Unpaid carers’ learning celebrated in film premiere

Learning for Living offers a programme of online learning and an accredited qualification, the Certificate in Personal Development and Learning for Unpaid Carers. It is a flexible course that can de delivered to any learner anywhere with access to the internet and has been designed in a way that makes it accessible to all carers, particularly those who are socially or geographically isolated. 

Over 660,000 people in Scotland look after a family member, partner or friend who cannot manage because they are ill, frail or have a disability. The number of unpaid carers is expected to increase by 60% by 2037 yet surveys show that carers’ needs including the right resources to support their caring role are only being partially met. These needs range from a requirement for better services and effective information to support them in their caring role, through to emotional support and a say in service planning and provision. As well as ensuring the well being of the person receiving

care, carers should also have the freedom to lead lives of their own and develop their skills.

Patrick Begley, Director of Carers Scotland says:

“The carers shown in this film are both courageous and inspiring and their stories highlight the challenges and rewards of learning by building on their experience and skills as carers. The Learning for Living programme was developed by carers for carers and provides a real opportunity to support carers in their caring role and to recognise their skills as carers.

“Carers Scotland is delighted to premiere this film today not only to highlight the carer learners involved but to encourage many more carers throughout Scotland to take part. We hope that by taking part carers will be empowered to develop their confidence, plan for their futures and for

those who wish, to take part in further education or return to paid employment.”

Pat Crook, Partnership Development Officer - Social Inclusion, learndirect scotland, said:       

"We are very proud to be partners in this project. The Learning for Living for carers course provides an excellent opportunity for people to take the first step back into formal learning. This DVD demonstrates the importance of specifically-designed programmes to enable a diverse range

of people to do just this."

The film will be followed by a short ceremony with Janet Okten, Principal of Glasgow College of Nautical Studies presenting awards to recent Learning for Living learners.

Carers Scotland will hold a series of regional events for carers to find out more about the highly successful Learning for Living programme.  The first will be held on 25 April 2008 at Glasgow College of Nautical Studies.  To find out more or register your interest, contact Anne Conlin on 0141 221 9141 or email training@carerscotland.org

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Further information:

• Fiona Collie, Policy & Parliamentary Affairs Manager T. 0141 221 9141 E. fiona.collie@carerscotland.org 

• Patrick J Begley, Director T. 0141 221 9141 E. pat.begley@carerscotland.org

• Anne Conlin, Training & Development Manager T. 0141 221 9141 E. anne.conlin@carerscotland.org

Notes for Editors

Carers Scotland - Carers give so much to society yet as a consequence of caring, they experience ill health, poverty and discrimination. Carers Scotland is an organisation of carers fighting to end this injustice and will not stop until people recognise the true value of carers’ contribution to society and carers get the practical, financial and emotional support they need.  Carers Scotland is here to improve carers’ lives. We fight for equality for carers. We want carers to have the same right as everyone else to an ordinary life – a fair level of income, access to support to protect their health and well being and access to the world of work, leisure and education. We seek to empower carers. We want carers to be actively involved in the design, development and delivery of services. We want carers to be recognised and involved as key partners in the provision of health and social care services. Carers Scotland achieves this by: campaigning for the changes that make a real difference for carers, providing information and advice to carers about their rights and how to get support, mobilising carers and supporters to influence decision-makers; gathering hard evidence about what needs to change; and transforming the understanding of caring so that carers are valued and not discriminated against. Visit: www.carerscotland.org

Learning for Living - Learning for Living is an online learning programme for carers. It builds on the skills that carers and former carers have developed in their caring roles. It also helps to build confidence and develop computer skills, and could pave the way for further study or a return to a paid job.  Learning for Living is a combination of an on-line learning programme for carers and a qualification. There are two parts: the qualification known as the ‘Certificate in Personal Development & Learning for Unpaid Carers’ and the learning resource known as Learning for

Living. This is the first qualification and learning resource designed specifically for carers by carers. The certificate is supported by Learning for Living. Learners who do not want to take the qualification can opt for doing just the resource. For more information visit:

www.carerscotland.org/Policyandpractice/Workingforcarersandemployment/LearningforLiving  

learndirect scotland -  In direct support of the Scottish Government’s Skills Strategy for Scotland the mission of learndirect scotland is to help individuals and small businesses across Scotland to realise their potential through learning, at a time, place, pace and style that suits their individual needs.

Glasgow College for Nautical Studies is the main delivery partner for Learning for Living and provides core e-learning support for learners from throughout Scotland.

City & Guilds is the UK’s leading awarding body for work-related qualifications. The organisation awards 1.3 million certificates to learners each year on over 500 subjects ranging from creative studies to catering, management skills to manufacturing

Carers in Scotland

There are 660,000 carers in Scotland, saving the Scottish economy £7.6 billion each year. 110,000 carers provide 50 hours of care or more each week often at great cost to their own health, finances and wellbeing. Every year 178,000 people become carers and it is estimated that by 2037, there will be more than 1 million carers in Scotland.