Recognition, Connection, Dignity, Respect, Empathy – these are the things that we have heard that carers need. We don’t think that they are a lot to ask for, and we are keen to develop resources to improve how social care addresses these needs.

This year we have been working with carers, practitioners and voluntary sector representatives from across England to explore what can be done to improve the experience of carers who access and use adult social care. This work has taken place through four knowledge exchange workshops where those present shared their expertise and experience, alongside the messages from research. We felt privileged to have the opportunity to listen to carers and practitioners, and are keen to ensure that we share our learning as widely as possible.

Carers were very clear with us that they needed to be involved in the design of new services. We listened to that and are therefore inviting any carer who would like to help us, to attend a workshop to shape how we share the learning from this project so far.

The workshop is being held in Birmingham on September 15 2011. We will present the main messages from the work to date and ask people how we should disseminate the learning more widely. If you are a carer, a voluntary sector worker, or someone working in social care who is also a carer, then we would love to hear from you.

We have a number of bursaries available to cover travel and to cover support costs if these are needed. There is no charge for attending the event. If you would like to know a little more about the project to date then check out the half way blog or the reflections on the workshop. If you would like to book a place please contact events@ripfa.org.uk and let us know a little bit about yourself, how we can contact you and whether you would like a bursary. We will confirm places as soon as possible.

If you are unable to attend but interested in the day, keep your eyes posted for our follow up blog post. Please also feel free to share your ideas in the comments below.

http://www.ripfa.co.uk/working-together/developing-resources/