Who are we?
The Manx Carers Association was established in spring 2006. It was set up by carers for carers. The original title of the group was ‘One Seed –One Stone’ and this was explained by the fact that when we were faced with health issues, the first thing to be dashed was hope. We believe if you have one seed of hope you can see that seed grow and become fruitful and this small carers group is evidence of this philosophy. The One Stone was based on the story of David and Goliath whereby the giant was killed with one stone. On the journey of caring for someone you love there are many giants to fight and we believe that together we can help others win their battles. The group was established to offer a place of safety and relaxation where carers could network and support each other through the difficult and good times as they coped with a caring role.
There is a Christian philosophy underpinning the group because we believe that when there are no answers or solutions then God shows us how to manage and learn from our struggles. The group is interdenominational and open to those of no faith. The group has grown and now feel it is right to establish and more formal structure, hence the name changed to Manx Carers Association (MCA)
The term carer is use here to describe someone who provides or intends to provide practical and emotional support to someone who has a physical, emotional or mental health illness.
Care in the Community has been progressed informally in the Isle of Man in the last decade. The demolition of elderly and mental health establishments have resulted in the transfer of services to the community. In essence, this means that carers are supporting a variety of service initiatives. This has been very cost effective to the government but perhaps the emotional cost to carers has not been included in the weighting? This Association offers carers some emotional support and practical information which may help ease the pressures they now face.
It often comes as a shock to find there are gaps in service provision. Managers of Health & Social Care today face increasing pressures and demands for limited resources and have to prioritise and make difficult decisions. The Manx Carers Strategy (2001) sets out a framework for developing a structure to support carers and a co-ordinator has been appointed to take forward its implementation. We believe carers have rights as a result of providing voluntary care in the community. We acknowledge service providers wish to develop the best services possible, in the light of current restraints, and know their desire is to work in partnership.
Aims and Objectives
- To provide a forum for sharing information on issues of mutual interest amongst organisations, both statutory and non statutory and ensuring carers’ needs are met.
- To provide joint working between providers and carers.
- To monitor core strategies to ensure that the needs of those caring for someone are identified and met.
- To raise the profile of carers and their needs on the IOM.
Financial Support
The Manx Carers Association currently receives no funding from any agency. St. Johns Mill has agreed to support the group by providing a meeting place and some administrative support. The committee roles are all voluntary based. We do require funding to be able to develop our support mechanisms in order to ensure our programme, printing and one to one support is maintained. Our accounts will be available to members at the AGM.
How you can help
You can help in a number of ways:-
- If you know someone who is a carer and may benefit from talking to us then please feel free to pass on our contact details.
- Carers can attend meetings and a calendar can be obtained from the organisation. We are willing to give talks about the Manx Carers Association at events.
- Companies can contact us to discuss financial support or sponsorship.
- We need carers to be identified to ensure there is effective planning for future services on the Island. Your story helps us engage with service providers.
- You can pray for us as we cope with our own situations whilst ensuring carers needs are on the national agenda.
Remember there are people willing to help and support you - you are not alone!