Family Carer Ireland
Family Carer is a national charity dedicated to supporting Ireland’s 355,000+family carers, who are the hidden, unpaid army propping up our healthcare system.
Our primary focus is on supporting the carer as an individual in their own rights, as well as a key contributor to the sustainability of our healthcare system. We do this through the provision of much needed supports and services.
After a short introduction of Family Carer Ireland, I am describing a brief history of Family carer Ireland.
Family Carer Ireland formed in January 2016 following the merger of The carers Association and caring for carers, Family Carer Ireland is only organisation in Ireland dedicated to family carers.FCI provides services to more than 2,000 family carers everyday and has a database of over 30,000 carers. FCI has 21 Carer Resource Centres /bases located across the country. We employ 600+staff the majority of whom provide in-home and respite support to families. The Annual Budget of euro 10m is made up of a combination of funding from the HSE and other public bodies; fees for services provided on a commercial basis (e.g. home care); membership subscriptions; sponsorship and fundraising.
Here I am going to talk about what services FCI provides;
Information on Rights & Entitlements, Support with applications for carer’s Allowance & Carers Benefit Advocacy, Lobbying and Media Campaigns, Local Training Courses, Support for Young carers/Young adult Carers, Home care Packages (HSE Funded)/Nurse led Clinics, Personal Development & Workshops for Carers, Carer Groups/Peer Support, Membership Programme, Senior Alert Scheme/Telecare support , volunteering Programmes, Respite Weekend Break, Assistive Technology, Home Respite Services, Counselling , Private Home Care (Tax Deductible), support with fair Deal, FREEPHONE Careline.
Family Carer Ireland has support Group over 60 Nationwide for share carer’s experience, feelings, ideas, concerns, information and problems with each others, access information on their Rights and Entitlements. They discuss about ‘’Act together to highlight carers ’Issues with decision makers, Have a sense of connection and solidarity with other family carers in similar circumstances, have a break from the caring situation. They can learn from other carers about socialise, Relax, cope from day to day and reduce isolation.
Family Carer Ireland also arrange different ANNUAL EVENTS for the betterment of Organization and the carer’s life like, National Carers Week (June),
National ‘Shine a Light’ Day (June 21st) is a national day to raise Awareness of family carer in Ireland and much –needed funds through the sale of gold heart –shaped pins for euro 2.considering that June 21st is the summer solstice and the longest day of the year, and an appropriate time to shine a light on the contribution of family carers and to raise awareness of family Carers Ireland and support they offer. Others Annual events are Carer of the year Awards, Listening to Carers Forums, Annual Carers Respite Weekend, Young Carers Respite Break, Carers conference, Annual Lobbying /Media campaign e.g. Carers in Crisis.
Family Carer Ireland is a community based organization. FCI mission statement is that ‘’to benefit the community by supporting and promoting the health, well-being and quality of life of family carers and those for whom they care for’’
All services of Family Carers Ireland based on their Mission statement.FCI organisation is working all over the Ireland for the better health and well-being of community .FCI provide 24 Hour Support FREEPHONE Careline (1800240724).These all calls are completely confidential, friendly and supportive. Most of the time this service led by Volunteer and they Listen to concerns and offer practical advice on a range of topics. For carer talks and information about their services and new events follow their local FB page.
One of FCI office is at HSQ Dublin 8. There all staff members are very friendly, helping and kind. They are always ready to help for senior alert alarm and all other services. They are only a one call away.
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