Evaluation of the Caring with Cares Course adapted for community setting

Healthwatch Lambeth evaluated a pilot Caring with Carers training programme delivered by Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in a community setting during 2017. The half-day course was designed to help unpaid carers better support the people they care for while also maintaining their own wellbeing. The initiative was developed in response to feedback from carers and aimed to reduce avoidable healthcare use, strengthen carers’ skills and improve connections with local support services. Ten carers attended, most of whom had substantial caring responsibilities and limited informal support from family or friends. 

Feedback on the course was overwhelmingly positive. Participants described the training as professional, supportive, relaxed and highly relevant. Many valued the opportunity to meet other carers and share experiences, with some describing the session as a form of respite from their caring duties. The self-care content, including mindfulness, stretching and wellbeing techniques, was particularly appreciated, while practical sessions on topics such as moving and handling, personal care and communication were also viewed favourably. Even experienced carers reported learning something new or updating existing skills.

Participants were able to identify specific examples of learning that they applied immediately after the course. These included safer moving and handling techniques, improved communication approaches, pressure sore prevention, greater use of touch and non-verbal communication, and increased attention to skin care and personal wellbeing. Several carers reported making positive lifestyle changes for themselves, including exercising more regularly, improving their diet and setting healthier personal boundaries. Many said they felt more confident in their caring role and more willing to seek support, ask questions and advocate on behalf of the person they cared for. 

The course also appeared to have wider emotional benefits. Some carers described improved relationships with family members and reduced feelings of frustration, stress or isolation. One participant reported becoming more comfortable discussing the challenges of caring with relatives, which improved family relationships and wellbeing. Others felt reassured by hearing that their existing caring approaches were appropriate and effective. These confidence gains were still evident during follow-up interviews conducted several weeks later.

However, attendees also identified areas for improvement. Some felt the training was more suited to carers of older people than to those supporting adults with profound learning disabilities. Others wanted more personalised advice tailored to individual caring situations and more time to practise practical skills. Suggested additional topics included first aid, symptom progression, managing challenging behaviour and skin care. Participants also reported some minor venue issues, including difficulties locating the building and limited space. 

Healthwatch concluded that the programme successfully improved carers’ confidence, wellbeing and practical caring skills. The strongest impact appeared to come from the self-care elements, which many participants continued using after the course. While there was no evidence that the training reduced healthcare appointments or significantly improved links with local health and care services, there was clear demand for further support of this kind. The report recommended embedding similar training within broader support and care coordination arrangements and recognised the value of providing ongoing opportunities for carers to learn from professionals and from one another.