Following this year's Carers' Week, three of the island's leading charities
Hospice Isle of Man, Crossroads Caring for Carers Isle of Man, Manx Cancer
Help will be introducing a six-week course to help family carers flourish in their roles

Sunday June 7 marks the beginning of Carers' Week 2008, a week dedicated to those

who go above and beyond to care for family members or friends coping with disabilities and life limiting
illnesses. This year, for the first time three of the Island's charities:
Crossroads Caring for Carers Isle of Man, Manx Cancer Help and Hospice Isle
of Man will team up with DHSS to introduce 'Caring Matters', a six-week
course designed to go that extra mile to provide carers with the support
they need.

Wendy Smith, Scholl Centre Manager at the Hospice said: "Carers are so
important to maintaining quality of life for our patients. The problem is,
a lot of carers don't realise there are measures in place to help them get
through the difficult times that they may face.

This is not about changing your role; losing your role in life… it is about
extending the capacity to support loved ones, a close friend or a chosen
other and how to achieve the best for those involved.

"This course aims to make carers aware of the various support groups such as
the Onchan Befrienders and Age Concern, as well as the financial help
available. Caring for family members can have a big impact on the health
and well being of the carers so it's up to us to make sure they are
surrounded by the best support possible, so they can carry on even when
faced with the most difficult of times."

The week highlights the evolving role of carers on the Isle of Man and
promotes the different elements of support available to the Island's carers.

The cost-free course will bring in various experts to provide carers with
invaluable advice and information. This includes:
· What DHSS benefits they may be entitled too
· How to support each other
· Keeping well themselves
· How to get the best from the various support services that are available
· Psychological support

Carers Matter takes place from Monday September 15 to Monday October 20,
2008 at Hospice Isle of Man in Strang, Douglas. The course will operate one
day a week from 10.30am to 1.30pm. If successful, further courses will take
place at various locations around the Island.

For more information about the 'Caring Matters' please contact Wendy Smith
on 647426.