News items from October 2011
Support for carers looking after cancer patients
Local charity Coping with Cancer in Leicestershire and Rutland has very kindly written the following article for our website, to tell carers about the service they offer:
"We are a Leicester based charity offering practical and emotional support to cancer patients and their carers in Leicestershire and Rutland.
As part of our support, Coping with Cancer holds drop in complementary therapy support groups around the county. The support groups are for cancer patients, their family members and carers. We welcome people to come and enjoy a complementary therapy treatment in a calm and relaxing environment and meet and chat to other patients or carers over refreshments. No need to book. Just turn up. Therapies available include: aromatherapy, reflexology, Indian head massage and Reiki. Treatments and refreshments are free of charge.
We hold these groups at the following locations:
Melton Mowbray
When: First and Third Tuesday of the month, 10am-1pm (as from January 2012 the group will run 1.30-4pm instead)
Where: Samworth Centre, 8 Burton Street, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE13 1AE
Hinckley
When: Second and fourth Tuesday of the month, 1.30pm-4pm
Where: St Francis Centre, Tudor Road, Hinckley, Leicestershire, LE10 0EQ
Leicester
When: First and third Wednesday of the month, 1.30pm-4pm
Where: Helen Webb House, 35 Westleigh Road, Leicester, LE3 0HH
Birstall
When: Second and fouth Wednesday of the month, 1.30pm-4pm
Where: Birstall village Hall, Birstall Road, Birstall, Leicester, LE4 4DH
Market Harborough
When: Second and fourth Thursday of the month, 10am-1pm
Where: Congregational Church Hall, Bowden Lane, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 7JD
To find out more please call Lucy Pugh, Complementary Therapy Coordinator, Coping with Cancer on 0116 223 0055 or email [email protected] or visit the charity's website"
New workshops from Mind in Harborough
Would you like help to keep your mind as well as your body healthy?
Or support to understand your mental health and wellbeing including depression, anxiety, panic attacks or why you reach for the biscuit tin when you're feeling stressed?
Harborough & District Mind, a local branch of the UK's leading mental health charity, is holding workshops covering the following topics:
Understanding your Mental Health
Overcoming Depression, Anxiety & Panic Attacks
Food & Mood
Anger Management & Emotional Wellbeing
Assertiveness & Learning How to Say No
Healthy Mind & Healthy Body
What Keeps Us Well & Coping Strategies
The workshops will run weekly for 8 weeks, starting on Tuesday 21st Feburary from 9.30am to 12.30pm during term time only at the Congregational Church Hall, Bowden Lane, Market Harborough.
To find out more please call Debra Giulietti on 07788180490 or email [email protected]
View or download the poster as a Word document
Bottesford Time Out For Carers’ Group - 22nd November
Are you a carer in the Bottesford area?
Would you like to meet other carers and share experiences whilst meeting Support for Carers?
You're welcome to come to our Time Out For Carers' Group on Tuesday 22nd November from 10.30am to 12.30pm at Bottesford Village Hall on Belvoir Road in Bottesford.
To find out more please call Diane at Support for Carers on 0845 689 9510 or email [email protected]
Melton Time Out For Carers’ Group - 24th November
Are you a carer in the Melton area?
Would you like to meet and share experiences with other carers whilst meeting Support for Carers?
You're welcome to come along to our Time Out For Carers' Group on Thursday 24th November from 11am to 12.30pm at the Melton Carnegie Museum, Thorpe End, Melton Mowbray, LE13 1RB.
To find out more please call Diane at Support for Carers on 0845 689 9510 or email [email protected]
Earl Shilton Carers’ Group - 24th November
Are you a carer in the Earl Shilton area?
Would you like to meet and socialise with other carers whilst meeting Support for Carers and finding out about personal budgets and assessments?
You're welcome to come along to the Earl Shilton Carers' Group on Thursday 24th November from 10.30am to 12 midday at The Community House on Candle Lane, Earl Shilton, LE9 7BP - where David Tuohy and Hazel Chamberlain from Promoting Independence, Hinckley Adult Social Care, will be talking about personal budgets and assessments.
If you would like to attend please contact Jacqui at Support for Carers on 0845 689 9510 or email [email protected]
Take extra good care of yourself this winter
As a carer, it's more important than ever that you look after yourself, particularly at this time of year when there are a lot of cold and flu bugs around. Here are a few tips and things to think about.
Flu vaccinations – Tell your GP you're a carer. It's not just the cared for person who needs protecting. If you are ill it will impact on your caring role so you should be entitled to receive the vaccination in your own right.
Don’t struggle on through illnesses – Take time to rest. It might be difficult to find the time but you will recover quicker from minor colds and viruses than if you try to struggle on. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends and family, it will only be temporary.
Eat well – Sometimes you may not have the time or energy to cook nutritious meals but trying to ensure you get a balanced diet with fresh fruit and vegetables provides essential vitamins and minerals to help you stay healthy. Eating regularly also helps your energy levels which means you feel less tired.
Sleeping well – Sleep is essential for our bodies to rest so we can be refreshed both physically and mentally. If you are struggling with sleep or have disturbed nights because of your caring role there are things you can try such as cutting down on tea, coffee and alcohol in the evenings, getting some fresh air and exercise during the day and having a regular bedtime routine. If you still have problems, talk to your GP.
Take a break – This could be anything from an hour a week to a whole week away. There are several ways you can do this:
• Ask family or friends to help
• Use a care agency
• Employ a sitter directly
If you need financial assistance to do this you should ask Social Services for a Carers Assessment. Or enquire about local charities and benevolent funds.
Recognise stress – It is almost inevitable that there will be times when you become stressed with your caring role either through fatigue or frustration. It's essential that you recognise the point where you may need some extra help and support. Start by talking to your GP, Social Services or contact Support for Carers who will be able to tell you how to access appropriate information.
Did you know? You can use your Carers Support Grant for gym or leisure club membership or for a course of complementary therapies such as massages.
There is more detailed advice on Looking after Yourself as a Carer on the Carers UK website and on the NHS Carers Direct website.
Plus you're always welcome to call us for advice of course - on any aspect of being a carer!
New help for carers of people with mental health issues
We met with the organisation Rethink Mental Illness recently - to talk to its Leicestershire and Rutland County Carers' Service.
Rethink Mental Illness is the largest national voluntary sector provider of mental health services with about 250 services and over 150 support groups. It directly helps almost 60,000 people every year across England.
We'll be working in close partnership with Rethink to make sure we can offer the best possible service to carers who look after someone with a mental health issue.
Rethink very kindly wrote the article below for our website:
Leicestershire County and Rutland PCT commissions our service to offer support to carers of adults suffering from severe and enduring mental illness.
Our aim is to recognise, respect, as well as support the role of carers, family and friends. We endeavour to make a postive difference to your life through our involvement, by helping you review what is not working with you and looking at various coping strategies. The way forward will be guided by your views about what is needed and what helps you to make your own life choices and to take back control of your life.
We offer support in a range of ways in order that your individual needs can be met. This can vary from offering information and signposting you to other sources of help, to support groups, carer education and training programmes, telephone support, information and activity days, email support or one-to-one contact, either at home or a venue of your choice.
In a survey conducted in April 2011 here is what our carers said about us:
"Rethink are the only people who have helped and listened to us."
"I continue to need the support of this service as my husband's illness is quite difficult to live with and without the help of Rethink I could not cope alone."
"The support I have been given is more than I could wish for."
If you'd like to get in touch with Rethink please call 01530 276 525 and leave a message on the answer phone and they'll call you back. Alternatively, you're very welcome to get in touch with us.
Date for your diary: ‘Safer Moving & Handling’ training course for carers
Do you help the person you care for in and out of bed or chairs? Do you worry about doing it the right way or about hurting your back?
We've arranged a 'Safer Moving and Handling' training session for carers, which is taking place on Monday 9th January 2012 from 2pm to 4pm at Cordate Healthcare Ltd, Unit A, Sandown Court, Station Road, Glenfield, Leicester, LE3 8BT. The course is designed to give carers confidence in moving and handling the person they care for. It will cover back care, transferring the cared for in and out of bed, assisting in and out of chairs and the use of hoists.
Please book early as there's only 8 places available.
Call us on 0845 689 9510 or email [email protected]
Have your say on cuts to vital services for disabled people on 22nd October
Are you disabled? Are you being affected by or worried about Government cuts?
The Hardest Hit campaign, organised by the Disability Benefits Consortium and the UK Disabled People's Council, is holding a Day of Action across the UK to protest about Government cuts and the affect they're having on disabled people - on Saturday 22nd October.
The nearest event to Leicestershire is being held in Nottingham's Market Square from 12.30pm to 2pm.
According to the Hardest Hit campaign, there are 10.8 million disabled people in the UK and the cuts represent an estimated £9 billion loss to disabled people's income.
Over 50 organisations are joining forces for the protest together with disabled people, their carers, friends and families.
Around 5,000 people marched through central London in May to warn the Government that public spending cuts will push disabled people into poverty and isolation.
Six months on, the Hardest Hit campaign is worried that disabled people are still being hit the hardest by cuts to benefits and services.
Don't worry if you can't get to Nottingham on Saturday. You can support the campaign by writing to your local MP or online via the Hardest Hit website or via Facebook at www.facebook.com/thehardesthit
Hounded by unwanted sales and marketing phone calls?
If you're fed up of unwanted telephone calls trying to sell you everything from double glazing to mobile phones, help is at hand!
The Telephone Preference Service (TPS) is the official central opt-out register where you can register your wish not to receive unwanted sales and marketing telephone calls. It is a legal requirement that companies (including charities, voluntary organisations and political parties) do not make such calls to numbers registered with TPS (unless they have your permission to call).
To register simply call 0845 070 0707. If you still receive unwanted calls after you've registered you can call 020 7291 3320 to log a complaint.
TPS is a free service and you can register a mobile number as well as landline numbers. However, if you want to stop getting sales and marketing text messages, you'll have to send an 'opt out' request direct to the company or organisation that's texting you. You should be given the option to 'opt out' every time you receive a sales and marketing text.
If you're happy for certain companies or organisations to call you and you've given them your permission, this won't be affected if you register with TPS. You'll also continue to receive genuine calls, such as market research enquiries.
Find out more about the Telephone Preference Service
Support groups for people with lung disease & their carers
Breathe Easy Groups are run by the British Lung Foundation Support Network and are open to anyone with any form of lung disease. They also offer support to carers, family members and friends.
Here's a list of groups running in Leicestershire
Age UK looking for Internet Champions
Forget the Olympics, Age UK is looking for a different kind of champion for 2012 - and it could be you!
It's looking for two people over 55 who are passionate about using the internet to become 'champions' - to inspire the 5.7 million people over 65 who have never used the internet before to get online.
By not using the internet, Age UK believes that millions of older people are missing out on the vast financial and social benefits that the internet offers - from giving grandparents an easy way to talk to their grandchildren for example, to saving money on products and services by shopping around.
This is the third year that Age UK have run its competition to find internet champions, and if you're one of the two lucky winners, you'll be asked to be a 'champion' for a year, which will involve helping Age UK to advocate the use of the internet to your peers.
The theme of this year's competition is 'how the internet changed my life' and nominees are being asked to share the life-changing benefits that being online has given them, whilst explaining how they would inspire their peers to get online.
The joint winners will be announced at an exclusive ceremony in the New Year and the champions and two runners up will receive a 3 day (2 night) all expenses paid trip to London and a 'London Experience'.
To enter the competition (or to nominate someone else) visit the Age UK website or call 0800 169 6565 for an application form.
New ‘111’ number to replace NHS Direct
As you may have heard, the health information service NHS Direct is being replaced by a new '111' telephone number - which should be available nationally by April 2013.
The new service will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, staffed by call advisers supported by nurses.
Callers will be given advice about what to do and will also be directed to the appropriate local service. For example, callers may be helped to make an appointment with their GP or to call an ambulance in an emergency.
The Government hopes the new service will abolish the concept of 'out of hours' in the NHS.
The service has already been trialled in a number of small areas and is due to be piloted in County Durham, Nottingham, Lincolnshire and Luton.
We'll keep you up to date with more news about the new service as and when we know more details.
The '999' number for emergencies will remain unchanged and it'll still be fine to contact your GP directly of course - the new number is only intended to improve the current NHS Direct service.
Planned changes to Ashcroft Hostel - what do you think?
Leicestershire County Council is consulting the public about the Mental Health Residential Service provided at Ashcroft Hostel in Narborough - and you can have your say now until the 24th December 2011.
The Council is proposing to close Ashcroft Hostel by June 2012 and replace it with mental health residential services based on a supported living model.
The Council says it will also continue to provide respite care for people with mental health needs but in different ways.
What do you think?
The consultation is open to anyone who'd like to give their view.
To find out more please visit the the Leicestershire County Council website or call 0116 305 8187 or email [email protected]
If you'd like information in large print, Braille or an alternative language please feel free to call the number above and the Council will help you.
The results of the consultation will be used by the Council to make its final decision about Ashcroft in February 2012.
Whatever happens, the Council says that service users, carers and family members will be fully involved in the changes and that they'll be given advice about alternative services that are available.
Please feel free to get in touch with Support for Carers if you'd like any help with taking part in the consultation.
New computer classes in Melton
If you're over 50 or have a disability why not 'Get Connected' with Voluntary Action Melton?
The organisation is offering computer training sessions for £5 a session where you can learn how to set up an email account, Skype your family or friends, do your shopping online or save money by switching your energy company...plus lots, lots more - including how to try out a digital video/camera and upload the results!
The sessions are suitable for beginners and anyone wishing to improve their existing computer skills.
To find out more please call Voluntary Action Melton on 01664 483043.
FREE taster sessions for people with learning disabilities
Local charity, Self Advocacy in Action, is running FREE taster sessions for people with learning disabilities and their families and carers.
The taster sessions are designed to give you the chance to find out more about the charity and the groups and activities it provides.
Simply go along to Green Towers on Richmond Road (off Tudor Road) in Hinckley, LE10 0DZ on Monday 17th October between 10am and 1.30pm.
OR
Loughborough Town Hall, Market Place, Loughborough, LE11 3EB on Wednesday 19th October between 10am and 1.30pm.
You're welcome to drop in anytime between 10am and 1.30pm but please let Self Advocacy in Action know that you're going along, if possible.
The taster sessions will include finding out how you can use your personal budget to enjoy Self Advocacy in Action's services. Plus, there'll be plenty of free activities for people with learning disabilities to try out.
To find out more you can contact Self Advocacy in Action on 0116 2293036 or by emailing [email protected]
Self Advocacy in Action runs a range of groups and activities for people with learning disabilities and aims to give people a voice through activities like art and photography.
Update on Carers’ Support Grants from Leicestershire County Council
Did you know that if you're the parent carer of a disabled child in Leicestershire you may be entitled to a Carers' Support Grant - even if you don't receive any services from Social Services?
The grant is called 'Take a Break' and you can apply for it via the Parent Carer Council by calling Jane on 07870 688 973.
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 can apply for a Carers' Support Grant via Leicestershire County Council's Adults & Communities Department on 0116 305 0004. If you don't receive any support from the Council you're welcome to apply for a grant via Support for Carers. Call Pat, Diane, Gurjit or Jacqui on 0845 689 9510 or email [email protected]
The aim of the one-off grant (worth up to £250 per financial year) is to give carers a break from caring, or to reduce the impact of caring on your health and wellbeing, or to support you in your caring role.
For example, you can use the grant to pay for things like short breaks, respite care, 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.
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
World Mental Health Day 2011
Did you know that today is World Mental Health Day 2011?
If you'd like to find out more about any aspect of mental health the Mind website is a great place to start. Mind is the UK's largest charity for mental health in England and Wales.
Mental ill-health is said to affect one in four of us at some point in our lives but what is mental ill-health exactly?
Well, mental health covers issues such as stress, anxiety and phobias as well as more severe conditions like schizophrenia and the misuse of alcohol and drugs.
The Princess Royal Trust for Carers has some great information on coping with stress on its website - plus lots of specialist advice for carers of people with mental health issues.
Computer classes running now
If you fancy learning how to use a computer or brushing up on your existing skills why not go along to the Bassett Community Centre on Bassett Street in Wigston?
The centre is currently running friendly computer classes tailored to meet the needs of individuals, so you'll be in safe hands. You can mix and match classes as you want to and available dates are 10th October, 12th October, 21st November, 23rd November, 28th November, 30th November, 5th December, 7th December, 12th December and 14th December. Each session starts at 10am and finishes at 12 noon.
The classes cover topics like how to write letters, using the internet, emailing, skype and lots more.
To find out more please call Sue Hill on 0116 278 4230.
A top tip for carers - from a local carer
We received a lovely email from carer Judy Tattersall recently. Judy is keen to let other carers know about a special deal for carers at Enderby Leisure Centre that she discovered recently.
Judy told us:
"When I recently joined Enderby Leisure Centre, so I could start swimming again, I asked about membership and they said that if you claim Carers Allowance (which I do) I was entitled to half price on full membership. This is £18.50 per month non-contractual normally £36 this means I can attend any class, use the gym and of course swim as much as I like, I can also use the membership at Hinckley Leisure centre because they belong to the same group ‘everyone Active’ their web site is www.everyoneactive.com where I can also book exercise sessions on line which is very useful. They have a lovely café where you can spend a few minutes afterwards to relax."
Many thanks for the handy tip Judy!
If you know of special deals for carers where you live why not get in touch with us to tell us more. You can call us on 0845 689 9510 (calls charged at local rates) or email [email protected]
Are you a carer from a Black or Minority Ethnic community?
Would you like to improve services for Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) carers in Leicestershire?
If so, you may be interested in attending a free six week course called 'Making a Difference' being run by the Afiya Trust in Leicester in January.
There will be no charge for the course and all your travel and respite costs will be paid.
The course aims to empower BME carers in the community to engage in local, regional and national policy making by giving carers the skills to join the Afiya Trust's National BME Carers Panel, which influences policy and practices for better services for BME carers.
The course will cover communication skills, presentation skills, research skills, negotiating, active listening, assertiveness, conflict management, inequalities, self awareness, working as a team and with professionals, challenging constructively and attitudes and values.
It is open to people who are carers for a family member and who come from a Black or Minority Ethnic community in the East Midlands.
The course has been accredited through the Open College Network and therefore all successful participants will be given a certificate which is Level 4.
You can find out more by reading the application pack.
To apply, please complete the application form and return to [email protected] by 23rd November 2011.
You are also welcome to email Nita for further information or you can call her on 0207 582 0400.
Update from our Carers’ Forum held on 27th Sept in Huncote
We held our first ever Carers' Forum in Huncote on 27th September and it was very well attended, with over 20 people coming along. Including carers and representatives from various organisations.
Many people had travelled from other parts of the county to attend so thank you to everyone for making the journey!
The morning included a presentation from the Support for Carers team - explaining how the new service could support carers and an introduction to our new interactive website and online directory of local services.
The event was also a great opportunity for representatives from other organisations to promote the valuable work they are currently doing.
Best of all the event gave carers the opportunity to ask questions and speak to organisations individually, including the Support for Carers team.
We're happy to say the event was well received by all those who attended.
We'll be planning similar events for carers in the near future so watch this space for more!
New ADHD support group opens in Earl Shilton
A new Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) support group has now opened at the Community House on Candle Lane in Earl Shilton and it's looking for members. Anyone interested is welcome to go along for information and support, plus the chance to meet and socialise over a cup of tea or coffee. The group meets on Thursdays from 12 noon to 2.00pm.
For more information please call Nina on 07766 733960 or call into the Community House.
According to the NHS, ADHD is the most common behavioural disorder in the UK.
It is estimated that the condition affects 3–9% of school-aged children and young people. Worldwide, around 2% of adults may be affected by ADHD.
Visit the NHS website to find out more
Do you care for someone who’s had a stroke?
Julie Monk, Chairperson of the 4Ward Strokes Leicester voluntary group (and a stroke survivor herself) very kindly wrote this article for us, to let carers know about the group and how it could help them and the people they care for.
4Ward Strokes Leicester is a Stroke Association voluntary support group aimed at caring for and helping stroke survivors of working age, plus their families, carers, friends and anyone who knows them.
We meet on a monthly basis and with the help of four volunteers, two of which have had strokes themselves, we provide a very friendly atmosphere in which our members get together.
We all participate in our Extend exercise session, which is good fun and is provided by our qualified tutor.
Most importantly, we enjoy a friendly chat with a cup of tea or coffee where experiences can be shared and problems talked about and hopefully solved. We consider ourselves more of an extended family rather than just a group.
We have been together for over three years and our group is slowly growing in members. We currently have 17 members, plus our volunteers. We are a very close group and enjoy participating in social events outside the monthly group meeting. Our favourite pastime to-date is ten-pin bowling, but we have also been on river cruises and have just recently enjoyed a day at the seaside.
We are already planning many more social events such as an evening at the dogs and of course our Christmas party/dinner.
Our 2012 diary is also being looked at and we have lots of ideas - our Social Secretary/Events Organiser is kept a busy man!
We meet at the Braunstone Civic Centre, Kingsway, Braunstone Town, Leicester and we warmly welcome new members and their families/carers. All we ask is £2 (session fee) which includes tea / coffee.
For further information please contact Stella on 07530 907712.
World Mental Health Day - Tea & Talk in Leicestershire
Monday 10th October is World Mental Health Day and to mark the occasion Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust is holding a 'Tea & Talk' event for anyone affected by mental health, including carers.
The event will run from 10.30am to 3.00pm at the Involvement Centre, Bradgate Unit, Glenfield Hospital and it'll be a chance to talk about all kinds of issues including maintaining good health and wellbeing, changes to services, local projects and iniatives and how you can get involved in helping to shape mental health services in Leicestershire.
There'll also be displays and demonstrations including weight and blood pressure checks, hand massage, infection control and guitar music during the afternoon 'soiree'.
Plus, organisations including the Carers Federation will be there.
If you would like to find out more please call Deborah Phillpott on 0116 225 6623 or email [email protected]
Here's the programme for the day:
10.00am: Registration and coffee
10.30am: Welcome speech
10.40am: Displays – tea and talk
12.30pm: Lunch
1.30pm: Recital – Council for Music in hospitals
2.00pm: Break
2.30pm: Recital continues
3.00pm: Close
