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Photo by Nik Masters

Update on Camden Carers Voice (CCV)

Camden Carers Voice actively campaigns and lobbies for carers’ rights. It meets quarterly, each meeting having a main topic, and is open to all current or former carers living in the borough of Camden, or caring for someone who does. (See below for CCV's statement of aims and 'What we are about'.)

The last meeting was held on Wednesday 7 December at Argenta House. 30 carers attended to hear Carers' Commissioner Karen Timperley present the revamped Carers' Strategy. Minutes available soon. (This was also CCV's second birthday party — photos coming!)

The previous meeting, held in September, looked at Personalisation/Camden Care Choices, Admiral Nurses, support for bereaved carers, Telecare, safeguarding, hidden carers, raising awareness of mental health carers and young carers, financial assessments and Greenwood Place, the proposed new community resource centre in Kentish Town. In addition CCV development issues were also on the agenda. For the full minutes click here or phone 020 7428 8966 for a copy to be posted or emailed to you. For more information about CCV please email camdencarersvoice@yahoo.co.uk

CCV is carer-led, drawing on everyone’s skills, talents and abilities. It has three elected members to represent the interests of carers in specific areas: Cynthia Philpots (for Older People), Kate Harwood (Dementia) and Jessica Buck (Carers' Strategy Group, or CSG). The last is a key local authority meeting, where discussions are held on all carers’ services and support (other than Young Carers). In addition, a Steering Group (comprised of carers Nik Masters and Edelweiss Jochlik along with Kate and Jessica) has been set up to plan the agenda and steer the future direction of the group.

Catherine Evans, CCC's Volunteer Co-ordinator, works closely with the Steering Group to help take CCV to its next stage of development. if you want to get involved, and perhaps help to shape the way CCV works, you can contact Catherine on 020 7428 8966 or email. We want to hear what issues are important for you.

  left to right: Cynthis, Kate, Jessica, Nik, Edelweiss. All photos by Neil Meddemmen (except second left, by B.Wilson)

Meeting dates have been set to link in with dates for CSG meetings. This enables Jessica to pre-meet with the Carers' Commissioner, then seek CCV views before attending the meeting itself.

We are committed to meetings which are:

 

We are committed to meetings which are

  • Practical
  • Effective
  • Targeted
  • Enjoyable
  • Sociable
  • Inclusive — and open to all carers/former carers in the borough.

 

Our aim is to   

  • obtain the necessary and best care for those we love;
  • have recognition for a carer's needs to be able to continue to care;
  • have understanding of our legal position to choose and be willing to care;
  • ensure everyone knows that carers are entitled to a life of their own;
  • meet with, and join, other carers to campaign for these rights.

In the words of one Camden carer, who has been involved at all stages, ".... CCV is for — and open to — every unpaid carer in Camden. We are all different but we share in common our vital role of being carers. We can all get involved and advise on what is going on, because we are what is going on. Together we aim to develop an official group with a powerful voice, one which is influential as well as advisory."

Reports of previous CCV meetings can be found in each of Camden Carers Centre's quarterly Newsletters, dating back to Summer 2009. Click the Newsletter option on the menu bar and select the one you want. Issues addressed include:

 

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