CareLine Autumn 2011
Care for the Carers FREE Magazine for CARERS in East Sussex
Thinking Ahead Planning for the future
East Sussex Carers' Forum Your Questions Answered
Take part in our Autumn competition
Message from the Acting Chief Executive
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his is my first message as Acting Chief Executive. Its been all go since Liz left. I am delighted to report that we were mainly successful in our application for core funding although we were not funded for our full costs. Our new contract will include most of the services we currently provide and some new ones as set out on page 8 -9. I am very pleased that we are now being funded for the popular counselling and befriending service. We are very excited about developing our new community champions service. Community champions are volunteers who will be the carer’s ambassadors in their communities and neighbourhoods and in agencies which provide services. Our vision is that these
champions will raise awareness of carers and the issues they face, help improve understanding in the wider community, and offer a friendly ear to carers.
Service. Where funding for the adult service is for three years, the young carers service is only funded for six months and does not include funding for activities and clubs which provide young carers with respite and the time to be children and have fun. We have mounted a big fundraising campaign for the clubs and activities and thank all who are helping us.
However we are losing some important services as well. Sadly we say goodbye to Gilly and David as the Back Awareness service will no longer be funded. Carers tell us that this is a very important service and we will be monitoring the As we all know, public funding is impact of the loss of service. Please reducing and it is essential that let us know your experiences. we look for other ways to fund services that carers want and need. This is also the last Careline funded We have been given government by the local authority. Carers funds to help us with this. continually tell us they value the magazine and it is our main way Finally I am humbled by the of communicating with over 4000 support we have had over the last carers in East Sussex. Our Board months from all those who have of Trustees are committed to volunteered to support our service continue publishing Careline and in some way or another, whether are looking at ways in which it can that is phoning carers to keep in be funded through sponsorship touch, counselling, befriending, or advertising. We hope that we helping at clubs or fundraising. are able to keep this important I hope you enjoy reading this resource going. edition of CareLine, Marie The other important service which has been affected by local authority cuts is the Young Carers
Note from the Editor
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ello, I would like to introduce myself as the new editor of CareLine and welcome you to this Autumn edition.
facebook and twitter, increasing I hope you enjoy reading the our online presence and the ways magazine, that you can communicate with us. Our e-newsletter has been re- David launched and we have plans to I started my new role as Information review & improve our information Coordinator in April this year, and resources. since then I have enjoyed getting to grips with my work; including Please feel free to send me letters, raising awareness of carers issues photos, poems, stories, comments in the media - so keep an eye out and any other ideas you may have. for us in the paper! I will do my best to take them on board and include them into each Recently we’ve gone social with edition.
2 Care for the Carers
Contents Competition!
Saying Goodbye 3
Thinking Ahead
4-5
East Sussex Carers' Forum
6-7
Update on our Services
8-9
Update from Carole Carers in touch - what's on
10 10 - 11
Young Carers
12
A big thank you
13
Contact Us
14
Involvement & Research Opportunities
15
Cut-out Poster
16
Please support us by displaying our poster! Help spread the word by cutting out the back page of this magazine and displaying it somewhere where it'll be seen. We'd love to hear how you get on!
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adly we have had to say goodbye to some fantastic members of our team over the last few months.
Caya, our Information Assistant and the latest editor of CareLine, has ventured forth into the world of motherhood with her baby boy Harry. Our NHS funded project reached its end, seeing Jinny, David, Karen, Kathryn and Debbie leaving for pastures new. As Marie mentioned, our much valued bespoke Back Awareness service hasn't received funding, meaning that Gilly and Dave, our back awareness advisors, will be leaving us. Gilly isn't going far as she'll be working for Age Concern Eastbourne, and will continue to be a champion of carers. We wish everyone every success and hope that our paths will cross again in the future.
Competition Win a Hamper This Autumn you have a chance to win a goodie filled hamper just in time for Christmas, thanks to Sainsburys Hampden Park.
Send us a photograph of a pumpkin! But don't just photograph any ordinary pumpkin, it could be a giant pumpkin, a decorated pumpkin, a painting of a pumpkin or even a carved pumpkin! We'd love to see you and your family in the photo too! Post your entries to us at our FREEPOST address (see page 14) by 4th November. If you have any questions please call us on 01323 738 390
Sainsbury's charity of the year!
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e would like to say a big events on twitter and in the email thank you to Sainsbury's newsletter. Hampden Park for choosing us as their charity for this year! Sainsbury's now has a national initiative to help support and They will be putting their identify hidden carers, following a fundraising efforts into raising successful trial earlier this year in money for us, we'll keep you the South West. Staff will identify informed about upcoming carers by observing who purchased
groceries separately for others while doing their own shopping. Pharmacists will also receive coaching to help identify hidden carers collecting a prescription on behalf of another person.
www.cftc.org.uk 3
Switchover Help Scheme TV is going digital all over the UK, and the traditional TV signal will be switched off in your area. This means that if you haven’t got digital TV already, you will lose your current TV service. But you don’t need to worry. The Switchover Help Scheme can help you make the switch to digital TV. They can help you convert your TV to digital if you: »» Are aged 75 or over; or »» Get or could get Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, Constant Attendance Allowance or mobility supplement; or »» Have lived in a care home for six months or more; or »» Are registered blind or partially sighted. For more information visit www.helpscheme.co.uk or call 0800 40 85 900
European Health Insurance Card If you're travelling to Europe you should have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The EHIC allows you to access state-provided health care in all European Economic Area countries and Switzerland at a reduced cost or sometimes free of charge, the EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. Make sure you check your card is still valid before you travel, as many are due to expire in 2011. For more information, to apply for or renew your EHIC visit www.ehic.org.uk or call 0845 606 2030 4 Care for the Carers
thinking ahead Power of Attorney Lasting Power of Attorney This is an important legal document that means you can appoint someone - known as an Attorney - to act on your behalf when you are no longer able to make decisions. There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) that can be used in England and Wales. Both type of LPA must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before they can be used. A Property and Financial Affairs Power of Attorney This type of Power of Attorney deals with financial matters such as paying bills, how to spend your money, collecting pensions and dealing with bank or building society accounts. It can also include selling your home. A Personal Welfare or Health and Welfare Power of Attorney This type of Power of Attorney takes care of health and social care decisions when you can’t do so yourself. This can include when to accept and refuse medical treatments, your care arrangements, where you should live and who has access to confidential information such as your health records. The "Enduring Power of Attorney" was replaced by Lasting Power of Attorney on 1 October 2007. It dealt with financial matters. If you have Enduring Power of Attorney this is still valid and you can make a Health and Welfare lasting Power of Attorney to run alongside it. How to choose an Attorney You can appoint more than one person to act for you in both types of Lasting Power of Attorney. It’s important to consider how well you know the person and whether you can trust them to look after your money and make decisions in your best interests. It may be a good idea to get advice from a solicitor about preparing the documents, but you can also get advice from the Office of the Public Guardian and Directgov (Government online). The Office of the Public Guardian has forms you can download, as well as advice in a number of different languages. Call 0300 456 0300 or visit www.guardianship.gov.uk. Or visit the Directgov website at www.direct.gov.uk.
Getting ready for Winter
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o help make sure that you are prepared for cold weather this winter, here are a few things to be thinking about.
Stay healthy Cold weather means the beginning of the flu season. To stay well it is important to keep warm at home and outdoors and follow as healthy a lifestyle as you can.
Heating your home With increasing energy prices it is even more important to make sure Check with your GP or pharmacist to that your home is well insulated find out if you should be having a flu jab this winter. and energy efficient.
Government grants Winter Fuel Payment The Winter Fuel Payment is a tax free payment to help older people keep warm during winter. It is provided by the government to those who are eligible. For more information, or to find out if you are eligible call the Winter Fuel Payment Helpline on 0845 9 15 15 15.
Financial support may be available from the government or energy suppliers, to make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating, or help with bills.
Flu Clinics Starting from October, we’ll be visiting GP surgeries across the county, promoting carers' health and wellbeing and meeting carers.
Warm Front Scheme The Warm Front scheme provides heating and insulation improvements to households on certain income-related benefits
Make your car winter ready Do you have breakdown cover? Make sure you don't get stuck out in the cold this winter, consider getting a breakdown policy, it could potentially save you money.
In the next edition Look out for the keeping warm this winter article in the winter edition of CareLine, for more tips and useful advice.
The scheme is now accepting applications, to apply or to find out if you’re eligible visit www. direct.gov.uk/warmfront or call 0800 316 2805.
In the meantime, if you would like advice or information about Does your car need a service? Get your local garage to check getting ready for winter call us on that everything is in good working 01323 738390. order, and that your car is ready for the cold weather.
More information For more information from the government visit www.direct. gov.uk/keepwarmkeepwell.
Advice from the NHS Information on staying heathy this winter is available from the NHS www.nhs.uk/winterhealth
NHS Direct 0845 46 47 NHS Choices www.nhs.uk
Age UK East Sussex is a local charity working on behalf of older people. They are affiliated to the national charity, Age UK and provide many services that may be of interest to you as a carer.
almost anything given sufficient time!
Call Age UK on 01424 426162 or visit their offices between 10am and 1pm Monday to Friday; 32 Cliffe High Street, Lewes and 50 Age UK can help you claim benefits, Robertson Street, Hastings. answer social care and health queries, explore housing options and find reliable tradespeople. They are able to find out about
Home Heat Helpline 0800 33 66 99 This is a free national helpline offering access to grants for free home insulation and reduced tariffs from energy suppliers, as well as advice on managing your bills and reducing your energy use. www.homeheathelpline.org.uk
Age UK have a really useful booklet - 'winter wrapped up'. It is available online, from us or by calling their office. www.ageuk.org.uk/getinvolved/spread-the-warmth/ winter-wrapped-up/ www.cftc.org.uk 5
Carers Forum June 2011
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he last Carers’ Forum was a great occasion. 70 carers came along to discuss “The true face of East Sussex Carers”, and to launch Carers’ Week in East Sussex. There was also a ‘marketplace’ with useful practical information, all taking place in the fabulous setting of Ashburnham Place near Battle. Carers’ Stories Our five key speakers shared the challenges and rewards they had faced along their ‘caring journey’, and the lessons they learned along the way.
We are very grateful to Dorothy Hatcher, Rosemary Freeman, Richard Grocock, Linda Pestano and Roger Strange-Burlong for their moving and inspirational speeches, and for sharing their personal experiences.
photos by Sarah Stevens & Sue Munson
6 Care for the Carers
Rosemary focussed on the practicalities and paperwork facing carers “My message to other carers is to keep all your paperwork – you never know when you will need it!”. She spoke of the importance of solidarity between carers, urging carers to support each other. Richard called for “the right support for carers at the right time”. When his wife was discharged from hospital he did not receive the support and guidance he needed on how to safely care for her. Linda shared the emotional highs and lows of being a parent carer. She spoke candidly about the difficulty of accepting her daughter’s disability when she was born, and also of the immense joy her daughter has brought to the family.
Many of you who attended the forum Both Linda and Dorothy spoke told us how important it was to hear of the need to ask for support. that you are not alone in experiencing “If you don’t ask for help and you sit there, the hard times that can come hand in you’ll be sitting there three years later.” hand with caring. You also identified For Dorothy and her husband, this with the joys the speakers spoke of, had been difficult to do, as they felt and found it empowering to share uncomfortable accepting help. She lessons learned. encouraged others to do so though, speaking of the huge difference that After each speech, key points were it had made when ‘we realised we discussed, and a snapshot of ‘the true were not alone’. face of East Sussex Carers’ gradually took shape on our Graffiti wall. Thank you! To everyone who helped make it such Key messages special day – our colleagues at East Roger spoke of the different roles Sussex Disability Association, East that carers juggle, the challenges Sussex Fire & Rescue, Wellbeing, the of having ‘a hat for every occasion’, NHS and East Sussex County Council, but also how finding the time for his East Sussex LINk, Just Checking and own interests was important to him. ParentLink, our staff and volunteers Carers identified with this sense of who helped organise the day, and ‘multitasking’, but many found that of course everyone who came along in practise it was not possible to and took part! Planning for the next pursue their own interests as well: event is set to begin soon – look out “Sometimes we don’t get the time to be for your invitation in the next edition ‘Grandma’ or wear some of those other of CareLine! ‘ hats’”.
Your Questions Answered
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he Carers’ Forums give you ensure that they are familiar with the the opportunity to put your guidance we have issued to them. questions to the decision makers… Why has the grant reduced when not Here are some of the key questions reassessed? from the Forums this year, answered We have a fixed amount of money by Adult Social Care. For the full Q&As that has not kept pace with rising document please contact us. demand; we are faced with the choice of giving a few people more, or more Why is respite care means tested? people less. Although we recognise that respite care is much appreciated by carers, I read that the cuts affect children and it is in fact a service to the cared older adults especially. Why the most for person, and their ability to pay vulnerable people? is assessed as part of a social care The intention is to ensure that the assessment. most vulnerable people in our society are well supported, and we When do carers get to know about are constantly reviewing our policies the budget to be able to choose the and systems to ensure that we do not service?!! discriminate against them in any way. If you are referring to Carers Personal Budgets, these are agreed as part of What’s happening about Direct a carers’ assessment or review by the Payments? assessor and carer together. In the Direct Payments are available for case of personal budgets for service service users and carers to enable users, communication between carers them to purchase the services they and assessors is essential, because have been assessed as needing. decisions about funding care are not Direct Payments for carers are to immediate. enable them to purchase homebased respite services (see answer You say the budget is the same so why below on respite). have Carers Grants been cut by 50%? Some people may have received less Carers who can ‘buy’ respite services in their Carers Personal Budget than have to go to an approved provider – last year. However it is in response to this is expensive. Why can’t carers use need, and not an annual entitlement, individuals instead? and therefore each case has to be A Direct Payment is available for taken on its merits and agreed by our carers to go to any provider of their operational managers. choice to purchase their home-based respite. Unfortunately, because of Is there going to be a rationing the tax implications, we are unable to process, for the Carers Grants etc: allow for individuals to be employed £200 per household? We were told by carers for such short periods each by Assessor from Hastings Adult week. If the service user already has Learning Disability Team that this was a Personal Assistant, there may be the case when we were filling out our a mechanism to enable the carer’s Carers Assessment. respite to also be delivered by this Please see the answer below. We method through a Direct Payment. are sorry that you received incorrect Each case has to be considered on its information from an assessor, and merits. we are working hard with our staff to www.cftc.org.uk 7
Update on our Service
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n the last edition, we wrote about potential changes to our service. Since then we have been successful in applying to East Sussex County Council and the NHS for our main funding. There will be a few changes however, and sadly not all of our services can continue.
We are currently working hard to make sure that the transition to the 'new-look' service will be as smooth as possible, but please do contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
carersgency 254465 em0e1rc3a2r3d644 4 2 alert e 2 m n o s d
These pages provide an overview of how Care for the Carers will look from October, and explain how we'll continue to support carers locally.
Carer ID. in an emergen cy call
A Lifeline op erator will be available 24 to assist in an hrs emergency
epen
ed wel o s beminegon TM
a d v i c e s u p p o r t information counselling befriending s c h e m e emergency alert card y o u n g carers‘ clubs carers’ groups activities carers’ forums c a r e l i n e magazine involvement volunteering e - n e w s l e t te r facebook t w i t t e r 8 Care for the Carers
practical help & advice Our team of specialist Carer Support Workers are here to help you navigate the health and social care system: exploring your options ongoing support, practical financial advice
and
taking care of yourself support to take time out from your caring role
knowing your rights guiding you through the health & social care system and help to find out your welfare rights
making sense of things when there’s a crisis expert advice on hospital issues, respite and carers rights
We are very sorry that we no longer have the funding to run our Back Awareness service. We will do our very best to signpost carers to alternative support.
influencing decision makers We believe that carers have the right to influence the services designed to support you, to ensure that these services provide the support that carers really need. your voice support to get your views across – at meetings, conferences and through social networking carers’ forums come along and have your say, put your questions to the professionals and meet other carers. Please see page 6 for a look back at the last forum.
carer representatives take part in the planning and monitoring of health and social care services, representing the voice of local carers and sharing your expertise
under 18? We have a dedicated young carers’ team, who support young people who provide substantial physical or emotional care for a member of their family. For an update on the young carers' service see page 12. clubs ave fun and make new friends h trips, activities and short breaks these have included bowling, swimming, picnics, laserquest and much much more!
support have a chat about worries and concerns, in person or online
someone to talk to Being a carer can be isolating, and being able to talk things over with someone who understands can make all the difference. community champions Volunteer carer ambassadors in local communities, raising awareness and offering a friendly ear
counselling our volunteer counsellors provide free professional support to help carers manage their feelings
befriending scheme volunteers who meet with carers regularly for a cup of tea and a chat, and who can help you get involved with groups or activities in your local community
carers’ groups spend time with other carers, share common interests and experiences
planning ahead carers emergency alert card helps to identify you as a carer in the event of an emergency and ensures the person you care for is supported training building your skills, helping you to manage your caring role
care passport sharing information on the needs and preferences of the person you care for when they are in hospital support, advice and information expert advisors who can help you to identify the support you need and how to access it
staying informed careline magazine what’s on for carers locally, practical information, carers’ tips and experiences online newsletter bringing you up to speed on policy, legislation and how to get involved
www.cftc.org.uk find out about everything we do, links to useful & practical information
Supporting Carers in East Sussex
www.cftc.org.uk 9
Good news about Counselling The counselling service is now part of our main funding. Starting in October we will have a new counselling administrator, this new post will allow us to enable more carers to access counselling, as well as help us to develop the service further.
your caring situation, in a supportive and confidential environment. The counselling service is free (for carers) and is offered in partnership with Sussex Downs College and Wealden Psychology Institute.
Counselling offers you an opportunity If you would like more information, to explore emotional or psychological or if you're interested in counselling issues you may experience, due to please give us a call on 01323 738390.
time on your hands? telephone email website
01323 738 390 volunteer@cftc.org.uk www.cftc.org.uk
volunteer for care for the carers
Update from Carole
It is great news that the befriending service is to be funded as part of our core funding. We have seen this service develop, and feedback from carers who have had a befriender has been very positive.
a real difference and we really value their contribution.
We are always looking for more befrienders and we are now able to offer all kinds of volunteering opportunities. If you or someone Due to high demand, some carers you know would like to get involved have had to wait a while to be as a volunteer give me a call. matched to a befriender; this funding will allow us to expand our Carole service, recruit more volunteers and enable carers to be matched with a befriender more quickly . We would like to thank all of our befriending volunteers for their support and hard work, they make 10 Care for the Carers
Carers’ Groups Carers’ groups offer a warm welcome, conversation, information and a sharing experience. Each group meets monthly on the following days: Lewes
1st Monday
Eastbourne
3rd Monday
Former Carers Eastbourne
2nd Tuesday
Hailsham
1st Wednesday
Seaford
2nd Wednesday
Pevensey
3rd Wednesday
Rye
4th Wednesday
Bookwatch Eastbourne
2nd Thursday
Wadhurst
3rd Thursday
Bexhill
4th Thursday
Hastings & St. Leonards
1st Friday
Forest Row
3rd Friday
Uckfield
4th Friday
If you would like more information about a carers’ group or if you would like to join, contact Francesca on 01323 738 390 or email info@cftc.org.uk.
Contact Francesca For more information about Carers In Touch please contact Francesca. Call 01323 738390 or email info@cftc.org.uk.
A note from Francesca We are thrilled that by the end of September we will have another group up and running. We are conscious however that there are still gaps in our group coverage in some parts of the county. If you would like to see a carers group
operating in your vicinity, please volunteers who are helping Care call me or drop me a line. for the Carers achieve so very much. The success of some of the groups can be explained by the carers who have volunteered to help with the running of their local group. It is with their support that we have been able to expand our coverage. Francesca We would like to extend a huge thank you to these generous
Carers Week Luncheon We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Mrs Thomkins, Mrs Geesink, and their wonderful and thoughtful supporters, who marked Carers Week by arranging and hosting an enjoyable afternoon in the Sussex Weald for a group of carers.
It was a fabulous opportunity for carers to put aside their everyday concerns, dress up, relax in beautiful surroundings and not have to cook! Everybody’s thoughtfulness, kindness and generosity of spirit made for a day that will be remembered for some time to come.
Carers Week Luncheon, photos by Sarah Stevens
Visit from the Pharmacist At group meetings attended by a pharmacist, notes were taken on the questions asked and the comments made, with the intention of developing a ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ pullout on medication. This will Sadly, the pharmacists are feature in the winter edition of unable to attend all the carers CareLine. groups but they do have one more group to visit. So, if you are Please contact Francesca on in Eastbourne on the morning 01323 738 390, if you have any of the 19th of September and queries or questions that you you have a question or query, would like put to a pharmacist. why not join us at Green’s Café Your query will be submitted from 10 a.m. anonymously.
In the last edition we mentioned the support that some of our groups have been receiving from the pharmacists who work for the Primary Care Trust.
NEW
NEW carers groups near you
We are pleased to announce our new carers’ groups in Forest Row and Pevensey. The Forest Row Group has been meeting monthly in the heart of the village since June and is proving to be very successful. We meet in the afternoon of the third Friday of the month. The Pevensey group will be meeting in the morning of the third Wednesday of each month. The first meeting will be held on the 28th September. www.cftc.org.uk 11
Young Carers
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n the past we have been able to provide activities and clubs for the young people who access our service, allowing them to take some time out from their caring role, make friends and have some fun!
As Marie mentioned in her welcoming message, funding for the Young Carers' Service is not secure beyond the next 6 months, and unfortunately this funding does not include the highly valued clubs and activities. Fundraising At the moment we are furiously fundraising to continue to run the clubs and provide activities for young carers over the coming 6 months and future years.
Young Carers Festival
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n the last weekend of June, members of our Young Carers Clubs attended the Young Carers Festival in Southampton, which gave them the opportunity to forget their responsibilities and have fun. The packed programme of activities included; camping, fireworks, campfire & live music.
Young Carers at the Young Carers Festival, 2011
In August we received a donation from the Eastbourne Mayors' Charity of £9,965.22 towards the Eastbourne Young Carers Club & Activities; this is a great help and will allow us to focus our fundraising efforts on the other clubs across the county. Volunteers The clubs are essential to the young people we support and without the support of the local community, we would really struggle to run them. Volunteers help run our clubs, as well as providing transport, without this help lots of the members wouldn’t be able to attend.
David Edwards, a young carer from Lewes, said:
“It’s great to return to YCF each year and recognise the familiar faces from previous years. Its incredibly easy to bond with people there, I suppose because everyone is in the same boat. You can find yourself sharing a tent with someone you’ve never met before, and yet be talking to them like you’ve known them for years, its really quite incredible. My favourite activity is the kayaking, which I go to multiple times every year. Its just a shame I didn’t dry off as fast this year due to the weather!”
As using taxis is very expensive, we are keen to recruit more volunteers to help transport young people to and from the clubs held in Hastings, Eastbourne and Laughton (expenses are paid) Recently Vicky and Wendy, who help run the Eastbourne club, were invited to the Mayor’s Airbourne buffet lunch, in recognition of all the hard work volunteers do within the community. Interested? If you're interested in volunteering for the Young Carers please let us know, call Lindsay on 01323 738390. We are particularly interested to hear from anyone who lives in the Forest Row area or Rye / Camber area. 12 Care for the Carers
Vicky Gosden and Wendy Boorman with the Mayor at Airbourne
A big thank you!
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e have had some fantastic support over the last few months, with events ranging from pub quizzes to musical evenings. We are extremely grateful to everyone that has raised money for us and made donations, here are a few: There have also been some specific donations to the £81.20 young carers service to help them to continue to offer Personal Bequests Freedom on Wheels Disability Group £15.00 clubs, activities and the caravan to young carers and The Plough, Westfield £180.00 thier families. Here are a few: Inner Wheel Uckfield £108.70 £110.14 Bar Chin Chin, Eastbourne Bar Chin Chin, Eastbourne £51.80 £527.50 Hastings Lions Club Ashley Gardens £733.00 Waitrose - volunteer befriending £500.00 Rodmell Primary School £52.36 Legacy from Robert Gordon Thomas £3,000.00 Excellence Cluster £1,686.80
Finally we'd like to say another huge thank you to everyone that has put their time into raising funds for us. If you're interested or would like more information about fundraising please get in touch call us on 01323 738390 or email us at info@cftc.org.uk.
Upcoming Events Stay up-to-date with our upcoming events by subscribing to our online newsletter or checking our events calendar online at bit.ly/cftcevents. Now we've gone social we'll also be putting upcoming events on facebook and twitter.
Online Newsletter Scan the QR Code with your smart phone or visit eepurl.com/eRLGI to sign up for the email newsletter.
If you don't have access to the internet, please phone and we can let you know what's happening near you.
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If you would like to make a donation please complete the form below, along with your donation as a cheque or postal order, to our FREEPOST address (see page 14).
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Please post this slip to our FREEPOST address (page 14)
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Gift Aid If you are a tax payer you can gift aid your donation. This will allow us to claim Gift Aid tax relief of 25p for every £1 you give. I would like to Gift Aid my donation www.cftc.org.uk 13
Free Will Writing Services & Advice Why make a will? Free Wills Month 3-31 October 2011 Putting your affairs in order can seem like a daunting task, and many of us put off writing a will. But, as a Free Wills Month brings together charities to carer, having an up-to-date will can give you peace offer members of the public aged 55 and over the opportunity to have their simple Wills written of mind. or updated free of charge by using participating Wills are not just about money, they can also help solicitors around England and Wales. you make sure that those you care about are looked after when you are gone. More information will be available from their website, from the 3rd October, on solicitors and charities Dying intestate (not leaving a will) may cause participating. Visit www.freewillsmonth.org.uk. problems for those who have to deal with your affairs, as they'll be obliged by law to deal with your estate How does the campaign work? and distribute it in a particular way. You can contact one of the firms of solicitors taking part in a Free Wills Month campaign to request an It is possible to write a will by yourself, although it is appointment. advisable to use a solicitor as there are various legal formalities you need to follow to make sure that your The solicitor will help you to draw up a Will that will is valid. You may also need legal advice about accurately reflects your wishes. You are under no how Inheritance Tax affects you. obligation to leave a gift to one of the Free Wills Month charities. General Advice Citizens Advice Bureau has advice online, Other Free Will Services visit www.adviceguide.org.uk and search for "wills". Cancer Research offer a free wills service for 55 years old & over. There is no obligation to donate to Age UK has a useful leaflet and can give you Cancer Research. advice over the phone. If you would like a leaflet or for more information call us or telephone For more information call Cancer Research's Helpline Age UK East Sussex on 01424 426162. on 020 3469 8923 or visit cancerresearchuk.org
Contact Us
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If you would like more information, support or advice around your caring role, or to notify us of any changes, please complete this slip and return it to our FREEPOST address.
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14 Care for the Carers
Involvement & Research Opportunities East Sussex Parents Carers' Council The East Sussex Parent Carers' Council (PaCC) has been established to maximise children’s opportunities by working with all organisations to raise standards of service and support for parents, of the priorities identified are: carers and their families. Contribute feedback to national »» Does your child have additional and local consultations such as needs? recent green paper on Special »» Do you want to influence and Educational Needs and the improve local services for them forthcoming health service reforms and your family? review The PaCC is working to develop the voice of families of children and young people who are disabled or who have additional needs. They want to work in meaningful partnership with all organisations and service providers.
Identify interested individuals to represent parents on local boards and working groups of ESCC and NHS.
Train individuals to participate and make a contribution for benefit of all parents, carers and their families The PaCC works closely with – and provide the means to report the already established Parent back to parents, carers and their Partnership Service families
There is a clear Government commitment (both National and Local) to the development of Parent Carers Councils, which means that the majority of local areas now have an established and effective forum that enables parents and carers of disabled children to actively engage in strategic decision making, planning, commissioning and service evaluation. Parent Carer participation is universally acknowledged as mutually beneficial to both service users and providers by helping to design services which are appropriate and provide better outcomes for children and their families.
We also want to hear from representatives of local groups and professionals with an interest in disability issues in order to add to our expertise This is a really exciting opportunity to make a difference The Parents Carers' Council would like to hear from Parents and Carers who wish to take an active role on the PaCC Steering Group, and take responsibility for specific areas of our work
If you would like to be involved in any way or just kept informed then email eastsussexparentcarercouncil@ So far in East Sussex a small number hotmail.co.uk or find the PaCC on of parents and carers have held a facebook, search for: East Sussex number of initial meetings. Some Parent and Carer Council
Do you care for a partner who receives a personal budget? Would you like to take part in a research project? Our colleagues at Carers Federation, a Nottinghambased charity, would like to speak to carers that are married to or living with a partner who has a physical disability, and whose partner is in receipt of a personal budget to help pay for their social care costs. The aim of the research project is to find out how the lives of carers may be changing as the personalisation agenda progresses. All participants receive a £10 High Street voucher. For further information, please call Dr Emma Richardson, Research Development Worker at Carers Federation, on 0115 962 9328, e-mail research@ carersfederation.co.uk, or visit http://www.carersfederation. co.uk/researchopportunities/.
Have Your Say! We are seeking carers who wish to participate in planning and monitoring carers’ services. Carers not already involved in any Boards or Forums are welcome to apply, and support is available from Care for the Carers. Contact Jennifer Twist, call on 01323 738390 or email info@cftc.org.uk to find out more. www.cftc.org.uk 15
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info@cftc.org.uk Care for the Carers is a charitable company registered in England and Wales with No. 3677361 and Charity No. 1074906. Registered Office: 1st Floor Greencoat House, 32 St. Leonards Road, Easbourne, BN21 3UT