Evidence of Need

Omega recently consulted with 24 local commissioners in the West Midlands. The following responses, identifying issues and gaps in provision, were typical:

• A need for peer support and advocacy provided at arm’s length from statutory services, to complement the information and advice services provided by local authorities and the NHS
• Home-based and telephone support is valued by older carers and those who feel unable to leave the person they are caring for: such a service should always aim to find ways to enable carers to leave their homes and enjoy social opportunities to reduce isolation
• Group sessions which take people away from the caring role are valued
• Always a need for more support following bereavement
• Volunteering which matches individuals to worthwhile tasks rather than organisations
• The recruitment of carer champions
• A service which enables family carers to receive supplementary support when away from home; such care will not extend to personal care but would, in many cases, provide 'an extra pair of hands' to allow an older or frail carer and the person they look after to lead a more fulfilling life, by being able to do ordinary things with the person they care for e.g. to accompany a couple to enable them to visit a cafe for a meal out together.

This information will help us to tailor our support programmes to the specific needs of our beneficiaries, without duplication. If your organisation would like to discuss working collaboratively to address these issues, contact us.