Carers Virtual Meetings

Next Meeting takes place on 16th June 2010

Our Carer Virtual Meetings allows you to take part in discussions and consultation that matter to you from your own home. Many Carers because of caring, working, child care issues to name a few cannot take part in meetings which take place in Surrey during the day. Together with the traveling time to such meetings it is sometimes impossible to take part.  For this reason the virtual meetings take place in the evenings. You do not need a computer to take part although if you wish to use your computer you may do so. As long as you have a normal telephone you will be able to speak to the people within the conference,  and hear what people are saying in the virtual conference. We have a chairperson who manages the conference which usually takes place on a weekday evening from around 7pm. The conference lasts for around a hour, however if you have to go before the end that is perfectly alright. There are a number of topics which are discussed which will be posted on this page before each event. Some of the Virtual meetings are general discussions about issues within Surrey around caring issues, others are more targeted to perhaps, respite care, nursing or residential care. We also hope to have guests taking part who will be able to answer the questions you want to ask.

How do I take part ?

There's two ways to take part either by telephone or via your computer.

Taking part by telephone - First of all call Ron Critcher Policy Officer for Carers (Surrey County Council) on 01483 519146 or email Ron at ron.critcher@surreycc.gov.uk . He will then put your name on the list to be invited to the conference and answer any questions you have about the virtual conference. You have a choice of either giving Ron your telephone number so the virtual meeting can ring you on the evening which means you do not pay for the call. Alternatively you may ring into the conference yourself, however you will pay a local call rate for the call. All the details of what number to press on your phone or the number to call into will be given to you a few days before the virtual meeting takes place.

Taking part via your computer - Your computer must have speakers, a microphone and a broadband connection. First of all call Ron Critcher Policy Officer for Carers (Surrey County Council) on 01483 519146 or email Ron at ron.critcher@surreycc.gov.uk . He will then put your name on the list to be invited to the conference.  A system called Skype is used which allows your call to be connected via your computer using the internet. You will need to download the software onto your computer and set up your free account to use the Skype system. If you have any  questions regarding this or need help to install the software please let Ron know when you call him. Once the software is on your computer you will be called via Skype to take part in the conference. Using this system there is no charge for the software or call.

What happens after the conference?- The discussions at the virtual conference are noted down and issues, feedback and concerns are then submitted to the relevant agencies via Surrey Carers Strategy networks which operate within Surrey. You also may wish to have a copy of the notes which can be downloaded from Carersnet or emailed or sent via letter to you.