Carers Link Workers act as link officers for carers within each of the 3 Integrated Network teams.
They work proactively with GPs in each cluster to improve carer recognition, including young carers, to identify people who have become carers due to the health of their cared-for and people who historically may have remained unidentified as carers.
They help to create a new pathway for GPs, District Nurses and other professionals aligned to the networks to refer newly identified carers.
They give information, advice and assistance to newly identified carers enabling them to make informed choices around appropriate and available support and assistance.
In addition they promote the services of Bridgend Carers Centre and refer for ongoing support and access to services. This includes access welfare benefits, carers counselling and activities at BCC, and/or other community based preventative activities for additional, specific support.
The Carers Link Workers will carry out a “what matters” conversation helping the carer to identify personal outcomes and needs. The carers assessment will be referred back to the integrated team for further discussion on support and access to eligible services if appropriate. When appropriate they may support the development of Anticipatory Care plans for the cared-for, when working with the carer who provides the ongoing support.