CareLine Spring 2015 by Care for the Carers

Spring 2015

Information For Unpaid Carers In East Sussex

Do Loo You k Som After eon e?

East Sussex

CareLine Magazine

THE NEW CARE ACT APRIL 2015 4

SPRING CARERS FORUMS 6

CARERS TOOLKIT

Contents Welcome

The Care ACT 3

4-5

Spring 2015 Carers Forums and East Sussex Better Together 6-7

Carers Groups Carers Group Carers Voices Directory Calendar 8-9

10 - 11

12 - 13

Volunteering pages

Carers From The toolkit Editor?

Carers Week

Services for Carers

Training From Theand Development Editor?

14 - 15

2 Contents

16 - 17

21 - 22

18 - 19

Welcome Chief Executive Care for the Carers

Welcome to the Spring edition of CareLine, the magazine for anyone in East Sussex looking after a relative or friend who couldn’t manage without your help. CareLine brings together information on behalf of all local organisations working with and for unpaid carers – on your rights, services available to you and events we hope will be of interest. On 1st April, the Care Act came into effect. This new legislation is especially significant for carers, strengthening your rights and putting carers on an equal legal footing to those you care for. This recognition is being seen as a milestone in the carers’ movement, but it will also challenge the government which must deliver new commitments within limited resources. Many local carers took part in consultations on the Care Act in 2014 – a key question was how the Local Authority planned to respond to their

new duties under the Act, so I am pleased to include an update on pages 3 and 4 from Tamsin Peart, East Sussex County Council.

6. Young carers must be identified and supported

With the general election swiftly approaching, the 60,000 carers in East Sussex deserve to have their voices heard. We are urging all carers to register to vote, and to ask all parties how they plan to support carers.

8. A duty on the NHS to identify carers

Our national partner Carers Trust has identified the following key priorities to ensure that politicians don’t forget about carers in 2015: 1. Government needs to commit more funding to social care 2. Give carers a break 3. No charging for carers 4. Carers of people with dementia must be properly supported 5. Carers of people with mental health problems must be identified as key partners

7. No cliff edge in support for young adult carers

9. Quality care and support for all carers 10. H ealth and Care Services need to be better co-ordinated to deliver for carers You can find out more via our website at www.cftc.org.uk and if you are interested in influencing carers’ policy and service provision, please do consider sharing your views through Carers Voices locally (see pages 8 -9). We would be delighted to hear from you if you’d like to add your voice. Best wishes,

Jennifer Twist Chief Executive

Welcome 3

The Care Act How the Care Act Is the Biggest Change in Care for 60 Years

By Tamsin Peart Strategic Commissioning Manager (Carers) East Sussex County Council

Over the last few months, you may have heard about changes to care and support as part of the government’s Care Act. It’s the biggest change for care and support in the last 60 years. Much of the Care Act reflects what we already do here in East Sussex, but there are some new elements, some of which will be introduced on 1 April 2015. If you look after someone, here are a few of the changes that might affect you: Carers Are Equal to the Person They Look After For the first time, carers will be recognised in the law in the same way as those they care for. The Care Act puts a responsibility on local authorities to assess a carer’s needs for support, even when the cared-for person doesn’t have eligible needs. If you look after someone, East Sussex County Council want to make sure that you are offered a carers assessment to identify

4 The Care Act

your need for support. We can look at how we can meet the needs of the person you care for differently and help you manage and continue your caring role. New Rules for Support Needs The Care Act also introduces criteria for local authorities to use, which indicates when we must meet a carer’s needs for support. This is known as the eligibility threshold, which already exists for adults with care and support needs. In East Sussex, we want to ensure that anyone who looks after someone, regardless of whether they meet the carer’s eligibility criteria, can directly access services to support them in their caring role. This means that they can go directly to organisations funded by the council for information and support.

Parents and Young Carers New rights for parents caring for disabled children, and for young carers – both part of the Children and Families Act 2014 – also comes into force at the same time as the majority of the Care Act. In practical terms, this means we will consider the needs of the whole family when we are assessing your needs as a carer. Or, if you’re a young carer, we will also look at the care and support needs of the adult you look after. For example, we will assess what support an adult requires in their parental duties and ensure that young people aren’t taking on inappropriate caring responsibilities. We also have new duties to support young carers when they reach the age of 18, and also to parent carers of disabled children (children that will continue to have care and support needs once they are adults).

Paying for Care You may also have heard about the new ‘cap’ on care costs, which will affect how much people spend on their care and support from next year. The Care Act states there should be a ‘cap’ on what should be spent on care and support, before the council steps in to cover the costs. This includes the kind of support you might receive in your own home, such as washing and dressing; or alternatively, you might be paying for residential care. The cap has been set at £72,000 and it covers anyone over the age of 25 who develops eligible care and support needs. Once the cap has been reached, we would step in and cover the majority of the costs. In addition, if you’re under 25 and the council already helps

you with your care and support needs, the government have said you should never have to pay towards them. Does the Cap Fit? To qualify for the cap, firstly you’ll need to have a care and support assessment, and your needs would need to be high. After that, the council will agree what level and type of costs would count towards your cap.

lodging, even after you hit the cap of £72,000. This is likely to cost around £230 a week. To find out more about how the changes might affect you or to get advice on care and support, please visit www.eastsussex.gov.uk/careact

Most care and support services aren’t free, even if they’re council-organised. We’ve negotiated rates for most types of care and support. Whether the help you require is provided in your home or in a residential home, only the rate that we would pay to meet your needs will count towards the cap. If you’re in residential care, you will still be responsible for paying for your own food and

A chance to discuss the Care Act and its impact on unpaid carers The Carers Forums that were held in November last year centred around the new Care Act which was implemented on 1st April 2015. At the forums carers had the opportunity to learn about the implications of the act and enter into meaningful debate about its implementation on at a local and national level.

Carers at the forums agreed that change was needed in relation to how their needs were assessed and met. However, many were sceptical about how the requirements of the act would be delivered in light of growing pressures on the limited resources services were working with. Carers identified that after the Act’s implementation,

they would value the opportunity to discuss its impact further and comment on their experience date and influence future delivery. As a result it is planned that the November 2015 Carers Forums will revisit the Care Act while the April Forums focus is on East Sussex Better Together. Please turn to page 6 to learn more.

The Care Act 5

Carers’ Forum

Spring 2015 Carers Forums East Sussex Better Together

What are the Carers Forums? Carers Forums are public meetings, facilitated by Carer for the Carers and held in the three Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) areas across East Sussex. They are open to all local unpaid carers and you don’t need to be a member of Care for the Carers to attend. The forums have a main focus identified as important by local carers and offer the opportunity to:• become more informed • ask questions of decisions makers • share views and experiences and • influence decision making around service delivery and commissioning Forums are an interactive and social event, aiming to build and expand networks between carers and professionals. At each forum there is a marketplace of local organisations that work with carers. There are

6 Carers Forums

representatives on hand to meet and find out more about the services they offer. Who Can Attend? At the spring Carers Forums, held in April 2015, the chosen theme was East Sussex Better Together, a local initiative that carers said they wished to learn more about. The Better Together Programme is explained further below. If you would like to know more about this and future forums please either:- contact Rachel Hesterbanks on 01323 738390 - complete the slip on page 23 of CareLine - look at Care for the Carers website cftc.org.uk, Facebook page or follow us on Twitter @Care4theCarers Better Together East Sussex’s four health and social care commissioning organisations (the three Clinical Commissioning Groups and the County Council) are working together with local people and stakeholders to

transform local health and care services. East Sussex Better together is working towards ‘… a fully integrated health and social care system in East Sussex, …this integrated system will ensure every patient or service user enjoys proactive, joined up care, that supports them to live as independently as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes.’ The budget for health and social care services in East Sussex is unlikely to increase, but the demands being made on it will. In order to ensure that the services we have better and more effectively meet our needs and that increased demand is catered for, commissioners need to think differently. An innovative new model of working has been developed (The 6+2 Model pictured right).

This is underpinned by four key workstreams for delivering the East Sussex Better Together:-

1. Development of integrated community health and social care teams around localities

2. Providing streamlined points of access for health and social care services. 3. GP led access for urgent care and support. 4. Healthy living and wellbeing (including helping people to manage long term conditions) The shared ambition is that within three years there will be a fully integrated health and social care system locally that will ensure every patient or service user enjoys proactive, joined up care that supports them to live as independently as possible.

Carers Forums 7

Carers Voices Groups Carers Voices Groups are held in each of the 3 Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) areas within East Sussex; High Weald, Lewes & Havens; Eastbourne, Hailsham & Seaford; Hastings & Rother. The groups run 4 times a year and representatives attend the East Sussex Carers Partnership Board Meetings to ensure the views and needs of local carers are taken into consideration and contribute to decision making processes. If you are interested in joining your local Carers Voices Group or would like to find out when they are taking place, please contact Rachel Hesterbanks, Involvement Officer, on 01323 738390 or email rachelh@cftc.org.uk . You can also complete the slip on page 23 of CareLine and Rachel will get back to you as soon as possible to speak about options.

8 Carers Voices Groups Budgets

Your Carers Voices Emelia Simmons I have had many years’ experience caring for my son, and I also cared for my mother. I feel confident participating in meetings thanks to my role as a Town Councillor and I am passionate about improving people’s lives.

Peter Jenner I am a father, work full time, and care for my elderly father who has Alzheimer’s. I can put forward the views of a working carer and how it affects family life. I want to ensure that carers are given the right support and education from the outset.

James Patmore I am used to speaking in public and find that I can get on with most people at all levels of society. I feel I can articulate the needs and aspirations of others in the group who may find themselves intimidated or otherwise unable to express themselves.

Roger StrangeBurlong I have over 12 years’ experience as a carer. I can talk for England and enjoy public speaking. I keep well informed and up to date with current affairs and I am quite ‘tech savvy’. I am passionate about speaking up for carers who are unable to speak up for themselves.

Jenny Ballard I have over 38 years’ experience caring for my daughter with learning disability. To be an active member of the Carers Voices Group should mean contributions on carers issues are highlighted to ensure strategies, commissioning and development services are what carers say are needed.

Representatives Carers Voices Group Budgets Christine Stewart I have been a carer for 38 years for my daughter, now care for my mum who is physically disabled, and cared for my father before he died after a number of strokes. I have been involved with carers’ groups for over 30 years and I am passionate about all carer issues.

Ian Stewart I provide care for my daughter, my disabled wife, and my elderly mother-in-law so I have experience in many aspects of carers’ lives. I have kept up to date with legislation and the implementation of the new statutory guidance for the Care Act this year will be crucial for local carers.

The Application Process Once your completed form has been received, the Carers Voices Group in your area will consider your application and let you know the outcome. We are especially looking for applications from carers/groups in the High Weald, Lewes and Havens areas. To learn more about the application process, contact the Care for the Carers Involvement Officer, Rachel Hesterbanks. Successful Applications

Jill Batchelor I have been my husband’s carer for over 24 years, and have experience of dealing with a range of conditions. I have a wide knowledge of problems carers face. Carers who do not “fit into a box” proscribed by the problems of the person they care for, also need a voice.

Hastings and St Leonards Dementia Support at the Bridge Hastings and St Leonards Dementia Support at the Bridge sent Hastings & Rother Carers Voices Group their first application for funding. The group were successful in their application for £500 and have utilised the funds to help with the cost of running the group and to buy books and musical instruments. Visit www. facebook.com/dementia.hastings to learn more. Memory Lane Group

W hat Could You Do with £500? Each Carers Voices Group holds a budget to fund activities that benefit carers in their respective group areas. This money can be used for a range of activities that will benefit carers, including support groups, trips out or training courses.

Eastbourne, Hailsham and Seaford Carers Voices group received an application for funding from the Memory Lane group for people with dementia and their carers. The group is run by volunteers and meets on a monthly basis at Community Wise in Eastbourne Old Town. Their successful application helped them maintain the group by paying towards their rent, buying a portable stereo and other resources such as books and publicity materials.

Carers Voices Groups Budgets 9

Carers’ Groups

Directory Info & Advice Care for the Carers’ Information and Advice groups are regular meetings for all carers, between 10:00am – 12:00pm, 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 Crowborough The Lounge, United Church, Croft Road, Crowborough, TN6 1HA Eastbourne The Russell Centre, Royal Voluntary Service, The Russell Centre, 24 Hyde Road, Eastbourne, BN21 4SX

10 Carers' Groups

Here you can find out about your local carers’ groups, which organsation they are run by and where they meet. To find out when a group meets please check out the Carers’ Group Calendar on pages 12 – 13. 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

Seaford Seaford House (The Lounge), Seaford House, Crouch Lane, Seaford, BN25 1PW

Hailsham & Herstmonceux Herstmonceux Village Hall, Hailsham Road, Herstmonceux, BN27 4JX

Uckfield The Luxford Centre (The Tyler Room), Library Way, Uckfield, TN22 1AR

Heathfield Heathfield Community Health Centre (Ian Price Room), Sheepsetting Lane, Heathfield, TN21 0XG Netherfield Netherfield Village Hall, Netherfield Way, Netherfield, TN33 9PZ Langney St Barnabas United Church Hall, King Fisher Drive, Langney, Eastbourne, BN23 7RA Ore Ore Community Centre 455 Old London Road, Ore Village, Hastings, TN35 5BH Peacehaven The Rendezvous, The House Project, 168 South Coast Road, Peacehaven, BN10 8JH Pevensey & Westham Church Bailey Court (The Lounge), Montague Way, Westham, Pevensey, BN24 5NB

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

Wellbeing Groups These are informal groups that carers are welcome to pop along to any time between 10:30am – 12pm for a cuppa, a chat and wellbeing sessions. St Leonards Pinehurst Holistic Health Centre, 3 Avondale Road, St Leonards on Sea, TN38 0SA Hailsham Fleur De Lys Meeting Room, Market Street, Hailsham, BN27 2AE

Book Club

Plumpton Plumpton Village Hall, 1 West Gate, Plumpton Green, BN7 3BQ

The group will provide you with an opportunity to share your love of literature with other carers.

Rye & Winchelsea Rye & Winchelsea Memorial Hospital, Peasmarsh Road, Rye, TN31 7UD

Eastbourne Care for the Carers, Highlight House, 8 St Leonards Road, Eastbourne, BN21 3UH

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.

Polegate - 10 am - 12.30 pm Third Friday of every month William Daly Centre, Walnut Walk, Polegate, East Sussex, BN26 5AR

Telephone 01323 738390

Eastbourne Brightview, 6 Saffrons Road, Eastbourne, BN21 1DG Hastings & St Leonards Carisbrooke House, Stockleigh Road, St Leonards, TN38 0JP Newhaven Summer Hayes Wellbeing Centre, Marshall Lane, Newhaven, BN9 9RB

Learning Disability Come along to your LD support group run by Care for the Carers – pop in any time from 10:30am - 12:00pm for a cuppa and a chat.

Battle - 2 pm - 4 pm last Tuesday of every month Alzheimer’s Society Battle office, Beckett House, Mitre Way, Battle, East Sussex, TN33 0AS Bexhill - 2 pm - 4 pm 3rd Wednesday of every month The Old Bank Chambers, Buckhurst Road, Bexhill on Sea, TN40 1QF Crowborough - 2 pm - 4 pm 4th Wednesday of every month Horder Centre, St John’s Road, Crowborough TN6 1XP

Seaford - 2 pm - 4 pm 2nd Tuesday of every month St James Trust , 11 Blatchington Road, Seaford, BN25 2AB Haven Plus - 2 pm - 2.30 pm See Haven Plus 27th April, 1st June and 29th June. Eastbourne , 3VA (Please contact Lea James on 07834 755 639 for more details.)

Acquired Brain Injury 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 each other in a relaxed and informal setting.

Crowborough The Lounge, United Church, Croft Road, Crowborough, TN6 1HA

Eastbourne - 1.15 pm - 3.15 pm 2nd Monday of every month Milton Grange, Milton Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 1SL

Eastbourne Carers Centre, Highlight House, 8 St Leonards Road, Eastbourne, BN21 3UH

Hastings - 2 pm - 4 pm Last Monday of every month St Barnabas Church, Hoads Wood Road, Hastings, TN34 2BA

Brighton - 7 pm –- 9 pm Montague House, Montague Place, Brighton, BN2 1JE

St Leonards Conquest Day Centre Chichester Road, St Leonards on Sea, TN38 9BG

Lewes - 1 pm - 3 pm (Contact for next date) Phoenix Day Centre, 26 Malling Street, Lewes, BN7 2RD

Eastbourne 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm East Sussex Disability Association, 1 Faraday Close, Hampden Park, BN22 9BH

Carers Clinics Carers clinics are held by Care for the Carers in local GP practices or health centres and offer carers an opportunity to meet with a Support Worker to discuss their caring role.

Hailsham - 7 pm - 9 pm Diplocks Hall, The Diplocks, Hailsham, BN27 3JY

Carers' Groups 11

Carers’ Groups

Calendar

There are lots of different carers’ groups that meet across the county, organised by the different organisations who help to make up this magazine.

Sunday

Across these two pages you can find out when your local group meets – please refer to the previous pages for group times. Also, accompanying each date is a key which is there to help you identify the type of group. Full abbreviations of the locations can be found at the bottom of the page. Groups for All Carers Wellbeing Groups Come along anytime for a cup of tea and a chat Info & Advice Informal meetings with guest speakers and carer advisors to answer your questions

Volunteer Week (June 1st -7th)

Carers Week (June 8th -14th)

Specialist groups Dementia Book Club Mental Health Acquired Brain Injury Learning Disability

For more information including location and organisation please see the Carers’ Groups Directory on page 10 – 11. (Please note, some groups are not listed as dates and/or venues were not confirmed at time of print.)

April 2015

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday Hailsham

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

3 St. Leonards

9 Eastbourne

10 C’borough

Hastings H&H

7 C’borough Ringmer

13 Eastbourne

14 Ore Plumpton Wadhurst Seaford

15 Pev & Wh’m Bexhill

16 H’field & W Eastbourne

17 Forest Row Polegate

20 Eastbourne

21 Peacehaven

27 Hastings Eastbourne

28 Netherfield Newhaven Battle

22 Rye & Win Eastbourne C’borough 29 Lewes

12 Carers' Groups

Seaford

*H & H = Hailsham and Herstmonceux *C’borough - Crowborough

Langney Bexhill

Uckfield

Hastings

*Pev and Wh’m - Pevensey and Westham *Rye & WC - Rye and Winchelsea

Sunday

May 2015

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday 1

St. Leonards

Eastbourne

Eastbourne Hastings

Sunday

Ringmer C’Borough

Ore 12 Wadhurst Plumpton Seaford

Peacehaven

Battle Netherfield Newhaven

Hailsham

Seaford

Bexhill Pev & Wh’m Lewes

Rye & Win C’borough Eastbourne

H&H Hastings

Eastbourne

H’field & W Eastbourne Langney Bexhill

Tuesday

1 Eastbourne

Wednesday

Ringmer C’borough

Uckfield

Friday

Hastings

Saturday

5 St. Leonards

11 Eastbourne

12 C’borough

Hailsham

H&H Hastings

8 Eastbourne

15 Eastbourne Polegate

16 Peacehaven

17 Pev & Wh’m Battle

18 H’field & W Eastbourne

19 Forest Row Uckfield

23 Netherfield Newhaven

Lewes 24 Eastbourne Rye & Win C’borough

29 Hastings Eastbourne

Ore Plumpton Wadhurst

Battle

*H’Field & W = Heathfield and Waldron

Thursday

Forest Row Polegate

June 2015

Monday

C’borough

Seaford

Langney Bexhill

Hastings

Carers' Groups 13

Volunteers’ Week is an annual event which takes place between 1st and 7th June this year. It celebrates the contribution made by millions of volunteers across the UK. It is a time for saying ‘Thank you’ and publicly recognising the difference made by volunteers. Volunteering really can make a real difference. It provides opportunities for helping and supporting others whilst giving something back to those who offer their time. It can give a sense of wellbeing to all those involved, allow skills to be put to effective use and encourages new learning and friendships. More information about Volunteers week can be found at: http://volunteersweek.org There are many opportunities across East Sussex to volunteer. Whatever your

The Association of Carers is providing a new service, funded by the East Sussex County Council, which helps carers to identify residential respite breaks for the person they care for. New Volunteers Enjoying their Induction Training Day interests, skills and availability there is likely to be a volunteering role that will be suitable for you. To find out more about volunteering in East Sussex contact: 3VA (East Sussex) 8 Saffrons Road, Eastbourne BN21 1DG Telephone 01323 639373 https://www.3va.org.uk Uckfield Volunteer Centre 79 High St, Uckfield, East Sussex TN22 1AS Monday – Friday 10am to 1pm or Tues/Thurs till 4pm. Telephone 01825 760019 www.uckfieldvolunteer.org.uk

Respite for Carers There are various reasons as to why carers might need to identify a residential or nursing home for the person they look after. For example, they might require an operation, have family they need to visit, or just simply need a week’s respite from their caring role. As these scenarios are common occurrences for carers, they will want to identify a location where the person they look after can go for a week. Trained Volunteers The Association of Carers has volunteers that are trained to:

Care for the Carers have an amazing team of volunteers who give their time freely to support unpaid carers across East Sussex. Current volunteer opportunities include: • Mentoring support – this is an exciting new project supporting carers with their wellbeing Whilst we are looking for volunteers cross East Sussex we are particularly in need of support in Bexhill, St Leonards on Sea, Hastings and Crowborough areas. • Events and Fundraising – across East Sussex

14 Volunteering

• Find out how often the carer needs a break and how long the person they look after will need to stay in the residential/nursing home • Help identify three potential homes and visit them with the carer (and the person they look after, if required) • Support the carer to make the decision on which home is most suitable • Visit the cared for person in the home while the carer is away (if required) The volunteer is able to meet the carer face-to-face, talk over the phone, or provide a combination of both. If you feel that you need this support please give us a call on 0300 330 9498 (local rate) and speak to a member of the team.

Pianist Required Volunteer pianist urgently required to support our Singing for the Brain service across East Sussex. Currently sessions are being held in Wannock and Little Common. Mondays 10am – 12:30pm. The location differs on alternate weekly basis. Either and/or session cover is required. Administrator Required Volunteer Administrator required for our busy East Sussex office based in Battle. Days and hours to be discussed.

For further information and an application form relating to any of the above volunteering opportunities, please contact Louise Cruickshank, Volunteering Officer, 01403 276649. Dementia Awareness Week Dementia Awareness Week 2015 will take place in England, Wales and Northern Ireland from 17 – 23 May. In 2015, there will be 850,000 people with dementia in the UK, with numbers set to rise to one million by 2025.

CrISP Facilitator Required

We fight to raise awareness and understanding of dementia, with our support and services better enabling people to live well with the condition.

CrISP (Carer Information and Support Programme) service volunteer required to assist CrISP facilitator during training sessions. The location is Hastings and Rother.

Awareness events will be held across East Sussex during this week. More details to follow. Please visit http://www.alzheimers.org. uk/ for updates.

• Leaflet and posters distributors – in local surgeries, community halls, places of worship, shops etc. • Speakers – talking to community groups to promote ‘Carer Awareness’ • ‘Carers Garden’ support – a new project in Eastbourne’ • Packing CareLine magazines for distribution – up to 2 days every 3 months – Eastbourne office If you would like to help make a difference and become part of the volunteering team at Care for the Carers or have a chat to find out if this is the right thing for you then call Carole Gregory – Volunteer Coordinator at the Care for the Carers Office: Tel: 01323 738390

Volunteering 15

Carers’ Toolkit

Carers Toolkit What are the 12 generic modules…?

What is the Carers Toolkit…? The Carers Toolkit is a new programme designed by carers, for carers. It aims to equip them with skills and information on a wide range of caring issues, which will improve their health and wellbeing, and ensure that they have a better knowledge of the support services available to them. The Carers Toolkit programme is made up of 12 generic modules and runs over the course of a year, with one session per month. Each module covers a different topic, all of which focus on the specific challenges that you face as a carer. We are working in partnership with skilled and experienced professionals who are not only specialists in their field, but also carer aware and we hope that this will ensure that carers have a really positive and helpful experience.

16 Carers toolkit

First aid – this module aims to equip cares with the basic first aid skills they might need in the event of an emergency. Back Care and Moving & Handling – this module covers the principles of good back care and how to safely assist the person you care for to move around, without injuring yourself. Medications management – this module aims to provide carers will a good understanding of how to handle and store medications, how to administer medications and how to recognise and avoid potential problems too. Money matters – this module is packed full of information and advice about managing your money and the different types of financial support available and how to access them. There may also be some time during the session for carers to access individual advice or to book an appointment or home visit to see an advisor.

Mindfulness – National studies have shown that 81% of carers experience signs of depression due to their caring role. This module aims to help carers to find new techniques to cope with their emotions, handle stress and anxiety and have a better mental wellbeing and help to prevent or manage signs of depression. Accessing healthcare – The health service is changing and carers have told us that they’re often unsure about where to go for help and support. This module is all about understanding how to access the right care, at the right time, at the right place and empowering you with helpful information that will help you in your caring role. Wellbeing Recovery Action Planning (WRAP) – this module is a taster session of the 6 week course run by Coastal Wellbeing and offers carers the opportunity to explore safe and simple tools you can use to maintain your wellbeing and support you when you are facing challenges. Legal matters – this module provides you with essential

information about the legal matters that carers often face, this includes power of attorney, advanced directives, wills, trusts, and probate. The session is facilitated by an experience legal professional. Emergency planning – Many carers worry about what would happen to the person they care if they were unwell or had an accident or how they would manage in an emergency. This module is all about planning for the ‘what if’s’ and helping carers to put plans in place to give them peace of mind. Healthy eating on budget – this module aims to equip carers with healthy ideas for meals that are affordable and enjoyable. It looks at how to plan your food for the week, how to store food and includes lots of really useful information and tips of saving money and eating healthy. Advocacy and being heard – Carers often tell us how frustrated they feel at not being listened to. This modules aims to empower carers with the skills they need to clearly and confidently advocate for themselves and the person they care for to ensure that can communicate their needs. Carers’ rights and access to support – this module explores the legislation that protects carers and gives them the right to access the support they may need. It also provide information about the specialist services for carers and the type of information,

advice and support available to them, helping carers to continue to care and support carers to know how to access help when things change or get tough.

What are the additional modules…? In addition to the 12 generic modules, carers have told us that they’d also like to have an opportunity to learn more about some very specific topics, these include: • Pressure Ulcer Prevention • Continence Management • Understanding Pain Management • Living well with a sensory impairment • Cooking for men • Back to work • Understanding depression and anxiety • Understanding long-term conditions • Caring for someone at end of life • New beginnings (designed for carers who are no longer a caring role) These sessions will be organised based on the demand for them, so if you would like to attend one these modules please ask for a Carers Toolkit booklet and complete the application form. We will contact you once we’ve received your application and let you know when that module might be available.

I’d like to do this, but I can’t leave the person I care for… Carers are able to access free respite whilst they attend The Carers Toolkit. The Healthcare Appointment Respite Service will fund replacement care to enable you to leave the person you care for. If the person you care for has home care or home-based respite arranged by Adult Social Care you can ask your provider to arrange this for you. To arrange respite for healthcare appointments: • contact your care provider in good time so that respite care can be put in place • contact us with the details of what you have agreed with your care provider. If you care for someone who doesn’t receive home care or home-based respite arranged by Adult Social Care you can still get support to attend healthcare appointments or training by contacting Care for the Carers on 01323 738390.

How do I find out more…? There are two programmes running in each Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) area and so there should be a programme running near you. The programmes begin in mid-April and anyone interested should contact Hazel or Laura at Care for the Carers on 01323 738390 or email carerstoolkit@cftc.org. uk for a Carers Toolkit booklet and application form.

Carers toolkit 17

8th - 14th June What is Carers Week? Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. This year we’re focusing on Building Carer Friendly Communities. Communities that support carers to look after their loved ones, while recognising that they are individuals with needs of their own. Carers Week is brought to life by the individuals and organisations who come together to organise activities and events throughout the UK, drawing attention to just how important caring is.

18 Carers Week

Carer Friendly Communities – what do we mean? Carer Friendly Communities are aware of the part played by unpaid carers within their community. They have some understanding of a carer’s daily reality; that they can be under a lot of pressure, and are often hidden from view.

Care for the Carers in the Arndale Centre last year for Carers Week This means that if you’re caring for someone unpaid, local services and systems will remove obstacles and make sure things are done differently so your life is a little bit easier.

When a community is Carer Friendly, every corner – from the hospital, workplace, primary school, to leisure services and beyond – will be geared towards addressing the needs of carers.

‘Doing things differently’ would include an employer creating Carer Friendly policies by listening to the experiences of their workforce, or a GP practice offering alternative appointment times to carers unable to attend due to their caring responsibilities.

On behalf of the Commissioned Carer Services, Care for the Carers have pledged the following for Carers Week: Organisations that support carers within East Sussex will be working together to promote Carer Friendly Communities. We will build upon our Carers Card, reward and respite scheme, to encourage more local businesses across the County to become carer aware and carer friendly. Businesses that are already signed up tot the discount scheme will be asked to consider how they can highlight their support through special offers or events during carers week.

Have You Got Your Carers Card Exclusive New Scheme for unpaid carers in East Sussex

☑☑ ☑☑

Carry your card to notify emergency services that you are a carer Receive fantastic savings and discounts at retail and leisure venues in East Sussex – a directory of businesses that have already signed is available at www.cftc.org.uk ☑☑ It’s completely free! ☑☑ Call us on 01323 738 390 to learn more

Magic by the sea

Get involved in Carers Week!

Association of Carers are holding a ‘Magic by the Sea’ fundraising event in Hastings on the 12th June in conjunction with Carers Week.

Support Carers Week, by pledging, tweeting and sharing on Facebook.

It will be a magical evening of music, seafaring tales and images of times gone by. For more info and tickets call Association of Carers on 0300 330 9498. Magic by the Sea is just one example of the kind of events that will running during Carers Week. Updates on Carers Week events can be found on:Care for the Carers website - cftc.org.uk Facebook at Care for the Carers Twitter @C4theCarers

Let others who have caring responsibilities aware of the support available. Order leaflets, flyers and posters to distribute to local community and faith organisations and businesses to encourage them to take part in Carers Week. If you are in paid employment, ask if you can display or circulate some information for carers in your workplace. If you are a business, join the Carers Card Scheme for free and provide a discount or offer to unpaid carers within East Sussex. Call 01323 738390 for further info.

Carers Week 19

Supporting carers January Coffee Morning at Headway Hurstwood Park On 29 January 2015 Trudy Mayes, Headway’s Counselling and Carers Manger, held a coffee morning for carers to come and learn about communication issues for people with a brain injury. The meeting was attended by Nick Behn, a Speech and Language Therapist from

City University, London. Nick has been working alongside Headway clients in the latter months of 2014 for a research project towards his PhD and his work has been empowering and insightful. He was invited to the coffee morning, as we recognise the need to support carers that face communication challenges with their lovedone following brain injury. The event sparked much interest and lively discussion from carers, prompting plans for a future Headway workshop. We are working to develop a creative and dynamic workshop session that encourages participation, understanding and greater awareness about our own role as communicators in relationships with others.

Information Booklet for Mental Health Carers in East Sussex Improving Carers’ Experience (ICE), has just had the booklet for mental health carers reprinted. This booklet contains a variety of information on mental health and has had some very positive feedback from carers. If you haven’t received a copy yet please call us on 01273 617100 or email jane.icepro@btconnect.com. Alternatively visit www.iceproject.co.uk. We are updating this booklet soon and if you can help by checking, proofreading, inspiring or supplying information, we would be very happy to hear from you!

20 Services for Carers

Growth of a New Partnership We also invited John Wilders, Artistic Director of The Theatre Rope Company Ltd. along to the coffee morning. John initially supported the Headway management team last summer by contributing to part of a development programme. The theatrical approach, led by John, skilfully added an alternative and valuable dimension that had a lasting impact on the team. The workshop is planned for May and further details will be published shortly.

Carer’s Supper Club in Rye For Carers and People they look after

Would you like to get out and meet other Carers to share experiences and increase your support network? Then come to our new monthly Supper Club at The Playden Oasts Inn, Rye Road, Rye, TN31 7UL on Tuesday 21st April from 6 – 9pm. Come and have a meal or just enjoy a drink and a chat in a supportive environment. A staff member from the Association of Carers will be available once a month to support you and provide information and advice. For more information please phone Julie or Jan on 0300 330 9498.

Ambitions Vocational

Support for Carers

New Ambitions Service

Volunteering

Ambitions is a new service for East Sussex, funded through the East Sussex Commissioning Grants prospectus, which addresses the vocational needs of Carers across the county. As we believe that all carers are entitled to a life outside their caring role, we provide a specialist service offering vocational support to carers and former carers across East Sussex – in relation to employment, education and training, and volunteering opportunities.

• Help to find the right volunteering opportunity • Enhance your CV

Accessibility The service is free and available to adult carers (aged 16 and over), who are living or working in East Sussex and have caring responsibilities for another adult. If you have been a carer in the last 12 months, but are not currently a carer, you may also be eligible to access the Ambitions service.

“All carers are entitled to a life outside their caring role” Our Vocational Specialist, Paul Turk, provides flexible and tailored one-to-one support to access: Employment Advice and guidance to find a new job • Help to retain a current job • Support to return to an existing job Learning, Training and Education • Help to find the right course and gain qualifications • Advice on e-learning and courses you can do from home • Information and advice on funding

Since the Ambitions service started in October 2014, Paul has worked with a variety of clients helping them to achieve their vocational aspirations. This includes working with young carers looking to go into full-time employment; to access education courses as a stepping stone to future work; and to identify and access volunteering opportunities in their local area. Referrals Referrals to the Ambitions service can be made directly by individuals or by organisations on behalf of individuals. To make a referral, or for more information, contact Paul Turk on: 07805 811186 Email - p.turk@ southdownhousing.org or visit www.southdownhousing. org/ambitions

training and development 21

WRAP Wellness Recovery Action Plan Groups for Groups

All too often our needs and wellbeing can be the last thing on the to do list! Remember – your wellness matters too. WRAP is for anyone who wishes to explore their wellness, create some action plans and enhance their lives. We meet once a week for six weeks in a closed group to explore each section of WRAP. Accessibility Would you like the opportunity to explore your own wellbeing? Would you like to meet with other carers in a supportive, confidential environment and have some fun along the way? A 6-week WRAP group offers the opportunity to explore safe and simple tools to help maintain your wellbeing and support, for when you are facing challenges as well as helping to make the most of the joyous moments.

22 training and development

WRAP groups are offered by Coastal Wellbeing in a variety of locations throughout East Sussex and are free of charge. For those who juggle care and work responsibilities there will be a group running outside of normal working hours. Groups are run by Molly Booth and Lucy Tucknott two accredited Advanced Level WRAP Facilitators. If you would like to book a place on a course or find out more about WRAP, whatever your caring situation, please contact: Molly: 07507 734 370 or molly@coastal wellbeing.co.uk Lucy: 07598 323 254 or lucy@coastal wellbeing.co.uk

Other Courses for Carers

On the calendar opposite you can find upcoming course dates for carers in East Sussex. Please note that some of the courses listed take place over a number of weeks and the dates shown are the start and end of each course. Courses that have been confirmed include CrISP 1 – a programme for carers looking after someone with dementia – which has a follow-up course CrISP 2 later in the year. There are mental health workshops from Improving Carers Experience (you can read more about their booklet on page 15), and a one off event from Headway Hurstwood Park for carers of someone with an acquired brain injury. If you have any questions regarding Courses for Carers please contact Care for the Carers on 01323 738390.

May ‘15 Friday 1st May 2pm - 5pm Mental Health Information Course Improving Carers’ Experience (ICE) Over 10 consecutive weeks Highlight House, 8 St Leonards Road, Eastbourne. (Care for the Carers’ offices) Mental Health

CrISP 1 Developed by the Alzheimer’s Society, the Carer Information and Support Programme (CrISP) is designed to educate carers and families on dementia. The programme will help you cope with dayto-day life and assist you in planning for the future. For more information please contact Maria Lanigan, Alzheimer’s Society East Sussex office 01424 773687.

Mental HealthWorkshops DO YOU SUPPORT SOMEONE WHO HAS A MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEM? Do you feel you need more information about this? If you are helping a relative or partner who experiences

Thursday 7th May Thursday 28th May CrISP 2 Alzheimer’s Society, Battle Dementia Friday 28th May - Friday 2nd July CrISP 1 Alzheimer’s Society, Battle

June ‘15 15th June CrISP 2 Alzheimer’s Society Eastbourne/ Wealdon venue TBC Dementia

Dementia

issues such as anxiety, depression or has a psychotic condition, bi-polar or a personality disorder you may feel it would help to have more information. You may want to know more about mental health, about how you can help and about keeping yourself going! Improving Carers’ Experience (ICE) is running a free information course. Where: Highlight House, 8 St Leonards Road, Eastbourne. (Care for the Carers’ offices) When: From Friday 1st May 2 - 5pm. It will be held over 10 consecutive weeks, refreshments and all course materials provided. For further information or to book a place – 01273 617100 or alan.icepro@btconnect

Headway events Thursday 4th June 9.30 - 1pm Following the Communications presentation held in January, a workshop ‘Invitation to Share’ (max 12 attendees) (Activities for the cared for person) Saturday 13th June 9.30 – 1pm Carers Pampering morning (primarily for Ladies) followed by a light lunch (limited numbers, early reservations) Saturday 4th July 9.30 – 12.30pm Mens’ Breakfast for all male carers to enjoy a retreat at the beautiful Headway location to relax in a rural setting. For more information call Trudy Mayes, Headway Hurstwood Park Counselling and Carers Services Manager on 01825 724323 or email trudy.mayes@headway-hp. co.uk

Getting Involved 1. Your details

Name Address

Postcode Telephone

2. I would like to know more about

1. 2. 3. 4.

Joining a Carers Voices Group Attending a Carers Forum Carers Groups Courses for Carers

3. Post your reply form to our freepost address

Care for the Carers, training and development FREEPOST RTAC-GURC-XUJC Highlight House, 8 St Leonards Road, Eastbourne, BN21 3UH

Care for the Carers

Telephone 01323 738390

www.cftc.org.uk

Email info@cftc.org.uk

1. Your details

Name Address

2. I am a carer Sign me up to receive CareLine Please update my address Send my next issue of Careline by email Please contact me about the help available

Postcode Telephone Please complete & post this to our FREEPOST address Care for the Carers, FREEPOST RTAC-GURC-XUJC Highlight House, 8 St Leonards Road, Eastbourne, BN21 3UH

3. I am no longer a carer Please unsubscribe me from CareLine Please send me the after caring booklet I would like to know about staying in touch