Notice: Free Training and Advice for Surrey’s Unpaid Carers on Looking After Their Backs

Published on: 14 Feb, 2023
Updated on: 13 Feb, 2023

Action for Carers Surrey is offering free support and training to carers who are at risk of hurting their backs as they help the person they care for move around.

A spokesperson for the charity said: “Many of us get bad backs. Unpaid carers can be at additional risk of developing back problem.

“Our six-woman strong moving and handling team’s sole role is to help these carers look after their backs, learn how to move someone safely and understand how best to use equipment.

Action for Carers Surrey is offering free training and support to help avoid bad backs when lifting and manoeuvring.

“Our training sessions are held online, via Zoom, and also at our carer hubs in 14 drop-in locations across Surrey where we offer advice, support and a wide range of events.”

Action for Carers Surrey Hub information and events can be found here https://www.actionforcarers.org.uk/events/.

Upcoming moving and handling events include:

Car transfers

“When you’re a carer for someone with mobility issues, it’s important to know how to help them correctly without hurting them or yourself. The friendly experts from our moving and handling team will share tips and manoeuvres to help you safely get the person you care for in and out of the car.”

Book online here or call 0303 040 1234, option 1, and we’ll book you in. Dates are: February 25, 10.30am to noon, online via Zoom, and March 18, 10.30am to noon, online via Zoom.

Looking after your back

“Advice for all carers, whether or not you are physically helping the person you care for move about. This session will ensure you are looking after your back, making sure you’re doing things like standing the right way to wash the dishes. You’ll get simple and effective tips on keeping your back strong and avoiding pain. These are fun, friendly sessions which can really make difference to how you feel. Just drop in, no need to book.”

March 7, 10.30am to noon, Epsom Hub, St Barnabas Church, Temple Road, Epsom KT19 8HA.

March 13, 10.30am to noon, Haslemere Hub, Wesley Room, Methodist Church, 5 to 7 Junction Place, Haslemere GU27 1LE.

Free video guidance

“For those who can’t yet make a session, we have some of the key manoeuvres available to watch as free videos, for example, helping someone to stand up, and helping them move forward in their chair:”

https://www.actionforcarers.org.uk/how-we-help/practical-support/help-with-moving-and-handling/moving-and-handling-videos/