A leading clinical psychologist from Northern Ireland who regularly consults in the Isle of Man will be the guest speaker at Crossroads Care’s Prepare to Care conference on September 18th.
Professor Robin Davidson is clinical lead for the Isle of Man’s Psycho Oncology service. His expertise extends, however, beyond cancer into the wider field of clinical and mental health issues. At the conference, which aims to illustrate the implications of caring for someone, he will offer an insight into the emotional and psychological pressures faced by carers, who number in the region of 10,000 in the Island.
Sponsored by Celton Manx, the conference forms part of Crossroads Care’s 25th anniversary celebrations. The charity’s chief executive Jackie Betteridge explained: ‘By drawing on expert speakers and illustrating a number of “what if?” situations through workshop sessions we plan to show how taking on the role of carer can not only be very demanding, but also have a profound impact on the individual and their family which goes far beyond the physical.
‘Prepare to Care is about conveying the message that anyone, at any age, may be called upon to become a carer, often with little or no warning or preparation. Three out of five people will become a carer. It’s a stark message, but one to which people must be alerted, and for which they need to be prepared.’
Celton Manx executive director Bill Mummery added: ‘It is clear that at some point in most people’s lives they will become a carer. This is an often difficult and demanding role for which few of us are prepared. Providing specialist support for carers is a community issue that demands a community response. Celton Manx is pleased to be playing its part in that response by lending visibility to Crossroads Care’s campaign to champion the work of carers.’
Crossroads Care’s Prepare to Care conference takes place on Wednesday, September 18th from 1.30 to 4.30pm in the Promenade Suite at the Villa Marina. To reserve a free place, contact mail@crossroadsiom.org or call Annabel on 623050.
