How the programme works FAQs
Q How can I get involved?
A The programme can be accessed in three ways. The first is through local group sessions where small groups of carers come together and two trained Caring with Confidence facilitators deliver the sessions. These group sessions are organised through a network of local Providers across England including carers’ centres, local authorities, Primary Care Trusts and charities.
The second option is via self-study workbooks. Working in conjunction with the National Extension College who has expertise in home-study courses, we have adapted the programme into engaging, easy-to-follow workbooks with supporting DVD
The third option is online for those carers who have access to the internet. The online sessions include interactive, ‘bite-size’ information and resources.
Q Do I have to pay?
A No. The programme is completely free and you can also receive help towards travel and alternative care costs if attending local group sessions.
Q How is alternative care arranged when I attend a session?
A We’d suggest you use the alternative care you are already familiar with, be it a family member or respite and any cost incurred can be repaid.
Q What is included in the sessions?
A We have a list of topics which have been identified by carers as being of value to them, covering the caring role, safeguarding carers’ own health and well-being within and beyond their caring role, financial matters, empowerment and improvement. Further detail can be found at http://www.caringwithconfidence.net/generic-programme. You will be able to access whichever sessions you feel you need at different stages of your caring journey.
Q How do I know what session(s) to go on?
A The main programme has been designed as seven standalone sessions. Finding Your Way is the introductory session for you to do first. It explains more about the programme and gives you an overview of the other sessions available so you can make an informed choice about which of the other sessions to take part in depending on your own caring situation.
You can also choose to mix and match local group sessions, online and self-study workbooks. You don’t have to stick to one format. Similarly, you can choose to dip in and out of the programme - perhaps choosing to do a couple of sessions now, and then six months down the line, do a few more.
Q I care for someone nearing the end of life – are there sessions available to me that are tailored for my needs?
A In addition to the main programme of sessions, we also have a bespoke programme aimed at carers of people nearing the end of life. These sessions aim to help carers who are looking after someone who is dying and carers whose caring role has come to an end. Further details on this programme can be found at www.caringwithconfidence.net/nearing-the-end-of-life
Q Can I attend the same session more than once?
A We wouldn’t normally recommend this as you are provided with a resource pack at each group session which you can take home and refer to if needed. Similarly with the self-study workbooks and online sessions, you have your own collection of resources and notes which you can dip in and out of whenever you want.
Q How many sessions can I attend?
A Finding Your Way is the introductory session to the programme and gives you an overview of the other sessions. As they are designed to be stand alone, you can then choose which ones and how many to do depending on your own caring situation.
Q Who delivers Caring with Confidence group sessions?
A A wide range of Providers deliver our local group sessions. A full list of all our Providers can be found at www.caringwithconfidence.net/providers. They include carers’ centres, local authorities, Primary Care Trusts and charities.
Q How many carers are in each of the local group sessions?
A In order to make sure all carers get the most from the programme, we aim to have between 12 and 16 carers at each session.
Q After the local group sessions, do I get anything to take home?
A In each session, carers are provided with a resource book which provides lots of information, tips and advice which will have been covered during the session. The book is for you to keep and can be used as a reminder and to help in your day-to-day caring role. At the end of the booklet there is an extensive list of further sources of information and advice for you to follow up when you are ready to do so.
At many of the sessions, information and leaflets will be available signposting you to other local services that can help.
Q What are self-study workbooks and how do I register?
A If you would prefer to get involved with the programme from home, or don’t have a local group session running nearby, you can get involved by registering for our self-study workbooks.
Working in collaboration with the National Extension College (NEC) who has expertise in home-study courses, we have adapted the programme into engaging, easy-to-follow workbooks which are completely free of charge. You have the flexibility to work through these in your own time and have access to a private online support site and, if you wish, the support of a personal mentor.
To find out more and register for self-study workbooks visit: www.nec.ac.uk/caringwithconfidence or call 01223 400 393
Q What are the online sessions and how do I register?
A If you have access to the internet at home, at a friend or neighbors’ house or at your local library or UK Online Centre, you can do Caring with Confidence sessions for free online. The sessions are interactive and split up into bite size chunks so it’s easy to dip in and out of.
To find out more and register for self-study workbooks visit: www.caringwithconfidenceonline.net
Q Can you combine accessing the programme through more than one route?
A Yes. The Caring with Confidence programme is designed to fit around people’s lives and caring responsibilities. Carers can pick and choose how many sessions they attend, and how they get involved – from local group sessions to self-study workbooks and online sessions.
Q Where can I find out more?
A For more information, visit www.caringwithconfidence.net or call 0800 849 2349.