CARERS CHARITY CELEBRATES 1ST BIRTHDAY

A charity which supports older carers of people with learning disabilities celebrated its first anniversary last week, with a birthday party for supporters in Truro.

ORIGO is an innovative charity set up in November 2005 with the aim of improving the lives of people with a learning disability through the establishment and monitoring of voluntary sector projects.

Ann Pulford, ORIGO's chairperson explained: "Our vision was to establish a county-wide inclusive umbrella organisation that can facilitate and grow independent projects to provide the opportunity for people with learning disabilities and their carers to lead fuller and happier lives."

"ORIGO'S first project, an Older Carers Service is already making a difference to older parents caring for a learning disabled son or daughter at home. Working to national standards, the Manager and staff provide free confidential information, support, advocacy and assistance with planning the future."

The charity works closely with older carers and respects their "expertise" after many years of caring for their relatives with learning disabilities.

The Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate for Truro and Falmouth, Terrye Teverson, who attended the birthday party, explained how her own experience of looking after elderly parents has brought home the day to day reality of many carers' lives:

"My mother was in her eighties and looked after my father for many years. It was hard for them to get help and without family around to contact associations and groups who could help them, I think my mother would have found it very hard." she said.

"The Older Carers Service provides an important service for those who very often get forgotten in our society. The charity is able to help carers deal with the bureaucracy which surrounds many parts of their lives. For older people it can be extremely difficult to access the services they are entitled to and many people get overlooked."

Lucy Betts manages the charity's centre in Truro, and explained how their advocacy service works to assist carers.

"We aim to provide a voice for the many older carers who feel no-one is listening to them. Some are fearful of dealing with agencies, and others are not confident enough to speak up for themselves."

The Old Carers Service deal with carers in complete confidence and help them plan for emergencies and for the future with, or for, the person they care for. Advocacy staff are able to educate carers about their rights, help to fill out forms, get access to specialist financial and benefit information, and accompany carers to meetings with social care and medical staff.

The Older Carers Service aims to advance the well being of people with learning disabilities and their carers in Cornwall. If you would like to contact the organisation please telephone 01872264057 or visit www.origocornwall.org.uk.