Positive Futures supports people with a learning disability, acquired brain injury and autistic spectrum conditions. They are using the Big Lottery Fund 10th Birthday grant of £2,000 for a project supporting over 50 older carers to establish a steering group.
This steering group is enabling them to plan a programme of support for carers including training sessions.
Robert and Caroline Clarke who are both in their 70s, are the primary carers for their 16 year old grandson, Connor and his 10 year old brother, Joshua. Connor has both learning and physical disabilities.
Robert and Caroline believe that the Better Futures project, which is funded by a Reaching Out: Connecting Older People grant from Big Lottery Fund, has been a huge benefit to both Connor and themselves. They want to see the types of support that they have received from the Better Futures project continue for older carers (over 60 years old) of dependents with a learning disability.
Robert has been working with those currently involved with the project to this end, and has been supported by the project to set up a newly constituted community group.
Robert has been elected by the carers as chair of the newly launched COSYSET (Carers Over Sixty Years in the South Eastern Trust area).
Robert said: “We want to care for, and offer practical support to, older carers in the community who care for the people they love.”
The National Lottery Community Fund Blog Northern Ireland 