CareLine Autumn 2015

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Autumn 2015

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Do Yo Look u After Someo ne?

CareLine The magazine for unpaid carers in East Sussex

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Also availab l

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Carers Rights Day

Volunteering 4

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Contacts for Carers 22

1

Contents Carers Essentials Checklist

Patient Participation Groups

9

8

Volunteering Carers’ Forum: Review

18-19

16-17

WRAP for Carers

Carers Rights Day

Carer-Friendly Communities

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4-5

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Carers’ Groups Directory 10 & 15

Carers Toolkit Course Dates

Pull-Out

11

Events Calendar

ICE Project

12-14

Respite: TeleCheck Service

Autumn Event

Contacts

20

21

for Carers 22-23

STOP PRESS Adult Social Care savings Adult social care’s budget for 2015/16 is £158 million.

They will have £40 million less to spend on adult social care services by March 2019 – by the end of the three-year savings plan it will be £118 million a year. This is in addition to the £28 million that they have already saved from these services since 2013.

This means making difficult decisions about which adult social care services they invest in.

The consultation starts on 23 October 2015 and ends on 18 December 2015.

How to take part

There are a number of ways you can give your views: • By completing an online survey: www.eastsussex.gov.uk/ascbudget • By printing and posting a survey back to the council • By emailing or writing with your comments

Help and questions

If you have any questions about this consultation, need help to take part, or you need a copy of the information in a different format or another language, please phone 01273 481565, email adultsocialcare@eastsussex.gov.uk, or write to : ASC Budget Consultation 2015, County Hall, St Anne’s Crescent, Lewes, BN7 1UE 2

Contents

WRAP for Carers What is WRAP all about?

The simple answer is that WRAP is a tool for life. It works because it is safe, simple and unique to you – a tool that you can use to maintain and enhance your wellbeing whatever your circumstances.

A WRAP course is first and foremost an educational experience – during the course you will learn about all the different parts of WRAP and explore what they mean for you in your life. WRAP is also about meeting with other carers, talking in a safe, gentle and supportive environment, having time to explore all aspects of life, the good bits and the challenging bits, and learning from one another.

Barbara, a carer who attended WRAP, wrote to us this summer to share a poem she had written about WRAP while she was on the course. She said, “Reading it again reminded me of how good it all was! I would like to share it with you both”.

Sometimes we need to sit To listen and to hear The helpful views of others Their anxiety and fear

No point to worry worry It will all work out If we reach for help To find what it’s all about

To go beneath the surface And find another way A better way of coping With the ordinary every day

Sharing information Opening the door To receive support There is plenty more

We go around in circles Which direction to choose Finding a way forward Living on a short fuse

Open up your toolbox Let go and have fun WRAP brings real perspective Love and laughter and sun

Barbara has kindly given her permission for us to share it with the readers of CareLine, and it is printed here in the header of this article.

NEWHAVEN

When is the next WRAP for Venue: Hillcrest Centre, Hillcrest Carers course in your area? Road, Newhaven BN9 9EA EASTBOURNE Venue: Sussex Oakleaf Community Wellbeing Service, Brightview Centre, 6 Saffrons Road, Eastbourne BN21 1DG Start date: 11 November 2015 Session dates: November 11, 18, & 25 December 2, 9, & 16 Session time: 2pm to 4:30pm Booking: Download application form at http://www.coastalwellbeing.co.uk/wrap-for-carers/

Start date: 12 November 2015 Session dates: November 12, 19, & 26 December 3, 10, & 17 Session time: 10am to 1pm Booking: Download application form at http://www.coastalwellbeing.co.uk/wrap-for-carers/

Find out more For more information about WRAP or to speak to the facilitators, please contact Lucy on 07598 323254 or lucy@coastalwellbeing.co.uk or Molly on 07507 734370 or molly@coastalwellbeing.co.uk

WRAP for Carers 3

Carers Rights Day 20th November 2015

There are 6.5 million people in the UK giving unpaid care to friends or family, and this number is rising.

Many are unaware of their rights, leaving millions of pounds of carers’ benefits to go unclaimed.

Having the right information at the right time can make a huge difference when you are caring for someone. Knowing your rights has never been more important, with the new Care Act bringing new rights for carers this year.

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If you would like a Carers Assessment, call Social Care Direct on 0345 60 80 191

Time to Talk

Want to find out more?

• • •

Call Care for the Carers and ask about your rights 01323 738390 (8-8 Mon & Fri. 9-5 Tue-Thu) Get your copy of the 2015/16 Carers Rights Guide at carersuk.org Join a carers’ group or take a Carers Toolkit course to find out about your rights, support available, and meet other carers.

Working Carers have a legal right to request FLEXIBLE WORKING and take TIME OFF FOR EMERGENCIES! Employers have to deal with flexible working requests in a ‘reasonable manner’.

It is at the employer’s discretion as to whether time off for emergencies is paid or unpaid.

Visit: carersuk.org or call Southdown Ambitions Service on 07805 811186 to find out more

You m entit ay be l FINA ed to N BENE CIAL FITS! im

It is por what bene tant to the fit kn are eperson y s you ow a o ntitl ed tou care f nd or .

It m ight diffe make pensi rence o t n o a the entit your f l e u m t ure extra ents for c money or bring in are. to he lp pain y

To find out what you may be entitled to, call HARC on 01424 428375

CARERS BENEFITS ADVICE DROP-IN Find out what you and the person you care for could be entitled to!

Care for the Carers and HARC are holding a FREE drop-in benefit advice session for carers. Come along, ask questions, find out what benefits you may be entitled to and/or receive help filling out basic benefit forms.

Where: Care for the Carers, 8 St Leonards Road, Eastbourne, BN21 3UH When: Friday 20th November (Carers Rights Day) Time: drop in anytime between 10-2pm For: Young Carers and Adult Carers living in East Sussex It may be helpful to bring the following information with you: Total household income, Housing costs – mortgage/rent payment and council tax payment, Total personal savings.

If a case is complex or if you require help filling in large forms such as PIP and DLA, please note that a further appointment may be required so that Teresa from HARC can help as many carers as possible during the drop-in session.

If you are unable to attend but would like to receive benefit advice please call Care for the Carers on 01323 738390 so that we can arrange for Teresa from HARC to give you a call.

Juggling work and care?

Make sure you are aware of your rights as a working carer!

Care for the Carers and Southdown Housing’s Ambitions Service are working together to help raise awareness of working carers rights. We are asking as many businesses and organisations within East Sussex to include a short article within their internal communications to staff. The article aims to provide employees who care with information about their rights within the workplace and how they can access support.

Information Stand Care for the Carers and the Southdown Housing’s Ambitions Service, will be holding a Carers Rights information stand in the Arndale Centre (near Sainsbury’s), Eastbourne on Friday 20th November.

Come along between 11:00am and 3:00pm to find out more about your rights as a carer!

If you are a carer juggling work and care and would like to find out more about your rights within the workplace - or you are part of a business or organisation and would like to find out how your business could become more carer friendly, please call Care for the Carers on 01323 738390

Carers’ Rights Day

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What is a Carer Friendly Community?

A Carer Friendly Community is somewhere where: • There is an awareness of the part played by unpaid carers.

• There is some idea of a carer’s daily reality; that they can be under a lot of pressure and are often hidden from view • Every corner – from hospital, workplace, primary school to leisure services and beyond takes into account the needs of carers.

• Local services and systems remove obstacles and make sure things are done differently so carers’ lives are a little bit easier.

There are many different types of community. It can be a village or town but is just as likely to be a school, college, GP surgery, hospital or other location.

This summer, national Carers Week focused on Building Carer Friendly Communities.

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Carer Friendly Communities

In East Sussex, Care for the Carers is working with a range of groups, communities and organisations to recognise their efforts to support carers.

Our aim is to make East Sussex a Carer Friendly Community.

Get involved • If you are a carer it would be great to know what a Carer Friendly Community means to you and also what town, village or organisation you would nominate for Carer Friendly Community recognition.

• If you are a local service, group, or organisation and would like to take part.

Contact Teresa Flower on 01323 738390 or by email on teresaf@cftc.org.uk.

Care for the Carers will be offering support and training as well as ensuring your commitment is widely recognised through the media and local networks.

CareLine - Email Edition Care for the Carers aims to reach as many carers as possible. CareLine magazine is an important way of doing this, and we are proud to work with a growing range of partners across East Sussex to bring CareLine into local communities.

You can now pick up CareLine from your local carers’ group, clinic, GP surgery or some pharmacies and libraries.

To provide CareLine in more places, we need to send the magazine electronically to carers who use email. From January 2016, this will be the standard way that we send CareLine to email users, who will receive it slightly earlier.

If you do still need to receive CareLine in hard-copy, or would like to check that we have your email address, please contact me: 01323 738390 or email kateg@cftc.org.uk.

Thank you for your continued support,

Kate Glover (Editor)

Computer Help at Home Helping Carers to learn how to use their own computer in their own home The Association of Carers provide a free volunteer led service for carers across East Sussex to help them learn how to use their own computer in their own home.

A volunteer is matched with a carer and can teach them how to use things like the internet, Skype, organising documents, online shopping to name a few. We can also support carers to learn how to use tablets now too!

If you would like to refer yourself or someone you know then please call us today on 01424 722309 and speak to Julie.

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Patient Participation Groups Patient Participation Groups (PPG) are an excellent way for patients to feedback your experiences of local health services to your own practice team.

If you’re not a member of your PPG and would like to join, contact your practice manager to find out more.

PPGs are an effective network of local people interested in health care and services who can bring the voice and experience of patients into the heart of the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). CCGs are keen to work closely with PPGs and regularly host a forum which brings together representatives from all local groups to share news, information and opportunities for public engagement as well as sharing and discussing ideas and opportunities to improve local health services.

To find out more contact the public engagement team for your area: Eastbourne, Hailsham and Seaford CCG Tel: 01273 485300 Email: EHSCCG.enquiries@nhs.net High Weald Lewes and Havens CCG Tel: 01273 485300 Email: HWCCG.HWLHCCGenquiries@nhs.net Hastings and Rother CCG Tel: 01424 735600 Email: HRCCG.enquiries@nhs.net

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Patient Participation Groups

A word from John Curry

Little Common and Old Town (Bexhill) PPG Patient involvement in G.P. practices has existed for some time, although for many, this was mainly as a “Friends of the Practice” type of organisation. Since 2011, there has been a more formal role as Patient Participation Groups and, since April 2015, this has been a contractual requirement for all G.P. practices.

This contract has simple aims, which is essentially to seek a representative view from patients about the Practice and local health economy and to work with the Practice and local commissioners to improve the services delivered, and to work together to encourage patients to take an active interest in their own health.

Over 90% of G.P. Practices in East Sussex now have PPGs in various stages of development but many are in need of support.

Support is readily available. The National Association for Patient Participation (www.napp.org. uk) is the national body. As a result of an agreement with Healthwatch East Sussex, every PPG in East Sussex has its first years membership free of charge.

If your Practice is not aware of this, contact Kate Richmond at HWES, who is the PPG Support Worker (kate.richmond@healthwatcheastsussex.co.uk) will advise you how to proceed.

Carers Essentials Checklist Do you ever wonder if you’re accessing all of the support you’re entitled to? Check out the new Carers Essentials Checklist to see if there is are any additional services you could make use of to support you in your caring role.

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Speak to a Care for the Carers Support Worker to see what advice, support and services are available.

Plan for help in a crisis if something happens to you, register for Carers Respite Emergency Support Service (CRESS).

Have a Carers Assessment to assess your needs and discuss what support and services you may be able to access.

Use the ‘Carers Toolkit’ training opportunities to help you in your caring role. Courses include things like medication management, healthy eating and first aid.

Make your voice heard, campaign and influence change by joining your local Carers Voices Group or attend a Carers Forum.

Stay informed by signing up to receive Care for the Carers monthly e-newsletter and ‘CareLine’ - the quarterly magazine for East Sussex carers.

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Access offers and discounts across East Sussex with the Carers Discount Card.

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Get support by meeting other carers and sharing information and experiences at Carers Groups.

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Look after your own health! See your own GP and register as a carer with your surgery.

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Drop in to the Carers Centre to access useful information or speak to a support worker.

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Consider volunteering – Help raise awareness, meet new people and help other carers.

For more information please call Care for the Carers on 01323 738390 or email info@cftc.org.uk.

Carers Essentials Checklist 9

Here you can find out about your local carers’ groups, which organsations they are run by and where they meet. To find out when a group meets please check out the Carers’ Group centre-fold calendar.

Carers’ Groups

Directory Info & Advice Care for the Carers’ Information and Advice groups are regular meetings for all carers, between 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, facilitated by Carer Support Workers.

Each group meeting follows a the same basic format - the first half of the meeting gives you time to have a cuppa and a chat with other carers, and in the second half a guest speaker will join the meeting, bringing with them useful information and advice.

Following each group meeting, the Carer Support Worker will also be available should you wish to discuss any worries or concerns.

Bexhill •Centenary House, 21 Holliers Hill, Bexhill, TN40 2DH

•TheCrowborough Lounge, United Church, Croft Road, Crowborough, TN6 1HA

•TheEastbourne Russell Centre, Royal

Voluntary Service, The Russell Centre, 24 Hyde Road, Eastbourne, BN21 4SX

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Carers Groups Directory

If you would like to find out more about any of the carers’ groups details please contact Care for the Carers who will be happy to advise.

Forest Row •Forest Row Community

Centre (The Garden Room), Hartfield Road, Forest Row,RH18 5DZ Heathfield •Heathfield Community

Health Centre (Ian Price Room), Sheepsetting Lane, Heathfield, TN21 0XG Netherfield •Netherfield Village Hall,

Pevensey & Westham •Church Bailey Court (The Lounge), Montague Way, Westham, Pevensey, BN24 5NB

•St. Ringmer Mary’s Room, Ringmer

Village Hall, Ringmer, Lewes, BN8 5QH & Winchelsea •RyeRye& Winchelsea Memorial

Netherfield Way, Netherfield, TN33 9PZ

Hospital, Peasmarsh Road, Rye, TN31 7UD

Hall, Kingfisher Drive, Langney, Eastbourne, BN23 7RA

Seaford House, Crouch Lane, Seaford, BN25 1PW

Langney •St Barnabas United Church

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Ore The Bridge, 361 Priory Road, Ore, Hastings, TN35 5BH

•ThePeacehaven Rendezvous, The House

Project, 168 South Coast Road, Peacehaven, BN10 8JH

Seaford •Seaford House (The Lounge),

•TheUckfield Luxford Centre (The Tyler Room), Library Way, Uckfield, TN22 1AR Wadhurst •Carillon Cottage

(The Lounge) High Street, Wadhurst, TN5 6AA

Carers Toolkit Course s The Carers Toolkit is a programme designed to equip carers with skills and information on a wide range of care-related issues. If you would like to book on to any of the courses shown below, contact Laura or Hazel at Care for the Carers on 01323 738390 or by emailing carerstoolkit@cftc.org.uk.

You can download the latest course booklet from http://cftc.org.uk/carers-toolkit/

Date

Time

Location

Course

10th Nov 2015

10:00 - 12:00

The Hillcrest Centre, Hillcrest Road, Newhaven, BN9 9EA

16th Nov 2015

18:00 - 20:00

23rd Nov 2015

10:00 - 12:00

24th Nov 2015

18:00 - 20:00

Robertsbridge Community College, Knelle Road, Robertsbridge, TN34 3NW Heathfield Community Health Centre, Sheepsetting Lane, Heathfield, TN21 0XG St. Barnabas’ Church Hall, Kingfisher Drive, Langney, BN23 7RA

Wellbeing Action Recovery Planning (WRAP) Healthy Eating on a Budget

1st Dec 2015

10:00 - 12:00

8th Dec 2015

10:00 - 12:00

14th Dec 2015

10:00 - 12:00

21st Dec 2015

10:00 - 12:00

4th Jan 2016

18:00 - 20:00

5th Jan 2016

10:00 - 12:00

11th Jan 2016

10:00 - 12:00

12th Jan 2016

10:00 - 12:00

18th Jan 2016

19th Jan 2016

Herstmonceux Village Hall, Hailsham Road, Herstmonceux, BN27 4JX The Hillcrest Centre, Hillcrest Road, Newhaven, BN9 9EA

Wellbeing Action Recovery Planning (WRAP) Wellbeing Action Recovery Planning (WRAP) Healthy Eating on a Budget Money Matters

The Bridge Community Centre, 361 Priory Road, Hastings, TN34 3NW Heathfield Community Health Centre, Sheepsetting Lane, Heathfield, TN21 0XG Robertsbridge Community College, Knelle Road, Robertsbridge, TN34 3NW Herstmonceux Village Hall, Hailsham Road, Herstmonceux, BN27 4JX The Bridge Community Centre, 361 Priory Road, Hastings, TN34 3NW The Hillcrest Centre, Hillcrest Road, Newhaven, BN9 9EA

Medications Management

10:00 - 12:00

Heathfield Community Health Centre, Sheepsetting Lane, Heathfield, TN21 0XG

Emergency Planning

18:00 - 20:00

St. Barnabas’ Church Hall, Kingfisher Drive, Langney, BN23 7RA

Accessing Healthcare

Introduction to Back Care Money Matters Emergency Planning Accessing Healthcare Legal Matters

Carers Toolkit Courses

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November 2015

Tuesday 3rd 10am - 12 noon Information and Advice Groups

- United Free Church Hall, Croft Road, CROWBOROUGH, TN6 1HA

- St Mary’s Room, Ringmer Village Hall, RINGMER, BN8 5QH Wednesday 4th 10:30am - 12 noon Wellbeing Group

- Fleur de Lys Meeting Room, Market Street, HAILSHAM, BN27 2AE Tuesday 10th 10am - 12 noon Information and Advice Groups

- Carillon Cottage, High Street, WADHURST, TN5 6AA Wednesday 11th 10am - 12 noon Information and Advice Groups

- The Bridge, 361 Priory Road, ORE, Hastings, TN34 2NW

Monday 16th 10am - 12 noon Information and Advice Group

- The Russell Centre, Royal Voluntary Services, 24 Hyde Road, EASTBOURNE, BN21 4SX Tuesday 17th 10am - 12 noon Information and Advice Group

- The House Project, 168 South Coast Road, PEACEHAVEN, BN10 8JH Wednesday 18th 10am - 12 noon Information and Advice Group

- Church Bailey Court, Montague Way, Westham, PEVENSEY, BN24 5NB Thursday 19th 2pm - 4pm Information and Advice Group

- Heathfield Community Health Centre, Sheepsetting Lane, HEATHFIELD, TN21 0XS Friday 20th 10am - 12 noon Information and Advice Group

- The Tyler Room, The Luxford Centre, Library Way, UCKFIELD, TN22 1AR 1pm - 3pm Information and Advice Group

- Forest Row Community Centre, Hartfield Road, FOREST ROW, RH18 5DZ

Tuesday 24th 10am - 12 noon Information and Advice Group

- Netherfield Village Hall, Netherfield Way, NETHERFIELD, Battle, TN33 9PZ Wednesday 25th 10am - 12 noon Information and Advice Group

- Rye & Winchelsea Memorial Hospital, Peasmarsh Road, RYE, TN31 7UD 2pm - 5pm Mental Health Carers Support Group *DIFFERENT VENUE*- Carers Centre, Highlight House, 8, St. Leonards Road, EASTBOURNE, BN21 3UH Thursday 26th 10am - 12 noon Information and Advice Groups

- Centenary House, 21 Holliers Hill, BEXHILL-ON-SEA, TN40 2DZ

- St Barnabas Church Hall, Kingfisher Drive, Langney, EASTBOURNE, BN23 7RA Saturday 28th 10am - 12noon Mental Health Carers Support Group

- Carisbrooke House, Stockleigh Road, ST LEONARDS-ON-SEA, TN38 0JP

12 Events Calendar

Tuesday 15th 10am - 12 noon Information and Advice Group

- The House Project, 168 South Coast Road, PEACEHAVEN, BN10 8JH Wednesday 16th 10am - 12 noon Information and Advice Group

- Church Bailey Court, Montague Way, Westham, PEVENSEY, BN24 5NB Thursday 17th 2pm - 4pm Information and Advice Group

- Heathfield Community Health Centre, Sheepsetting Lane, HEATHFIELD, TN21 0XS Friday 18th 1pm - 3pm Information and Advice Group

- Forest Row Community Centre, Hartfield Road, FOREST ROW, RH18 5DZ

Monday 21st 10am - 12 noon Information and Advice Group

- The Russell Centre, Royal Voluntary Services, 24 Hyde Road, EASTBOURNE, BN21 4SX Tuesday 22nd 10am - 12 noon Information and Advice Group

- Netherfield Village Hall, Netherfield Way, NETHERFIELD, Battle, TN33 9PZ Wednesday 23rd 10am - 12 noon Information and Advice Group

- Rye & Winchelsea Memorial Hospital, Peasmarsh Road, RYE, TN31 7UD 2pm - 5pm Mental Health Carers Support Group

- Brightview, 6 Saffrons Road, Eastbourne, BN21 1DG

December 2015

Tuesday 1st 10am - 12 noon Information and Advice Groups

- United Free Church Hall, Croft Road, CROWBOROUGH, TN6 1HA

- St Mary’s House, Ringmer Village Hall, RINGMER, BN8 5QH Wednesday 2nd 10:30am - 12 noon Wellbeing Group

- Fleur de Lys Meeting Room, Market Street, HAILSHAM, BN27 2AE Tuesday 8th 10am - 12 noon Information and Advice Groups

- Carillon Cottage, High Street, WADHURST, TN5 6AA Wednesday 9th 10am - 12 noon Information and Advice Groups

- The Bridge, 361 Priory Road, ORE, Hastings, TN34 2NW

- Seaford House, Crouch Lane, SEAFORD, BN25 1PW

PLEASE NOTE: The Carers Information and Advice Groups in Bexhill, Langney, and Uckfield, and the Mental Health Carers Support Group in St. Leonards/Hastings are not meeting in December 2015.

Events Calendar 13

January 2016

Tuesday 5th 10am - 12 noon Information and Advice Groups

- United Free Church Hall, Croft Road, CROWBOROUGH, TN6 1HA

- St Mary’s House, Ringmer Village Hall, RINGMER, BN8 5QH Wednesday 6th 10:30am - 12 noon Wellbeing Group

- Fleur de Lys Meeting Room, Market Street, HAILSHAM, BN27 2AE

Tuesday 12th 10am - 12 noon Information and Advice Group

- Carillon Cottage, High Street, WADHURST, TN5 6AA Wednesday 13th 10am - 12 noon Information and Advice Groups

- The Bridge, 361 Priory Road, ORE, Hastings, TN34 2NW

- Seaford House, Crouch Lane, SEAFORD, BN25 1PW Friday 15th 1pm - 3pm Information and Advice Group

- Forest Row Community Centre, Hartfield Road, FOREST ROW, RH18 5DZ

Monday 18th 10am - 12 noon Information and Advice Group

- The Russell Centre, Royal Voluntary Services, 24 Hyde Road, EASTBOURNE, BN21 4SX Tuesday 19th 10am - 12 noon Information and Advice Group

- The House Project, 168 South Coast Road, PEACEHAVEN, BN10 8JH Wednesday 20th 10am - 12 noon Information and Advice Group

- Church Bailey Court, Montague Way, Westham, PEVENSEY, BN24 5NB Thursday 21st 2pm - 4pm Information and Advice Group

- Heathfield Community Health Centre, Sheepsetting Lane, HEATHFIELD, TN21 0XS Friday 22nd 10am - 12 noon Information and Advice Group

- The Tyler Room, The Luxford Centre, Library Way, UCKFIELD, TN22 1AR

Tuesday 26th 10am - 12 noon Information and Advice Group

- Netherfield Village Hall, Netherfield Way, NETHERFIELD, Battle, TN33 9PZ Wednesday 27th 10am - 12 noon Information and Advice Group

- Rye & Winchelsea Memorial Hospital, Peasmarsh Road, RYE, TN31 7UD 2pm - 5pm Mental Health Carers Support Group

- Brightview, 6 Saffrons Road, Eastbourne, BN21 1DG Thursday 28th 10am - 12 noon Information and Advice Groups

- Centenary House, 21 Holliers Hill, BEXHILL-ON-SEA, TN40 2DZ

- St Barnabas Church Hall, Kingfisher Drive, Langney, EASTBOURNE, BN23 7RA Saturday 30th 10am - 12noon Mental Health Carers Support Group

- Carisbrooke House, Stockleigh Road, ST LEONARDS-ON-SEA, TN38 0JP

14 Events Calendar

Telephone 01323 738390

Telephone 01424 773687

Telephone 01825 724323

Mental Health

Dementia

If you look after someone with a mental health issue, these specialist groups from Care for the Carers have tailored information and advice just for you.

The Alzheimer’s Society’s Carer Support Groups meet regularly across the county.

Group meetings provide a safe, friendly environment - where you can be yourself and talk about dementia comfortably with others who find themselves in similar situations.

(There are new additional dementia groups at Hailsham and Seahaven. Please contact Lea James on 07834 755639 for more details.)

Battle - 2 pm - 4 pm Alzheimer’s Society Battle office, Beckett House, Mitre Way, Battle, East Sussex, TN33 0AS

These Headway Hurstwood Park support group meetings aim to provide carers with the opportunity to meet other people in similar situations.

You can obtain and exchange information and support from facilitators, speakers and each other in a relaxed and informal setting.

Eastbourne Brightview, 6 Saffrons Road, Eastbourne, BN21 1DG Hastings & St Leonards Carisbrooke House, Stockleigh Road, St Leonards, TN38 0JP

Wellbeing Groups These are informal groups that carers are welcome to pop along to any time between 10:30 am - 12 pm for a cuppa, a chat and wellbeing sessions.

•FleurHailsham De Lys Meeting Room, Market Street, Hailsham, BN27 2AE

Bexhill - 2 pm - 4 pm The Old Bank Chambers, Buckhurst Road, Bexhill on Sea, TN40 1QF Crowborough 2 pm - 4 pm Horder Centre, St John’s Road, Crowborough TN6 1XP Eastbourne 1.15 pm - 3.15 pm Milton Grange, Milton Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 1SL Hailsham - 1 pm - 3 pm Fleur de Lys Meeting Room, Inglenook Market Street, Hailsham, BN27 2AE

Acquired Brain Injury

Brighton Montague House, Montague Place, Brighton, BN2 1JE Eastbourne East Sussex Disability Association, 1 Faraday Close, Hampden Park, BN22 9BH Hailsham Diplocks Hall, The Diplocks, Hailsham, BN27 3JY

Hastings - 2 pm - 4 pm St Barnabas Church, Hoads Wood Road, Hastings, TN34 2BA

Carers Groups Directory

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Carers’ Forums: Review The Care Act 2014 sets out a clear legal framework for how local authorities and other parts of the system should protect adults at risk of abuse and neglect. As a result, Local Authorities must fulfil a series of new safeguarding obligations.

Carers across the county agreed that Safeguarding should be the focus of our autumn forums, which were run in Peacehaven and Hastings.

Members of the East Sussex Safeguarding Adults Board; Fraser Cooper, Safeguarding Adults Board Development Manager and Delyth Shaw, Safeguarding Coordinator, were the main speakers.

The objective of the forum was to provide an increased understanding of what is meant by ‘Safeguarding’ and to recognise the key role of carers in the safeguarding process. Types of abuse and neglect were identified and discussed including Domestic Abuse, Self-Neglect and Modern Slavery as three new additions to the list.

Attendees also received an update on the Care Act from the ESCC Strategic Commissioning Manager for Carers, Tamsin Peart. Highlighting carers’ rights to an assessment from Adult Social Care and discussing the delay to the introduction of the Care Cap to April 2020.

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Calling all Carers

There were lively discussions and debates. Delegates reflected that carers could be both the victims or indeed the perpetrators, of intentional and Help influence the next forums! unintentional harm. We also heard heartfelt feedback from carers relaying their personal experiences.

The next carers’ forums will be held in Spring 2016. Carers have agreed the theme of Carers said about the forum; ‘Taboo Subjects: We don’t talk about that!’ So far the following topics have been suggested; “It is a great benefit to share problems with others. A problem shared is a problem halved”.

• End of Life: planning and legal matters • Residential care and Hospices “Promoting the carers voice is essential”.

• Sexuality • Self-harm “Very informative and inclusive. I am looking forward • Mental Health to the next theme ‘Taboo Subjects’”.

• Intimacy & relationships If you need to raise a safeguarding concern you can; • Phone Social Care Direct on 0345 60 80 191 • Email: socialcaredirect@

eastsussex.gov.uk • Text: 07797 878111 • Out of hours Emergency Duty Service Phone: 01323 636399 Feedback from the forums to the Safeguarding Adults Carers Partnership Board.

will be passed Board and the

A Forum report will also be available on the Care for the Carers website.

Due to the sensitive nature of the subjects, we will be changing the usual format of the forums. After a brief introduction, carers will choose one or two topics of interest to them, and attend small group discussions which will be run in separate, confidential spaces. These groups will be facilitated by professionals, and the main points can then be fed back to the whole forum before the end.

We need your help!

We would like to hear your feedback and suggestions for discussion topics. If you have any comments or suggestions, please contact Rachel Hesterbanks on 01323 738390, email rachelh@cftc.org.uk, via twitter on @care4thecarers or via Facebook at facebook.com/careforthecarers

Books Beyond Words Book Groups Do you know someone who has learning difficulties but would enjoy sharing stories?

They may be interested in the “Books Beyond Words” reading groups run by East Sussex Library and Information Service!

Newhaven: Seaford:

Mondays, 11am to midday, until 7th December Carers’ Forums: Review 17 Tuesdays, 11am to midday, until 8th December

Volunteering

We live in a society that relies upon volunteers in many different ways. Without the support of volunteers many services would not be able to run and many charities would struggle to survive, indeed some charities run solely on volunteers.

However volunteering is a two way thing and for those that give their time, energy and skills they usually feel that they get something back in return.

People volunteer for many reasons. For some, they are looking to give something back or make a difference. For others they want to make good use of their time and use the skills they have gained. For those looking to make positive changes to their well-being or planning their future they maybe want to learn something new, meet new people or improve their CV and work prospects.

It’s different for everyone.

“

Volunteering should always be an enjoyable experience, you are giving your time freely and you are not under any legal commitment contract, so whilst you could walk away at any time this may have an impact on those you are supporting. It is therefore really important to give serious thought about what you want to do and who you want to volunteer with.

The process for applying to be a volunteer can sometimes take time as organisations have to ensure they are completing the processes that are required for good practice. Whilst this may be frustrating it really can give you time to consider if this is what you want to do.

Organisations often have a variety of volunteering roles so it is always worth contacting them to ask if you can have a chat to find out a little more about what it involves.

I get a feel good factor doing something that is so appreciated and enjoyed [by others].

18 Volunteering

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What should you think about if you are considering volunteering?

• Do you have a passion for something e.g. animals, art, supporting others?

• What are your interests?

• What experience and skills do you have?

• What time do you have available?

• What would you like to get from volunteering?

How do you find the right opportunity for you?

3VA Hosts the Volunteer Centre East Sussex (VCES), a countywide service

that provides information for those looking to volunteer. You can phone 01323 301757 or email brenda.bruzon@vces.org.uk for more information.

Do It Website A national website where you can search your area and the type of https://do-it.org volunteering role that you are looking for and it will provide a list of

organisations looking for volunteers and the roles they have available.

If there is an organisation you would particularly like to support look on their website or give them a call – they will no doubt be pleased to hear from you!

“

The reason I volunteer is because I gained so much from the befriender service

and support in other ways that I wanted to give something back. I hope that, through volunteering, I am being a help to someone who needs to be able to talk freely and support them to make changes to their lives, or help them to continue with the parts of their life that they are able to continue with whilst undertaking the role of carer.

“

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Respite: TeleCheck Service What is Flexi TeleCheck?

A new carers’ service funded by East Sussex County Council and provided by WELbeing (Wealden and Eastbourne Lifeline) that gives carers access to short breaks without too much planning ahead and/or a regular planned short break.

If you need a short break from your caring responsibilities for a few hours per week and worry about leaving the person you care for, then this new facility may enable you to do so, whilst knowing that the person you care for is receiving comforting and reassuring check calls by highly trained and skilled operatives.

Calls can be for any number of reasons - welfare checks, prompting to eat or drink, medication reminders or even just a brief informal chat to relieve anxiety.

The carer can leave home for up to around 4 hours at a time and the cared for person can have as many calls over this time as you and the cared for person feels is appropriate.

How can I access the service?

Contact Care for the Carers who will make the referral for you and support you in completing a CRESS (Carers Respite Emergency Support Service) plan if you don’t already have one. Once WELbeing receive the referral they will contact you to discuss your needs.

Once you are set up for the service you will be able to book Flexi TeleCheck calls between 8am and 10pm with two hours notice.

Who is the service suitable for?

The person you care for needs to agree to the service and be able to answer the telephone.

20 Respite: TeleCheck Service

TeleCheck If the person you care for needs regular check calls then this might be the service for them.

This provides additional support to check that clients’ wellbeing and safety is being maintained.

This can support carers who are at work all day, or who don’t live with the cared for person, or have other commitments as well such as childcare.

The TeleCheck call can: • Check that their wellbeing is maintained with food and drink and medication prompts • Check that they are safe and secure • Offer a degree of brief social contact

ICE Project: Autumn Event Improving Carers’ Experience On Friday 25th September there was a special event held for carers of people with mental health issues.

This was an opportunity for the 26 carers who came to meet with several key staff from Sussex Partnership Foundation NHS Trust who are responsible for delivering the mental health services across the county.

One speaker described the current work that the Trust is doing to improve the way their staff work with carers. Part of this work is a consultation to try to pinpoint which aspects of the services are working well and which are in need of revisiting.

A frequent issue is how staff and carers communicate with each other and work together to support the person who is in distress.

The next speaker was a Consultant Psychologist who

spoke about how psychological approaches are used as part of treatment plans for many who use the services, and what form those approaches may take.

The third speaker manages several of the frontline services.

She spoke about the new ‘street triage’ project which is currently only operating in some parts of the county but there are hopes to expand it in time. This project involves a senior nurse going out with the Police when there is a disturbance that is likely to involve someone with a mental health issue. This leads to a faster and more appropriate response in getting help for this person which reduces their stress, is cheaper to operate and avoids many people having to be sectioned under the Mental Health Act.

Many of the carers spoke about how they appreciated the opportunity to hear these speakers and discuss their experience together. It was encouraging to hear about the efforts to increase closer working relationships with carers and to get first hand information about recent developments.

The day was organised by ICE (Improving Carers Experience).

Mental Health carers are welcome to get in touch to be put on the mailing list for relevant events and activities including Carers Information Courses.

Call 07483 133543 or email jane.icepro@btconnect.com

The final speaker who is a Nutritionalist was unfortunately unable to attend but has offered a copy of her booklet on food and mental health free of charge to any of the carers who came.

ICE Project - Autumn Event

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Contacts For Carers

Care for the Carers

Southdown Housing Ambitions Service

www.cftc.org.uk 01323 738390 info@cftc.org.uk

www.southdownhousing.org 01273 405800 p.turk@southdownhousing.org.uk

Sussex Oakleaf

Headway Hurstwood Park

www.sussexoakleaf.org.uk 01273 405800 glyn.marchant@sussexoakleaf.org.uk

www. headway-hp.org.uk 01825 724323 trudy.mayes@headway-hp.co.uk

Information for Families

AGE Concern Eastbourne

eastsussex.gov.uk/informationforfamilies 0345 60 80 192 (local rate) informationforfamilies@eastsussex.gov.uk

www.ageconcerneastbourne.co.uk 01323 638474 reception@ageconcerneastbourne.co.uk

Stroke Association

Age UK East Sussex

www.stroke.org.uk 01323 886920

www.ageuk.org.uk/eastsussex 01273 476704 charles.sheldon@ageukeastsussex.org.uk

22

Contacts for Carers

East Sussex Parent and Carers’ Council www.eastsussexpacc.org 07432 067242 admin@eastsussexpacc.org

Bexhill & Hastings Branch of the National Autistic Society www.nasbranch.org.uk/bexhill 07920 254569 bexhill@nas.org.uk

ICE Project www.iceproject.co.uk 01273 617100 alan.icepro@btconnect.com jane.icepro@btconnect.com

Association of Carers www.associationofcarers.org.uk 01424 722309 info@ associationofcarers.org.uk

ESDA

British Red Cross

www.esda.org.uk 01323 514500 info@esda.org.uk

www.redcross.org.uk 0800 028 0831 enquirieskentandsussex@redcross.org.uk

Social Care Direct

Crossroads Care

www.eastsussex.gov.uk/socialcare 0345 60 80 191 socialcaredirect@eastsussex.gov.uk

http://www.crossroadscare-esbh.org.uk/ 01273 384916 b&hoffice@esbhcrossroads.org.uk

Coastal Wellbeing - WRAP Courses

IMAGO

www.coastalwellbeing.co.uk 07507 734 370 or 07598 323 254 molly@coastalwellbeing.co.uk lucy@coastalwellbeing.co.uk

www.eastsussexyoungcarers.org.uk 0300 777 2011 info@eastsussexyoungcarers.org.uk

Contacts for Carers 23

Contact Us

Care for the Carers

Telephone: 01323 738390

www.cftc.org.uk

Email: info@cftc.org.uk

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