Learning Disability Carers Consultants support those who care for an adult with a learning disability.
Bernie Marshall and Majella Gorman aim to keep carers updated on Trust developments, help them to share their views and participate in the planning and delivery of learning disability services.
As carers themselves, both Bernie and Majella have first-hand experience of the challenges faced by those looking after a loved one with a disability. Bernie has over 20 years’ experience in community development and good relations while Majella has worked for the Trust for over 18 years in a range of roles including Carers Co-ordinator and Personal Public Involvement.
PPI FOCUS GROUPS AND REACHING OUT TO CARERS
Majella and Bernie have been writing to carers to introduce themselves and make sure their contact details are up to date. They would love to hear from any carers who want to stay updated on Trust developments or that they can support in any way.
Majella Gorman
Bernie Marshall
Contacts
Majella Gorman, Carer Consultant Learning Disability
Drumcashel House
2A Rathfriland Road
Newry
BT34 1HU
07557858749
Majella.Gorman@southerntrust.hscni.netBernadette Marshall, Carer Consultant Learning Disability
Eden Centre
Portadown
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Carer's Hub
What is the SHSCT Carers Hub?The Carer’s Hub is an advisory, deliberative, body of people who will meet quarterly via zoom for approximately 1-2 hours to monitor, review and agree action plans.
The Carers Hub seeks to ensure representation from all geographical and Adult Learning Disability service areas of the Southern Health and Social Care Trust. Carers who take part will have an induction and ongoing support from the Learning Disability Carer Consultants. The Trust Personal and Public Involvement team (PPI) will also support carers and provide relevant training.
The Hub will agree an action plan that seeks to improve communication with carers, encourage partnership working with staff and ensure the service user and carers voice is heard. The hub will support carers to become involved in improving services, and identify supports for carers both locally, online and virtually.
If you would like to be a part of this group, contact Bernie or Majella for more information.
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Events
21st April 2023
Short Breaks Event in The Junction
25th November 2022
Short Breaks Event in Jethro Centre, Lurgan
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Free resources for carers
- CEA card
The Card enables a disabled cinema guest to receive a complimentary ticket for someone to go with them when they visit a participating cinema. Home – CEA Card
- Sunflower Lanyard
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower enables people with non-visible disabilities to access the support they need. It acts a prompt for someone to choose to let people around them know they have a non-visible disability and that they may need a helping hand, understanding, or simply more time.
Not all disabilities are visible – some are not immediately apparent.
A symbol for non-visible disabilities (hiddendisabilitiesstore.com)
- Autism card
The Autism Awareness Card is a tool to support autistic individuals to communicate their needs in a wide variety of situations. It was developed in partnership with statutory services and was produced to give awareness of the issues that autistic individuals face.
The Autism Awareness Card will only be issued to adults and children with an autism diagnosis.
Autism Awareness Card — Autism NI
- JAM card
JAM Card allows people with a hidden disability or communication barrier to tell others that they need extra time and understanding in a private and easy way.
Just a minute of patience | JAM Card | Autism | Hidden disability | Northern Ireland
- Learning Disability Carers Consultants have teamed up with Carers UK to offer support to Carers across the Southern Trust area via digital resources tailored to their needs. Please contact Bronagh Carr to register, Tel: 028375 66105 or email bronagh.carr@southerntrust.hscni.net and you will be sent the zoom link.
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Carers Get Active Card
This initiative has been extended in partnership with Armagh City Banbridge & Craigavon Council offering a 20% reduction in membership fees this includes swim, gym & classes.
Contact Majella or Bernie for further information.
- Complete A-Z for Carers
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Carers Support
- Generic Carer supports from SHSCT:
Carers’ Support | Southern Health & Social Care Trust (hscni.net)
- Specific supports and information for the over 65’s via the Access & Information service;
Service Referrals for Over 65s | Southern Health & Social Care Trust (hscni.net)
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Carers Voices
- Useful websites