NSFT invites feedback on new Carers Charter during Carers Week
L-R: Deputy chair Tricia Fuller MBE and carer leads Jill Curtis and Julie Williams at Carers Information Day 2024.
The area's mental health Trust is launching a public engagement exercise to gather feedback and ideas that will help to shape its first Carers Charter.
Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) has collaborated with carers across both counties to develop a draft charter that outlines the Trust's commitment to supporting, listening to and involving carers of people using the Trust's services in ways that are helpful for everyone involved.
The engagement exercise will officially open at this year's Carers Information Day, taking place at The Forum in Norwich on the first day of Carers Week (9 - 15 June).
Julie Williams, carers lead at NSFT, said: "From 9 June, we're inviting carers, service users, their families and friends, and Trust staff to share their feedback on our draft Carers Charter.
"Every day, carers provide invaluable unpaid support, yet many are unaware of their rights or the help available to them. The charter aims to change that by ensuring carers are recognised, supported and treated fairly - not just in the Trust's redesign and transformation, but also in the care of their families and loved ones.
"The draft has been co-produced with a dedicated task and finish group made up of carers, carer service representatives, and Trust staff. We're excited to open this next phase of engagement, welcoming even more voices to help shape a charter rooted in lived experience and meaningful collaboration."
Carers Information Day has been hosted by Care for Carers, in partnership with NSFT, for the past 10 years. It aims to inform carers, those they support, former carers and the wider community about services available to them across the region.
Running from 9am to 3pm, the event will bring together dozens of local and national organisations, including several teams from NSFT, offering a wide range of advice and information. This includes support around mental health and wellbeing, physical health, finances, housing, and more.
Peter Rowley, founder of Care for Carers, said: "Working with NSFT has added a vital element to the work we are able to do. Caring for someone, or being cared for, can affect our mental health, and it's crucial that our overlooked community know what support is available for them.
"We're looking forward to once again bringing together as many organisations as possible, so the community can discover what services are available locally, access expert information, and importantly, connect with others in a one-to-one manner."
Cath Byford, chief patient experience officer and deputy chief executive at NSFT said: "It's a privilege to work alongside Care for Carers on this important event each year, and an even greater privilege to open our public engagement exercise during Carers Week.
"Carers play an invaluable role in our communities, and we are incredibly proud to have co-produced a draft charter that reflects their experiences and ensures they are supported, valued and empowered."
NSFT's public engagement exercise on the draft Carers Charter will run from 9 June until the end of the month.
Other in-person feedback sessions include the Royal Norfolk Show at the Norfolk Showground on 25 - 26 June, and the Dementia Marketplace event on 25 June at Trinity Park Conference & Events Centre, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich.
To find out more, please visit: https://www.nsft.nhs.uk/carers-charter