A new initiative by Nua Healthcare Services hopes to provide "better understanding" of disabilities and mental health conditions to caregivers across Cavan and Monaghan.
The Caregiver Empowerment Programme, will offer a series of free online courses and tools, focused on supporting local caregivers by increasing their general knowledge - regardless of current skill levels or experience.
Speaking to Northern Sound, Ita Forde, Director of Services at Nua Healthcare, said the programme while empower caregivers and provide them with confidence and understanding around their role. Ms Forde says it's also important for people to take responsibility for their own health and wellbeing.
She added, that each course introduces a specific disability or mental health diagnosis by discussing its main clinical features, and how they impact functioning - throughout an individual's life. "In the context of our work, we have seen first-hand the difficulties some caregivers face; the unfortunate consequence for individuals with intellectual disabilities; and for those with mental health conditions that go undiagnosed, and do not receive the necessary early interventions.
"Although we are not expected to, and indeed, we cannot support everyone in need, we do wish to help our communities and national healthcare system through free access to our Caregiver Empowerment Programme, which we intend to continue developing for the betterment of everyone over the coming years.
"It is a privilege to be part of an organisation that really does live its mission, vision and values, and which aspires to do better not only for the individuals who avail of and deliver our services, but also for the communities we all belong to," Ms Forde said.
