CareLine Summer 2013 by Care for the Carers

CareLine SUMMER 2013

e The Fre r e fo Magazin rers Ca d i a p n U ussex S t s a E in

carers week : were you prepared to care? making time for your health new carer support groups holidays & caring

Information What’s on Advice Carers’ tips News

Supporting Carers in East Sussex

Welcome to CareLine Jennifer Twist Chief Executive, Care for the Carers

As I write, the dust is settling on a busy Carers’ Week, during which it was a real pleasure to meet many carers, volunteers and partners. Carers Week is a national awareness campaign aiming to improve the lives of carers and the people they care for by raising the profile of caring. It encourages carers to make contact with organisations which exist to support them, as well as celebrating the significant contribution carers make to the people they care for and to their communities. Carers Week also campaigns for sustainable funding for services and support for carers and the people they care for. This year, we held 3 Carers Forums during Carers Week, launching a new way for carers to take part in the ongoing debate on carers’ policy, experiences and needs. Discussions echoed the Carers Week theme, “Prepared to Care”. We were particularly pleased to find that a higher proportion of carers who came along to the events were there for the first time, and we hope that this new model will continue to enable more people to take part. The support for Carers Week from volunteers and partner organisations has been impressive. This included Carers’ Champions manning information stands in the hospitals, Patient Participation 2

Care for the Carers

Groups in GP surgeries raising awareness, and volunteers organising refreshments at the Forums. I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone for your help. You will notice on p.5 that Kim Pittman is sadly moving on to pastures new. Kim is a longstanding member of the staff team at Care for the Carers, and has achieved so much for local carers in her time here. We will miss her very much, but wish her every success as she carries on the good work in her new role as a specialist benefits advisor at Hastings and Rother Advice and Representation Centre. And finally, I would like to reach out to new readers who may have stumbled across CareLine in your GP surgery, or other community venue. If you are caring for a relative or friend, please do consider making contact with us, or one of the organisations included in this magazine. We would be very happy to discuss the possible support, information or networking opportunities available to you and would welcome your involvement in one of our carers groups or forums. Best wishes,

In this issue Carers Voices Groups Do you want to make

Jaki’s Benefits Update

Update from the Carer Support Team

things better for carers?

Jaki tells us about the changes to Council Tax and Housing Benefit

Kim says farewell to Care for the Carers

Support for Carers

Information from organisations from around the county

6-7

News from the GP’s

How to Complain

Explaining how GP’s are now in charge of buying health services A quick guide from the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman

Carers In Touch

10 - 11

Carers Week 2013 Find out what happened at the new local carers’ forums

12 -13

Staying Healthy Helping you to make time for your own health

14 - 15

The latest news from the groups and new training opportunities for carers

Carers Holidays Are you going on a summer holiday?

CareLine in partnership with

Do you look after someone? Do you look after a relative, friend or neighbour who couldn’t manage without your help? If you provide unpaid support to a relative, partner or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or substance misuse problems, you are a carer. You might feel that you’re doing what anyone else would in your situation; looking after your mum, son, or best friend and just getting on with it.

We are your local carers centre Care for the Carers is an independent charity and we have been supporting unpaid carers in East Sussex since 1989. Our team of staff and volunteers can provide practical & emotional advice. We can put you in touch with other carers, and offer a range of groups, training and events.

we're here to help!

A Note from the Editor David Thompson Editor

How can this be the summer edition when summer doesn’t seem to have arrived yet? Here’s a thought, maybe it’s been waiting for CareLine?! This edition is filled to the brim with useful information and I would like to thank everyone who has contributed articles. I am always on the lookout for carers’ stories, so please get in touch if you would like to share yours. I hope you enjoy reading this edition,

Carers Voices Groups Would you like to have a more active role in tackling the key issues carers in your area say are important to them? We are looking for carers to join three new carers voices groups, each representing a different area of the county. These will be made up of 10 carers, and 10 representatives of organisations who support carers, from each area. Groups will meet at least 4 times each year. Any carer can apply to become a member of the carers voices group in their area. We are looking for members who can attend regularly, and can support you with respite care costs and travel expenses.

Supporting Carers in East Sussex

To join a group or to find out more call Debbie Harris on 01323 738390 or email debbieh@cftc.org.uk www.cftc.org.uk

Jaki’s Benefits Update Council Tax Reduction replaces Council Tax Benefit Council Tax Benefit (CTB) stopped on 31st March 2013 and has been replaced by locally set Council Tax Reduction (CTR) schemes. The local authorities in East Sussex have agreed to operate broadly the same scheme but there are variations in other parts of the country. This is still an award based on the financial circumstances of the person(s) liable for Council Tax and cannot be claimed if savings are over £16,000. There have been no changes for pensioners, who will continue to be awarded Council Tax Reduction (CTR) on the same basis as they had Council Tax Benefit (CTB). ‘Pensioners’ are people who have reached the age at which women are eligible for State Pension and, for this purpose, the age applies to men as well. This age is currently about 61 and a half and is rising gradually up to 65. Couples where only one of them is a pensioner will be included in ‘Pensioners Rules’ for the time being. People of working age will only get CTR if they are eligible for more than £5, so some people who 4

Care for the Carers

by Jaki Hall Benefits Liaison Officer, Wealden District Council

would have had a small reduction in the past will lose out. They will also have an increase in ‘non-dependent deductions’. Non-dependent deductions are the amount that people in the household, who are not the applicant or partner, are expected to contribute to the Council Tax. The Second Adult Rebate, which was rarely claimed, has also ceased for people of working age. If you have any queries, you should contact the local authority who collects your Council Tax.

Housing benefit and the ‘spare room subsidy’ Since April, tenants of working age who are ‘under-occupying’ social housing will be subject to a reduction in their Housing Benefit (HB). This means that tenants in Council or Housing Association properties will have their HB reduced if they have a ‘spare’ bedroom. These changes bring tenants of the social sector into line with the rules about bedroom size which apply to private tenants. The maximum HB which can be paid is based on the number of bedrooms required by the household. One bedroom is

allowed for: »» »» »» »»

An adult couple Every other adult aged 16+ Any 2 children of the same sex Any 2 children under 10, regardless of sex »» Any other child »» A non resident carer, who regularly provides overnight care for a disabled person In addition, a bedroom will be allowed for foster children, army personnel serving abroad and children with severe disabilities who are unable to share. It is for the local authority to decide whether an extra bedroom should be allowed in cases where there is a severely disabled child. If tenants have ‘spare’ bedrooms, they will lose 14% of their HB for one spare bedroom and 25% for 2 spare bedrooms. Tenants in this situation will need to make up the difference, to avoid getting into rent arrears, or try to move to smaller property. They can also apply to their local authority for a Discretionary Housing Payment to assist with the shortfall, if they have good grounds for being unable to move or pay the extra rent, but, even if money is available, it is only likely to be for a limited period. If you have any queries, you should contact your local authority.

Update from the Carer Support Team

Kim says her goodbyes It’s been so long that the only way I know how many years I’ve worked for Care for the Carers is by my daughters age. When I started back in November ’98 she was 5 months old, so I would have been here for 15 years this November… Back then, the organisation was relatively tiny compared to how it is today. I was an outreach worker for the Bexhill area and there were only two other workers covering the rest of Rother– we didn’t even cover Hastings, let alone the rest of East Sussex.

Hidden Hastings The Association of Carers is planning an art and photography exhibition called ‘Hidden Hastings’. The exhibition will form part of Coastal Currents and will be held at The Kave Gallery, St Leonards-onSea from October 5th for two weeks. ‘Hidden Hastings’ aims to raise awareness in the local community of the stress and isolation faced by

In 2001, I nearly left! The funding for the outreach workers in Rother was coming to an end and no more had been secured, so I handed in my notice. It wasn’t until a week before I was meant to leave (to go and work for Age Concern) that we had some fantastic news – we had more money! I was really pleased that I was able to stay and continue to support carers, the thought of leaving tore me apart so this was a huge relief. In my time with Care for the Carers I have seen the issues facing carers change, new laws have come in supporting carers and they are now (for the most part) being better recognised. However, I have seen carers face new challenges over the years; recently these have been the budget cuts and welfare reforms. Over the years, I have met so many different carers, a hugely diverse range of people and am proud to

Carers and the difficulties of living with long term illness and disability. They want to identify artists that have a connection to the caring role, whether it is because they look after someone or are themselves looked after. Although the exhibition will be open to submissions from all artists, the priority will be to showcase the work of unpaid Carers and the people they look after. ‘Hidden

have been here to support them. There have been happy times, sad times, awkward moments and some real challenges but they have all been worthwhile. Carers have had a huge influence on my life so far and I have so much admiration for the job that you do, I will miss you all greatly. But it’s not all bad news! I will be taking up a new post with HARC (Hastings and Rother Advice and Representation Centre) as a specialist benefits adviser covering the whole of East Sussex. I’m sure that at some point in the future our paths will cross and I will meet many of you again. Lots of love,

Kim Pittman Adult Carer Support Worker

Hastings’ will give Carers and the people they look after the chance to express themselves creatively and feel included in the local art scene. If you are interested in being involved please call Sara Young, Fundraising Coordinator on 01424 722309 or email sarayoung@ associationofcarers.org.uk

www.cftc.org.uk

Support for Carers Do you look after someone with a drug or alcohol problem? If you do, you are not alone… Action for Change have a free and confidential service which is aimed at providing you with help and support. You might find your self facing feelings of anger, despair, confusion as well as a sense of hopelessness; you may not understand why ‘your person’ drinks and do not know how to change them for the better. Action

Help for carers to make complaints about NHS care in East Sussex SEAP’s new, local, Independent NHS Complaints Advocacy Service was launched in April this year. This is a free, independent advocacy service supporting individuals making a complaint about any aspect of their NHS care or treatment; this includes treatment in a private hospital or care home funded by the NHS. 6

Care for the Carers

for Change can help. A carer said: “I had very judgemental views on the subject of drug addiction until my son became a user. I struggled with a mixture of emotions, fear for my son, parental guilt, shame and embarrassment from the stigma. On an hour to hour basis my feelings changed. One minute I wanted to rescue him (quite often I thought I did with large sums of money) and the next I was consumed with overbearing anger towards him for the way he was destroying himself and his family.

me some peace of mind, strength and understanding. ‘’ If you or anyone you know would like support and advice from Action for Change contact them for more information. The service is FREE and CONFIDENTIAL – running throughout East Sussex. Email info@action-for-change.org Telephone: 0300 111 2470 ‘Action for Change’ support people to take positive action on alcohol for better health and well-being.

‘’Action for Change is helping me unravel my thought process which allows me to keep calmer, giving

Advocacy is a process of supporting and enabling people to: »» express their views and concerns »» access information and services »» defend and promote their rights and responsibilities »» explore choices and options. Complaining doesn’t come easily to most people but complaints are a good way for the NHS to identify any concerns around patient care and treatment. Most complaints are about finding out why things have gone wrong and wanting mistakes to be acknowledged.

Some people just want to hear the word ‘sorry’ and most importantly, complainants want their experiences to be a catalyst for positive change and improvements in the NHS so others can benefit. If you would like further information about the NHS complaints process and what it involves or support in making a complaint, please visit our website at www.seap.org.uk, telephone; 03003 435709 or email; EastSussex@seap.org.uk

CareLine supported by

Carers Information & Support Programme Helping carers to cope with dementia

estimated to exceed 83,000 within the next ten years. Alzheimer’s Society provides a range of services in East Sussex to support the growing number of people living with dementia, their families and carers. Alzheimer’s Society Carers Information and Support Programme (CrISP) is designed to educate carers and families of people with dementia about how to cope with day to day life and how to plan for the future.

we find that the more informed people are, the more confident they feel as a carer. Alzheimer’s Society’s Carers Information and Support Programme ensures people know what to expect now and in the future.’ CrISP courses are held across Wealden, Eastbourne, Hastings & Rother and Lewes with the next courses commencing from September 2013.

Dementia is a condition that, for a long time, has been blighted by stigma and misunderstanding. However, the reality is that a number of people with dementia living in East Sussex is rising. There are currently 66,000 people in the South East of England with dementia, and that number is

‘Caring for someone with dementia can be incredibly stressful and

How Telecare can help carers

emergency occurs. It can also provide greater independence for the person you look after.

also be able to move around their home more freely without having to check on Mrs W constantly.

How Welbeing have helped:

Mr W felt much more confident and relieved to have telecare in place, and was pleased to be able to go out walking with their dog. He tells us that by having telecare, they would be able to stay in their home for the foreseeable future.

Telecare is technology-based equipment that can help provide peace of mind and independence for you and the person you look after. It consists of a range of sensors positioned throughout the home detecting for example a gas leak or fire, or if the person you look needs assistance. Either you or Welbeing can be alerted to the problem. The purpose is not to replace you as the carer, but to allow you to leave the house, or get a good night’s sleep, confident that you will be informed if an

Claire Grover-Forde, Alzheimer’s Society Support Services Manager for East Sussex, says:

Mrs W has dementia, poor mobility, falls and a history of purposeful walking, she lives with her husband who also has health problems. Mr W is mainly concerned about the walking and falls. They have a dog he would like to take for walks, but does not go out for fear of leaving his wife.

For more information about CrISP training courses in East Sussex, please call 01424 773687 or email lisa.pollock@alzheimers.org.uk

For more information contact Welbeing on 01323 644422 welbeing.org.uk

By having a telecare package in place Mr W has some respite and is able to walk the dog. Mr W will www.cftc.org.uk

News from the GP s GPs in charge of buying health services for East Sussex East Sussex GPs are now responsible for millions of pounds of health spending following one of the biggest ever NHS shake-ups. Three GP-led clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) replaced the two East Sussex primary care trusts on the 1st April 2013.

High Weald Lewes Havens CCG »» 22 practices »» 164,000 patients »» budget of £196m for 2013/14 »» chaired by Dr Elizabeth Gill The CCGs are committed to working with patients, their families and carers, and local communities to improve people’s health and health services. Each governing body, which meet in public every other month, has a lay member for patient and public involvement. There are numerous ways people can get involved, including by joining their GP surgery’s patient participation group.

CCGs are membership organisations with strong clinical leadership. They are responsible for commissioning the majority of health services for people in their area - hospital care, community health services, mental health care and a range of other services.

For more information about the CCGs, including patient and public involvement (PPI), visit their websites or send them an email:

All GP practices belong to a CCG. They are intended to ensure a closer relationship between local people, GPs and commissioning decisions.

Eastbourne, Seaford and Hailsham CCG EHSCCG.yoursay@nhs.net www.eastbournehailshamandseafordccg.nhs.uk

The three East Sussex CCGs are:

Hastings and Rother CCG HRCCG.yoursay@nhs.net www.hastingsandrotherccg.nhs.uk

Eastbourne, Hailsham and Seaford CCG »» 22 practices »» 80,000 patients »» budget of £240m for 2013/14 »» chaired by Dr Martin Writer Hastings and Rother CCG »» 32 practices, »» 184,000 patients »» budget of £253m for 2013/14 »» chaired by Dr Roger Elias

Care for the Carers

High Weald Lewes Havens CCG HWCCG.yoursay@nhs.net www.highwealdleweshavensccg.nhs.uk Or write to: Sara Geater, Head of Community Relations, Bexhill Hospital, Holliers Hill, Bexhill TN40 2DZ, Or telephone: 01424 755470 ext. 5227 Or text: 07827 895606

How to complain about public services Complaining about public services is not easy. It takes confidence, determination and stamina. Thankfully, most people are satisfied with their experience of public services. But for those who do have a reason to complain help is available. Every year the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman receives around 24,000 enquiries from people who have a complaint about a public service. Last year, for instance, we dealt with over 16,000 enquires about the NHS. These covered a wide range of issues covering helping people to secure entitlement to funding, poor treatment of the elderly in hospital, removal of patients from GPs’ lists, misdiagnosis of cancer and much more. But the Ombudsman service also deals with complaints about government departments and agencies such as the Department of Work and Pensions, Jobcentre Plus and the tax office. Many people simply don’t know how to complain or where to start. Our research shows that carers in particular are often afraid to complain because they don’t want to cause trouble for fear of getting a worse service – whether this affects the people they are looking after or directly impacts on their own situation. Yet we know from our own investigations that complaining can resolve injustices, correct mistakes and also help to improve public services for others.

These are the steps you need to take if you have a complaint. The first is to complain in writing to the organisation or individual, whether that is a hospital, GP, government department or agency. Complaining to them directly might get the matter resolved quickly. Explain why you’re unhappy and how you want them to put things right. You must give the organisation a chance to resolve your complaint and give you their final response. If you are unhappy with the response, you may want to approach the Ombudsman service. If your complaint is about the NHS you can approach us direct. For other public services you need to contact an MP and ask them to pass on your complaint to us. (Staff at the Ombudsman service may be able to help with that.) When a complaint comes to us our customer service team first checks the following. »» Does the complaint fall within our remit? For instance, if the complaint is about a localauthority funded service such as a care home we may refer it to the Local Government Ombudsman. »» Has the complaint been made in writing? »» Was it made within the normal time limit of 12 months? (We still may be able to help if it’s

outside this window, but it is important to act swiftly.) »» Has the person complained to the organisation and received a final response? »» Are they still unhappy about this? Once a complaint has satisfied preliminary checks, we may find that we can get the problem resolved quickly by talking to the organisation. In other cases, we normally carry out an investigation. We’ll look at all the facts. We might need to gather additional evidence and get expert advice as well. If we find that the organisation have done something wrong that needs to be put right, we’ll work with them to get that done. This could mean asking them to acknowledge their mistake, apologise, pay compensation or give an assurance that the same mistake won’t happen again. When something goes wrong, understanding how and where to complain remains vital to peoples’ faith in democracy. Knowing where to go and who to complain to is an important first step in that journey. For more information, or to make a complaint contact the Ombudsman service, call them on 0345 015 4033, email phso. enquires@ombudsman.org.uk or visit them online at: www.ombudsman.org.uk www.cftc.org.uk

Carers In Touch . Carers’ Groups Carers' Groups

An update from Francesca

Each group meets monthly on the following days:

Our groups offer carers offer a warm welcome, conversation, guest speakers, information and a sharing experience.

Lewes 3 Monday Eastbourne #1 4 Monday Eastbourne #2 1 Wednesday Hailsham 2 Wednesday Seaford 3 Wednesday Pevensey 4 Wednesday Rye 2 Thursday Eastbourne Bookwatch 3 Thursday Wadhurst 4 Thursday Bexhill 1 Friday Hastings & St. Leonards 3 Friday Forest Row 4 Friday Uckfield 1st Monday rd

This approach has proven to be very successful, so successful that the Eastbourne group outgrew it’s venue! The decision to create a second group was made in consultation with group members who agreed that space was becoming an issue. This means that the original Eastbourne Group will as usual continue to meet on the third Monday of the month and a new group will meet on the fourth Monday of the month.

If you would like more information, please call me on 01323 738 390.

Dementia Support Groups

Alzheimer’s Society

Do you support someone with dementia? Would you like somewhere you can discuss issues affecting your life?

Second Thursday of each month 11- 1 pm. Newington Court, Pickforde Lane TN5 7DJ

You’re invited to attend your local peer support group run by the Alzheimer’s Society. These groups provide a safe, friendly environment where you can be yourself and talk about dementia comfortably with others who find themselves in a similar situation.

Last Tuesday of each month, 2-4pm. Rye Memorial Hospital, Peasmarsh Road TN31 7UD

Interested?

If you would like to find out more call Francesca on 01323 738390 or email her at francescam@cftc.org.uk

For further information, or if you would like to join a group, please call Susanne Gifford 01424 773687 or 07715 802134

10 Care for the Carers

Ticehurst

Rye

Bexhill

Third Wednesday of each month, 2-4pm. The Charter Centre, London Road, TN39 3JU.

Hastings & St Leonards

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

Training Courses for Carers Autism Support Groups Autism Sussex Autism Sussex have two new support groups for parents and Carers of people with autism, which meet once a month in Hastings and Eastbourne. Facilitated by a parent of someone with autism, these groups are a place for you to share experiences and to meet with specialist advisors to discuss topics chosen by the group.

Hastings upcoming meetings

on Tuesday 23/7, 27/8 and 24/9, 5.30pm – 7.30pm at Roebuck 3, Roebuck Street, Hastings, TN34 3BB.

Eastbourne upcoming meetings

on Thursday 27/07, 01/08 and 29/08, 6.00pm – 8.00pm at Community Wise, Ocklynge Road, Eastbourne, BN21 1PY. For more information contact Autism Sussex on 01424 773366 or visit www.asfamilysupport.org.uk This project is being funded by East Sussex County Council.

Everyday First Aid Care for the Carers We are fortunate to be working in partnership with East Sussex County Council and the British Red Cross in providing a series of Every Day First Aid sessions for carers. These two hour sessions will cover a range of subjects including head injuries, heart attack and strokes. Sessions will be spread throughout the remainder of the year with the first session being held in August in Bexhill and will conclude in December in Eastbourne. Other sessions will be held in Hailsham, Hastings,

Lewes, Seaford, Pevensey, Wadhurst, Forest Row, Rye Bexhill and Uckfield. It is our aim to utilise some of the venues that are already being used by carers groups but in some cases we will need to look a little further afield. You do not need to be a member of a group to attend a session but will need to book a place. If you would like further information, please contact Francesca on 01323 738 390

Manual Handling East Sussex County Council ESCC are offering free training courses on manual handling for unpaid carers. The courses are normally delivered once a month at their specially developed manual handling training room in Hailsham. For more information or to book email jason.o’flaherty@ eastsussex.gov.uk or call Francesca at Care for the Carers on 01323 738 390

The courses are available on the following dates:

Tuesday 16th July 10 - 12 pm Friday 2nd August 10–12 pm Tuesday 3rd September 1-3pm Wednesday 9th October 1-3pm Monday 18th November 10-12pm Thursday 5th December 10-12pm www.cftc.org.uk

Carers Week 2013 Update from the new Carers’ Forums This year, Carers Week has been asking UK carers if they were Prepared to Care? Through an online survey, carers were asked to share the impact that caring has had on their lives and their experiences of getting support from professionals and services. In particular, the survey focused on carers’ relationships, career, finances and health & wellbeing.

the forum took place at Maresfield village hall for the High Weald, Lewes & Havens area.

At each meeting we asked carers the Carers Week question ‘were you prepared to care?’ and the overwhelming answer at all three forums was ‘No’; carers weren’t prepared for the changes that becoming a carer would bring - financially, emotionally or practically. In East Sussex, just over 6 out of 10 carers were not prepared for all aspects of caring

As part of Carers Week we held three carers’ forums; each one representing its own area of East Sussex. This new local approach will help to make sure that carers’ views and experiences are heard locally, as well as countywide. The first meeting of the new carers’ forums took place on Tuesday at Udimore Village Hall for carers from the Hastings and Rother area, on Wednesday we met at the Clinton Centre in Seaford for carers who live in the Hailsham, Eastbourne & Seaford area and on Thursday 12 Care for the Carers

Starting off the day, Debbie Harris, Involvement Officer at Care for the Carers, talked to carers about the new ways in which they can get involved and have their say on health and social care services in East Sussex. She also explained why we are now holding smaller local

carers forums, rather than a larger countywide meeting. To help us to make sure that (a) these changes are for the better and (b) that we are doing everything we can to get more carers involved, we asked each forum three questions: “what is stopping you from getting more involved”, “what support can we give to help you get involved?” and “what’s the easiest way for you to be involved?”

Interestingly, carers from each area identified similar barriers which are stopping them from being more involved and suggestions for how to overcome these included arranging transport to events and help with respite. It was also suggested that CareLine, one to one contact, carers groups, coffee mornings and better use of the internet (such as online forums and

video) would be a good way for all carers to have their say. Carers were also encouraged to sign up to be part of the new ‘carers voices groups’ - you can read more about these on page 3.

friends and family and how they are an invaluable support network; but many also told us how they have found it difficult to maintain these relationships.

In groups, we went on to explore the Carers week theme ‘Prepared to Care?’ and look at the impact that caring can have on carers’ lives, in particular relationships, finances, career and health & wellbeing. We also asked carers to complete the Carers Week Survey so that we can build a picture of the experiences of carers in East Sussex compared to carers nationally. Our findings show that, on average, East Sussex carers are 12% better prepared to care than carers nationally.

Nationally, 7 out of 10 carers were not prepared for the change in relationship with the person they care for Locally, we’re seeing a similar figure with just over 6 out of 10 carers agreeing that they were not prepared for this change. Carers talked about the importance of

Nationally, 7 out of 10 carers were not prepared for the financial impact of their caring role From taking responsibility for household finances, to coping with a reduced income, increasing utility bills and the impact on savings; carers told us how changes to their finances meant that they had to rethink their whole lifestyle. Just under 6 out of 10 carers at the forums said that they were not prepared for the financial impact of caring. In East Sussex, three-quarters of carers were not prepared for changes to their lifestyle because of a caring role

At each forum carers shared their experiences of the stresses that caring can bring to the workplace, such as the worry that taking time off ‘might not look good’ and the pressures to give up working. Some commented about the lack of understanding, flexibility and sympathy from employers, but in contrast others spoke encouragingly of the support they have had. 2 out of 5 carers at the forums have given up work because of their caring role. Nationally, just under two-thirds of carers were not prepared for the impact caring had on their career

In the afternoon of each forum, carers were encouraged to stay and explore a ‘market place’ of voluntary organisations, service providers and businesses; with representatives on hand for carers to meet and find out about their services. The full report, including results from the survey, will be available shortly. Download yours from our website www.cftc.org.uk or contact Debbie to receive a printed copy, call her on 01323 738390 or email debbieh@cftc.org.uk www.cftc.org.uk

Staying Healthy . Making time for your own health Healthcare appointments, supporting carers to stay healthy When you are busy looking after someone else it can be all too easy to forget about your own health. For example, you may not be able to leave the person you care for on their own while you go to see your GP or dentist, or attend an outpatient appointment. If you have home care or home based respite arranged by Adult

Create positive change in your life through WRAP Coastal Wellbeing is run by Molly Booth and Lucy Tucknott, two Advanced Level WRAP Facilitators, who bring 3.5 years of facilitation and lived experience of WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Planning). Their aim is to support and encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to create positive change in their lives through WRAP. WRAP provides a structured framework to explore what people can do to maintain their wellbeing. This means looking at things we do to take care of ourselves, as well 14 Care for the Carers

Social Care, you can ask your provider to arrange for a care worker to look after the person you care for while you are out, or to accompany you and the person you care for to the appointment. There is no charge for this service. Adult Social Care will cover the cost of the replacement care so there is no additional cost to you or the person you care for. If you want to use this service you should contact your care provider in good time to allow them to arrange the replacement care. Please make sure you tell them as soon as possible if your

the things that can make looking after ourselves difficult. WRAP is a way of planning for all aspects of life and can help people to feel more in control and able to voice their needs. They deliver WRAP as a six-week course. Groups meet weekly for three hours and can accommodate up to twelve participants. An essential part of groupwork is the group agreement that we create together at the beginning of each course, thereby creating a safe learning environment for all participants. The course content explores all of the Recovery Concepts that underpin WRAP and the seven sections of WRAP itself. They provide handouts, opportunities for creative

appointment is changed or cancelled. For information about Adult Social Care and carersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; services contact Social Care Direct on 0345 60 80 191.

You can also use the Healthcare Appointments service to attend training, this includes the Everyday First Aid and Manual Handling training on page 11

expression, alongside small and large group discussion. Attending a WRAP group will provide carers with the opportunity to gain information around wellness and recovery, support their own wellbeing and the wellbeing of those they care for. Participants learn through their own experience and the experience of others. For further details please see www.coastalwellbeing.co.uk or call Molly Booth 07507 734 370 or Lucy Tucknott 07598 323 254

Staying Healthy . Looking after your mental health New Recovery College Opened in Hastings & Rother On 6th June Hastings and Rother Recovery College pilot was launched. The College is a partnership led by Activ8 (a local Mind organisation) and Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. It provides mental health, wellbeing and recovery focused education for people with mental health challenges, their friends and families, and staff. All courses are co-produced and co-facilitated by peer trainers with personal experience of mental health challenges alongside trainers with

expertise from professional training. People choose courses from a prospectus and receive a certificate on completion. Courses open to carers include introductions to understanding medication; mindfulness; psychosis or mood disorders and ‘creating memory boxes with people with dementia’. At a training day on family inclusive practice, led by carers and staff, for carers and staff, about how they could work together, one carer said: “this is the best idea I have come across in mental health.” The pilot is being evaluated to demonstrate its effectiveness in terms of enabling people to reach their own goals and recover from

mental distress. Recovery is a personal journey of discovery. It involves making sense of what has happened; becoming an expert in managing your own mental health, and pursuing your own hopes and goals to live a meaningful and satisfying life. If you or the person you care for is interested in attending one of the courses, please download our prospectus and registration form from our website: www.activ8forlife.org. Alternatively telephone Lily or Su on 01424 442435; or e-mail rc@activ8forlife.org

Support Care for the Carers If you would like to make a donation please send the form below, along with your donation as a cheque or postal order, to our freepost address. For more information please call us on 01323 738390

Name Address

If you are a tax payer, you can Gift Aid your donation and make it worth more. For every pound you give to us we get an extra 25p from the Inland revenue. My donation I would like to make a donation of

I enclose a cheque/postal order Please make cheques payable to Care for the Carers

I would like to Gift Aid my donation Postcode Telephone Email Please post this slip to our freepost address overleaf

A Lasting Legacy Please contact me to discuss how I can make a donation in my will www.cftc.org.uk

Summer Getaway? Holidays

put together some information that may help.

Very often summertime makes us think of holidays, although for some of us that thought is not just limited to summertime! We all understand the importance of having a break and getting away but for carers arranging a holiday with or without the cared for can be challenging, stressful and even exhausting. Where to start, where to go, how to plan, can we afford it, can our requirements be met? These hurdles are often enough to make people feel that it is all too much and give up on the idea of a holiday. With that in mind we have

e have put together a useful W factsheet with information that will hopefully help your search for that ideal break, visit our website www.cftc.org.uk to download yours or call the office on 01323 738390 to request a printed copy. Whilst we cannot endorse specific companies or places, we do recommend researching destinations online. At www.tripadvisor.co.uk you can type in where you are looking to go or search ‘carers holidays’, ‘accessible holidays’ to get ideas and see reviews. If you don’t have access to the internet at home, you can use a computer for free at your

local library. Call us here at Care for the Carers and we will try to get the information for you. If you are looking for respite care and need some support or advice contact Adult Social Care Direct 0800 60 80 191 If you need to arrange respite care for the person you care for whilst you go on holiday, it is a good idea to organise this first as there may be difficulties in booking a suitable place or services for the days you want – particularly at popular holiday times. If you need any further assistance give us a call at the office and we will see how we can help you.

Contact Care for the Carers

freepost address

call us on 01323 738 390 or email info@cftc.org.uk 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.

Name Address

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

I would like to be called regarding: Support & advice around my caring role Information on carer services I have moved: Please update my address

Postcode Telephone Email Please post this slip to our freepost address

I am no longer a carer: Please remove me from the mailing list Please let me know about staying in touch I would like to receive CareLine: by post

by email