We are thrilled to announce that Blackpool Carers Centre has been awarded the prestigious Excellence for Carers Quality Mark by Carers Trust. This recognition comes as a testament to our unwavering commitment to supporting unpaid carers and highlights the dedication and passion of our entire team.
One of the standout features of Blackpool Carers Centre was our distinctive management structure. Instead of a traditional CEO model, we have three Directors who take on specific roles across Operations, Finance and Resources, and Quality. This innovative leadership approach, adopted in 2019, was praised in the report from Carers Trust.
The reviewers felt that “This unique structure ensures a well-rounded and dynamic approach to managing the organisation, ultimately benefiting the carers they support.”
Carer-Focused Approach
Carers are truly at the heart of everything we do. Although we do not have formal forums, feedback from carers through various channels is fundamental to our operations and service development.
The reviewers felt that our commitment to quality, passion, and respect is evident in every aspect of our work. These core values guide our staff members and are the basis for all staff monitoring sessions and act in place of appraisals.
Dedication and Passion
The Carers Trust assessment highlighted several key strengths of our organisation:
- Passion and Commitment: The dedication of our team to providing excellent services for carers was clear to the reviewers. “The Directors and staff are not only passionate about their work but also open to new ways of working that could benefit carers. Trustees are actively involved, ensuring they understand the service and the issues faced by unpaid carers.”
- Genuine ‘Can Do’ Attitude: Our team continuously seeks opportunities to overcome challenges, with carers at the centre of all service developments. This proactive approach is acknowledged as a cornerstone of our success.
- Comprehensive Knowledge: Our team has an in-depth understanding of the local area and the specific challenges faced by different carer groups. This knowledge is reflected in our tailored service offerings that meet the needs of our diverse community.
Diverse Fundraising and Financial Sustainability
The reviewers felt that Blackpool Carers Centre has a diverse approach to fundraising, moving away from a reliance on statutory funding. This strategy not only enhances our financial sustainability but also allows us greater control over service development. This independence ensures that we can continue to innovate and provide the best possible support for carers.
A Welcoming Environment
Our premises, occupied since 2015, were transformed in 2016 by the DIY SOS and BBC Children in Need Big Build Special. The reviewers felt that this has resulted in a spacious and welcoming environment for carers of all ages, further enhancing the support we provide.
Acknowledging the Impact
The Excellence for Carers Quality Mark is a reflection of the incredible work done by our team. Carers themselves have shared the significant positive impact that our services have had on their lives. The peer support and staff dedication were particularly evident during the assessment, where carers shared emotional stories of the challenges they have faced and the invaluable support received from Blackpool Carers Centre.
Looking Ahead
We are immensely proud of this achievement and remain committed to continuing our work to support carers in Blackpool. This recognition is not just an award but a motivation to keep striving for excellence in everything we do.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Carers Trust for this award and to all our staff, carers, and supporters who have made this possible. Together, we will continue to make a better life for carers in Blackpool.
