THE THINKING AHEAD CONFERENCES

Three one-day Conferences designed for parent carers of someone with a learning disability living in south Wiltshire took place at the Carers Support Offices in New Street Salisbury this autumn.

Each of the 4-hour conference days, planned by Carers Support and SWM together, covered a variety of subjects and scenarios that concern almost all parent carers. Money, Wills and Trusts covered topics such as the court of protection, deputyship and power of attorney. Spaces for Life included talks on when and how to use respite, qualifying criteria for supported living and day services. Finally, Managing the Changes looked at all the stages through a child and adult’s life when support is needed and eventually decisions have to be made to provide what is needed. We also thought about the carers’ own coping strategy and learnt more about local support services.

The feedback we received on all 3 days showed two common themes

- Parent Carers felt they “were not alone” and could easily relate to the speakers, themselves carers, who opened each day: John Bartlett on Day 1, Carol Glenister on day 2 and Debbie Taylor on the final day.

- Feedback reflected too on the high quality of the professional speakers including Elizabeth Webb (Trethowans), Michael Neve (Financial Planner), Malcolm Wilson and Karen Walters (Wiltshire Council), Julie (Carers Support), Shirley Blades (SWAN Advocacy) and Anne Trevett (South Wilts Mencap).

A Refresher Day has been arranged for THURSDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2012, starting 10.30am (10.15 for coffee /tea) finishing at 2.30pm, again at the Carer Support Offices, 15 New Street in Salisbury. We are still planning the detail but are thinking that we will use the morning to look back at what we have learned and in the afternoon will learn more about “paying for your services” through methods such as direct payments. This day is open to any parent, foster or family carer, whether or not they attended the earlier Conferences.