Thirsk Carers Support

Thirsk Carers Support is available to people who are looking after someone who cannot be left alone. It aims to give carers a break, knowing that their friend or relative will be well cared for, whatever their age or special needs.

DEFINITION OF A CARER
A Carer is anyone who on a regular, unpaid basis, is looking after an elderly, ill or disabled relative or friend who cannot manage at home without help.

If you have a child with a disability or with special needs we have a sitting service especially for you. 
For more information click here.

Thirsk Carers Support was launched in November 1992 to provide respite, support and advice for carers.  We consist of a group of trained volunteers with a part-time Co-ordinator and part -time Administrative Assistant. Thirsk Carers Support has contracted financial support from the Social Service Department and covers the area covered by the map.  We are also appreciative of any fund-raising carried out and occasionally find time to raise funds ourselves.

Thirsk Carers Support has three main areas of activity. 
These are:

Thirsk Carers Support Sitting Service
The Sitting Service is available to people who are looking after someone who cannot be left alone.  It aims to give carers a break, knowing that their friend or relative will be well cared for, whatever their age or special needs. 

You can contact us directly if you want to find out more about our service or to use it.  Referrals can also be made by your social worker, community nurse, your house warden, or health visitor.  Once a referral has been made the Co-ordinator will arrange a convenient time to come to see you and talk about your needs.

The Co-ordinator will then introduce you to a carefully matched volunteer with appropriate experience and training who will sit with the person being cared for, allowing you to have a break confident that the person you look after is in safe and competent hands.  The Co-ordinator will keep in touch to make sure you are happy with the service and to check that all is going well.

All our volunteers are trained for the work they do, many already have a background of experience in the caring services. They all go through a full application and a Criminal Records Bureau check.  Accredited training is now being provided to our registered volunteers.

Users of the service will make a nominal payment of £1.50 an hour to the organisation.  The scheme Co-ordinator will keep in touch to ensure things are going smoothly.

Thirsk Carers Support Group
Thirsk Carers Support also runs a Support Group which organises a variety of events specifically for carers which includes enjoying coffee/teas and a chat, outings, speakers and talks, support and practical information. Help can be provided with transport if you need help to get to places or events.
It is advisable to check with the office if attending an event for the first time, as there are occasional changes of venue in this year’s programme. Events coming up include:

Thursday November 15th
A Pampering Evening at Bedale Hall

Thirsk Carers Support - 15th Birthday Celebration. 
Thirsk Carers Support is celebrating its 15th Birthday in November.
All  Carers who have being involved with the project are being invited to a buffet lunch at the Golden Fleece in Thirsk on Wednesday 14th November at 12-30pm. They will be joined by volunteers past and present  to remember special times over the years.

Thirsk Carers Support Christmas Lunch.
Carers have been invited to the Annual Christmas Lunch to be held this year at The Olde Oak Tree, South Kilvington on the 12th December. If you are a Carer and would like to meet up with someone in the same position as yourself, or want to find out more about Thirsk Carers please call in the office and a place could be booked for you.
All Carers are very welcome to attend.

If you would like to find out more about our sitting scheme or the support group please Contact Gill Burn

Telephone 01845 523115 Email gill@tscca.org.uk

Thirsk Carers Support Sitting Service for Parents of children with special needs.

Do you find it difficult to find a baby sitter who you can trust to provide the specialised care your child requires?  This Sitting Service, especially for Parents of children who have special needs, can find a volunteer who will be able to meet your needs.

Your child does not have to be registered as disabled but you will need to have an assessment of need.

Thirsk Carers Support for Parents is available to people who are looking after a child with special needs.  It aims to give parents a break, knowing that their child will be well cared for.  Our service has recently expanded to include the Northallerton area as well as the Thirsk area. If you live outside this area but would like to use a sitting service please contact us and we will put you in touch with someone more local.

You can contact us directly if you want to use our service or find out more about it (details can be found below).   Once a referral has been made the Co-ordinator will arrange a convenient time to come to see you and talk about your needs.

The Co-ordinator will then introduce you to a carefully matched volunteer with appropriate experience and training who will sit with your child, allowing you to have a break confident that they are in safe and competent hands.  The Co-ordinator will keep in touch to make sure you are happy with the service and to check that all is going well.

All our volunteers are trained for the work they do, many already have a background of experience in the caring services. They all go through a full application and a Criminal Record Bureau check.  Accredited training is now being provided to our registered volunteers.

Users of the service will make a nominal payment of £1.50 an hour to the organisation.  The scheme Co-ordinator will keep in touch to ensure things are going smoothly

Could you be a volunteer for Thirsk Carers Support?
Thirsk Carers Support relies on volunteers to provide its sitting service which enables carers to have a break, so they can visit friends and relations, pursue leisure activities and keep appointments.  It also needs volunteers to provide transport for carers to attend the Support Group activities.

Who needs our help?
We have sat for many of people, some of whom require a regular sitting service while others need one off help.  People being cared for include children with disabilities or special needs as well as the elderly.  Referrals come from a number of sources including voluntary organisations, relatives, and social services.

How you can help.
Thirsk Carers Support relies on volunteer sitters.  Without them many people would be unable to keep essential appointments, or maintain their leisure activities.  They could become socially isolated and house bound.

How much time would you need to give?
That’s completely up to you.  You give as much or as little time as you are able, this could be time during the day, evenings or at weekends.  You might want to undertake a regular commitment or you might be available for one off requests.  Where possible advance notice is given but occasionally requests come in at short notice.  You are always free to say NO!  Whatever you decide all help is needed and welcomed.

Who would I be working with?
That’s also up to you.  The Co-ordinator takes time to discuss the type of volunteering you want to do.  We work with people of all ages and time is spent matching volunteers to the families and people who need our services.

How much will it cost?
We don’t expect our volunteers to be out of pocket.  Volunteers are able to claim mileage and out of pocket expenses.

What else
You will be given a full induction into the scheme and all our policies and procedures as well as training to carry out your role as a volunteer sitter.  Because we work with vulnerable people we will ask for personal references and you will also have to undergo a Criminal Records Bureau check.  If you have a conviction you may not be able to become a volunteer sitter but there may be other volunteering activities you would be able to undertake.

The national body for Carers is

If you are interested in volunteering for any of the Thirsk Carers Support projects please fill in the ‘I want to Volunteer’ form.

Contact Gill Burn

Telephone 01845 523115 Email gill@tscca.org.uk