The Action

Throughout the project they worked with a large number of people. Through surveys and interaction with carers, they got a sense of their needs and interest in the website they aimed to set up, www.carerswhocare.webs.com. Teachers in the school helped to co-ordinate the project and to run different activities e.g. surveys. They worked with the media e.g. the Lucan Newsletter, Liffey Sound FM and The Liffey Champion. They also worked with organisations such as The Carers Association, Alzheimer’s Ireland, Anam Cara, Inclusion Ireland and Age Action. They received permission to link these organisations on the website which they created. Finally, they also communicated with a social worker who gave helpful advice on the sensitivity and content of the surveys.

They handed out surveys to a wide variety of people including carers, parents, teachers and local people from the community who use the services of organisations providing care in the community.

For the website, they first researched the different methods of setting up a website and reached a decision on the best method. They then began the process of designing and constructing it, as well as providing links to other organisations and forums on the website for carers to communicate with each other. They went on local radio to spread the word about the project as well as the website. Furthermore, they set up social networking pages such as Twitter and Facebook. They met with counsellors who discussed the issues regarding carers. Finally, they sent a letter to the Department of Health promoting and explaining the project.

The Impact

They planned to continue with the development and promotion of the website and to attract more users who would share their experiences. In conclusion, they wished to acknowledge the fantastic work done by voluntary carers and provide support to them through the website.