The name will change but the project’s focus remains the same: supporting local carers young and old, North West Carers Centre annual general meeting decided last month. Members voted unanimously for a name change to open up more funding opportunities for the Prentice Centre-based project, which will become Capital Carers Ltd. in April.
Outgoing chairperson Linda Paterson, who announced her departure after three years at the helm, explained: “Our current constitution places constraints on our organisation and limits what we are permitted to do, basically putting the project in an unsustainable position. Redrafting our constitution enables us to broaden our scope and puts us in a much better position to tackle the financial challenges we face.”
One particular clause in the old constitution caused difficulties for the carers: ‘Company may not undertake trading activities’. The removal of this and other clauses frees up the Carers to bid for contracts in new areas – and also to consider charging for some services in the future.
Operations Manager Moira Fenning said North West Carers had achieved a great deal over the year despite being faced with ongoing financial challenges.
“During the past year we have continued to support our adult and young carers by providing a range of support services, activities and outings. There have also been a large increase in referalls to all our services and we are currently supporting more than 600 carers.
“We are very much looking forward to the exciting challenges which lie ahead with regard to the new Carers Scotland Act 2018, which comes into force in May. The Board and Staff team at North West Carers Centre will continue to work closely with our Adult and Young Carers to identify any changes brought about by the new legislation and to develop services to meet the changes brought about by the new legislation.”
Moira continued: “NWCC staff have continued to develop new and innovative ways to support and nurture our carers and help provide coping mechanisms to enable them to look after the person they care for.
“It has been an extremely busy and exciting year and I would like to thank the Board, Staff Team and volunteers for their excellent work over the year. I would also say a special ‘thank you’ to our wonderful carers and those they care for for allowing us to share their ‘caring journey’. 2018 will have its’ challenges but we very much look forward to the future.”
Good luck to Capital Carers in the year ahead …
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