Ceredigion pharmacy recognised for its support for customers

A Ceredigion pharmacy has been recognised for its ongoing commitment to providing appropriate support and consideration to its customers who are carers.
Caerleon Pharmacy in Cardigan has been awarded the Investors in Carers bronze level award by Hywel Dda University Health Board.
The Investors in Carers scheme is designed to help GP practices across the Hywel Dda area focus on and improve their carer awareness, and enhance the help and support they give carers. The scheme is now being rolled out to pharmacies and selected hospital wards across the region.
Pennie Muir, Investors in Carers Regional Project Support Officer for Hywel Dda UHB recently met with Huw Morgan and Mollie Angelow to present their award and find out about the pharmacy’s work to support carers.
Proprietor and Pharmacist Huw Morgan said: “I am delighted to be part of the Investors in Carers scheme that raises awareness of carers issues and the support that is available for carers.
“We are able to provide advice in both Welsh and English, which is particularly important to the Cardigan community.”
Mollie Angelow, Carers Lead for the pharmacy added: “Carers welcome the opportunity to have a brief chat with staff in the pharmacy as well as collecting information available from our 'Carers Table'.
“Our participation in the Investors in Carers scheme has highlighted how high the number of unpaid carers is - at least 12% of the local population according to the 2011 census.”
Pennie Muir commented: “It is very positive that community pharmacies have embraced the Investors in Carers scheme, they have a good relationship with their customers.
“With the support from the Investors in Carers Team we are now having more pharmacies coming on board to ensure carers can come forward to get the help and support they need”
For more information about the Investors in Carers scheme please visit www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/carers

Notes:
 A carer is someone, of any age, who provides unpaid support to family or friends who could not manage without this help. This could be caring for a relative, partner or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or substance misuse problems.
The Investors in Carers Scheme was originally developed in Ceredigion in 2005, receiving national recognition, and is designed for all GP Practices and Community Pharmacies in the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Photo: Caerleon Pharmacy receive their Investors in Carers bronze award from Hywel Dda UHB's Pennie Muir (right).