Carer representatives gather information to understand issues affecting carers, so they are not just relying on personal experience. When participating in meetings, they contribute to discussions and provide advice and scrutiny from a carer’s perspective. Where possible, they may add relevant items to meeting agendas and are prepared to raise relevant points and ask questions. Their role is to make sure that carers voices are heard when critical decisions affecting carers are being made.
Falkirk District
If you have any questions or are interested in becoming a Carer Representative in Falkirk, please email Sharlene Ramage, Carer Participation Development Worker, at sharleneramage@centralcarers.co.uk for more details. Please note, due to staffing capacity at the Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership, the carer representative trainings are currently on hold, however we have a waiting list in place.
Sharon Mwale
Integration Joint Board
Sharon, the Integration Joint Board (IJB) Carer Representative, is an enthusiastic member of the local community, using her experience of caring for her own children to support other carers in the local area.
As a member of the local Carers Centre for 7 years; representative on the Partnership’s community-led support programme board; and treasurer for carers charity RISE Forth Valley, Sharon is well accustomed to being a voice for people with caring responsibilities.
She also brings an understanding of the public sector landscape, through more than 20 years’ working as a qualified accountant at a local authority.
Daniel McLean
Digital Health and Care Programme Board
Danny, who cares for an older family member, is keen to ensure carers and the people they care for receive the best support so that the cared-for person can remain in their own homes and be as independent as possible.
Danny has used various services for his own health needs and strives to help others feel heard and supported.
Danny works for Dates N Mates and is keen to highlight that many unpaid carers face challenges such as their own health needs, while still providing vital unpaid care for someone else.
Dana Horsburgh
Carers Strategy Group
Dana is a parent carer who is keen to raise awareness of the challenges Falkirk’s unpaid carers face. She is dedicated to ensuring that unpaid carers can access the right support at the right time.
Dana has experience of the various transitions that young people and their families go through and therefore, she is keen to help not only carers, but also professionals to learn of the importance of involving carers in the transition journey.
Dana is always willing to learn from other carers’ experiences and hopes to support professionals as they listen to Falkirk’s carers’ views and experiences.
Ruth Forrester
Carers Strategy Group
Ruth is a parent Carer and has been a dedicated volunteer with the Carers Centre for around 10 years. Once her youngest child became more independent, she decided that she wanted to do more and help other Carers.
Ruth is keen to listen to Carers views and has taken part in consultation work with Parenting Across Scotland to help raise parent Carers views at a national level.
Ruth is currently working with Dr Gwenne McIntosh at Stirling University to find ways to reach new medical students and help them to recognise the importance of identifying unpaid Carers.
Amanda Winters
Integration Joint Board & Authentic Voices Group
As a parent carer who also cares for older family members, Mandy is aware of the complexities of caring for people with varying needs. Mandy decided to become a Carer Representative on Falkirk’s Authentic Voices Group because of her knowledge and passion for supporting others.
Mandy recognises the stigma attached to caring for someone with substance misuse problems and is keen to advocate for all Falkirk’s carers. Mandy is also aware of the needs of parents who support children with additional needs and those who care for older adults, too! As Mandy’s confidence grew, she also decided to step into the role of Depute IJB Carer Representative.
John Giovanacci
Dementia Strategy Group
John cares for a family member who has young onset dementia. He is keen to learn from other carers about the supports that are available or needed in the area.
John wants to ensure professionals can hear the experiences of Falkirk’s carers who are caring for loved ones with a dementia diagnosis.
John has retired, however worked as an accountant for 33 years with NHS Forth Valley. Since retiring John has been involved in various volunteer roles such as befriending with FDAMH, being a Committee Member with the Make It Happen Over 50s Forum and is currently a Trustee with Falkirk District u3a and Treasurer of the Bonnybridge Community Hub.
Bamidele Bamgbopa
Other Opportunities
Bamidele is a parent carer, who is passionate about helping other carers, particularly other parent carers.
Bamidele regularly attends the Carer Voice meetings and contributes to these by sharing her experiences. She finds these meetings are also are a great way of finding out more about other carers situations and support that are available for unpaid carers within the Falkirk area.
Bamidele is currently working with Dr Gwenne MacIntosh, Head of Health Sciences at Stirling University, to support medical students to be Carer Aware.
Bamidele’s long-term aim is to join one of the partnerships steering groups when she is ready.
April Anne Ferguson
Dementia Strategy Group
April Anne is a parent Carer and over the years she has supported different family members with disability, dementia and learning differences.
April Anne also supports Carers in her professional role as a member of staff at Central Wellbeing.
April Anne feels that there is a gap of support for people with young onset dementia, and this is why she decided to join the Dementia Strategy Group. By joining the Dementia strategy group, April Anne hopes to support professionals to learn from Carers experiences and make positive changes for Falkirk’s Carers, the people they care for and herself.
Clackmannanshire
If you have any questions or are interested in becoming a Carer Representative in Clackmannanshire, please contact Stirling Carers Centre.