The Older Carers Project, funded by the Big Lottery, aims to improve the quality of life for carers over the age of 65 by addressing their social, financial and practical needs.

We provide a range of support services to carers over the age of 65, taking into consideration their specific needs and providing a personalised support package that suits them.

These can include:

• Advice and Support with Benefit Applications

• Monthly Coffee Mornings

• Support in arranging Respite Care

• Support accessing Transport

• Support to access Social Care Resources

• Information, advice and advocacy

• A sympathetic ear

Through these services we hope to enhance older carers general well-being (emotional & physical), financial independence and access to community resources thus enabling them to effectively partake in their caring roles.

The Older Carers project which started in April 2006, is now in its 4^th year having supported over 1000 older carers till date. We have been successful in renewing our funding from the Big Lottery Fund for a further 3 years, which is a significant reflection of the positive difference our support is having on the lives and well-being of older carers in Harrow. Some typical case studies of the support provided have been posted under Case Studies

We work closely with various organisations (both local and national) who could provide specialist advice and support both for the carer and the individual they care for enabling an integrated approach to meet all their support needs! A brief explanation of their service, contact details and a link to their website can be accessed under organisations. For other relevant information please refer to the Useful Links section.

If you have been in receipt of our services and would like to offer some feedback please complete and return the short Feedback form. We are always looking to get more views regarding our service as this will enable us to make improvements and sustain our service through applications for future funding.

If you are an older carer who lives or provides care in Harrow and would like to register with us please download and complete the Referral form. Alternatively should you require further information please do not hesitate to contact us at the Older Carers Team.

Quote from Carer

“I have cared for my Down ’s syndrome brother alone for 37 years – As things in recent years have got so much worse I felt isolated and totally exhausted all this time. Made worse by the fact that I have a chronic illness too. Since registering with Harrow Carers, my life has been transformed out of all recognition. I feel very privileged to know such a lovely group of people whom I thank from the bottom of my heart.”

“Having personal contact with a team who are able to offer advice and help is invaluable as is the opportunity to meet with other carers with whom you can share problems and solutions and know that you are not alone in this situation.”

Esha Shah: esha.shah@harrowcarers.org

Anne Hession: anne.hession@harrowcarers.org

Tel:  020 8868 5224