The programme will offer support and help to carers across England, with particular emphasis on the millions of people who provide care on a daily basis but don’t know where to begin when it comes to accessing the services and benefits available to them.

Caring with Confidence is holding LGBT sessions for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans carers and carers of LGBT people.

The project is aimed at improving support for carers aged over 18, and to help carers develop their skills and knowledge by taking part in free local group sessions.

Around 4.91 million people are estimated to provide unpaid care in England and new research from Caring with Confidence has revealed as many as 62% - more than three million do not view themselves as carers.

There are many different ways we care for people; it can take the form of full time care, going shopping for a neighbour once a week, alternatively it could mean supporting a HIV positive partner – sorting out medication, or finding out the latest information.

The Lesbian & Gay Foundation's Manchester sessions will start in July 2009 and there will be both day and evening sessions for people to access.

 

There are seven sessions on offer as part of the programme, and a good place to start is the Finding Your Way session, which is an opportunity for individuals to look at what matters to them and decide which other sessions they might want to do.

The following sessions are also available: Caring and Coping, Caring and Me, Caring Day to Day, Caring and Resources, Caring and Life and Caring and Communicating.

Research has revealed that more than 60% of carers asked believed their caring role affected their health. As a result, the need for a support programme like Caring with Confidence has never been greater.

Annie Emery, Caring with Confidence Project Manager said: "It's fantastic that The Department of Health have recognised the

under-representation of LGBT people in caring roles or who are cared for.

"The Caring with Confidence programme will offer real help and support to carers who are often isolated and may not currently have their needs met. The Lesbian and Gay Foundation are delighted to be involved in delivering these free local sessions to support the LGBT community".

Lorraine Moffat, SHIVER Project Manager added: "We are really excited to support the programme from Blackpool as it offers a much needed opportunity for LGBT carers who at present are not accessing support or indeed have awareness of the role they carry.

"LGBT carers are often doubly excluded and we are therefore delighted that their invaluable contribution is being recognised and supported."

 

Caring can sometimes be a lonely and isolating experience and the programme offers a great opportunity to get support, share experience, meet new people who are in similar situations, and learn new skills.

You can sign up to Caring with Confidence online at: www.lgf.org.uk/caring-with-confidence/