Care Line
Summer 2011
Care for the Carers FREE Magazine for Carers in East Sussex
Carers’ Services The shape of things to come
Carers Week Have Your Say Stronger Together Summer Notice Board
Message from the Chief Executive(s) We are proud to deliver a range of services which have been developed over more than 20 years, by listening to local carers and working with you to help you get the support you need. We are very pleased that the County Council continues to acknowledge the vital importance of a central carers’ organization. It is with very mixed feelings that I sit down to write my final CareLine column.
During the coming months and years carers will require the support and ‘voice’ that this organization provides so very As many of you will hopefully well. The financial situation know, I have been asked to take is likely to continue creating on the role of Chief Executive additional difficulties for already of the Princess Royal Trust hard-pressed carers. However, for Carers. Whilst this is an we have ensured that everyone enormous honour and an exciting in a position to make decisions challenge, it is also very sad for in local health and social care, me to say goodbye to all my from elected members to senior friends and colleagues - carers, officers is fully aware of carers staff, Trustees and professional and have no excuse to disregard partners. or overlook them. And indeed we have regular evidence of their I have had a very fulfilling and commitment to carers. happy time in East Sussex and will continue to live in the area and I will keep a keen interest in At a time of budget cuts, the level Care for the Carers, as a member of funding for the organizations organization of the Trust. that carers rely on so much has been maintained. I look forward I am very proud to be leaving to taking the fight to a National Care for the Carers in a very level, to ensure that carers’ strong position, with a competent, contributions and needs are committed and highly motivated recognised and valued. management, staff team and Board. It only remains for me to thank However, our current funding will the carers of East Sussex run out in October and we have again for all your enormous been working hard to make the contributions to your loved ones case to continue to offer our and to the local community and range of services to carers. to wish everyone at Care for the We very much believe that it is Carers all the very best for the crucial for all carers to be able to future. receive Care for the Carers’ high quality response everywhere in East Sussex.
Liz Fenton
I am delighted to have been asked to take up the reins from Liz and lead Carer for the Carers over the next few months while we seek funding to carry on the high quality range of services to carers in East Sussex. I have been working in East Sussex since 1989 and have always been committed to those in the community who are not always heard. I am continuously impressed by the level of commitment that carers have to their loved ones as well as to the cause of getting a fairer deal for carers generally. All our staff and management team will continue to ensure that your voices are heard at the highest levels. I have met many of you at the Carers Forums, the Birthday Party, Carers Challenge and at partnership meetings. I hope to meet many more of you in the months to come. As Liz continues to raise the profile of carers on the national stage, we continue in the fight for carers in East Sussex.
Marie Casey
Note from the Editor Contents
Dear Readers, It is with sadness and excitement that I announce that this is to be my final CareLine, as I am to leave the world of work to enter the exciting and challenging world of motherhood. I have thoroughly enjoyed editing such an informative and worthwhile publication, and would like to thank all our readers and contributors for your support. I am delighted to be handing over to David, who will be taking on the role of Information Coordinator and who will undoubtedly do great things for CareLine and Care for the Carers alike. I wish you all the very best for the future and hope that you enjoy this summer edition of CareLine.
1
Message from Chief Executive
2
Note from the Editor
Carers Column
3-4
Carers Week 2011
5-6
Have Your Say
7-8
Stronger together for
Carers Centres
9-10 Summer Notice Board
11-12 Carers Notebook
13
To be confirmed
14
Young Carers News
15 Donations
Contact Us
Caya Munro, Editor
Carers CarersColumn Column A Penny for your thoughtsLiving Well and Dying Well. The item in the Spring edition of CareLine has prompted me to contribute my personal experience. Circumstances meant I became a carer approximately 25 years ago whilst commuting to my employment in London. Following retirement caring continued full time until a nursing home became the only alternative which I visited 5 times a week. Now in my 80th year one has to prepare for the inevitable. Experience in care of the elderly has taught me one should plan accordingly to spare one’s family the added distress when plans have not been made or communicated! Following discussions with my family and GP I have signed a “Living Will” now known as an
Advance Decision requesting in the event of terminal illness I do not wish to be resuscitated, to continue a life which has no quality of life whatsoever! Appointing a Legal Health Proxy to make the decision and spare the family. Also I have a prepaid funeral plan clarifying the arrangements to be made and there is also a financial advantage by prepaying in these days of ever increasing costs! I am also registered on the National Organ Donor List. It is also a good idea to arrange for an Enduring Power of Attorney! Finally and also very importantly making a will again in communication with family is a delicate subject to discuss... it happens to all of us so why not think and plan accordingly. Thus, my thoughts based on personal experience, which might be helpful to others. Yours Sincerely,
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Carers Week 13th-19th June
2011 The True Face of Carers
This year the focus of Carers Week is on asking carers about the reality of caring in the UK in 2011. How hard is life as a carer? Or how easy? What are the biggest surprises encountered when becoming a carer? How much help do carers actually receive from government? Or should that be ‘how little’? What can really make a difference to the lives of carers? All this and more will be revealed during the biggest awareness week in the UK from 13-19 June 2011. Carers will be centre-stage to speak about The True Face of Carers and sweep away the myths. There are plenty of ways that you can get involved. These pages give a taster of the various activities that are happening or why not organise your own event? If you would like more information about what is happening in your area or how to get involved, call the office on 01323 738390 or email info@cftc.org.uk.
“At last carers are beginning to get the recognition they deserve. Government and
society at large are just starting to realise the enormous debt we owe them for all the hidded work they have done over the years. Now is the time to keep pushing to improve the support, rights and benefits for all carers remembering to stay flexible in our thinking and our solution, as every caring situation is unique” Pam Ferris
“No doubt a lot of people, including myself, have had to care for someone at a time of illness or infirmity. However, the people who really deserve our support and encouragement are the people, young and old, who are in a situation day in day out, caring for someone who truly depends on them. With little respite, this must surely be a very demanding lifestyle and I acknowledge the sacrifices they make and the limitations which are placed upon them. Thank goodness they care” Sir David Jason (who cared for his partner) “I was surprised to learn that around 6 in 10 of us - from all walks of life - will become carers at some time in our lives. Wanting to look after our loved ones is human nature - but this sometimes comes at a price with many carers telling us they often have to sacrifice their own health and well-being. Taking a break, a holiday or even time out to visit the doctor is just not an option. I have the utmost respect for carers and believe they deserve as much support and recognition as they can get - and more” TV presenter and actor, Paul O’Grady (Who has personal experience of caring for a loved one) For more information about Carers Week and what is happening nationally, visit the official Carers Week website at www.carersweek.org
How to Get Involved... Hold your own! Celebrate Carers' Week by holding your own event! Why not hold a coffee morning or an afternoon tea party? We'd love to see your photos, and can help you to plan your event. We can provide posters, badges and collection boxes and if you need to use printing facilities, just call us and we will do our very best to help.
Information Stands
Be imaginative, have fun and raise money and awareness to support your local carers centre!
We are open to suggestions, so please call us on 01323 738390 if you would like to discuss your We’ll be out and about around the County idea or need any advice. throughout the week - please come and say hello! We look forward to meeting you and will try to answer any questions you have about services and other help available for carers. All dates and venues will be in the What’s On section of our website: www.cftc.org.uk
Seaside Stroll Why not get involved and help us to raise awareness of carers by coming along to a seaside stroll. There will be one in Eastbourne and one in Hastings, the dates to add to your diary are:
Volunteer
Would you like to lend a hand at Carers’ Week events? We’re always grateful for help - whether it’s marshalling traffic at the Carers’ Forum, handing out leaflets at an information stand or helping with all the preparations in the office. Please get in touch if you can help! Call us on 01323 738 390 Email us at info@cftc.org.uk
Eastbourne Wednesday 15th June from 2:30 pm Hastings Thursday 16th June from 2:30 pm It is a great chance to get out and about, meet other carers and let the local community know about Care for the Carers. If you are interested in joining us or organising your own seaside stroll please call the office on 01323 738390 or email info@cftc.org.uk.
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Carer’s Forum March 2011 The last Carers’ Forum took place in Uckfield on 10th March. The key theme was the shape of future services. Panel members were: Roger Strange-Burlong (Chair, Carers’ Forum); Liz Fenton (Chief Executive, Care for the Carers); Barry Atkins (Head of Strategic Commissioning – Adult Social Care, ESCC and Chair of Carers’ Partnership Board); Debbie Charman, (Strategic Commissioning Manager for Carers, Adult Social Care, ESCC). The previous Forum had highlighted a gap in support for parent carers of children Roger welcomed that funds had now been allocated to support this group. Barry gave an overview of Funding for local Carers’ Services – the major challenge the County Council faces is the need to save £37 million overall. The key spending plans of the Local Joint Strategy for Carer Services for 2011/12 include respite breaks, wellbeing and respect and involvement. Carers asked questions, topics included:
central Government. Barry spoke of the importance of making better use of the money we have, as need will eventually outstrip resources.
Adult Social Care and ESCC to co-ordinate information. Liz confirmed it was a balancing act to gather all the necessary information, and stressed that it is crucial that all information is Several carers reported held in one place for carers to difficulties accessing Carers' access – ideally a Carers' Centre Personal Budgets via their for all carers in East Sussex. carers assessment. They had been told that it had been cut, During lively and productive table or offered lower amounts than discussions, carers considered previous years, even though their the following questions: needs had not changed. Debbie clarified that the budget had not 1. How can we reach carers been cut, although individual earlier? grants may not be as high as 2. What kind of information, previously. She apologised if advice and support do carers Social Care staff had not been need? clear, and will work to improve 3. How can we meet the needs communication. of parent carers? 4. What is the best way of Some carers still felt misinformed making carers’ services and reported conflicting available outside of office responses from Social Services. hours? Liz emphasized the importance of consistent information, and Sadly we do not have sufficient Barry confirmed he would follow space on these pages to do them this up, but clarified that demand justice, however key themes is greater than resources, so were: individuals’ grants may be reduced. • Services should include advocacy, befriending and Carers called for flexible counselling, and support respite, and ways of purchasing carers’ wellbeing. respite from outside the current • Concern about means testing providers list. Inconsistencies in for carers and about eligibility provision of appropriate respite criteria for people with severe learning • The need for a carers centre disabilities was highlighted – as a ‘one stop shop’ Barry was concerned and will • Respite should offer more look into how these services are choice, flexibility and offered across the County. planning
• Carers’ Personal Budgets • Purchasing respite • Respite for people with severe learning disabilities • Continuity of care between different parts of the Health and Social Care system • Getting answers and information One carer said: ‘Carers find If you would like a full copy of the • Potential cuts and the impact it difficult to find answers Carers Forum report, or if you on carers’ loved ones and access information. would like to comment please: Crossroads is disappearing, Many carers were concerned jobs disappearing for people Write in to info@cftc.org.uk about funding. The panel with mental health problems could not give any guarantees and respite is reduced. It feels Call us on 01323 738 390 on funding beyond the coming fragile and complicated’. Barry year, as local authority funding reported that there is a long is uncertain, and provided by standing programme between
‘If we say nothing, then nothing will be done’ Roger Strange-Burlong, Chair, East Sussex Carers Forum
ch ! n u l ided v pro
You are invited to the Carers’ Forum Thursday 9th June 2011, from 10:30am to 2:30pm Ashburnham place, nr. Battle
"The true face of East Sussex carers"
Join us to launch this year's Carers' Week in East Sussex, hear about other carers' experiences and share your own.
Book your place by 1st June 2011!!
To book your place call us on 01323 738 390 or complete the form below. Name Address
Would you like to share your story? Share the story of your caring journey, so other carers can learn from your experience and to help provide a picture of the true face of East Sussex carers. I would like to speak on the day
Postcode Telephone Email
I would like to write down my story to be displayed on the day I would like someone to read out my story
Please contact me to discuss my access requirements For example: dietary, mobility, language, sensory impairment etc...
I can help with transport
I would like to bring the person I care for There is an additional cost of ÂŁ6.50 per person, please enclose a cheque made payable to Care for the Carers.
Please book your place by 1st June, return this slip to: Care for the Carers FREEPOST RSAL-CKXH-UBRH 1st Floor Greencoat House, 32 St Leonards Road, Eastbourne, BN21 3UT
I need help with transport We will contact you to discuss your travel arrangements
I can provide a lift to another carer
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Stronger Together Are you a carer? Over 10% of the people in East Sussex are unpaid carers, so you are in good company. Carers are the largest source of care and support in this country, and as such, you deserve recognition and easy access to the support you need to care for your loved ones, as well as help to look after your own wellbeing. You are an amazing group of people, giving your own time when your loved one needs you most. You are resourceful, experienced, knowledgeable and inspirational. Statistically, you are also isolated and more likely to suffer ill-health and poverty. Many of you tell us that the best way to share the load is to spend time with another carer - someone who understands the pressures caring can bring. Although services and support are vital, recognition and feeling understood are just as important.
“We believe the Carers’
Centre model is the best way of delivering the quality services carers deserve. It gives carers from across a whole County a central point of contact and helps partners to work together effectively. It’s also cost effective, especially considering the specialist input Centres gain from The Trust.” Liz Fenton, CEO - The Princess Royal Trust for Carers
Working Together We are in touch with over 5000 local carers from all backgrounds, of all ages, and who have a wide range of caring responsibilities, and we’d love to meet more of you. We’re also developing new ways of introducing you to each other, so watch this space if you would like more opportunities to link with other carers. The Princess Royal Trust for Carers is the largest provider of comprehensive support services in the UK, and supports us to survive and thrive. Being a Network Member of The Trust helps us in several ways:
Your Carers Centre A guarantee of quality Care for the Carers is your local Carers' Centre. We are the only Carers' Centre in East Sussex, and we exist solely to support local unpaid carers. We are an independent charity in our own right, as well as being part of a larger network of carer support provided by The Princess Royal Trust for Carers.
To remain in the Network, our work must remain of consistently high quality, which improves our resilience to changes in funding. We were one of the very first Carers’ Centres in the country to achieve The Trust’s Quality Award, developed specifically for Carers Centres.
We offer a diverse range of services, all tailored to the expressed needs of East Sussex carers. Over 21 years, many of you have helped grow the organisation by sharing your expertise with us via questionnaires, focus groups and carers forums. Others are trustees, volunteers and members, taking a leading role in developing Care for the Carers.
The Trust develops research and publicity, high profile media campaigns, publications and greater awareness of carers’ issues. National television, radio and press coverage adds to local awareness of carers’ needs. We also contribute to The Trust’s national publications and our work has been showcased with the aim of inspiring commissioners and funders.
Raising awareness
Working in partnership We believe in the impact of partnership working. By sharing our specialist knowledge with our local partners, and learning from them, we work towards the best results for carers. Locally, we represent carers interests at all the Health and Social Care Partnership Boards and we have a number of formal and informal partnerships with other local charities.
Grants for carers and Carers’ Centres
partnerships with a number of other voluntary organisations in our bid to increase their ability support carers.
The Trust’s grant giving programmes help us to develop Can you help? and fundraise for new services, putting us at the forefront of new To really be your Carers Centre, practice development aimed at we need your involvement. supporting carers. We’d love to be in contact with We can also apply to The Trust more local carers. for grants for carers, such as Carers’ relief that provides If you know someone who household equipment for is an unpaid carer, why not adult carers; Individual carers' check whether they receive this breaks and group activities and magazine - we’ve included a Individual and group activities tear out slip on page 10 for them (for young carers) adding to to send in, or they can check out our ability to directly support our website at www.cftc.org.uk individual carers in East Sussex. And if you would like to get Stronger Together more involved, why not consider becoming a member, joining the This is an important time for Carers’ Forum or volunteering? carers and carers’ services in East Sussex. Local voluntary Just give us a ring on organisations were recently 01323 738 390 invited by Adult Social Care to find out more. and the NHS to bid for funding Using local evidence to to deliver carers’ services, via Looking forward to the Commissioning Grants influence nationally hearing from you! Prospectus for Health, Social Hearing your views and listening Care and Wellbeing. to your experiences is central to making sure that services in We would like to thank those East Sussex deliver what local of you who helped us develop carers need them to. Through our bid. Our proposal builds our connection with The Trust, on current services, so we are your feedback also influences hopeful that we will be able to national debates and policy continue to provide information, as it ensures that the UK advice, groups, training, Carers Governments and devolved Forums and more to all carers in administrations consider the real East Sussex. stories of carers and Carers’ Centres. We were delighted to include
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Summer Notice Board Free Counselling Service for Carers You may like support to cope with experiences through your caring journey. Being a carer is a role that often evolves, isn’t planned or expected and can be a very lonely and isolating experience. We hope that our counselling service can make a difference. Call 01323 738390 for more information
Doing Life Differently Written by and for people living with ill-health, injury or disability, the Doing Life Differently series looks at new ways of progressing careers, managing money and getting the best from Information Technology (IT). The 3 publications currently in the series are: Doing Work Differently Doing Money Differently Doing IT Differently
all can be downloaded free from www.radar.org.uk or call Currently on offer from Wealden 0207 250 3222 Eastbourne & Lewes Mind:
Mental Health First Aid Applied Suicide Intervention Training Skills Training
Carers Emergency Alert Card
Befriending Project
What is the Carers Emergency Alert Card?
For more information call 01323 648836 or email info@welmind.org.uk
The Carers Emergency Alert Card is available to unpaid Carers in East Sussex.
Help us keep you updated...
If you have access to email and have not already sent us your email address, please do. We send out regular emails to our mailing list about events, training opportunities, carers news and more. If you want to keep in touch with what’s going on, please send in the form on the back page or email info@cftc.org.uk with your request.
It helps to identify carers in the event of an emergency and ensures that the person they care for is supported. How does the Card work? A Lifeline operator will ensure that the Carers Emergency Alert Plan is followed. There are operators available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information call 01323 738390 or email alert@cftc.org.uk
TALKING NEWS We would like to inform all blind and partially sighted carers who receive the recorded version of CareLine who Talking News are no longer able to produce the magazine on tape. Instead we can offer CD recordings or if you have access to an audio player that can play files from a USB pen, we can provide the pen each edition. Please call the Care for the Carers office on 01323 738390 to discuss your options.
Fancy a Break? Young Carers Caravan The young carers would like to offer all carers the opportunity to book a week at a reduced rate (not school holidays) at their wheelchair accessible caravan at Coombe Haven Holiday Park, Hastings. The cost will be between £140.00 - £200.00 including fuel. The caravan has 1 double and 1 single room and a pullout bed in the lounge. For more information and to book call the Young Carers Team at Care for the Carers on 01323 738390
For more information about what’s happening over the next coming months, see our “Whats On” page on our website - www.cftc.org.uk
Have you got time on your hands? Volunteering can make a difference to the lives of the carers we support and to our charity. It can also make a difference to you. The time you give to volunteering can be as little or as much as you want. This may only be a few hours each month. Any time that you are able to give to volunteering can help make a real difference to carers and the work we do. Whether you want to volunteer to give something back, gain new skills or help others, there are a variety of opportunities available and we would love to hear from you. If you are interested please call 01323 738390 or email volunteer@cftc.org.uk
Do you know anyone who may be a carer? Who are not in contact with Care for the Carers? Have you told them about us? Please pass this slip to them and suggest that they get in touch with us. We are here to help ALL local carers. Name Address
Demonstrator Site came to an end on 31st March Although the full service evaluation is not complete, we know that many more NHS staff now understand the importance of identifying and involving carers in their work. Approximately 1500 carers were referred to Care for the Carers from primary care and hospital settings. We are evaluating whether support to carers has improved the health outcomes for carers and the cared for person. Due to the success of the project, we have received additional funding for 5 months to continue the work in the hospitals and extend the model to community services. We hope to publish the findings in the next CareLine. Watch this space.
Telephone Email
I would like information on What's On for carers in East Sussex I would like Care for the Carers to contact me to discuss my caring role Please return to: Care for the Carers FREEPOST RSAL-CKXH-UBRH 1st Floor Greencoat House, 32 St Leonards Road, Eastbourne, BN21 3UT
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Carers Notebook Pharmaceutical Support
In April, the Lewes Group was visited by a NHS pharmacist who talked about medication in general and then took questions from carers. Needless to say this was exceptionally well received. As the pharmacist will not be able to attend all groups, please feel free to come along to one of the other groups if you have queries or are simply interested. The pharmacists will visits the following groups: Rye Group meeting - 25th of May Bexhill Group meeting - 26th of May Eastbourne Group meeting - 19th of September
In the meantime, we are developing, in conjunction with the NHS pharmacists, a ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ Sheet on Medication. We hope to include this in a future edition of CareLine. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns that you would like addressed. All questions submitted will be used anonymously. Please contact Francesca on 01323 738390 for further details.
Towner Art Gallery Helps with Memory Problems The Towner Art Gallery in Eastbourne and the Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust are hosting art tours specifically to help people with dementia or memory problems. Art therapists and mental health professionals have worked with the gallery to create the ‘Open Ended’ art tour. Gallery staff have trained in dementia friendly communication skills to ensure that these tours engage with people. Please contact the Towner Gallery for more information, or to book a place on 01323 434 670
Day care for people with memory problems Shared Lives, part of SAILS, have launched a new scheme offering an alternative to day services for older people with memory problems or who live with dementia. The scheme can support people to participate in their interests or hobbies. The service can be tailored to meet individual needs, giving the opportunity of valuable respite to carers. For more information please contact us on 01323 738390 or Social Care Direct on 0345 60 80 191
urne IT Training in Eastbo
e in Eastbourne The Global Information Centrcourse of 5 IT is offering carers a free d. lessons over a 5 week perio rm and friendly The centre offers a wa ff to guide you atmosphere with patient sta ially designed to through the course spec nfidence needed provide the skills and co useful services. to get online and access rers who have Suitable for all abilities. Cad us that their recently attended have tolat way to relax hourly IT session is a gre . while they learn new skills ntact For further information co 90 83 73 Francesca on 01323
For more information about what’s happening over the next coming months, see our “Whats On” page on our website - www.cftc.org.uk
ps? New Grou
ently We are curr o new tw considering Pevensey in e Groups, on in Forest Row. r and anothe r e to registe k li ld u o w u the If yo in either of an interest roups, please proposed gFrancesca contact 38390. on 01323 7
New Beginnings The next New Beginnings Course will start on June 8th. We already have a few carers who wish to attend the eight week course and we will try to find a venue that is easily accessible by all carers who have expressed an interest. The course is designed for carers who for whatever reason, come to the end of their caring responsibilities. The aim is to support reflection on the time spent as a carer and to take positively from the experience and, to assist in stepping forward with more confidence and greater awareness of life’s opportunities. For more information about New Beginnings, call Francesca on 01323 738390.
Former Carers We are keen to build upon the happy success of our pioneering Former Carers Group and set up a similar, new group for carers who for whatever reason have relinquished the caring role. The original group has been hugely instrumental in developing an information pack for carers, as well as information packs for former carers who have been bereaved. Far more importantly however, the group supported each other through troubled times and from this, have become firm friends and now enjoy days out with each other. If you would like to join our second Former Carers Group, please contact Francesca on 01323 738390.
Wadhurst and Rye Groups Our Wadhurst Group meets in the centre of the village, in a cosy room at Carillon Cottage. We meet every third Thursday from 10:30 until noon and if you would like to pop in, you will be made most welcome. There will also be a warm welcome from the Rye Group if you choose to pop in. We meet every fourth Thursday at the Rye Memorial Hospital on the Peasemarsh Road from 10:30 until noon. On the 25th of May we will be visited by an NHS pharmacist. There is plenty of parking on site.
Carers Groups offer a warm welcome, conversation, information and a sharing experience. Groups take place on the following days of each month: Lewes - 1st Monday Hailsham - 1st Wednesday St Leonards & Hastings - 1st Friday Former Carers - 2nd Tuesday (Eastbourne) Seaford - 2nd Wednesday Bookwatch - 2nd Thursday Eastbourne - 3rd Monday Wadhurst - 3rd Thursday Rye - 4th Wednesday Bexhill - 4th Thursday Uckfield - 4th Friday
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Other News Do you feel supported by your GP? As a carer, help from your General Practitioner (GP) and their practice team can make all the difference. Often, this is the first place where carers find out that they can access support in their own right, and get information about local services. Around one in ten patients in every practice cares for a relative or friend who is sick, disabled, or frail - and it is usually only a matter of time before the carer becomes ill as a result of neglecting his or her own health needs. GPs can play a vital role in encouraging carers to look after their own health, as well as helping them in their caring role. What has your experience been? Does your GP know that you are a carer? Do they help you to manage the impact of your caring role on your health?
Can you share any examples of good practice? Any tips on how to get the best from your surgery? Please send in any experiences you’d like to share with other carers.
caring role. Please include the following information with your nomination:
• Name, address, telephone number of patient and carer (indicating whether they are If you would like to formally happy for their GP to see their recognise excellent GP support, nomination or whether they why not nominate your GP or wish to remain anonymous) surgery for the Caring about • GP’s name and surgery Carers Award? The award contact details recognises GPs in the UK • How they have supported who support carers in their you as a carer with your communities, and highlights best caring role practice so that others can learn from their good work. The Royal The closing date for entries is College of General Practitioners, 30 June 2011. Letters should be in partnership with The Princess posted to: Royal Trust for Carers, is seeking nominations from carers for this Caring About Carers Award year's awards. The Royal College of General Practitioners To make a nomination, please 1 Bow Churchyard submit details on how your LONDON GP has supported you in your EC4M 9DQ
Meet a Carer! Vali and her partner Chris moved to Eastbourne from Croydon about 2 years ago , attracted by the tennis, as they are both big fans. They have been very busy recently, adapting their home to make life simpler for both of them. They wanted to share some thoughts with CareLine readers in the hope that it will encourage other carers to pick up the phone and ask for help if they are struggling.
were not there. Gilly (Back Team) and Claire (Adult Team ) have been very supportive in getting me help. Just to know I can ring Claire if I need help is good and Gilly comes up with gadgets and things.
I go to the Extend class - carers are good at forgetting about themselves so it is good to go every week. If I can’t go I feel bereft. I think Chris has benefited – she wouldn’t have got as much help.
Has contact with CFTC made a difference?
Finally …….. Vali has had support with many areas of their lives - access to services, financial help, opportunities to meet others and get involved, support, practical help and above all feeling better and more confident.
It has made a great difference absolutely. I am a very shy person and I don’t really stand up for myself. I think it has increased my confidence . It is lovely to have someone standing up for you - I think I may be able to ring Social How has CFTC helped you? Services myself next time instead of I had so much help – getting having someone to do it or me. assessments, equipment. I would Emotionally I am a lot happier and feel ignored by services if CFTC can cope better.
If you would like more information about the Extend classes or support mentioned , please call us on 01323 738390
Contacts for Carers We have developed a fridge magnet for local carers so that you can keep all the important numbers to hand. If you would like a fridge magnet, please call our us on 01323 73839 and we'll post one to you. Cut this one out and put it on your pin board
Young Carers The Young Carers’ team supports young people who have a caring role. We have had a busy few months and have been concentrating on raising funds to continue and hopefully expand the service. We are waiting to hear from both Children in Need and the Big Lottery as to whether we have been successful with our bids. We are delighted to have reached the final stage for both. If successful, Children in Need funds would pay for a schools worker and a support worker for the rural areas. The Big Lottery bid is to fund work with young adult carers aged 15 - 24. This work would be to ensure these young people get the support they need to either further their education or find work. We are still fundraising for Young Carers’ clubs and activities, and for the Young Carers’ Caravan. We would like to encourage businesses or funding bodies to consider sponsoring a club or activity. We are also looking for volunteers to assist young people to travel to and from the clubs. Please contact us on 01323 738390 or email info@cftc.org.uk if you would like any further information.
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Group for Parent Carers! Does your adult son or daughter have a learning disability? Do you ever get the chance to chat to other parent carers?
Care for the Carers is running a new group for parent carers, and we’re looking for members! This is a great opportunity to meet other parents informally. Refreshments will be provided, as well as the opportunity to get information, or just kick back and have a chat over a cup of tea. Call Sarah on 01323 738 390 for more info, or email sarahs@cftc.org.uk
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Making a difference Th a
If you would like to support Care for the Carers, please complete this slip and send it to the FREEPOST address at the bottom of this page.
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the support that you have shown recently and a special thank you for the following donations:
I would like information on: Volunteering Making regular donations Making a Legacy to Care for the Carers
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to all of our sup u po yo k n We are grateful for all r
The Royal Soverign Ladies~ £125 Chairman East Sussex County Council~£1000
Please find enclosed cheque made payable to Care for the Carers for £_______
Frenchgate Christian Fellowship~ £129.94
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Contact Us
Greencoat House, 32 St Leonards Road, Eastbourne BN21 3UT
Lion’s Club of Hastings~£1000 Priory School~ £90.00
Telephone: 01323 738390
Email: info@cftc.org.uk
If you would like to get in contact with us please either call in with your query or complete the relevant slip below and post to the freepost address
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If you would like to know more about our services or make an appointment please indicate what you would like to discuss:
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Name: ____________________________ Address: ___________________________________ __________________________________ Postcode: __________ Tel: ____________________ Please return this whole slip to Care for the Carers FREEPOST RSAL-CKXH-UBRH 1st Floor Greencoat House, 32 St Leonards Road, Eastbourne, BN21 3UT This magazine is available to download at www.cftc.org.uk Care for the Carers is an independent charitable company. Registered Charity No: 1074906 Registered Company: 3677361 Member of the Princess Royal Trust for Carers Network.