It's ok to ask Carer engagement film press release launched today

Today sees the launch of a new DVD to reach out to carers in Glasgow to recognise the value of their contribution.. With an estimated 660,000 unpaid carers in Scotland caring for a family member, friend and loved one the short film highlights that 'It's OK to ask for Help.'

The film features Tommy Whitelaw who is well known in carer’s circles across the country for his relentless campaigning for services for people with dementia and their carers.

Tommy cared for his mum Joan and experienced first-hand what it is like to care for someone with dementia. Tommy collected carer stories around Scotland to raise awareness of the impact of dementia on families and the difficult but vital role played by carers.

In the film Tommy tells viewers "All carers in Glasgow have a shared experience: caring for a partner, mother, father, sister or brother and sometimes a neighbour or friend. Asking for support, advice, information and training can be the key to improving your life, health and wellbeing and that of the person you look after.  At the end of the day I found out that's it's OK to Ask."

ALLIANCE Chief Executive Ian Welsh said:  "Carers can often feel isolated and on their own, when caring for a loved one, this short film aims to recognise the importance of the carer’s voice and make them feel that they are not alone!"

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow City Council Social Work Services, Alzheimer's Scotland and the Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (The ALLIANCE) commissioned the DVD resource for carers "It's Ok to ask for Help".  This short film has been supported financially by Glasgow CHP.

Chair of Glasgow City CHP Peter Daniels said:  "It is essential that carers know that help and support is available to them - that there are services which can help them deal with the everyday concerns to help alleviate some of the pressure and stress that automatically goes with looking after a loved one."

"NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde works closely with partners and voluntary organisations to ensure that carers know it’s OK to ask for help, and the best way to access that help.  Carers need to be cared for too."

Councillor Kerr said: "There is hardly a day goes by without someone being diagnosed with dementia or having a stroke and a person close to them becomes their carer. This can be a distressing time for all concerned but we have found that people often shy away from asking help or don't know where to go to get that help."

"In Glasgow we have range of support services for carers and we have to make sure that carers know that help is available for them. We hope the DVD proves to be of great assistance in getting the message across and encourages carers to access support."

The film also includes footage of carers from Glasgow talking about supporting a family member with dementia and the benefits of accessing carer support services in the city.

Dementia Carer Voices, managed by the ALLIANCE, is a two year project funded by the Scottish Government which harnesses the work of Tommy Whitelaw and recognises the importance of the carer voice, in informing future service provision and in empowering carers themselves.

Glasgow City Carers Partnership provides a universal offer of information and advice to all carers in the city. Carers information and support line - 0141 353 6504 www.glasgow.gov.uk/carers

RELATED LINKS

STV
http://local.stv.tv/glasgow/magazine/229173-tommy-whitelaw-launches-new-dvd-to-help-carers-with-nhs-glasgow/

Real radio http://www.realradio-scotland.co.uk/my-real/news/carers-told-to-ask-for-help/9b2e6

With great thanks to Peter Daniels Jill Carson viv Paterson Matt Kerr  nhsgg&c  -chp for funding the film "its OK to ask