Laura Sheridan, Group Head Carer & Service User Engagement, said: “Carers, families and friends play a vital role in the lives of the people we support. Their knowledge, compassion and lived experience enrich our services in ways no training or policy could ever replace. When carers are recognised, supported and included, outcomes improve not only for the person receiving care, but for the whole family and community. This is more than a strategy. It is a commitment: to listen, to learn, and to lead the way in carer partnership.”
Shane Mills, Group Executive Director of Nursing, said: “As Board Sponsor for Carer, Family and Friends Engagement, I am honoured to support this strategy and the important work it represents. This strategy sets out a clear, ambitious plan to strengthen how we recognise, involve, and support carers across Cygnet.
“As Board Sponsor, I will provide the leadership to ensure that carer engagement remains a priority across Cygnet. Together, we will continue to recognise the essential role carers play in the recovery and wellbeing of the people we care for, and ensure that the carer’s voice is listened to and acted upon.”
Attending the event at Cygnet Churchill were Cygnet Expert by Experience Carer Ambassadors Lesley Mellor, Matthew McKenzie BEM, Julian de Takats, and Christine Clarke and Cygnet Carers Network volunteers Alicia and Howard Boyer.
Laura said: “I am proud to share our third, co-produced, Carers Strategy, to celebrate Carers Rights Day. Moments like this matter. They mark our progress. We have been on a long, determined journey here at Cygnet to make sure carers’ voices are not only heard, but truly acted on.
“When I think back to the beginning, it was myself, Lesley and Matthew the three of us trying to get this work off the ground, holding the vision as the work grew, Julian joined us with his insight and passion, and then Christine brought her gentle guidance. Each person carried a piece of this, and together we built something meaningful. I must also give a big cheer out to Alicia and Howard, who also volunteer with the Network, who bring incredible wealth and knowledge – thank you.
“In 2021 we launched our first Cygnet Carers Strategy. Then the show really got off the ground in 2022 when we held our very first National Carers Network and launched the Cygnet Carers Passport. With Louisa Powell, Health Care Operation Director South London, and Anthony Saiger, Hospital Manager, Cygnet Hospital Hexham, being committed from the start, I am delighted to share the news that Louisa has been appointed the Carers Lead for the South and Anthony for the North, to support our ongoing work on the ground.”
Laura continued: “The Cygnet Carers Network has really gone from strength to strength. We have launched the Carers Handbook, Carers Charter, Staff Carers Network, introduced monthly carers’ drop-in sessions, Carer Welcome Letters and Carer Information Packs, grown our Carer Ambassador programme, launched Cygnet Advice and Liaison service and supported 23 hospitals to achieve Triangle of Care 1-star accreditation – with more to come.
“Every single one of these achievements came from carers’ lived experience, from staff who believe in partnership, and from a shared determination to make things better. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this progress.”