Derry Conference for Carers

Derry Conference for Carers

Derry Well Women is co-hosting a special conference for carers who look after those with terminal or life-limiting illness. The conference takes place on Thursday 19th April 2018 at the White Horse Hotel, 68 Clooney Road.

Derry Well Women manager, Susan Gibson, says the event is being co-hosted with Foyle Hospice and the All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care. Entitled “Thriving as a Carer”, it’s a one-day conference which is geared primarily for individual carers, she says.

Aims of Conference for Carers

“This event aims to help carers to better understand the services and support available to them. The focus is specifically on those who are caring for someone with palliative care needs, including those at the end of life. Carers will be encouraged to participate, interact and engage in discussions about the important role they have and challenges they face. We hope the vent will also discuss how carers might work more closely with professionals to support and influence change in policy and practice.”

During the course of the day, participants will have an opportunity to meet and talk with a number of organisations who will be on hand to provide information, advice and support about various illnesses, access to services and guidance on practical issues.

Register for Conference for Carers

Please note that places are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. If you would like to attend please RSVP by completing the enclosed registration form by email susan@derrywellwoman.org or telephone 028 71360777 no later than 12 noon on Tuesday 10th April 2018, including details of any dietary requirements.

Derry Well Women Work with Carers

Derry Well Women has a track record of work with carers in this region. We regularly run a Dementia Carers Programme, says Susan Gibson. “The Namaste Programme aims to provide dementia carers with the skills and supports they need to give comfort to their loved ones.  It was developed in the US, runs over 6 weeks and is run by a MacMillan Palliative Care Facilitator and a Complementary Therapist. It integrates compassionate nursing care with individualised activities for people with advanced dementia in a group setting.”

Susan says Derry Well Women is also directly involved in research on women carers. “We have already talked to women carers, as part of a small research project. The project is being conducted to help us understand how long term caring is impacting on the lives of women.  Our partners for this project are the University of Ulster and the Western Health and Social Care Trust.”