News items from August 2011
Looking for financial help and support?
You've probably heard lots of news about how benefits and other financial support for carers (and the cared for) are changing.
If you'd like to find out more about the changes, there's a handy guide on the Turn2Us website including details of what's changing and when. Turn2Us is a charity that aims to ensure that people understand and receive the financial help they're entitled to - whist offering general support and advice on personal money matters.
You can also call Turn2Us on a free and confidential helpline open from 8.00am to 8.00pm Monday to Friday on 0808 802 2000.
To help you find out what financial help you're entitled to and how to get it, here's a list of useful websites to visit.
We'll aim to keep you up to date as and when things change.
Take a look at the DirectGov website for a guide to financial support for carers
Visit the Leicestershire County Council website for information about local sources of financial help and support including Council Tax and Housing Benefits and Grants.
Find out what help you're entitled to on the Turn2Us website with handy online tools including a Benefits Checker and Grants Search
Help with health issues - at your local library!
If you'd like to find out more about staying healthy the library can be a great place to start!
Larger libraries across the county have books and DVDs on all aspects of health and wellbeing plus information on local groups offering healthy activities where you live. Plus of course, you can use the libraries' computers free of charge to search for more information online.
To find out more why not take a look at the Health and Wellbeing section on Leicestershire County Council's website.
It's a useful 'one-stop-shop' of information for all things health and wellbeing related - for you as well as the person you care for.
Affordable help for dementia sufferers via retro decorating
The Guardian newspaper is reporting on a fascinating method to improve life for dementia sufferers today.
Providers of care services for dementia patients have started using 'retro-decorating' a relatively inexpensive answer to reassuring confused patients.
For example, Surrey council has begun using retro-decorating in day services and care homes for adults with dementia.
Retro-decorating includes surrounding dementia sufferers with objects from the past to trigger their memory and replacing modern technologies with older versions.
Joelle Bevington, adult social care manager at Surrey Council told the Guardian:
"We paint the toilet doors red because that's a colour that is used in lots of other outside organisations for their toilet doors. We put up posters in the kitchens and old Bisto adverts or old coffee and tea adverts so that people know what they'll find in the cupboards. We also use products such as Pears soap because it's an emotive smell that people recognise from when they were younger and helps remind people to wash their hands. Reminiscence tools like pictures and smells can help people remember to follow a basic routine."
There are around 570,000 people living with dementia in the UK.
Dementia causes the loss of short-term memory, which can cause distress and often anger in patients who become confused about who and where they are. By providing an environment which patients remember, either through the use of colour, design or objects, retro-decorating reassures and provides triggers to help people follow a daily routine.
The idea is also supported by the Alzheimer's Society.
You can read the story in full on the Guardian website.
Older people left housebound by a lack of NHS foot-care services
The BBC reported recently that older people are being left housebound and disabled by a lack of NHS foot-care services in England - according to the charity Age Concern.
The charity is also concerned that a lack of basic foot care puts the elderly at risk of complications that can lead to dangerous falls, severe restrictions on mobility and social isolation. It believes that foot-care services should be free and universally available to those who need them, but it's found that services are being restricted or even withdrawn in many parts of England.
To tackle the issue, Age Concern has launched a campaign called 'Feet for Purpose' which aims to raise awareness of the problem.
Office of National Statistics figures show that over a third of people aged over 65 can't cut their own toenails and stuggle to access NHS services.
Age Concern say that some people are even trying to cut their nails with gardening shears.
Older people may need to see a chiropodist for all sorts of reasons including foot problems caused by poor circulation, ulcers or overlapping toes.
Have you had problems with accessing foot care for the person you care for or do you know of a good foot-care service where you live? Please share your experiences to help other carers.
Thank you!
You can read the story in full on the BBC's website
Take a look at Age Concern's guide to caring for your feet for some handy tips!
Carers’ Support Groups - would you like help to set one up?
We're going to be distributing postcards shortly, throughout Leicestershire, to let carers know about the help we can give them in terms of helping to find a local Carers' Support Group.
In addition, we can help carers to set groups up as we know several groups have closed recently.
We can also help you to find a range of groups and activities in your area - both for you and the person you care for.
Search our directory or call us on 0845 689 9510 or email [email protected] to find out what's happening where you live.
Download a copy of the postcard to share with other carers
New health centre opens in Leicester
The Leicester Mercury is reporting that a new £5 million health centre has opened in Belgrave, Leicester following an eight-year campaign by patients for better surgeries.
Two GP practices have moved in to the new Belgrave Health Centre and there are also plans to provide a range of clinics for children and adults to save patients travelling to hospitals.
The centre also has an on-site pharmacy and will be a base for community nursing teams.
It's thought the centre will cater for around 30,000 people.
Read the full story in the Leicester Mercury
Have you visited the new centre yet? Please share your experiences with us to help other carers and the cared for.
We’re in today’s Leicester Mercury!
There's a story in today's Leicester Mercury about Support for Carers.
Hopefully, this will help to spread the word to carers all around the county - so that they know about the help they can get from us.
If you see any news about Support for Carers in your local paper please could you let us know so we can keep track of any media coverage we get?
Many thanks!
Read our story in the Leicester Mercury in full
Would you like to improve services for carers and the cared for where you live?
Would you like to help improve local services for carers and the cared for?
Leicestershire County Council and the national charity Carers UK are offering carers the chance to get involved in helping to shape and improve local services at two half-day workshops on 26th and 28th September from 10.30am until 1.00pm at the Premier Travel Inn on Braunstone Lane East, Leicester, LE3 2FW.
Carers often have a very clear idea of how local services could be improved and the workshops will help you to develop the skills you need to campaign and get involved in local decision making.
For example, the workshops will offer you an opportunity to explore practical ways in which you can make your views known, and those of other carers, to service providers.
Plus, it'll also give you top tips for getting your voice heard!
If you're interested in attending, please feel free to let us know - we're very happy to support you in any way we can.
Complete the pre-course questionnaire
View the course cancellation policy
Walks on your doorstep - free guides available
Leicestershire County Council and Harborough District Council have teamed up to publish a guide featuring ten short walks in Market Harborough, Lubenham and Foxton.
Each walk is between one and six miles and the guide features maps, directions and grades for each walk so you can choose which walk is suitable for you. The walks are open to walkers of all abilities, with four of the walks being pushchair/wheelchair friendly and three of the walks taking in a play area. They also focus on the history of Market Harborough and its surrounding villages.
The guide is the latest in a series of guides called 'Strolls on your doorstep' - which cover Hinckley and Burbage, Loughborough, Market Harborough, Melton Mowbray, North of Leicester, Oadby and Wigston and West of Leicester.
The idea of the guides is to help people walk in their local area - for fitness, health and fun. They cover everything from a ten minute stroll around a local park to rambles in the countryside.
You can pick up the guides free from County and City libraries, Local Council Offices, Service Shops and Tourist Information Centres.
Alternatively, please call 0116 305 0001 or email [email protected] or visit the Leicestershire County Council website.
If you live in the Harborough District you can also find out more on the Harborough District Council website or call the Active Together team on 01858 828282.
Leicestershire woman sets up free online mentoring service for depression
Samantha Hadidi, a 25 year old woman from Hinckley, has set up a free online mentoring service - for people suffering from depression and their carers, loved ones and families.
Samantha set up the service with Jayne Hardy from Plymouth, after she read Jayne's blog online and realised that they shared a history of depression.
Samantha and Jayne began to think how they could help others and set up the website blurtitout.org on August 3rd this year - to provide a space for sufferers, families and friends to share their feelings.
The website received 297 hits on its first day.
The unique thing about the service is that it offers mentoring, not counselling.
Samantha and Jayne are also being helped by their husbands and are recruiting mentors, arranging training days and fundraising to support their project.
Samantha first experienced depression when she was at university.
Read Samantha's story in full on the Mail Online website
Support for Carers on BBC Radio Leicester
Maureen O'Malley from Support for Carers was on BBC Radio Leicester on Thursday 18th August talking about the new service.
If you'd like to listen to the interview you can 'listen again' on BBC Radio Leicester's website for another 3 days.
If you don't want to listen to the whole programme, you can use the scroller to move 40 minutes into the show - Maureen was on around 5.40pm.
Listen to Maureen's interview on BBC Radio Leicester
Leicestershire centre to improve end of life care
The BBC is reporting that two Leicestershire organisations, De Montfort University and LOROS, the Leicestershire and Rutland Hospice, has launched a new research centre, aimed at improving palliative care for people in the county.
The organisations have been working together to educate medical professionals in how to support people at the end of their lives.
Plus, the research centre will explore areas such as different communities' attitudes to death for example.
Take a look at the BBC report in full
Have A Go Day - event for disabled people
Oadby and Wigston Borough Council is holding a 'Have A Go Day' with the aim of helping disabled people to find out more about staying healthy.
The event will give disabled people aged 16 and over and their carers and families the chance to try lots of new activities such as Zumba, kurling, football, yoga and chairobics for just £2 (carers free).
Plus information and advice on staying healthy.
Simply go along to Parklands Leisure Centre, Washbrook Lane, Oadby, LE2 5QG on Thursday 15th September from 9.00am to 3.00pm.
To find out more and to book your place please call 0116 257 2672.
Keep Safe Day - drop-in event for disabled people
Organisations in Blaby and Oadby and Wigston Districts have got together to organise a special 'Keep Safe Day' event for anyone with a disability plus carers and families.
The aim of the event is to help disabled people stay safe, both at home and when out and about.
Simply go along to Blaby District Social Centre on Leicester Road in Blaby, LE8 4GQ on Thursday 8th September from 9.30am to 4.00pm - you'll find lots of information on staying safe together with free equipment such as panic alarms and property marking pens plus keep safe quizzes, workshops and demonstrations.
In addition, you'll get chance to look around a police car and fire engine (2.00pm to 4.00pm).
Tea and coffee will also be available free of charge.
For more information please call Jane on 0116 305 7987.
Press Release: New service to support Leicestershire’s 70,000 carers
To help spread the word about Support for Carers, we've sent out a press release today to local media in the county including newspapers, community websites, radio stations and TV news.
We'll let you know about any media coverage we get.
If you'd like to find out more or you can help us to share news of our new service with carers please feel free to download the press release.
Many thanks for your help.
Our Leicester Day - Community Event
Leicester Market is being taken over by local community organisations, clubs, societies and voluntary groups on 11th September from 10am to 4pm for 'Our Leicester Day'.
The event is a great chance for you to find out what's going on in your neighbourhood and how you can get local support for yourself and the person you care for, get involved in your community, discover new activities and generally have some fun!
In a nutshell, the event is a showcase of what's going on - in and around where you live.
They'll also be entertainment from street performers and musicians.
Hope to see you there!
Find out more on the Our Leicester Day website or call the organisers on 0116 3260095 (you may need to leave a message and the organisers will return your call).
Older Persons’ Month - a guide to events & activities throughout September
September is Older Persons' Month in Leicestershire and as a result, there are events and activities taking place throughout the county - open to the whole community including older people, carers, families and anyone interested in volunteering with older people.
Older Persons' Month has been an annual event in Leicestershire since 2002 and this year's theme is Independence, Wellbeing and Community.
There are loads of events for you to enjoy from bike rides and walks to social groups and local history talks!
Please click here for a full list of all the events taking place throughout September.
Older Persons’ Month - Health Awareness Event in Coalville
September is Older Persons' Month in Leicestershire and there's a whole range of events coming up across the county - including leisure, sporting and health promotion days.
Information & Support for Cancer Patients & Carers
One of these events is an information event for cancer patients and their carers. There is a new centre opening in Leicester and this event will be a chance for people to find out more about the help that will be available - including support groups and information. In addition, this event will be a chance for cancer patients and carers to help shape and improve cancer support services in Leicestershire.
Anyone is welcome to go along including older people and their carers. The event is taking place on Wednesday 28th September from 10.00am to 12.00pm at the Marlene Reid Centre, Coalville, LE67 3PH.
To find out more and to book your place please call Kamini Patel on 0116 229 3029 or email [email protected]
Look out for more information on Older Persons' Month in your local library, GP surgery or Age Concern or take a look at the Older Persons' Booklet 2011 - it's packed full of useful information for older people as well as details of events taking place throughout September.
Older Persons’ Month - Health Awareness Event in Harborough
September is Older Persons' Month in Leicestershire and there's a whole range of events coming up across the county - including leisure, sporting and health promotion days.
Diabetes and Sight Loss
One of these events is an information event where you can find out more about diabetes and the various health problems which can arise from diabetes, if left untreated. Vista, a Leicestershire charity that helps people with sight loss, will be running a special session on the link between diabetes and sight loss.
Anyone is welcome to attend the event, including older people and their carers. It's taking place on Tuesday 27th September from 1.00pm to 3.00pm at Market Harborough Baptist Church, 25 Coventry Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 8BX.
To find out more and to book your place please call Kamini Patel on 0116 229 3029 or email [email protected]
Look out for more information on Older Persons' Month in your local library, GP surgery or Age Concern or take a look at the Older Persons' Booklet 2011 - it's packed full of useful information for older people as well as details of events taking place throughout September.
Older Persons’ Month - Health Awareness Event in Melton
September is Older Persons' Month in Leicestershire and there's a whole range of events coming up across the county - including leisure, sporting and health promotion days.
Heart Disease & Treatments
One of these events is an information event where you can find out more about the signs and symptoms of heart disease and what treatments are available. The event will also include a description of the risk factors involved in heart disease such as high blood pressure. You will have the chance to ask questions and find out where to go for more information, support and treatment.
Anyone is welcome to attend the event, including older people and their carers and families. It's taking place on Monday 19th September from 1.00pm to 3.00pm at the Samworth Centre, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE13 1AE.
To find out more and to book your place please call Kamini Patel on 0116 229 3029 or email [email protected]
Look out for more information on Older Persons' Month in your local library, GP surgery or Age Concern or take a look at the Older Persons' Booklet 2011 - it's packed full of useful information for older people as well as details of events taking place throughout September.
Carers Week organisers looking for Olympic-related stories
Carers Week needs your help to make next year's Carers Week bigger and better than ever!
Carers Week is organised every year by Age UK, Carers UK, Counsel & Care, Crossroads Care, Dementia UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, MS Society, Parkinson's UK and The Princess Royal Trust for Carers.
It aims to recognise and celebrate the huge impact and contribution that the UK's six million carers make to society - which often goes unrecognised.
Now, Carers Week is gearing up for Carers Week 2012, which will run from 18th to 24th June. As part of their early planning ideas, Carers Week is researching all things Olympics. They're keen to find out about carers and/or their families in the UK who have, or did have, an Olympic link of any kind.
Were you an Olympic contender? Or did you travel with the GB team? Did you see Olga Korbut close up? Does the Olympics mean something special for you as a carer? Whatever your role or link Carers Week would love to hear from you.
If you have a story or comment to share, please email [email protected] or alternatively you are very welcome to get in touch with us and we can pass any information on to Carers Week on your behalf. You're also welcome to leave your comment below.
Carers Week 2011 was the biggest yet, with over 1,700 local organisations organising events - 30% more than in 2010.
It looks as though 2012 could be even more special, so don't miss out on this unique opportunity to get involved!
If you'd like to know more about Carers Week, you can visit the website at www.carersweek.org
Using music to enrich people’s lives
Excluded Ltd is a social enterprise based in Leicester that uses music to help people improve their lives in many different ways.
In particular, because the service is mobile and free of charge, Excluded helps people who would find it difficult to access similar services otherwise - making it ideal for both carers and the cared for.
Excluded offers people the chance to write, produce and even distribute their own music. It doesn't matter what type of music you're into either, the social enterprise has helped people create everything from hip hop and reggae to pop, classical and traditional music from different cultures.
Through its experience, Excluded believes that music can have some amazing benefits including helping to raise people's self esteem and motivation whilst stimulating brain activity. For both carers and the cared for, Excluded could help you to develop a new hobby and make new friends for instance.
Click here for contact details and to find out more about the service.
Have Direct Payments lived up to expectations?
There's an interesting article on the Guardian website today asking 'have Direct Payments lived up to expectations?'
As the article says, The Community Care (direct payments) Act became law in 1996 with the aim of making sure that people who receive social care funding, could receive the money directly, rather than having it administered by a local authority.
The idea behind the Act was to give people more control over their lives, by giving them control over how their money for care and support was spent.
The article concludes that the answer to the question is both 'yes' and 'no'.
On the positive side, the article says that many people have got more control over their own lives as a result of direct payments - especially those with physical disabilities.
But the article also argues that in some areas of the UK lower numbers of people with learning disabilities or mental health needs are benefiting from direct payments.
Find out more about Direct Payments in Leicestershire on the Leicestershire County Council website
Do you think Direct Payments have lived up to expectations? Feel free to start the debate by leaving your comment below.
Are you looking for help and support near where you live?
Take a look at our Resources section for details of organisations near you, which provide services for carers and the cared for - whether you look after an elderly person or a child, young person or adult with a physical or learning disability or mental health problems.
We'll be adding information to this website on an ongoing basis so please check back regularly.
In addition, we'd love to hear from you if you know of an organisation, group, activity or event where you live. The more information we can include on this website, the more we can help carers in Leicestershire to find the help and support that they need.
Many thanks for your help!
Help with learning disabilities in Melton
Do you care for someone with a learning disability?
Melton Mencap can provide personal support to people of all ages with a learning disability. To find out more about training, clubs and events offered by the charity please visit www.melton-mencap.org.uk or email [email protected]
Alternatively, you are welcome to call Yvonne Iwanczuk from Melton Mencap on 01664 564237.
Home-based exercise programme for older people
Do you care for an elderly person?
Voluntary Action Melton runs a home-based exercise programme for older people - especially those whose independence may have been affected by a fall or a fear of falling. The programme, which is called 'Activity for Health', aims to help people by improving their strength and balance, enabling them to feel more confident about undertaking everyday activities.
To find out more go along to a special drop-in event on September 6th from 10.00am to 12.00 noon at Melton Library or contact the programme coordinator Sue Sharp on 01664 485302 or email [email protected]
The event is part of Older Persons' Month in Leicestershire - which will include events around the county.
Free convention on mental health services in Leicestershire
Organisations in Leicestershire have got together to organise a free convention on Thursday 22nd September - to give everyone living in the county the chance to have their say about how mental health services are changing. The event is open to everyone, especially those who can bring their experiences of mental health and mental health services.
1 in 4 of us will experience mental health problems at some point in our life so make sure you're heard!
Go along to the Jungle Club, Checketts Road, Leicester from 9.30am to 4.30pm.
The event is free to attend and will include a free buffet and refreshments.
Take a look at the event poster for more details including how to book.
A work out for body and mind in Blaby
Are you feeling depressed, lonely, anxious or stressed? Or do you have a specific mental health difficulty such as schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder or bipolar disorder?
You're not alone, 1 in 4 people experience a mental health difficulty at some point in their life.
Alternatively, perhaps you care for someone with mental health difficulties?
Physical activity including sport can be a great way to improve mental as well as physical health and now you can get involved in a range of different physical activities and sports in a supportive group atmosphere.
Community Action Blaby District runs a project called Sporting Change, which is funded by the Big Lottery Fund and offers everything from weekly sports sessions and health walks to community gardening and confidence programmes for young adults - designed to boost their confidence and life skills.
In addition, the organisation runs a range of friendly, informal, social 'drop-ins' around Leicestershire and a befriending scheme for people with mental health difficulties.
Sports Groups
Sports on offer include badminton, table tennis, gym sessions, body MOTs, fitness challenges and multisports - go along to the Parklands Leisure Centre on Washbrook Lane, Wigston Road in Oadby on Tuesdays from 1.30pm to 3.30pm or The Pavilion, Sportsfield Lane in Huncote on Wednesdays from 10.00am to 12.00 noon.
Health Walks
Enjoy a fun, healthy walk including short walks lasting around 30 minutes and longer walks of up to an hour - meet at The Pavilion, Sportsfield Lane in Huncote on Wednesdays from 1.00pm to 2.30pm (approx).
Find out more about Sporting Change
Find out more about Community Action Blaby District's other services
Macmillan Cancer Support charity recommends exercise for cancer patients
As you may have seen on the news recently, Macmillan Cancer Support is recommending that people undergoing cancer treatment should be advised to get some moderate exercise for around two and a half hours a week - rather than being told to rest and take it easy after treatment.
Moderate exercise can include activities such as doing the gardening, going for a brisk walk and swimming.
Research shows that exercise can reduce the risk of dying from cancer and minimise the side effects of treatment including feeling tired and gaining weight.
According to a report published by Macmillan, around 1.6 million out of two million cancer survivors in the UK aren't physically active enough. As well as recommending exercise for cancer patients, the charity is also encouraging cancer survivors to stay active - by aiming for two and a half hours of moderate exercise a week.
Research suggests that exercising can cut the risk of certain cancers returning by up to 50%.
Read the story in full on the BBC website
Visit the Macmillan Cancer Support website
Has exercise helped you to cope with cancer treatment or aided your recovery? We'd love to hear about your experiences or any exercise groups for cancer patients that you know of in Leicestershire. That way, we can pass the news on to other people who could benefit from the support.
A carer-friendly way to learn at any age
If you fancy learning for fun you may be interested in finding out more about Universities of Third Age (U3As).
There are lots of U3As across Leicestershire but what are they exactly?
Well, they're learning cooperatives for people no longer in full time work - set up to give people the chance to learn and find out more about subjects that interest them in small, friendly groups. The idea is to learn for fun, not for qualifications.
U3As aren't just for older people either, there's no lower age limit if you want to join and it's fine if you're working part-time.
Find it hard to get out and about because of caring commitments?
You can also join a U3A online - to find out more visit the Virtual U3A website.
If you're part of a U3A we'd love to hear about your experiences!
Please let us have your comments below so we can share your story with other carers who could benefit.
Do you care for someone with Alzheimer’s?
If you'd like to meet other people caring for someone with Alzheimer's then why not go along to the Alzheimer's Cafe?
The cafe meets regularly at the Pavilion, Huncote from 10.00am to 11.30am and it costs just £1 for a cup of tea and a buttie.
Regulars to the cafe include carers of people with memory problems including Alzheimer's, together with family members and loved ones so it's a great place to share experiences, raise concerns and generally take a break.
To find out more about the cafe including details of meetings please call Laurie Woodruff from the Alzheimer's Society on 0116 231 1111.
Tuesday Teapot Group looking for new members
If you're looking for a friendly group to join that fits around your commitments as a carer why not try the Tuesday Teapot Group? They meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at the Parish Hall, Kings Drive, Leicester Forest East between 2.00pm and 4.00pm.
The group is open to carers and non-carers and members simply go along for a cup of tea, piece of cake and a chat. What could be better?!
To find out more please call Sue Jones on 0116 229 9277.
Glen Parva Summer Gala - 6th August
Why not go along to the Glen Parva Summer Gala this Saturday 6th August from 12.00 noon to 4.00pm at the Dorothy Avenue Playing Field and Glen Parva War Memorial Hall.
There'll be a wealth of family entertainment, activities and refreshments including a licensed bar, hog roast, stalls, birds of prey, donkey rides, ferret racing, bouncy castles, children's fair rides and Punch and Judy.
To find out more call Mrs J Small on 0116 277 1450.
Vista invites you for a ‘Coffee and Chat’
Vista, a local charity dedicated to improving the lives of people with sight loss in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, is holding a 'Coffee and Chat' event to celebrate Older Persons' Month in September.
Anyone is welcome to attend the event which will take place on Monday 19th September from 10.00am to 12.00 noon at the St John's Community Centre, Packhorse Drive, Enderby, Leicester.
You'll be able to listen to live entertainment whilst enjoying a free coffee, chat and piece of cake.
Vista also hopes the event will give local people the opportunity to find out more about the services and activities it provides in the Blaby District. For instance, Vista runs social groups for older people to help them get out and about and make new friends.
To find out more about Vista or the event please call Clare Harding on 0116 249 8858 or email [email protected] or visit the charity's website.
Older Persons’ Month coming up this September
September is Older Persons' Month in Leicestershire and there's a whole range of events coming up across the county - including leisure, sporting and health promotion days.
Look out for more information in your local library, GP surgery or Age Concern or take a look at the Older Persons' Booklet 2011 - it's packed full of useful information for older people as well as details of events taking place throughout September.
There's launch events taking place across the county too including:
Wigston Launch Event
Wednesday 31st August at Bassett Street Centre, South Wigston from 10.00am to 3.00pm - to be opened by John Boyce and attended by the Mayor.
Leicester Launch Event
Thursday 1st September at Age Concern, Clarence House, Leicester from 10.00am to 3.00pm - to be opened by Tony Donovan.
Loughborough Launch Event
Thursday 8th September at Loughborough Town Hall from 10.00am to 3.00pm - to be opened by David Sprason and featuring performances by the Solomon Theatre Group, live high-impact musical theatre that will raise awareness of distraction burglary and fraudulent trading.
Carer’s Support Grants available
If you care for an adult for 28 hours or more a week, who has a terminal or long-term degenerative illness; mental ill health; or a physical, sensory or learning disability, you may be entitled to extra financial help via a Carer's Support Grant (funded by Leicestershire County Council).
The aim of the one-off grant (worth up to £250 per financial year) is to give carers a break from caring, to reduce the impact of caring on your health and wellbeing, whilst giving you the support you need to continue in your caring role.
The grant can be used to pay for things such as short breaks, respite care or a sitting service, physical work around your home like gardening, decorating and housework, gym membership, driving lessons, transport to hospital appointments, home appliances or assistive technology.
If you already receive support from the Council you can apply for a grant via them by calling the Adults & Communities Department on 0116 305 0004.
If you don't receive any support from the Council you can still apply through Support for Carers. Call Diane, Gurjit or Jacqui on 0845 689 9510 or email [email protected]
The grant has been available from 1st April 2011 and the number of grants are limited so please don't delay in applying. Unfortunately, the grant allocation for Oadby and Wigston District has been used up for this financial year, but please feel free to get in touch with us to find out more about other sources of financial support for carers.
Read more about the Carer's Support Grant
Find out more about financial help for carers
Free short courses available at South Leicestershire College
If you fancy doing something different in a way that could fit around your commitments as a carer, take a look at the new part-time course prospectus from South Leicestershire College. It includes professional training and part time courses including free short courses in subjects as diverse as IT for beginners, health and social care, childcare and cycle maintenance.
The college is holding enrollment days throughout August so don't leave it too late to book your place - find out more today!
Or feel free to give the college a ring on 0116 264 3555 or email [email protected]
Do you know of more training/education opportunities for carers?
Please feel free to let us know so we can pass the opportunity onto carers throughout Leicestershire.
Do you care for a child with disabilities? Find out about Family Support Groups
Do you look after a child or young person aged from 0 to 19 with additional needs or disabilities?
Would you like some support or to meet other parents and carers in a similar situation?
The Parent Partnership Service, Menphys SOS and the Parent Carer Council runs regular Family Support Groups throughout Leicestershire and you're very welcome to go along for a coffee and a chat - or to find out more about support and information available to you.
To find out more call the Parent Partnership Service on 0116 2752097 or Menphys SOS on 01455 899111 or the Parent Carer Council on 07870 688973.
Find a group near you including details of meetings in 2011/12
Do you know of more groups like this?
Please feel free to let us know so we can help promote your group to other families. Simply leave your details below or call us on 0845 689 9510 or email [email protected]
Lutterworth social club looking for new members
The Lutterworth Gateway Club is looking for new members.
The social club is part of Mencap and is for people with learning disabilities. The club meets at the Town Hall in Lutterworth - every other Friday from 7.00pm until 9.00pm.
It also runs activities and events for members throughout the year, including bowling, going to the cinema, eating out, canal boat trips, BBQs, walks and lots more. The club costs just £3 per session which includes a cup of tea or coffee or juice and biscuits.
If you'd like to find out more please call Chris Gilbert on 07710 514243 or Tina Chidlow on 01858 880538.
The club is also looking for volunteers to help out at meetings and with activities and events.
If you'd like to find out more or help the club raise funds, why not go along to the club's fundraising coffee morning on Thursday 25th August from 9.30am to 12.00 noon at the Lutterworth Town Hall?
Do you know of more clubs like this one?
Please let us know by leaving details below or by calling us on 0845 689 9510 (calls charged at local rates) or by emailing [email protected].
Is there a Carers’ Support Group where you live?
Do you know of a Carers' Support Group near you?
If so, we would love to hear about it so we can let other carers know about it via our website and telephone service.
Or has your Carers' Support Group closed?
We would still like to hear about groups that have run in your area in the past and how these groups have helped you.
Would you like to find a group to join?
There are many existing groups around Leicestershire so please feel free to get in touch with us for details of groups near you.
You're welcome to leave your comments below or alternatively please feel free to call us on 0845 689 9510 (calls charged at local rates) or email [email protected].
Over 50’s Day Event
Are you over 50 and looking to try something new and exciting!
The Hinckley & Bosworth Older Voices Partnership is holding an Over 50's Day on Friday 9th September from 10am to 4pm at the Atkins Building and the Concordia Theatre in Hinckley - with activities including an introduction to kurling, hoop dance, silk painting and decoupage. Plus more information on issues such as pensions, benefits and health.
Admission costs just £5 including a two course lunch at the Concordia Theatre and tea and coffee in the morning and afternoon. Now that's what you call a bargain!
The Hinckley and Bosworth Older Voices Partnership comprises local voluntary and statutory agencies and is supported by volunteers.
Places are limited so to pre-book your place please send your payment of £5 (cheques made payable to H&B Older Voices Partnership) together with your name, address and contact telephone number to ACTIV8, FREEPOST, MID21581, Hinckley, LE10 0BR.
Alternatively, pop along to Age Concern Leicester Shire & Rutland, 13 King Street, Hinckley, LE10 1QT.
For more information please call 01455 619519 or email [email protected]
New way to ‘shop’ for support services
Leicester City Council and Leicestershire County Council have teamed up to create www.choosemysupport.org.uk - a new website to help people shop for support services.
The website includes help and advice for carers including details of respite care and sitting services available in Leicestershire for example.
The aim of the website is to make it easier for people to find and buy support services which can help them to lead more independent lives, including help around the home; health and wellbeing services; personal support and details of events and activities.
Anyone can use the website to find support services including carers and people with a Personal Budget.
