I am an Occupational Therapist, and my Carer’s Champion role sits alongside my clinical practice. The Carer’s Champion role is open to anyone within the team, both clinical and non-clinical staff. We’ve been supported in developing this role by Tarek Seeraullee, Havering Carers Lead for NELFT, whose expertise, advocacy for carers’ rights, and ongoing guidance have been invaluable.

As part of the role, we have created a new carers’ leaflet, welcome letter, and carers’ pack, which are now routinely shared with all new and existing carers. We’ve also established strong links with the Havering Carers Hub, and our team now regularly refers carers to their service so they can access the excellent support available. Carer support is now a standing item at our team meetings, helping to keep it front of mind and ensuring new starters are also aware of its importance. I’m confident that having Carer’s Champions within our service has already enhanced, and will continue to enhance, the experience of carers, which in turn improves outcomes for our clients.

I’ve already learnt so much in my role as a Carer’s Champion and have met some fantastic people along the way. I feel I’m now able to support carers far more effectively, particularly those who may be ‘hidden’ and unaware of the help available to them. Having two Carer’s Champions in our service has also given colleagues a clear point of contact when they need advice or guidance about carer support. Overall, the role has been an incredibly positive experience for me, for the team, and most importantly for our carers and clients. I’m hopeful we can continue to grow this role so we can provide the best possible support to those who need it.

Joe Jackson, Associate Director of Social Work, Social Care, and Carers, said, “I’m hugely impressed by the work Tarek and Selena have done in creating our first Carer Champion role. It’s great to hear about the early impact Selena is already having, particularly in improving carer recognition and support, and strengthening links with the local carers’ hub, which is such a vital resource. We’re now building on this progress by introducing Carer Champions in our inpatient and crisis services, with plans to extend the role trust-wide.”