Clare Carers complete training programme

CONNOLLY, Ireland - June 11, 2013 - PRLog -- A group of 12 carers from all over County Clare were last evening presented with certificates recognising their participation in a European Commission-funded training course specialising in enhancing carer skills and competencies.

Ennis-based Caring for Carers Ireland provided the ‘Caring Skills & Competencies’ training as one of six EU partners involved in the Leonardo da Vinci (Transfer of Innovation) Project KEYFORA, a two-year project focusing on education and training for family carers, professional care workers and migrant care workers. The key aim of the project is to support carers participating in training activities in the acquisition and the use of knowledge, skills and qualifications to facilitate personal development, employability and participation in the European labour market.

Amongst those to received certificates at a ceremony held in the Old Ground Hotel last evening were Breda Connaughton (Newmarket on Fergus), Theresa Curtin (Crusheen), Caroline Davoren (Kilmihil), Seyi Ejide (Ennis), Teresa Hickey (Feakle), Teresa Hogan (Ennis), Cora Long (Scarriff), Margaret Scanlon (Cranny), Kitty Ward (Cratloe), Godfrey Odiase (Ennis), Mary B Vaughan (O’Callaghan’s Mills) and Breda White (Ennis).

Commenting on the background to the training programme and KEYFORA project, Brigid Barron, KEYFORA Project Manager, Caring for Carers Ireland explained: “The lack of key competencies is recognised as one of the main challenges to the overall success in the employment and training of carers throughout Europe. Existing resources and learning methods are inadequate to cater for the needs of the learner”.

Ms. Barron continued: “Currently, the majority of care providers throughout Europe are migrants, while many caregivers or persons working in this area have currently no authority or power.  It is necessary to convince them to master key skills. Under the scheme, carers identify and acquire key skills and competencies in the provision of health and social care services to people in their own homes. We are delighted to have bestowed certificates on 12 participants of our recent training programme.”

Course tutor Barbara Callinan emphasised that the skills learned in the caring role are “invaluable” and the purpose to the training is to build on those skills in preparation for employment.

“Activities that contribute to the well-being of families and individuals at home such as care services have an important job-creation potential. Demand for care and household services is expected to increase due to an important trend population ageing in all EU Member States, combined with the expected decline of the number of potential carers within the family circle. The recently concluded training course focused on developing the key skills of communication, responsibility, problem solving and teamworking,” she added.

Commenting on her participation in the course, Cora Long from Scarriff said: “I found the self-assessment element of the project of great value, particularly in relation to identifying my personal strengths and weaknesses. Overall, the skills module highlighted the importance of good communication and maintaining a positive attitude.”

Fellow participant, Kitty Ward from Cratloe added: “This was the best course I have ever done. The tutor was brilliant and the handouts that were disseminated were excellent. Doing this course with such a lovely group was very rewarding and will remain with me for the rest of my life.”

Caring for Carers Ireland promotes the Health, Wellbeing and Quality of life of Family Carers and those for whom they care by promoting recognition, providing respite care, information, training and advocacy to promote Social Inclusion, within the context of The Carers' Charter. The Caring for Carers Ireland Headquarters is located in Ennis, Co Clare.

For further information on the Project visit www.keyfora.com or contact Brigid Barron at bbarron@caringforcarers.org.