Delivering Training to Carers. A practical guide based on finding from the National Evaluation of the Caring with Confidence Programme

This practical guide for organisations seeking to deliver training programmes to carers has been developed using learning from the National Evaluation of the Caring with Confidence (CwC) programme1 . The CwC programme ran from 2008 to 2010 and involved a large number of organisations in the UK delivering a seven-module training course to carers in their localities. CwC was designed to help carers develop a range of skills relevant to their caring roles, including: practical matters (such as safe lifting techniques and administering medicines); everyday life tasks (such as managing money and domestic responsibilities); and being able to have ‘a life of their own’. The programme also aimed to help carers become more confident in their caring roles, particularly in relation to seeking formal support and exploring recreational / employment opportunities. While delivering the programme, providers experienced a number of challenges, which were often met with creative solutions. This guide provides other organisations seeking to offer carer training with ideas about how to deliver it successfully, based on what providers found particularly effective. It covers the following issues: planning the training; sources of funding and financial planning; monitoring access; recruiting carers; course materials; delivery methods; practical considerations; and future planning.