Monica Thomas has recently taken up the position of Carers Support Manager with Cornwall Rural Community Council (CRCC). Monica has worked with carers in Cornwall for the past twenty one years and during that time has also been a carer to relatives on two separate occasions. She set up Carers Break in 1986 and has managed it, since its inception, through many changes to meet the needs of carers, funders and legislation. In 2001 she set up and has managed, under the umbrella of Carers Break, the Carers Support Worker Project for Mental Health.

The Carers Support Service, which was launched ten years age when CRCC identified that carers were isolated, lacked information and support to help with their caring role, offers advice, information and support to adult carers looking after a relative, partner of friend who may have a physical, mental or learning disability. Seven support workers work on a one to one basis with carers and work closely with Health and Social care staff to, wherever possible, meet the identified needs of carers. Under legislation, carers are entitled to an assessment of their needs (a Carers Assessment) from a Health or Social Care professional and the support workers ensure that carers who are referred are referred for this assessment.

In the 2001 census there were 55,000 people identified as carers in Cornwall. One of the main aims of the service is to identify and offer help to carers who frequently do not recognise themselves as a carer and are unaware of the support available to them. Last year the service identified over 500 new carers. The service also works closely with Health and Social Care staff and other relevant agencies to raise awareness, promote the valuable contribution carers give to society and provide support for them in their caring role.

Monica said, “Now that care services are only offered through the local authority to people whose care needs are assessed as being substantial or critical it is even more vital that carers are offered information and support in their caring role. I have a real understanding, from my own experiences, that juggling ones life around family, work and caring can take a heavy toll. The team of support workers and myself are committed to ensuring that we reach as many carers as possible and offer them a quality service”

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