News in Hinckley & Bosworth
New Carers Information Videos now up!
Thanks to funding from Market Harborough and the Bowdens charity, we are delighted to present our new series of nine Carers Information Videos. Written in-house by one of the SFC team, they are concise, informative and friendly, and especially relevant to carers in Leicestershire. They are available to view on our YouTube channel now. Most of them last around 3 minutes and all are subtitled.
Benefits - Attendance Allowance, PIP, Carers Allowance, Carers Credit and Council Tax Reduction.
Legal stuff - Power of Attorney, Wills, Living Wills and Advance Decisions.
Looking after me. Ways to safeguard your own health and wellbeing while caring.
When Something Goes Wrong - Emergency planning, Message in a Bottle
Choosing residential care and coping with the end of your caring role.
What goes on at a carers support group?
“WHAT do you actually do at the support groups?” is a question we are frequently asked on the phones. Despite having worked for Support for Carers for five years, somehow I’d never actually been to one! All that changed today as I went along with Jacqui to her Hinckley Time Out for Carers group, in its super new venue of the Mary Forryan Centre on Leicester Road.
Jacqui had warned me that there might not be very many carers there as it was the week before Christmas, but in fact we got a dozen carers (eight women and four men) ranging in age from 40s to 90s. They were caring for loved ones including parents, spouses and children with a wide range of conditions - most commonly dementia, but also learning difficulties, mental health problems and physical maladies.
The first thing that struck me was how friendly everyone was. One chap had brought a cake as it was his 87th birthday (we didn’t believe it, as he looked a good decade younger!) The offer of a Christmas quiz was politely declined and conversation flowed over tea and cakes as people caught up – one lady hadn’t managed to go for a couple of years, in which time she had lost an amazing 4 stones in weight. The carers seemed genuinely pleased to see each other.
Topics of conversation ranged from different sorts of dementia and their presentation, to the specifics of people’s individual caring situations, to how a carer and his wife had been teenage sweethearts in WW2, to a daughter’s career in France, to how the A14 had improved journey times to Suffolk! The 90 minutes flew by. I was able to advise a carer about accessing a Lifeline alarm and sitting services via a Carers Assessment. They told me how useful a lady from Dementia Friends had been at the last group – expert speakers are regularly invited to talk to our carers groups.
If you are a carer and Hinckley is convenient for you, why not try going along? The group meets on the third Tuesday of each month from 10:30 – 12:00 at the Mary Forryan Centre, Leicester Road, Hinckley LE10 1LW. Next meeting is 15.01.2019.
Do you live in or near LE9?
If you're a carer in LE9 why not go along to the Barwell Time Out for Carers group to meet other carers for a cuppa and a chat? The group meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at Barwell Community House, LE9 8FB from 7pm to 8.30pm.
To find out more call Kerry Smith on 07947 949721.
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Urgent Appeal for Funding
URGENT APPEAL FOR FUNDING: CARERS HEALTH AND WELLBEING SERVICE
Following the announcement that the Leicestershire Better Care Together Fund are unable to extend funding for the Carers Health and Wellbeing Service, it is with great sadness and deep regret that we must confirm the service will cease to operate with effect from 30 April 2017, unless alternative funds are identified.
We acknowledge that difficult decisions have had to be made by the Better Care Together Board and, even though the service was highly credited and very much needed, there were other services that had to be prioritised over the Carers Health and Wellbeing Service.
Such has been the tremendous success of the Carers Health & Wellbeing Service, VASL is appealing direct to you, the GP practices (either independently or within Federations), for assistance in identifying any potential funding opportunities to support continuation of this highly effective and efficient resource.
We are in the process of producing costings for the service which will provide the opportunity to tailor services to your needs. It is acknowledged that Carers can cope longer within their caring role in the community as long as they have the right support in place.
Nationally our carers save the economy £119 BILLION a year. The Carers Health and Wellbeing Service cost £165,000 per annum providing support to carers across Leicestershire. We have identified and supported 1,200 carers during the 21 months we have been in operation. Our small team has made great partnerships with GP practices across Leicestershire.
We know how important it is that we are able to give our Carers time and support in a confidential environment. As part of this, we are running 24 Carers Clinics across the county, and an additional 8 surgeries were hoping to offer this facility in their own practices. Our Carers Clinics operating in GP Practices offer carers one-to-one support with hour long appointments. Feedback has evidenced that valuable GP time is protected by Carers Clinics and advice being offered at the right time - as we know, sadly, many carers can become depressed and/or experience numerous other health related ailments that are triggered by their caring role.
If you would like to contact me directly regarding any opportunities for the funding service or have any questions, I would be very happy to hear from you. We would like to personally thank you for all your support and would be very grateful if you could circulate this article to all clinical staff in your Practice.
Thank you in anticipation.
Kind regards.
Maureen O'Malley
VASL Senior Manager
01858 439267
[email protected]
*Carers in this article are defined as non-professional carers who selflessly and regularly look after a family member, friend or neighbour.
Meet our two new team members!
We've recently been joined by two new members of the team...
Natasha Mack, Delivery Officer
Natasha has lived in Leicester for three years after moving from Brighton where she studied for a degree in Outdoor Education. Originally from London, Tash has a varied background from volunteering in Lesotho, Africa; to studying social work; and working with young people in a variety of settings. These experiences have allowed Tash to develop a range of interests including social care, volunteering and adventurous activities.
Adele, Delivery Officer
Over the last 15 years, Adele has worked within statutory and voluntary sector agencies in a variety of roles. Adele says: “My roles have provided me with a vast insight into the everyday difficulties carers and the cared for experience and, the importance of personalised support to meet the needs of everyone holistically."
Meet the rest of the team and find out more about us
Do you care for someone with dementia and live near Hinckley?
Why not attend the Alzheimer's Society's Carer Information and Support Programme for information and support? The programme is a series of workshops run over four sessions for people caring for a family member or friend with dementia. It provides an opportunity for you to talk in a friendly and confidential environment about your experiences and the impact they're having on you.
Topics will include:
What is dementia?
How can you support and care for someone with dementia?
The support services that are available
Planning for the future
Course dates:
Session 1: Monday 6th February
Session 2: Monday 13th February
Session 3: Monday 20th February
Session 4: Monday 27th February
All sessions will run between 10am - 12:30pm at St Francis Community Centre, Tudor Road, Hinckley, Leicestershire, LE10 0EQ.
Who will be there?
The workshops are run by Alzheimer’s Society staff and volunteers for people who care for a family member or friend with dementia. Please aim to attend all sessions if possible. If you're unable to attend the above dates/times, please register your interest as future groups may be available.
To find out more or to book a place please call Sara Lovett on 0116 231 1111 / 07483 926083 or email [email protected]
Are you a young carer aged 11-19? Have your say!
Leicestershire County Council wants to hear from young people aged 11-19 who either care for a parent or another family member.
Your feedback will be used to improve the support and advice available from schools, GPs, councils and others organisations, and to gain a more comprehensive picture of the number of young carers across the county.
Please look after yourself - get the flu jab this winter
Please take the time to look after yourself and get protected with the flu jab this winter. As a carer for someone else, it can be easy to overlook your own health. Flu can knock even the healthiest people off their feet for a couple of weeks, making it impossible for a carer to look after the person in their care.
This is why the NHS offers you a free flu vaccination as a registered carer. It’s not just about protecting you as a carer from getting flu, but also preventing you from passing the virus onto the vulnerable person you care for.
Flu is a highly infectious disease which is easily spread from one person to another. Getting flu when you already have a long-term condition can lead to serious complications, and it can even be a killer. There are a lot of myths about flu that have circulated over the years. Many people worry that the vaccine can give you the flu. Please be assured that this isn’t possible as there is no live influenza virus in the vaccine. Unlike other medication for long term conditions, the flu jab is an annual one-off vaccine. The flu vaccine changes every year to fight the latest strains of flu, so even if you had a jab last winter you need another one this year to stay flu safe.
Find out more and watch a short video on why you should get the flu jab this winter
Find out more about staying well this winter
We’re moving!
Just to let you all know, VASL and the Support for Carers team are moving on 10th October to 1st Floor, Torch House, Torch Way, Northampton Road, Market Harborough, LE16 9HL.
All of our email addresses and phone numbers will thankfully stay the same - so our move won't change our service to you in any way.
If you'd like to pop in and see us head for the Leisure Centre off Northampton Road, turn left as if going to Two Shires Surgery, and you'll find Torch House a little further down the road.
Torch House is an ideal new home for us and the rest of the VASL team, as it's close to the town centre and other well known organisations and large enough for us to hold events here.
Many thanks,
The Support for Carers Team
Our autumn newsletter is out!
Why not put your feet up for five minutes and take a look at our latest newsletter, packed full of news and information for carers, including a round up of all our Carers' Support Groups, top tips to help you look after your mental health and a wonderfully inspiring story from one of our carers on her plans for a carers' community garden...
Click here to read our newsletter in full
Do you care for someone with dementia?
The Alzheimer's Society is running The Carer Information and Support Programme at venues around Leicestershire, to give carers support and information on caring for someone with dementia.
The Programme includes a series of workshops run over four sessions - for people caring for a family member or friend with dementia. It will give you an oppotunity to talk about your experiences and the impact they're having on you, in a friendly and confidential environment.
Topics will include:
- What is dementia?
- How can you support and care for someone with dementia?
- The support services available
- Planning for the future
The workshops are run by Alzheimer's Society staff and volunteers. Please aim to attend all sessions if possible. If you're unable to attend the dates/times below, please register your interest as future groups may be available.
Hinckley Course Dates
All sessions will run from 1.30pm-4pm
Session 1 - Tuesday 7th June
Session 2 - Tuesday 14th June
Session 3 - Tuesday 21st June
Session 4 - Tuesday 28th June
Venue: The Pathways Centre, Hinckley Baptist Church, Baptist Walk, Hinckley, LE10 1PR.
Lutterworth Course Dates
All sessions will run from 1.30pm-4pm
Session 1 - Monday 4th July
Session 2 - Monday 11th July
Session 3 - Monday 18th July
Session 4 - Monday 25th July
Venue: The Wycliffe Medical Practice, Lutterworth Medical Centre (The Community Room), Gilmorton Road, Lutterworth, LE17 4EB.
Leicester City Course Dates
All sessions will run from 6pm-8.30pm.
Session 1 - Thursday 7th July
Session 2 - Thursday 14th July
Session 3 - Thursday 21st July
Session 4 - Thursday 28th July
Venue: Moat Community College (Joseph Merrick Building), Maidstone Road, Leicester, LE2 0TU.
Melton Course Dates
All sessions will run from 10am-12.30pm
Tuesday 2nd August - Understanding Dementia
Tuesday 9th August - Legal and Money Matters
Tuesday 16th August - Providing Support and Care
Tuesday 23rd August - Carers: Coping Day to Day
Venue: Melton Borough Council, Egerton Room 1 & 2, Parkside, Station Approach, Burton Street, Melton Mowbray, LE13 1GH.
To find out more and book your place:
Call: 0116 231 1111
Email: [email protected]
Carer in Barwell?
Carer in Barwell? Help shape a new carers' support group meeting on the 2nd Tuesday of every month...
‘Time Out for Carers’ Barwell Support Group - meeting 7th June
Carers’ Month - What’s On Guide
June is Carers' Month in Leicestershire and there are all kinds of events coming up for you to enjoy. To find out more about any of the events below please call 0845 689 9510 (calls charged at local rates) or email [email protected]
Leicestershire Carers Month coincides with national Carers Week, which runs from 6th-12th June.
2nd June:
First Aid course and cakes at Coalville Carers Support Group
6th June
Information Stand at Barwell Medical Centre
7th June
Information Stand at Hollycroft Medical Centre
8th June:
Cakes at Harborough Carers Mental Health Support Group
9th June
Stand outside Sainsbury's Market Harborough with Bollywood dancing from 11am
First Aid course and cakes at Melton Carers Support Group
Self-care/looking after yourself and cakes at Oadby & Wigston Carers Support Group
Information Stand at Barwell Medical Centre
10th June
Carers' stand at LGBT Conference at County Hall
Information Stand at Thurmaston Health Centre, Hollycroft Medical Centre and Market Harborough Medical Centre
11th June
Market Harborough Carnival
12th June
Carers' Choir singing at Lutterworth Picnic in the Park from 5.30pm
14th June
Blaby District Carers Group (now in Whetstone) summer garden party (indoors!) with cream teas, mini manicures, hand massages and relaxing summer music
16th June
Day at Wycliffe/Masharani
21st June
Self-care/looking after yourself and cakes at Hinckley Carers Support Group
23rd June
Self-care/looking after yourself with music and cakes at Market Harborough Carers Support Group
27th June
Alternative therapies and cakes at Loughborough Carers Support Group
28th June
Cakes, hand massages and plant exchange at Bottesford Carers Support Group
New ‘Time Out for Carers Group’ starts in Barwell
FREE Support Programme for carers in Hinckley
Caring with Confidence - a FREE support programme for anyone caring for a family member or friend, with any condition, is starting in Hinckley on Thursday 12th May from 10am-1pm at St Francis Community Centre, Tudor Road, Hinckley, LE10 0EQ. Refreshments provided.
Caring for a chronically ill or disabled loved one can have a huge impact on your own health and wellbeing, and many carers say they feel isolated, experience feelings of being unable to cope, are unsure where to go for advice and support or feel they're not being heard. Others say they would like the chance to meet others in a similar situation.
Caring with Confidence can help with these problems.
The FREE support programme runs over five weeks and is held in a relaxed and friendly environment with two facilitators who are carers themselves. It covers a range of topics including accessing support, coping with stress, taking care of your own health and wellbeing, how to communicate with professionals, service providers and the person you care for, ideas to help with self-advocacy and tips for caring day-to-day.
Everyone is welcome, please come to as many sessions as you can. You're welcome to bring a friend or family member if you think they could benefit from the programme too.
To find out more and book a place:
Call: Ranjana or Debbie at The Carers Centre on 0116 251 0999.
Click here to find out more about the programme week by week
Quote from a carer who recently attended the programme:
“What a blessing this course has been and in such a relaxed atmosphere. I have gained so much practical information to help me in my caring role and have also realised how much I matter and I too have got a life and a future. You have given me so much help and I have made many new friends. Thank you so much.”
Eileen from Leicester
JOB OPPORTUNITY: DIGITAL INCLUSION OFFICER, SUPPORT FOR CARERS
Would you like to help carers become more confident with technology - so they can get support, find information, get things done and socialise online more easily?
We're looking for a self-employed, sessional worker for a new project supporting carers throughout Leicestershire.
As our Digital Inclusion Officer, you'll help carers get online and also recruit and train a team of around 25 volunteers to help carers.
You must have experience of working with carers and volunteers and knowledge of providing computer based training. Ideally, you'll be accredited by Learn My Way.
Hours and salary are flexible and negotiable.
To find out more please email [email protected] by 13th April.
Take a sneak peek at our autumn newsletter
Why not put your feet up for a few moments and enjoy reading our latest newsletter - full of useful news and information for carers, including top tips to keep you fit and healthy as the weather gets colder, a guide to Carer's Credit and details of a new Carers Emergency Plan designed by carers.
Step by Step - three new groups for former carers
We're pleased to announce we're launching three new groups for carers whose caring role has come to an end, thanks to funding through Leicestershire County Council.
We understand that when a carer's caring role comes to an end there is often a huge gap left, because the carer has devoted so much of their time and life to caring for their loved one or friend.
The evidence shows this is the crisis time; your role has changed, all the help and support stops and you can become isolated, which can lead to anxiety and depression.
Our Step by Step groups will support former carers to help you:
- Rebuild your life
- Explore new hobbies
- Look at volunteering opportunities
- Make new friends
- Build on your social networks
- Look at ways of staying healthy
- Develop coping strategies
The Step by Step groups will be held monthly on a Wednesday in Market Harborough, Lutterworth and Hinckley. The groups will be social as well as informative, and an opportunity to meet people in a similar situation and make new friends over a cup of tea/coffee and biscuits.
Lutterworth Step by Step Group
Meets every 2nd Wednesday of the month from 2.30pm-4pm starting on Wednesday 14th October at Lutterworth Town Hall, High Street, Lutterworth, LE17 4AT.
Hinckley Step by Step Group
Meets every 3rd Wednesday of the month from 2.30pm-4pm starting on Wednesday 21st October at Hinckley Baptist Church, Pathway Centre, Baptist Walk, Hinckley, LE10 1PR.
Market Harborough Step by Step Group
Meets every 4th Wednesday of the month from 1.30pm-3pm starting on Wednesday 28th October at the Methodist Church (opposite the Market Hall), Northampton Road, Market Harborough LE16 9HE.
If you would be interested in coming along to the group or know of someone who would be, please call Gurjit or Jackie on 0845 6899510.
Help shape community healthcare services
Over the past few months, West Leicestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has been doing a lot of work with patients, carers and staff, living and working in the Hinckley and Bosworth area, to understand their experiences of healthcare and find out what matters most to them.
This information led the CCG to develop a shared vision of what community health services in the area could look like, and the journey they would need to make to achieve that change - including forecasting what future demand for services will be, looking at their buildings and how suitable they are to meet future demand, making sure they have the staff with the right skills to care for patients, and ensuring the services they deliver now and in the future offer the best value for money for patients from the resources they have.
Now, the CCG is inviting you to take part in the next step of shaping community healthcare services in Hinckley and Bosworth and the surrounding area.
They are holding two workshops to tell people what they have learnt and share the range of possible ways they could shape and improve services based on the evidence based research they have gathered, to get your feedback.
The CCG wants everyone interested in shaping community services in Hinckley to attend one of two events. They are holding one in the daytime and one in the evening, to ensure as many people as possible can attend. The events will be at Hinckley Golf Club on Monday 5 October, the first starting at 12.30pm-3.30pm and the second from 6.30pm-9.30pm. Light refreshments will be available. Everyone is welcome to attend either of the two events.
The events are expected to be popular so please register your place by calling 0116 295 4183, email [email protected] or visit www.westleicestershireccg.nhs.uk and sign up online.
‘Feel Alive from 65’
Sport and physical activity is an important part of all our lives, especially as we get older. Last year, Leicestershire and Rutland Sport's (LRS) annual active ageing campaign saw over 1,500 older adults participate in sport and physical activity taster sessions across the county. This year's campaign week 'Feel Alive from 65' will run from 28th September to 4th October - giving you an amazing opportunity to take part in a programme of physical activity across Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland, including over 150 taster sessions featuring kurling, tai chi, walking, bowls, seated exercise and many more.
Take a look at the programme to find sessions near you
Thank you for coming along to our Carers Summertime Health and Wellbeing Events!
We held two very successful Carers Summertime Health and Wellbeing Events recently - one in Coalville on 4th June and the other in Hinckley on 16th June, to celebrate all the hard work carers do.
There was a range of information stalls, guest speakers and activities for carers to get involved with. Jane Robins from Leicestershire County Council talked about the Care Act and the Carer's Assessment.
Paul Tyson gave a talk on healthy eating, while Emma Hopkins, Physical Activity Coordinator at Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council (Hinckley Leisure Centre) provided information on healthy walks and activities.
Activities on offer at both events included Chair Based Exercises, Laughter Workshops, Complementary Therapies, Line Dancing and Blood Pressure and Diabetes Testing.
Here are a few comments from some of the carers that attended:
“I can’t remember the last time I had so much fun”
“It was a great event and very informative”
“I loved the chair based exercises”
“I have not seen my husband laugh like that in ages”
“Thank you for such a lovely time”
“Good to know my blood pressure is ok”
“Can’t wait for the next time”
“I feel so uplifted and relaxed”
Carers Summertime Health & Wellbeing Event
We're holding a Carers Summertime Health & Wellbeing Event on Tuesday 16th June from 10am to 2pm at Hinckley Leisure Centre, Coventry Road, Hinckley, Leicestershire, LE10 0JR.
The event will include line dancing, laughter yoga, complimentary therapies, health related information stands, health checks, chair based exercises and our Carers' Choir, plus FREE refreshments and lunch!
To book a place simply call 0845 689 9510 or email [email protected]
Thank you to all those of you who came along to our Carers Summertime Health & Wellbeing Event in Coalville on 4th June.
Our Carers Summertime Health & Wellbeing Events are just one of the ways we're embracing the theme of this year's national Carers Week (8th-14th June) - building Carer Friendly Communities. Communities which support carers to look after their loved ones well, while recognising that they are individuals with needs of their own. You can find out more about what's going on near you in our latest newsletter or visit In Your Area for more ideas.
Do you care for someone on the autistic spectrum? Find out about changes in adult social care
The National Autistic Society is running FREE information days to talk to carers and families of people on the autistic spectrum - about changes in adult social care. Government reform of adult social care is focused on the 'personalisation' of support and personal budgets, with the aim of empowering people to choose and control the services they receive. This will affect all those who get support, whether they pay for it themselves, or it's provided by statutory services.
The information days will cover community care (from the basics of what it is, to how it can be accessed), The Care Act, Person-Centred Planning, Support Planning, Personal Budgets, Personal Health Budgets, Direct Payments and how personalisation can work for you and the person you care for.
The next local information day is on 12th June from 12 noon to 3pm at the Burbage Constitutional Club, 64 Church Street, Burbage, LE10 2DE.
To find out more and book a place:
Email: [email protected]
Call: 07442 498 012
Do you care for someone with an Autistic Spectrum Condition?
A new Social/Support Group for parents/carers/relatives of people with an Autistic Spectrum Condition is starting on Friday 20th March from 1pm until 3pm at Burbage Constitutional Club, 64 Church Street, Burbage, LE10 2DE. The group will then run every two weeks, giving you a chance to meet and chat to people going through similar things, with a drink and cake. Admission free.
To find out more:
Call Kim Sharpe on 07939 025222 or 01455 450425
Email: [email protected]
Download the poster
Do you care for someone with dementia?
The Alzheimer's Society is running a series of workshops run over four sessions for people caring for a family member or friend with dementia - known as the Carer Information and Support Programme. The sessions will provide an opportunity for you to talk in a friendly and confidential environment, about your experiences and the impact they're having on you. They will also aim to provide you with information and support. To find out more and book your place call 0116 231 1111 or email [email protected]
Topics will include:
What is dementia?
How can you support and care for someone with dementia
The support services that are available
Planning for the future
Course dates in Hinckley
Session 1 - Monday 16th February 2015
Session 2 - Monday 23rd February 2015
Session 3 - Monday 2nd March 2015
Session 4 - Monday 9th March 2015
All sessions will run between 6pm - 8:30pm
Venue: Green Towers Hinckley Club, Richmond Road, Hinckley, Leicestershire, LE10 0DZ
Course dates in Lutterworth:
Session 1 - Monday 9th March 2015
Session 2 - Monday 16th March 2015
Session 3 - Monday 23rd March 2015
Session 4 - Monday 30th March 2015
All sessions will run between 2pm - 4:30pm
Venue: One Stop Shop at Wycliffe House, Gilmorton Road, Lutterworth, LE17 4DY
The workshops are run by Alzheimer’s Society staff and volunteers for people who care for a family member or friend with dementia. Please aim to attend all sessions if possible. If you're unable to attend the above dates/times, please register your interest as future groups may be available.
Free First Aid training for carers - Hinckley
The Carers Centre and St John Ambulance are giving carers the chance to gain your First Aid Certificate free of charge.
The training session will take place on Friday 26th September from 10am to 4pm at The Meeting Centre, 1 Marchant Road, Hinckley, LE10 0LQ and will cover emergency First Aid including CPR.
Gaining your First Aid Certificate could even help to save a life!
To find out more or book your place please call Debbie at The Carers Centre on 0116 2510999 or emai:
[email protected]
Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
Sing it from the rooftops!
Rehearsals for our Carers’ Choir project are well underway so why not join our singing carers for fun, uplifting choir sessions? Best of all, you don’t need any experience!
In April, we launched carers’ choirs in Hinckley and South Wigston. Each choir session is held on a fortnightly basis on a Tuesday afternoon.
Sessions are relaxed and light-hearted. We start with a full warm-up, then work on simple rounds and part songs before moving on to a variety of longer songs in harmony. Halfway through the session we have a break for refreshments and carers get chance to chat to each other.
The response to the choir sessions has been fantastic. One of our carers said:
“I really enjoy coming. Such lovely people and all carers we can relate with. I smile on my way here and smile all the way home. It helps me to keep going through the week I don’t come. It should be on prescription!”
Another choir member said:
“Please accept my sincere thanks for a super choir session today. I may warble, I may trill, but rest assured, with your tuition and gentle coaxing, I'm beginning to feel like me again!”
Most choir members have no previous experience of singing, just a willingness to learn.
Leicestershire Carers’ Choir Musical Leader, Alex Reffell, said:
“I’m delighted with how well the choir members are responding to the sessions. We’ve already been singing in three-part harmony and the groups are both creating a beautiful sound and are working well together and forming friendships.
The music is varied and carers have an input into styles of music they would like to sing. So far we have looked at rock, pop, show tunes and a bit of gospel music. Choir members are guided through the music step-by-step and also learn about vocal technique.”
One of our carers said:
“My first week was amazing. I couldn’t believe how much was achieved in two hours. I have no musical background but managed to understand the instructions and, at the same time, enjoyed the session.”
So, why not take the plunge and see why our carers are enjoying the sessions so much?
To find out more about the sessions, please call Alex Reffell on 0845 689 9510 or email [email protected]
Have you ever thought about joining a choir?
We’re very excited to have new funding for a year to form carers’ choirs in two boroughs across the county: Oadby / Wigston and Hinckley / Bosworth.
Leicestershire Carers’ Choirs aim to bring the joy of singing to carers across Leicestershire and it will not matter where you live, as long as you can get to the venues. (Venues to be advised).
Carers would meet for fortnightly choir sessions in the two areas to learn contemporary, upbeat songs in four-part harmony under the leadership of a musical director.
Previous experience of singing in a choir isn’t necessary. You just need to be willing to give it a go.
In addition to developing musicality, the sessions would explore fundamental areas such as breathing technique, vocal hygiene, posture and singing technique.
One of the most important factors is what it does for people's confidence; it lifts people in ways that no other activity can and is a great way of meeting others with similar interests.
Singing is a wonderful way to boost your mood and it has been proven to help you physiologically.
According to TV choirmaster Gareth Malone:
“There are obvious health benefits as well as it being excellent for your state of mind.”
If you’re interested in joining either of the carers choirs, please give us a call on 0845 689 9510.
Carers Event - 23rd November, Hinckley
Carers and cared for are welcome at a Carers Event being held on Saturday 23rd November from 10am to 12 noon at The Mary Forryan Centre, St Peter's Church, Hinckley. The event will include free tea and coffee, homemade cakes, information stalls and stress relieving workshops. Staff from Leicestershire County Council will also be on hand to answer your Personal Budget questions.
Free dementia event - 8th October
People living in Hinckley and Bosworth are invited to a free dementia event on Tuesday 8th October from 9am to 1.45pm at the Atkins Building, Lower Bond Street, Hinckley, LE10 1QU.
You'll be able to find out more about dementia, help develop an information folder on dementia for local people and step inside a pub style Memory Pod, thanks to Voluntary Action South Leicestershire's Memory Lane project for people with memory loss and their carers. The event will also include a light lunch, free of charge.
To find out more and to secure your place, please email Katherine Brown at [email protected] or call 07908 750187 - by 27th September.
Click here to download the event poster
Dementia awareness events
Organisations including the Alzheimer's Society, Dementia Action Alliance, Leicestershire Constabulary, Leicester City Council and Leicestershire County Council have come together to hold dementia awareness events around the county throughout May.
The events will promote the Alzheimer's Society 'Dementia Friendly Communities' and 'Dementia Friends' initiatives, as well as safety in the community and local services supporting people with dementia and their carers. Dementia Friends information sessions will also be available at each event, you can find out more and register at www.dementiafriends.org.uk
Market Harborough - Thursday 23 May, 10.30am to 1.30pm, The Three Swans Hotel, Main St, Market Harborough, LE16 7NJ
Hinckley - Tuesday 21 May, 10.30am to 1.30pm, The Atkins Building, Lower Bond St, Hinckley, LE10 1QU
Leicester City - Wednesday 22 May, 4pm to 7pm, Town Hall, Town Hall Square, Leicester, LE1 9BG
To find out more, please call the Leicestershire and Rutland branch of the Alzheimer's Society on 0116 231 1111.
New service: Free Mental Health Education Programme for carers
We’ve recently launched an education programme for mental health carers in Leicestershire and Rutland. The programme is free and confidential and aims to help carers look after their own health and wellbeing whilst understanding more about mental illness and the support services available both locally and nationally. In addition, the programme is a chance for carers to get together and share experiences and help one another. Overall, we hope the programme will help carers to feel more confident and empowered and able to make positive changes in their caring role.
The programme runs for 8 weeks, with each session lasting two and a half hours. We’re planning to run the programme in the daytime and evening, so as many carers as possible can attend. Sessions include understanding more about recovery and relapse and how to manage it, how to cope with challenging behaviour and crisis and the impact mental illness can have on carers and families.
Anyone who is supporting someone with a mental illness, or whose life is affected by it, is welcome to come along to the sessions, including partners, family members and friends.
According to the Mental Health Foundation, 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience some kind of mental health problem in the course of a year, with mental illness also having a huge impact on carers and families. We’re already supporting hundreds of mental health carers in Leicestershire, so you’re definitely not alone.
We’re currently running our first programme in Broughton Astley, on a Tuesday evening, and this will be followed very quickly by another one, somewhere else in Leicestershire. We’ll let you know more details very soon, as soon as we’ve confirmed the date, time and venue.
If you’re interested in coming along or you’d like to find out more, please call Nicky Daly on 07847 228737 or email [email protected]
Download our Mental Health Education Programme leaflet for more details
NEW Dementia Art/Craft Cafes - start March 2013
Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland has partnered up with two local venues in Hinckley and Bosworth to launch two new Dementia Art/Craft Cafes.
Both cafes will start at the end of March and will be at the Pathways Centre in Hinckley and the Elohim Church in Barlestone. The cafes will be run by experienced Age UK volunteers, with the help of the venues themselves.
The aim of the cafes is to provide dementia sufferers with a place they can feel at ease and comfortable in. Each session will involve a variety of basic arts and crafts activities like card making, jewellery making, cutting/sticking crafts, memory boards, photo collage, plant pot painting and wind chime decorating.
Tea/coffee and biscuits will be provided free, with a cost of £3 per session to cover the cost of art/craft materials.
The Pathways Centre cafe starts on the 19th March and will run on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month from 10.30am to 12 noon at the Pathways Centre, Hinckley Baptist Church, Baptist Walk, Hinckley, LE10 1PR.
The Elohim Church cafe starts on the 28th March and will run on the last Thursday of every month from 10am to 11.30am at the Elohim Church Hub, Newbold Road, Barlestone, CV13 0DZ.
NEW weekly activities for older people in Hinckley
Starting this April, there will be an Older Persons Day every Tuesday throughout the year at the Pathways Centre, Baptist Walk, Hinckley, LE10 1PR. The sessions will be run by Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland, in partnership with the Pathways Centre, a community centre and part of Hinckley Baptist Church.
The sessions will include all kinds of health and wellbeing activities at affordable prices and each class will be aimed at difference abiliites. For example, they'll be an Age UK HInckley Walk led by qualified leaders, a Zumba Gold excercise class with Jessica O'Donnell - Hinckley's Zumba ethusiast, various art classes including crafts and pottery making, laptop help sessions and a scrabble group. There will also be activities for older people suffering with early dementia, such as a singing cafe and an arts and crafts group.
Age UK and Pathways promise there really will be something for everyone!
To find out more or to pick up a leaflet please visit the Age UK charity shop at 56 Castle Street in Hinckley or drop into the Pathways Centre on Baptist Walk.
Alternatively, you can find out more by calling Age UK on 01455 619 519.
Help for older people in Leicestershire - have your say
Communities in Partnership is currently working with Leicestershire County Council Adults and Communities Department to deliver two consultations which could affect you or those around you:
Assistive Technology and Housing Related Residential Support Services
Residents of Leicestershire are being asked for their views on plans for a ‘fairer and more flexible approach’ towards helping older people stay in their homes.
Assistive Technology uses lifelines and a range of additional sensors, such as fall detectors, to support people to live independently. At present, Assistive Technology is only available to people who live in their own home, and the County Council is considering extending the service to include those who live in sheltered or social housing.
The other proposal which forms part of the three-month consultation concerns Housing Related Support for older people. This would enable people who own or rent their homes to have the same access to services as those who live in social housing – if it would help them. Historically, the support is usually given by housing wardens or scheme managers.
Click here to complete the online survey
Paper copies are available, please call 0116 305 0004 to find out more. The consultation runs until February 2013.
Have Your Say
Communities in Partnership is also looking for members of the public to participate in focus groups throughout January and February 2013, with one focus group being held in each Leicestershire district.
If you would like to attend a focus group and have your say in transforming services then please contact Liz on 0116 233 4243 to find out more.
Oadby Asda, Oadby and Wigston District - Wednesday 16th Jan 10.30am to 12.30pm - call Alison Cooper on 2718341 to find out more.
Blaby Scout HQ, Winchester Road, Blaby District - Tuesday 22nd Jan 2pm to 4pm - call 2778998 to find out more.
St Marys Court, Hugglescote, North West Leicestersire District - Tuesday 29th Jan 11am to 1pm - call Kaizad Johnston on 01530 454640 to find out more.
John Storer House, Charnwood District - Tuesday 15th Jan 10am to 12pm - call Ann Standing on 01509 631750 to find out more.
Atkins Building, Hinckley and Bosworth District, Thursday 24th Jan 10.30am to 12.30pm - call Robert Warwick on 01455 247070 to find out more.
Lubenham Village Hall, Harborough District - Wednesday 6th Feb 2pm to 4pm - call Len Bale on 01858 462440 to find out more.
Planning for your future – thinking about what things might help you as you get older
Residents of Leicestershire are being asked for their views on planning for the future, thinking about what their needs might be. Communities in Partnership would like to find out how older people can be encouraged to plan for the future, what barriers may be faced in doing so, and how to support older people in the community for as long as possible.
Get Involved
They will be visiting various groups and meetings throughout December and January. If you would like them to come to your group or would just like to be involved, please contact Harvey on 0116 229 3019.
To keep informed of all future engagement activity affecting you and those around you, join the Communities in Partnership Engagement Network now by calling 0116 234 1577 or email [email protected]
Winter Newsletter - hot off the press!
The winter edition of our newsletter should be with you very soon, whether you receive it via email or in the post.
In the meantime, you can read it right here online - including top tips for keeping warm this winter, a guide to Carers' Support Groups in the county and lots of news and events.
Feel free to let us know if you've got any comments about the newsletter or you'd like to contribute to it - we're always looking for articles, photos, poems, recipes or anything else you've got in mind.
We hope you enjoy reading this month's issue.
Calling all carers in Hinckley & Bosworth!
We're holding a Carers' Forum in Hinckley and Bosworth for carers and cared for, as well as groups and organisations that provide services to carers - on Tuesday 2nd October at St Francis Community Centre, Tudor Road, Hinckley, LE10 0EQ from 1.30pm to 3.30pm.
You don't have to live in the area to attend - anyone is welcome to come along.
The event will include information stands, refreshments and guest speakers from Willows Financial Management Services talking about Power of Attorney and the Citizens Advice Bureau with advice on debt management.
To find out more or if you’d like to attend call us on 0845 689 9510 or email [email protected]
Nearby off road free parking will be available.
Do you care for someone with Multiple Sclerosis?
If you care for someone with Multiple Sclerosis you may like to know that the Multiple Sclerosis Society runs monthly drop-in sessions at the Salvation Army Hall on Lancaster Road in Hinckley from 11am to 2pm (light refreshments provided).
Anyone is welcome to pop in for a chat, including carers and cared for.
The next sessions are on:
30th August - talk by specialist MS nurse
27th September - Coloplast incontinence products
25th October - talk by specialist MS nurse
29th November - talk by Pat Wilkins from Support for Carers
20th December - talk by specialist MS nurse
To find out more, please call the MS Society on 01455 442 440.
Drop-in event for carers - 16th April at Hinckley Library
If you're taking care of a friend, family member or loved one because they need help with their day-to-day lives, why not come along to our next drop-in event for carers?
It's on Monday 16th April from 10.30am to 12.30pm at Hinckley Library, Lancaster Road, Hinckley LE10 0AT.
You'll be able to meet a member of the Support for Carers team and find out more about the help and support that's available to you as a carer.
The event is free and you're welcome to drop-in at any time - you don't have to stay for the whole event if it's not convenient for you.
We hope to see you there!
Do you care for someone with MS?
The Hinckley and District branch of the Multiple Schlerosis Society is holding an information evening on 3rd May from 7pm to 9.30pm at The Meeting Centre, Marchant Road, Hinckley, LE10 0LQ.
The evening will include the chance to listen to a talk by Lynn Moor, a Chronic Pain Specialist Nurse, about MS and pain.
You'll also be able to speak to healthcare professionals and support organisations in confidence, about MS, so you can find out more about the treatment, help and support available to you. For example, an MS nurse, dietician, neuro physiotherapist and occupational therapist will be on hand to answer your questions plus support groups including Support for Carers, Dial a Ride and Home Companions.
Click here for full details of the event
To find out more please call 01455 442 440.
Walking for Health in Hinckley & Bosworth
If you live in Hinckley & Bosworth and you're looking for a fun way to get some exercise and meet new people, how about Walking for Health?
The national Walking for Health programme offers health walks designed to encourage people to take regular short walks in their local communities, to benefit their health.
Many regular walks take place in Hinckley & Bosworth. Walks usually last around 30-60 minutes and are on surfaced paths with no stiles to negotiate for example.
Walking regularly can help to reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes whilst lowering blood pressure and keeping muscles and bones healthy. It can also reduce feelings of stress and increase your sense of wellbeing.
Click here for a full list of walks including dates and times plus contact details if you want to get in touch with walk organisers.
New carers’ group for Hinckley - UPDATE
As we reported last week, Support for Carers is setting up a new carers' group in Hinckley.
The new group will start on Monday 16th April at Hinckley Library on Lancaster Road, Hinckley, Leicestershire, LE10 0AT.
Carers are welcome to drop in anytime between 10.30am and 12.30pm. You can stay for as long as you like, but you don't have to stay for the whole session if you don't want to.
The idea of the group is to give carers somewhere to have a 'time out' from their caring role and the chance to meet other local carers for a chat and to share valuable advice and tips.
As well as meeting other carers socially, you'll also be able to meet a representative from Support for Carers.
Going forward, the group will meet every other month, on the third Monday of the month at Hinckley Library from 10.30am to 12.30pm.
If you have any questions please feel free to ring us on 0845 689 9510 or email [email protected]
New carers’ group for Hinckley
Support for Carers is holding new monthly drop-in sessions for carers in Hinckley starting on 16th April.
The new 'Time Out For Carers' group will meet at Hinckley Library between 10.30am and 12.30pm. Carers are very welcome to pop along anytime between 10.30am and 12.30pm - or stay for the whole session of course!
The sessions will aim to give carers a 'time out' from their caring role and a chance to meet other carers for a chat and to share valuable advice and tips.
As well as meeting carers socially, you will also be able to talk to a member of the Support for Carers team, and ask any questions you may have about being a carer.
To find out more about the new sessions please call Support for Carers on 0845 689 9510.
We look forward to meeting you at the first session on the 16th April!
Age UK - weekly activity sessions in Hinckley
Did you know that Age UK runs a huge range of activities for older people and carers at the Earl Shilton Senior Citizens Centre on King's Walk, Earl Shilton, LE9 7NL?
Activities include Lunch Clubs, tea dances, computer drop-in sessions for beginners, keep fit, knit and chatter and craft workshops - plus lots, lots more.
Activities run throughout the week and are available in the daytime and evenings.
Click here for a full list of activities
Plus, if you're looking for a room to book to hold an event of your own, the Senior Citizens Centre has rooms available for hire.
To find out more please call Carole Woodward on 01455 847 666.
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]
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.
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]
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
New Carers’ Support Groups coming soon!
We're helping to set up new Carers' Support Groups in Hinckley and Bosworth, Melton and North West Leicestershire over the coming weeks.
The Hinckley and Bosworth Carers' Support Group will meet from Tuesday 4th October from 10.30am to 12.00 noon at the Community House, Peggs Close, Earl Shilton, LE9 7BP.
The Melton Carers' Support Group will meet from Thursday 29th September from 10.30am to 12 noon at the Carnegie Museum, Thorpe End, Melton Mowbray.
The North West Leicestershire Carers' Support Group will meet from Tuesday 20th September from 10.30am to 12.00 noon at the Wesleyan Reform Church, Melbourne Road, Ibstock, LE67 6NQ.
To find out more about our new groups please call us on 0845 689 9510 or email [email protected]
Click here for a full list of Carers' Support Groups running around Leicestershire (in addition to the new groups above).
For details of more groups and activities in your area (including groups for carers and the cared for) please search the In Your Area section of the website.
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
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]
