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Micro-Care – a new model of care for Flintshire
Published: 27/05/2020
Flintshire County Council is working to support all its residents through the challenges of the current situation. It recognises the contributions being made by local residents, community groups and a range of agencies, to support people to stay safe and well in their own homes.
When the current situation improves, there remains a national shortage of carers to meet the growing demand for care to enable people to live independently at home. To meet this challenge the Council has introduced an innovative new approach to increasing the number of carers able to deliver care to our residents. This new approach is called Micro-Care.
Micro-Care describes very small businesses ranging from sole-traders up to businesses employing five people, who offer flexible and personalised care, support or well-being type services to vulnerable people, tailored to the individual’s needs. Typically the types of services micro-carers can provide include:
- personal care at home;
- day care;
- support to engage in community or social activities;
- well-being type services such as cleaning, shopping or accompanying to appointments.
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The Council wants to encourage and support people across the County to become micro-carers. Anyone can become a micro-carer and the type of people who might be interested could be people:
- who are interested in providing care services to but may have no experience;
- currently working in the care sector but interested in being their own boss;
- who are already actively supporting people in their local communities;
- who are currently caring for loved ones;
- who want to do something that support others and makes a difference.
The Council, in partnership with Cadwyn Clwyd and the Welsh Government, has employed two Micro-Care development officers. They will work with individuals to:
- support and mentor them to develop their business or idea;
- provide information on training, funding and other available support and resources;
- support individuals to develop and deliver a quality service in line with current Welsh Government legislation and regulations;
- link them in to a network of other micro-care providers for mutual support.
Depending on the nature of the micro business, start-up funding may also be available.
If you think you could help support people in your local community, or know someone who may be interested, please contact either Marianne Lewis or Rob Loudon on 01352 702126 or 01352 702461 for a chat, or email them at micro-care@flintshire.gov.uk.