July 22, 2011 at 11:49 AM

The legacy of Beat’s three-year Carers’ Project is an undeniably strong platform for Beat to continue to expand our work for carers, offering support and getting volunteers involved in campaigning and awareness-raising activities.

There’s been a lot of activity recently, with Carers’ Ambassadors training events, the launch of the Beat Carers’ Forum, and finally the publication of three new booklets for carers. Since November, 22 carers have trained as Ambassadors (the hugely successful Young Ambassadors scheme, established in 2004, recently reached a landmark 100 members ; 22 Carers’ Ambassadors in 9 months is not bad going!). 

Recently, Carers’ Ambassadors met in Birmingham to discuss the Carers’ Project – with resoundingly positive results.  We looked back on some key activities: notably the online Carers’ Chats, with increasing opportunities for carers to support others; and the 37 Pop-up Surgeries (drop-in support and information sessions) so far run in 2011 - many by Carers’ Ambassadors.

There’s a real energy in the air at Beat at the moment, with the team pulling together as we busy ourselves refining the new Beat website in anticipation of its long-awaited launch. It puts me in mind of the energy at the Carers’ Ambassadors training day on the 2^nd July. Ben Dunne, a recent newcomer to Beat’s Engagement Team, led the session with me – and what a session it was! That such positivity and selfless commitment can be found amongst the carers who support our work – allied with the dedicated team we have here – gives me real hope for what we can achieve together in future.

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