Carers Trust Solihull hold a variety of in-person meet-ups and sessions for carers on a variety of topics. However, feedback shows that although these sessions are useful and informative, many found it hard to attend in person due to their caring role. This meant that many carers were often missing out on information and resources that could support them.
That’s why we decided to create and launch our very own podcast: Carers Talk.
What is a podcast?
For those who don’t know, a podcast is like a radio show but instead of it broadcasting live, you have control when you listen to it. You can pause it, you can fast forward, rewind, save it for later, and for those of you with hearing issues we even have closed captions for you to follow along too. If you have 5 minutes of free time then you can listen for 5 minutes, pause, and then come back later when you get more free time; picking up right where you left off. No matter what, it will always be there waiting for you.
What makes Carers Talk different?
Carers Talk isn’t going to replace carers’ meet ups, we see it as a chance for carers to have access to vital information in a more accessible way – a carers meetup in your pocket.
We have also featured and will be featuring more carers on the show, so they can share their caring stories. They share their tips, tricks, how you can get help and how they managed specific problems which arose that only a carer would think about, and then how they overcome them.
In fact, a carers story was the very first episode of Carers Talk, and from there we have covered Wills, Power of Attorney, and how to save money on your energy bill. As you can see, we are sticking to the topics that carers ask about and want to learn more about. Now you can whenever you want, wherever you are, however you choose.
How can I listen to or watch Carers Talk?
Carers Talk will upload a new episode at the end of every month, It is available on a wide range of platforms, and we have made it as accessible as possible, so you can listen however you want to. Not only can you listen, but you can also watch Carers Talk on YouTube. We aim to make our episodes as accessible as possible and from episode 3 onwards we have created custom captions to assure accuracy. If you have any further suggestions how we can improve the podcast please get in touch.
All services and platforms listed below are free, some of you might even use them already. You can access them on your computer, laptop, tablet, and phone, directly in your internet browser (Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Safari, Opera, etc.) or you can download the services’ app directly to your device. If you have a smart speaker such as an Amazon Echo, then you can ask Alexa “Hey Alexa, play Carers Talk podcast”.
Listen and Watch Online
Download the App
If you don’t want to use any of these services, then you can also listen or watch directly from our website by clicking News & Media in the top menu, or go right to it by clicking here.
What episodes have been released so far?
Carers Talk
Hazel Carter shares her story caring for her husband suffering from Motor Neurone Disease. In our first episode we will be speaking with award-winning author, Hazel Carter. Hazel shares her journey as a carer for her husband, Alan, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
This experience led Hazel to writing her book; ‘Life’s Good, It’s the disease that’s the problem’. Hazel sat down and explained her journey, her struggles, her caring role, and current mission to highlight issues and struggles of carers and the cared for. She now campaigns and gives talks to raise awareness of the impact of MND, as well as volunteering at Marie Curie Hospice Solihull, while also raising funds for MND Association, Marie Curie, and Myton Hospices.
You can find Hazel’s book at: lifesgoodbook.co.uk All proceeds go to charity.
Shelley Collingbourne from Sydney Mitchell Solicitors shares her wealth of knowledge and experience about all things Wills. Learn the ins and outs and the do’s and dont’s of creating, maintaining and then issuing a Will. Thank you to Sydney Mitchell Solicitors and Shelley for your invaluable help and continued support, not only with the podcast but everything else you do. Listeners can visit their website and see the charitiable work done by Sydney Mitchell Solicitors here: https://www.sydneymitchell.co.uk/
We are joined once more by Shelley Collingbourne of Sydney Mitchell Solicitors, to discuss the ins and outs of ‘Power of Attorney’. This is a companion piece to episode 2 of our podcast: All Things Wills.
Thank you to Sydney Mitchell Solicitors and Shelley for your invaluable help and continued support, not only with the podcast but everything else you do. Listeners can visit their website and see the charitiable work done by Sydney Mitchell Solicitors here: https://www.sydneymitchell.co.uk/
We are pleased to talk with Melinda Tompkins, outreach development manager of Act on Energy. She shares her expertise and guidance on the best ways for you to save money on your energy bill. She’ll break down which home appliances are your draining your wallet, and how the structure of your home can work against you and be improved.
Act on Energy is a charity that, since 1998, has been providing expert energy advice, assistance with energy bills, and government-funded grants for heating systems and insulation. All their services are free!
This episode is loaded with tips and tricks for you to save money on your energy costs, and how Act on Energy can help you negotiate with energy providers, give you access to grants and free home heating equipment, plus lots more!
Find out more:
Discover more from Act on Energy and how they can help you: https://www.actonenergy.org.uk
Join us on our website and subscribe to receive our digital newsletter, packed with fun events and activities for unpaid carers:
http://www.solihullcarers.org
In this episode we talk to Parent Carer Sajida Golby, founder of North Solihull Additional Needs Support Group (NSANSG). Sajida shares her experiences of being a parent carer to her three children with additional needs, discussing the challenges she has faced: trying to find suitable education for her children; engaging with social services; lack of government funding; and the mental and physical impact of being a parent carer.
If you are a parent carer and want to find out more about carers assessments and what support is available. Contact Carers Trust Solihull: * Phone: 0121 788 1143 * Website: https://www.solihullcarers.org/
* North Solihull Additional Needs Support Group – Public Page: 
/ sendinsolihull
* North Solihull Additional Needs Support Group – Private Page: / northsolihullsupport
Join us on our website to receive information and support: https://www.solihullcarers.org
While you’re there subscribe to receive our digital newsletter, packed with fun events and activities for unpaid carers. Join our social media channels: * / solihullcarerstrust * 
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