Carers Matter
A major grant from the Nottinghamshire Freemasons is enabling us to offer much-needed support to carers aged 50 years+ of people with learning disabilities through our Carers Matter project.
Supporting carers by helping them to plan for the future, have time for themselves, and meet others facing similar challenges.
Hi, I’m Catherine
I’m the Project Manager for our three-year project to support family carers aged 50+ of people with learning disabilities in Nottinghamshire.
My personal experience as a carer to my son and my late brother-in-law helps me to understand the issues faced by carers today. I have well-established relationships with many of our clients and their families from my work as Centre Manager at Reach Newark and Reach Mansfield. I help people to see the ‘wood for the trees’ and to plan ahead with confidence. In keeping with Reach’s person-centred ethos, I tailor my support to individual needs, meeting with carers on a one-to-one basis as well as through group socials.
Over the last year I have continued to support over 120 family carers to build confidence as we return to a more normal way of life and to recover from the social isolation caused by multiple lockdowns. Meeting in groups once again has enabled carers to share their experiences and concerns with others in similar situations or just to have a laugh together!
Many family carers are now reporting that anxieties about the rising cost of living are having a real impact,
especially for those relying on state benefits. Right now I am continuing to look for ways to provide support to help people to take more control of their financial futures, including benefit information and applications, Disability Related Expenditure, accommodation needs, preparing for social care assessments, navigating the social care system, problem solving, income and expenditure planning and managing worries.
If you or anyone you know is caring for somebody with a learning disability, please do reach out to me any time on 07715 648691 or email me at catherine.shatwell@reachuk.org.
Ways we are supporting carers
Creating a community among our carers
Signposting carers to other services and support networks
Saying thank you...with flowers and cake!
Enabling carers to have their voice heard with local and national statutory bodies
Clients welcoming family carers for lunch to show their appreciation for all their support
Providing Reach family carers with an informal network including access to a closed Facebook group
Carers Matter Stories
"Every parent’s greatest wish is for their son or daughter to be happy and fulfilled. With the help of Reach, I firmly believe my wish is coming true." - read Sue's story here.
- Sue, family carer to Dominic
"Reach understands the words care and kindness. Frequent contact with Catherine helps me to build relationships with other carers. I look forward to meeting with others and we share experiences and exchange ideas."
– Steve, family carer to Laura
"I’m very pleased we’ve been able to help Reach who do truly outstanding work across the county. These carers are older people who often lead very lonely lives, devoted to looking after a family member and Reach is there for them."
- Philip Marshall, Head of Nottinghamshire Freemasons
"As Sarah’s dad I don’t always think of myself as a carer. You’re just doing the best you can for your son or daughter from day to day. But getting the right support makes all the difference. Even faced with all the challenges at the moment, you don’t have to be alone."
