had not had the chance to visit my doctor due to my caring role - I owe my life to Carers’ Support."

Perhaps you could find a few moments of your time to visit one of our 'Health Checks' - we are there to help you.

Below is a list of venues and dates in which you can pop along and receive your health check or talk with the Carers’ Support staff. You can arrange an appointment in advance by contacting Keeley Taylor on 01233 664 393 or email services@carers-ashford.org.uk.