News items from November 2011
Support for Carers Newsletter - hot off the press!
Why not put your feet up for a few minutes and enjoy reading the winter issue of the Support for Carers newsletter...
As you'll see, it includes some useful tips for a stress-free Christmas together with a round up of what's going on for carers throughout Leicestershire - including details of carers' support groups and other activities and events.
We hope you enjoy reading it and please let us know if you've got any comments or ideas to share with us - your feedback will help us to ensure that the newsletter is really useful for carers.
View or download the newsletter
Leicester’s Hospitals Carer Event - 19th December
In partnership with Support for Carers and CLASP (The Carers' Centre), Leicester's Hospitals are inviting carers to a special event on Monday 19th December from 10.30am to 2.30pm at Devonshire Place, London Road, Leicester, LE2 0RA.
The aim of the event is to find out more about your experiences of Leicester's hospitals - from a carer's point of view.
Carers, as well as families, friends and neighbours, have an essential role in meeting the needs of patients, both before admission to hospital and following discharge.
Leicester's hospitals want to ensure that when the person you care for comes into hospital, you receive the recognition and support you deserve as a carer, and that your experience is positive.
Hospitals have been talking to carers over the year, so this event aims to build on that. As well as carers, the event will be attended by hospital staff and organisations that support carers, including us and CLASP.
The event will include lunch and refreshments throughout the day.
To find out more to to book a place at the event please call Rebecca on 0116 258 5384 or email [email protected]
Support group for carers of people with eating disorders
If you care for someone with an eating disorder and you'd like some support, the Eating Disorders Carers' Group meets every 3rd Wednesday of the month from 2pm to 4pm at the Brandon Unit at Leicester General Hospital.
The purpose of the group is to provide a mutually supportive and confidential environment, where carers can share their experiences and ideas.
Carers of in-patients, out-patients and those not yet referred for treatment are welcome to attend the group.
The group also provides information about the long-term impact of eating disorders, not only on the sufferer, but also on other family members. As well as support to cope with the slow recovery rate associated with eating disorders, not just in terms of weight gain, but the long-term phychological support that's needed before sufferers can begin to reintegrate into 'normal life'.
Each meeting is usually made up of two sessions.
From 2pm to 3pm the group hears from professionals such as Consultants, ward staff, dieticians etc or from people working in relevant support services, welfare or healthcare liaison.
3pm to 4pm is 'your time' - the time when carers can share feelings, frustrations and thoughts. The group listens to one another and shares daily ups and downs. Simply knowing that there are others who share similar day-to-day strains can be hugely helpful.
The group is integrated with the national Rethink Mental Illness charity and with LAMPdirect - the community mental health website for Leicestershire and Rutland.
Further information is available on the group's website www.leics-edcg.btck.co.uk or contact Rethink Mental Illness on 01530 276525 or e-mail Mike Hibbert at [email protected]
The group is hoping to start running evening meetings in the New Year, to reach those carers who can't attend meetings during the day.
Help shape a new Local Carers’ Strategy!
Leicestershire County Council is inviting carers to help it write its new local Carers' Strategy.
To have your say on how you think the Council can best help carers, you can go along to one of the following events:
6th December 2011
10am to 1pm
Parklands Leisure Centre
Washbrook Lane, Wigston Road
Oadby, Leicester, LE2 5QG
OR
7th December 2011
10am to 1pm
Charnwood Indoor Bowls Centre
Browns Lane
Lougborough, LE11 3HE
A free lunch will be provided at both events and the Council will reimburse any car park charges you have to pay.
To find out more or to book your place at either event please download the booking form or call Leicestershire County Council on 0116 305 4699 or email [email protected] by 28th November.
Click here to view or download more Event Details
Free complementary therapy treatments for carers in Harborough
Voluntary Action South Leicestershire, the voluntary organisation that runs the Support for Carers project, has been offering free monthly sessions for carers in the Harborough District for almost three years now, providing free complementary therapy treatments such as Reflexology, massage and Reiki.
Sometimes, there are spare appointments at these sessions, so if you're a carer and you'd like to find out more please feel free to ring Diane at Support for Carers on 0845 689 9510 or email [email protected]. Please note that booking is essential and whilst the treatments are free, voluntary donations are appreciated. The sessions are held at the St John's Ambulance Hall on Abbey Street in Market Harborough.
The sessions are funded by a local charitable trust, rather than via the Support for Carers project, and one of the conditions of this funding is that the sessions are for carers in the Harborough District. If you know of similar sessions running near you or you'd like our support to set up a similar activity where you live, please let us know and we'll do our best to help.
Beginners badminton & other fun ways to keep fit!
Active Together is a Leicestershire-wide initiative to provide adults aged 16+ with opportunities to get active and improve their health and well-being.
For example, Active Together is offering 'No Strings' badminton sessions for all every Tuesday from 11am to 12 noon at Harborough Leisure Centre, Northampton Road, Market Harborough, LE16 9HF.
You can come and learn to play badminton at your own pace and players of all ages and abilities are welcome - even if you've not picked up a racket before. Active Together can provide rackets and shuttlecocks if you need them.
Each session costs just £1 per person.
As well as badminton, Active Together also offers other fun, affordable activities such as dancing, walking and jogging.
To find out more please call Sandra or Zoe (Physical Activity Development Officers) on 01858 828282 or email [email protected]
You can also contact Sandra or Zoe to be put on the mailing list to receive an electronic copy of Active Together's 'Let's Get Moving' newsletter or search for 'Active Together Harborough' on Facebook.
View or download more information about 'No Strings' badminton sessions
Have your say on the future of adult social care in Leics
Leicestershire LINk and Leicestershire County Council are holding an event for you to find out more about the Department of Health's 'Caring for your future' plans - so you can have your say!
The event is on Monday 21st November from 10am to 12.30pm at the Parklands Leisure Centre, Washbrook Lane, Wigston Road, Oadby, LE2 5QG.
Your views will help to shape the direction of Adult Social Care in Leicestershire so it's well worth attending, plus the organisers will be passing on your views to the Government.
The Government wants to change the social care system because people have said its unfair, confusing and lets down the people who need it most. This event is part of an exercise to find out how the social care system can be improved and what priorities the Government should be focusing on.
To find out more and to book your place please call Kamini Patel on 0116 229 3019 or email [email protected]
Worried about dyslexia? Event on 24th Nov
The Rutland ADHD Support Group is holding a special event for parents and teachers about dyslexia - and what parents and teachers can do to help children. Christine Jarvis, a specialist family coach will be guest speaker at the event which is on Thursday 24th November from 7pm at Langham Primary School, Burley Road, Langham, LE15 7HY. Admission to the event costs £3.
If you have any concerns about dyslexia you can call the Dyslexia Association on 0115 924 6880 or visit the website.
Care for someone with Alzheimer’s in Melton? Event on 9th Nov
The Alzheimer's Society is holding an event in Melton Mowbray to showcase its services and the opportunities available for potential volunteers and fundraisers. It takes place on Wednesday 9th November from 2pm to 6pm at Gloucester House, Norman Way, Melton Mowbray, LE13 1JE.
To find out more please call 0116 231 1111
Look after your car this winter!
We spotted this important reminder in the Voluntary Action Melton E-Newsletter and thought it would be good to share it with carers too.
Leicestershire Constabulary is asking people to avoid the risk of car theft this winter. Last winter, dozens of cars were stolen in the county whilst owners left them defrosting with their car engines running.
Chief Inspector Chris Baker explains:
"These days vehicle security means it is very difficult to steal a car unless you have the keys. Thieves know this and see frosty mornings as an opportunity. They get up early and will be looking for cars to steal. While it may be tempting to nip back into your house or flat while the windscreen is clearing, I would ask you to stay with your vehicle. If you find your car has been stolen while you have left your keys in it, you may find your insurance will not cover you. You could also be guilty of an offence if you leave the engine running whilst it is parked on the road."
For more crime prevention advice, visit the Leicestershire Police website.
If you have information about car crime, phone Leicestershire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
