Integration Joint Board appoints two new carer reps

Orkney’s Integration Joint Board has welcomed two new carer representatives with the appointment of Sarah Kennedy and Willie Neish. 

Both have personal experience of looking after loved ones and they are equally keen to support other unpaid carers throughout Orkney by being their voice. 

Sarah has cared for both her parents with dementia over a seven-year period. She said: “Only when you have been through caring for a loved one can you really understand what it’s like. People need a voice from someone who has experience of caring firsthand. 

“Unless you have walked in the shoes of a carer, you can never fully appreciate just how lonely a place it can be. I am not an expert at much, but I am an expert in my own story. Whilst my caring experience is coming to an end now – my Dad passed away last year and my Mum is cared for in Smiddybrae House – there are many living this now and others just starting out on a caring journey and I want to be able to help them. 

“I want to hear what people are concerned about in terms of being a carer – everyone may have very different issues but collectively we need to be able to share those concerns with the Integration Joint Board and that’s where myself and Willie will come in. 

“Hopefully, we can all work together to signpost people to the right place and do the role to the best of our abilities.” 

Willie is Chair of Crossroads Orkney, a charity which was established in 1994 with the aim of improving the life of carers and those for whom they care by giving information, emotional support and practical help. He also has both personal and professional caring experience through looking after loved ones to his time working in various community social care roles. 

“I feel I am well placed to understand many of the challenges that carers have daily, especially when caring for a family member. The pressure that you face as a carer can be debilitating at times. 

“Respite from caring is absolutely key – everyone needs that time to recharge their batteries to allow them to be able to continuing caring for loved ones.  

“These carer rep roles are important to make the IJB aware of the problems and fears carers are facing and the huge pressures that they are under. It’s vital that these carers are supported appropriately so that they themselves do not end up suffering health issues. I want to be able to influence decisions that may impact upon carers and ultimately improve the lives of our carers. 

“I think it is also important that we raise awareness in the caring and wider Orkney community around the Integration Joint Board itself – who they are and what they do.” 

Members of the Integration Joint Board recommended appointing Sarah and Willie as carer representatives on the board for an initial two-year period. 

Welcoming the appointments, IJB Chair, Councillor Rachael King, said: “On behalf of the Integration Joint Board, I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to both Sarah and Willie for stepping forward to provide their support, insights and challenge to the work of the board in relation to the provision of health and social care for all our communities in Orkney. 

“Whilst many members of the board will come with their own experiences of caring, the specific role of representing the voices of all of carers in Orkney is vital and I have no doubt that their contribution will ensure that the voice of people with lived experience is heard loud and clear.”