Carers have their say at New Directions Forum

Carers have their say at New Directions Forum

Carers of north Sefton residents with a wide range of support needs have been having their say on the services provided by the borough’s leading adult social care provider.

New Directions held the latest meeting of its north area Carers’ Forum consultative body this week at the Family Life Centre on Ash Street in Southport.

The organisation has a team of more than 500 staff providing a wide range of services to people across Sefton with support requirements due to disabilities, age or mental health conditions.

The Carers’ Forum was re-launched by New Directions earlier this year to enable carers to comment on their experiences of the services it provides, and to help shape the future path of the organisation.

At this week’s meeting Managing Director Bob McDonald briefed participants on the latest New Directions developments, and unveiled plans to establish a Carers’ Council to give carers even more of a say in the organisation’s strategy and decision-making.

He also canvassed opinion on the organisation’s new newsletter and feedback leaflet for carers, both of which were well received.

Meanwhile, Operations Manager Andrea Woods updated guests on recent improvements to local services including the Brookdale specialist dementia service in Ainsdale, the North Hub in Southport town centre and the Chase Heys Respite and Intermediate Care Service in Churchtown.

Bob McDonald commented: “We’re very pleased with the way the new forum is developing, and hope to welcome even more carers to future events.

“From our point of view the most valuable feedback any organisation can receive is from the people who actually use its services.

”At the same time, the forum provides an excellent opportunity for participants to discuss general issues of interest or concern to carers, and to provide each other with advice and mutual support.”

* For more information about the services offered by New Directions, or to find out about joining the team, ring 0151 705 0300, email feedback@ndirections.org or visit www.ndirections.co.uk.