July 2017 ac final

The

July 2017 023 8090 2404

www.1community.org.uk

CARERS

CATCH UP News...Events...Information

Hello everyone!

We have officially relaunched

Pictured right is Cllr Maureen Sollitt, visiting our Adult Carers stand.

During Carers Week at Wells Place, our Adult Carers service officially relaunched. Eastleigh's Mayor Councillor Maureen Sollitt attended the Carers Day and visited our stand.

The Adult Carers team is able to offer information and signposting, IT and internet support, social opportunities, a carers journal, emotional support and exclusive counselling rates.

Have a question? Need support? Naomi Stock our Carers Development Worker is available Monday to Thursday 9am-5pm and Friday 9am-2pm on 023 8090 2404 or email nstock@1community.org.uk Produced by One Community, 16 Romsey Road, Eastleigh SO50 9AL. Registered Charity Number 1052978 Registered in England as company limited by guarantee number 3132524

CARERS COFFEE

This is a joint initiative w with the Princess Roy

MORNING

JOIN US WEEKLY TO HAVE TIME OUT FOR YOURSELF AND MEET OTHERS IN A SIMILAR SITUATION

Tuesday 10am - 12noon Wells Place Centre, Eastleigh SO50 5PP Upcoming Dates 11th July 18th July 25th July 1st August 8th August 15th August 22nd August 29th August

18th July a talk with Mark from the Blue Lamp Trust ~ 1st August talk with Anne-Marie from Leighton's Opticians

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Please note that the sessions will not be held in the same room every week therefore please ask at reception.

Meet the Carer Article written by Kierston a Parent Carer Hello. My name is Kierston. I don't get to meet many of you at social events, as unfortunately, I work full time. I am a single mum of two amazing teenage children. My 16 -year- old son has a diagnosis of autism and is also hearing impaired.

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how people perceive the world and interact with others. Autistic people see, hear and feel the world differently to other people. It cannot be "cured" and because it is a spectrum condition, it affects everyone differently, which means my days can often be unpredictable, challenging and tiring. My son struggles with school, as he finds socialising and concentrating for long periods of time difficult. My daughter is often teased by her peers, due to a lack of empathy and understanding of her brother's condition. This affects the whole family, and has led to my son becoming very isolated, insular and anxious. He stopped going out; he stopped communicating; he wasn't sure he wanted to be here anymore. For any parent, this is heart-breaking, and I didn't know where to turn.

My family was falling apart!

But last year, our lives changed! Our blessing has four paws, a wet nose and a wagging tail! Dexter, a very handsome Golden Retriever, is registered to a charity in Scotland, called Appaws for Autism.

Unlike similar organisations, Appaws will train your existing puppy, thus allowing the autistic person to build a bond with their dog, even before the training starts.

From the moment Dexter chose my son – (all the puppies were sleeping when we first visited them. Dexter woke up, looked and my son, and waddled over. My son, who had never even held a dog before, scooped him up in his arms, and immediately started raining kisses down on the contented little pup) – the obvious bond they share has been heart-warming. My son can often be found snuggled up with Dexter, chatting to him about his day, relaxing with him, and always with a smile on his face.

We now are able to go out, as a family, and are able to enjoy shopping, a cup of tea, or other situations which were once totally daunting. Dexter, wearing his bright yellow working vest, loves the attention, and being able to help. Because Autism is an invisible disability, having Dexter with us helps people to understand that my son has hidden anxieties, and we don't have to explain his behaviour. This is excellent for my son's confidence. He does not shout or run off because he is spoiled or badly behaved. (Yes - There are still some people who will say this to our faces!) He has a disability. I understand it can be awkward for onlookers, but he cannot switch his disability off, to make people feel less uncomfortable. Having Dexter by his side makes all the difference. He's now focused on his best friend, and having the time of his life!

As if this is not a big enough change in my son's ability to enjoy everyday social situations, that most teenagers take for granted, he is due to be starting college in September, and Dexter has a place too! He will join my son at college, allowing him to remain calm and focused throughout the day.

If you see us around, please come and say hello and maybe shake paws!

Please meet Dexter

Things to try Now that Summer is finally here, can you find the 10 fruits?

Answers are in the next issue of Carer's Catch Up!

Recipe Time Za'atar cauliflower, artichokes & parsley Roasted cauliflower with za'atar, a Middle eastern spice blend of sesame seeds cumin, sumac and dried oregano. Cooking time is 30 minutes and 10 minutes preparation. Perfect for a quick meal on a Summer's evening.

Ingredients 100g artichoke hearts 120g cherry tomatoes 1 cauliflower 1 lemon Suitable for reheating 1 red onion and is freezable 20g capers 240g butter beans (drained) 2 tbsp oil 2 tbsp za'atar 40g mixed salad leaves Large handful of flat-leaf parsley Method 1. Preheat the oven to 200C / gas mark 6.

2. Cut the end off the cauliflower, remove the leaves and cut into small florets (around 3cm wide). Toss the cauliflower with the za'atar, 1 tbsp oil and a pinch of sea salt. Place on a baking tray in the oven for 20 mins until softened and turning golden.

3. Meanwhile, drain and rinse the butter beans. Thinly slice the red onion and cut the cherry tomatoes in half.

Slice the artichokes into quarters.

4. To make the herb sauce; finely chop the parsley and capers. Place in a bowl with 1/2 tbsp oil and the juice from the lemon.

5. Heat a frying pan on a medium heat with 1/2 tbsp oil and cook the onion for 1 minute, then add the beans, cherry tomatoes and artichokes, turn down the heat and cook gently for 5 mins until the beans have heated through. Season with sea salt and black pepper.

6. Place the mixed leaves on two plates, spoon over the bean mix, and top with the roasted cauliflower.

Drizzle over the herb sauce.

Continuing with our summer theme, are you able to complete this crossword?

Answers in the next issue!

Across

Down

1-Keeps you cool

1-Protects from the rays

2-In Eastleigh

2-Eye wear

3-Very tasty

3-A summer flavour

4-It's 38 degrees!

4-Too much sun

5-Where is my hat?

5-Outdoor cooking

6-Open your windows

6-Great for picnics 7-Affects one mostly in summer

Have an idea for Carers Catch Up? Send submissions for inclusion to: Naomi Stock nstock@1community.org.uk by the middle of the month.

Remember One Community is on twitter @1_comm and on Facebook at One Community Hants