We are a free service that provides support to unpaid carers aged 18+ living in Kirklees. who are caring for a person with mental health needs, who is neurodiverse, or has drug and alcohol issues or dementia.

We work closely with a wide range of professional health and care services, Kirklees Council, charities, and community groups.

We are also able to provide assistance to someone even after they cease caring for whatever reason.

Our dedicated team is on hand to offer advice, information, support groups and activities for unpaid carers across Kirklees. We are experts in our field and cover everything related to an unpaid carers role
from benefits advice, raising awareness for carers, meditation sessions and wellbeing support, to understanding your rights as a carer.

At Carers Count we provide regular support for carers to meet other carers, access support and wellbeing activities which in turn helps carers relax and have time out from their caring duties. We do this through groups facilitated by a group worker, one to one support and carers break.

We are looking for volunteers to support the mental health workers.

The role includes :

• To make telephone calls to carers who are caring for someone with mental health illness, early onset dementia and substance misuse, alongside making friendly check in calls to carers on the Information and Advice waiting list.
• Reassure Carers they have not been forgotten and that they are mid-way on the wait list 
• Provide empathy and a non-judgmental space for our Carers to chat, share how they are doing with their caring role
• · Be a listening ear for carers on the telephone, to provide emotional support and to help reduce loneliness and isolation.
•  Keep records of calls made with accurate information.
•  Encourage carers to attend peer support groups.
• To signpost to appropriate local or national services.

Following mandatory training to be aware of safeguarding procedures and to be able to raise any concerns.

Date / time required and location:

This role would be based at our office 4^th Floor, Empire House, Dewsbury, WF12 8DJ, every 1^st and 3rd Tuesday of the month between the hours of 10-1pm.

Skills required:

Previous experience is not essential as training will be given.

Qualities:  Able to chat easily to people, awareness of and respect for confidentiality, awareness of safeguarding, listening skills, patience , honesty and awareness of carers issues.

Attitude: Non-judgmental, reliable, punctual.

Time commitment: 4 / 5 hours per month

Expenses:  Volunteer expenses will be authorised on Volunteer Expenses form with valid receipts or tickets attached.  Details of this and other information relevant to volunteering is contained in the Cloverleaf/Carers Count Volunteer handbook.

In return you will gain experience and training with help to gain valuable new skills and boost your confidence.

• Application form required
• References required
• DBS (criminal record check that the organisation will organise)

• 18+

Inhouse Training Mandatory