AM Launches New Personal Development Course For Carers in Wales

A new, free online course has been launched to help carers across Wales develop their expertise and skills.

Initiated by the Open University and Carers Trust Wales, ‘What about me?’ was officially launched at the Acton Community Resource Centre by Wrexham Assembly Member, Lesley Griffiths.

The course aims to help carers, who have busy lives and many demands on their time, to reflect on the skills and experiences that their caring role has helped them to develop and develop an action plan for their future.

‘What about me?’ can be studied at any time, as part of a group or face-to-face setting. It is available in English or Welsh and is designed for carers of all ages and abilities.

Latest figures estimate there are at least 370,000 people providing unpaid care to a friend or family member in Wales.

The launch of the course also coincided with Carers Rights Day, which took place Friday 20th November. The national campaign is aimed at supporting those who become carers, as well as raising awareness of their rights and benefits they are entitled to.

After the launch, Lesley Griffiths AM said: “Carers play such an important role in society. They come from all walks of life and often have to find time to perform their duties within their busy schedules.

“People who become carers often develop particular skills and attributes and this course, created by the Open University and Carers Trust Wales, can help address carers’ educational needs.

“Regardless of their busy lifestyles, the flexible nature of this course can help carers build on their experiences and develop their knowledge, helping them work towards and achieve their future goals.”