The newsletter of Carers Milton Keynes
Money Matters The Care Act – how will it affect you? Dedicated to supporting carers
Spring 2015
New social and learning groups for Spring Carers MK launch new Befriending Service www.carersmiltonkeynes.org
www.carersmiltonkeynes.org
Meet the
Team... Chief Executive Stephen Archibald
Finance Manager Kirstie O'Sullivan Adult Services Sue Bowering Anne Matthews Debbie Baxter Karen Turnbull Christine Straughan Lynne Stoodley Celia Palmer Karen Jones Parent Participation Rachael Sherratt-Smith Young Carers’ Team Sally Mansi Debbie Norton Caroline Roxburgh Helen Galvin Tracy Cook Volunteer Driver Service Project Co-ordinator Heena Trivedi Acorn House, 375 Midsummer Boulevard, Central Milton Keynes MK9 3HP Tel: 01908 231703 Email: mail@ carersmiltonkeynes.org Reg charity no 1116804; Company number 05577393 Advertising Kevin Mok Telephone: 01536 526678 Email: Kevin@lancepublishing.co.uk Published: Lance Publishing Ltd Telephone: 01536 521126 www.lancepublishing.co.uk Printed: Lance Print Ltd Telephone: 01733 394625 www.lanceprint.co.uk
Foreword by the
Chief Executive It’s been a busy few months here at Carers MK with new members of staff joining, our successful canal trip for carers in October, the Carers MK AGM in November and our Christmas party. We have also been busy preparing for the changes to carers support that will be introduced when the Care Act comes into force this April. You can find further information on the Care Act and how the changes could affect you on Page 7. We are excited to announce a number of new social and learning workshops including Mosaic sessions and Cooking for those carers who have limited cooking experience but found themselves in a position of having to do most of the cooking at home. Thanks to Works for Us in Milton Keynes who are running these sessions as well as inviting female carers to attending their Women without Boundaries groups – where you can try your hand at Tai Chi, Sewing, Art & Craft and even belly dancing!
We are also pleased to announce the launch of our new Befriending Service for carers due to launch at the end of February 2015. We are currently looking for people who are willing to be trained and supported to become Volunteer Befrienders for carers. By becoming a befriender you will help to reduce a carer’s social isolation and improve their health and well-being by providing friendly social contact, emotional and practical support. We continue to see the number of carers referred to our service increase, and we are working hard to reach out to all those thousands of carers who need our help and support throughout Milton Keynes. If you know someone who is a carer but doesn’t currently get support from us please encourage them to get in touch. Stephen Archibald Chief Executive Carers MK and Carers Bucks stephen.archibald@carersbucks.org
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07
Contents
08 Supported by
04
News From Carers MK
10
Parent Carers
05
Social Events
11
Mental Health Carers
06
Learning and Information Workshops
12
Services & Information
07
The Care Act and you
13
Support Groups
08
Young Carers
14
Money Matters
Our front cover picture shows a group of carers who attended our canal trip to Leighton Buzzard in October. Many thanks to the Rotary Trust for their generous donation which helped make it happen. Spring 2015 | 3
NEWS FROM CARERS MK WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS OF STAFF Meet the new team members... Welcome to Diane Bowen
Welcome to Gemma Johnson
I
have recently joined Carers MK and as a Volunteer I will be responsible for keeping in touch with Carers in the local area. I am really enjoying working with the team and getting to speak to many different Carers and learning about their caring roles.
I
have recently joined the Carers MK team to provide monthly Reflexology treatments for Carers. Having previously practiced nursing and midwifery, I now practice reflexology and am very much looking forward to seeing some of you soon. Reflexology provides a wonderful opportunity to relax your mind and body, which everyone deserves from time to time. For details on how you can make an appointment for a relaxing Reflexology treatment just ring Carers MK on 01908 231 703.
Welcome to Karen Jones
I
have recently joined the Carers MK team as a part time administrator and have been made to feel very welcome. I am pleased to be part of such a friendly, supportive team. I was referred to the Carers MK service as I am a Parent Carer and the support and advice they gave me was fantastic, and so it is a pleasure to now be working as part of the team. This role is a change of career direction for me and I am enjoying every minute of it.
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Welcome to Hayley Mountstevens
I
I have recently joined the Carers MK team as Communications Manager. As part of my role I will be helping raise the profile of Carers MK, including working with the local and national media and external organisations. I will be responsible for all communications including writing the Carers MK newsletter and other printed materials, as well as making regular updates to our website, Facebook and Twitter pages. I am looking for young and adult carers in MK who are happy to be interviewed and have their photos taken for local media opportunities for Carers MK. If you would be happy to be involved in helping then do give me a call on 01908 231 703 or email hayley. mountstevens@carersbucks.org
01908 231703
SOCIAL EVENTS S
pring is a great time to try something new, learn a new skill and meet new people Carers MK’s Social Events offer something for everyone.
Men’s group Our popular informal meetings for male carers will take place at The Barn Beefeater in Central Milton Keynes from 7pm on the following Mondays: 2nd March, 30th March, 27th March, 1st June.
Book Club Our Book Club meets once a month to discuss the chosen book (which is provided). If you enjoy reading why not come along and meet others who do too, as well as having a deserved break from your caring role. Tuesdays 3rd Feb, 3rd March, 7th April, 5th May from 2.30 – 4.00pm
Yoga Carers find Yoga so helpful in their stressful busy lives. The group for people who have done Yoga before continues from 11.30am – 1pm on Tuesday Feb 3rd (with a £3 voluntary contribution) and runs for six weeks.
Creative Writing Group Have a go at developing your writing skills in a friendly and supportive environment. This Spring, the group will meet on the second Wednesday of each month
Cake decorating for Easter The Great British Bake Off TV series has inspired a whole nation of bakers – so why not try your hand at our cake decorating session taking place at 10.30am – 12.30 on Tuesday 31st March.
11th February, 11th March, 15th April, 13th May from 10.30am – 12 midday.
Mosaic session Why not learn a new skill with our new mosaic sessions taking place on Wednesdays on 25th Feb, 4th March, 11th March, 18th March from 12 midday -2pm at Norfolk House West 122 Silbury Boulevard 12-2pm
Christmas Party Our Christmas party took place on Saturday 6th December at Lovat Hall, Newport Pagnell and was a great success with over 200 Carers and those for whom they care attending. Everyone was treated to lots of festive food, magic and music and we all had a very Merry Christmas!
The ‘Introduction to Yoga’ sessions start on Tuesday Feb 3rd from 10am – 11am and then running every Tuesday (these sessions are free of charge). Please let us know if you wish to attend by calling Carers MK on 01908 231 703. The sessions run for six weeks. Yoga sessions are held at Heron’s Lodge, Bradwell Road, Loughton, MK8 9LA. Please note: If you know you aren’t going to be able to make a Yoga session you must give notice to Carers MK if you aren’t going to be able to make it, as your place could be filled by someone else.
For further information on Social Events see P.13
Women without Boundaries Ever wanted to try Tai Chi or Belly Dancing? Perhaps you want to improve your sewing skills or try your hand at knitting for charity. Women without Boundaries is an exciting project run by Works for Us, a local charity which aims to support people into work. The informal activity groups are for all women in the community and a place to make friends and learn something new. Each group has a facilitator making it a supportive and safe environment in which women can grow in confidence. Comments from group members include: ‘It’s nice to give new things a go and develop the confidence in something I wouldn’t have tried before’ ‘A lovely, friendly, exciting, stress-free place to be’ A full list of groups, along with dates, times and location are available on the Works for Us website www. worksforus.org.uk or contact Carers MK for further information.
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CARERS LEARNING AND INFORMATION WORKSHOPS T
he Carers MK Learning and Information workshops offer you the opportunity to learn some new skills tailored to helping you in your caring role, as well as access to new and useful information. Our workshops are all delivered by a team of highly skilled professionals.
From February – May, the Learning and Information workshops will cover Diet and Nutrition, Dysphagia and swallowing problems, First Aid Awareness, Manual Handling, Safeguarding and Benefits. Access to some training may depend upon the support you are currently receiving from Carers MK. Please contact our offices on 01908 231 703 for further information. Unless otherwise stated all training sessions take place at our offices in Acorn House, Midsummer Boulevard.
Learning Workshops
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re you caring for someone with Dysphagia and swallowing problems? · Do you want to know how the swallow works? · How to look out for aspiration or swallowing difficulties? · Find out what is the best practice for support? · How to contact Speech Therapy and what they do to help? Lucy Smith, a speech and language therapist is running an interactive session for Carers MK on Monday 23rd February 10am – 11.30am. Please contact us on 01908 231703 to book your place.
Diet and Nutrition
H
ow can we make sense of all the different diet and food advice that comes to us from all directions? This practical, interactive session will be a chance for you to discuss current issues, and help you work out for yourself what eating for good health really means. The
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workshop takes place on 23rd March from 10am – 12pm (midday).
Cooking for Beginners
H
ave you found yourself in the position of having to do the cooking at home because the person you care for is unable to do it? From March 12th, Works for Us in Milton Keynes will be hosting six basic cookery sessions for Carers who have limited cooking experience and would like to learn some basic cooking skills.
The sessions will be held at Frank Moran Centre, Melrose Avenue on a Thursday afternoon from 1.30pm - 4pm on 12th, 19th, 26th March and 2nd, 9th, 16th April. Food will be provided for the first session and then each week the group will decide a simple menu for the following week and provide their own ingredients.
First Aid Awareness
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his course is tailored to those attending and starts with a brief introduction where attendees will be asked to briefly explain who they care for and the types of challenges that they face. This will allow the tutor to tailor the session to best meet their needs. • How to deal with an unconscious adult or child • How to deal with a person who is choking – including the technique for dealing with wheelchair users • How to manage a major bleed • How to deal with seizures/convulsions • An overview of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (video and tutor demonstration) The sessions take place on the following dates and times: 2nd February 10am – 12.30pm 9th March – 1.30pm – 4.00pm 13th April – 10am – 12.30pm 11th May – 1.30pm – 4.00pm
Manual Handling (Back Care)
T
his course also starts with a brief introduction where the attendees will be asked to briefly explain who they care for and the types of challenges that they face. This will allow the tutor to tailor the session to best meet their needs. The session will cover the compulsory elements of care plans and communication with the patient and “Power Posture” and a practical exercise. The rest of the course will be tailored to the needs of the participants and can include: • Sitting to standing/standing to sitting • Walking with frame or stick • Assisted walking • Laying to sitting • Use of wheelchairs • Equipment Slide sheets Glide cushions Turning seats etc The sessions take place on the following dates and times: 2nd February – 1.30pm – 4.00pm 9th March – 10am – 12.30pm 13th April – 1.30pm – 4.00pm 11th May – 10am – 12.30pm Both of the above courses will be delivered by Guardian, at their venue which is situated on 2nd Floor, De Vere Harben, Tickford Street, Newport Pagnell, Milton Keynes MK16 9EY.
www.carersmiltonkeynes.org
THE CARE ACT – THE CHANGES & WHO IT AFFECTS
T
he Care Act will come into force in April 2015 and be implemented in two stages over the next two years. It will bring about fundamental changes to social care which will affect almost everyone who needs care and support. New rights entitle carers and the people they care for to an assessment of their needs regardless of their income and finances or their level of need. Young carers and the parents of
Information Sessions
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eprivation of Liberty safeguards (DoLS) and Mental Capacity Act (MCA) Have you come across any of this terminology and found it all a bit confusing? Then you are not alone. When is DoLS or MCA applicable and what do I need to do if it does apply to the person that I am caring for. How do I raise safeguarding concerns and where do I do this? This informative course is designed for carers; please contact Carers MK to book a place. The session takes place on 15th April from 9.30am – 1pm
disabled children are also included in the new system. The benefit of having an assessment is that it will identify care and support needs and provide information and advice about services aimed at meeting those needs. In April 2015 most of the Care Act will comes into force, including the way in which local authorities should carry out carer’s assessments and needs assessments, how local authorities should determine who is eligible for support; and the new obligations on local authorities. In April 2016 the remaining parts of the Care Act will come into effect, including how local authorities should charge for both residential care and community care, and the introduction of the ‘Care Cap’. From April 2015 •E veryone has a right to an assessment of their care needs regardless of their financial situation and should receive information, advice and guidance whether eligible for Council support or not. •T he introduction of a consistent, national eligibility criteria •N ew rights to support for carers, on an equivalent basis to the people they care for •G eneral responsibilities on local authorities including promoting people’s wellbeing, focusing on prevention and providing information and advice •L egal right to a personal budget and direct payment •D eferred payments to cover the cost of care home fees. The Council will, in effect, loan you the fees until your demise or when you choose to sell your home.
From April 2016 • £72,000 CAP on care fees – excluding ‘living costs – currently £12,000 per annum. • Care Account must be set up to record progression toward the CAP. You must have eligible needs assessed by the Council. • Assests and savings limit – this is currently £23,250, and will change to between £17,000 £118,000 for financial help from the Council. For further information on the Care Act and how it affects you visit www.gov.uk/goverment/ publications Milton Keynes Council has also introduced a Programme Board to oversee the implementation of the Care Act in Milton Keynes. For further information please contact: CareAct@milton-keynes.gov.uk Tel: 01908 253410
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YOUNG CARERS MILTON KEYNES Bounce ……. Jumping into half term a total of 50 Young Carers thoroughly enjoyed bouncing around at the new Milton Keynes trampolining activity ‘Bounce’. This was a hugely popular activity with our Young Carers arriving excited and ready to go. Great fun was had by all!
THANK YOU TO YOUNG CARERS!
A special thank you goes to all those Young Carers who have joined us on activities to make each and every event a success. Young Carers make a huge impact on their families, providing support to family members who may have physical or mental illness, disability or drug and alcohol dependency. Being a Young Carer is never easy and we are aware of the fantastic job that is done by each and every one. Please remember that all of the Support Workers at Young Carers are here for you so don’t hesitate to get in touch. Contact us on: Office Numbers – Main: 01908 231703 Debbie’s Line: 01908 257824 Caroline’s Line: 01908 257 285 Helen’s Line: 01908 257 827 Mobiles – Debbie: 07597 975734 Caroline: 07762 416607 Helen: 07503 452015
Archery
Emergencies or Out of Hours –
In the October half term a small group of Young Carers played Robin Hood and tried their hand at Archery at the Caldecotte Activity Centre. This activity was a bulls-eye event with some sharp shooting from the talented Young Carers. The day was shared with a huge number of ‘Bunnies’ who all came to watch at the great delight of the archers.
Emergency Social Work Team 01908 265545
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Childline 0800 1111 Samaritans 08457 90 90 90 Emergency Services 999
Worry Workshops Some Young Carers have joined us at Worry Workshops to help with any anxieties and learning coping strategies. Two three part workshops including an evening of bowling at Hollywood Bowl, proved invaluable to Young Carers and are something we will run again. Thank you to everyone who attended and made a valuable contribution to the Workshops.
Sledging at SnoZone Sliding into Thursday 30th October, a chilly day was had by all on the snow at the SnoZone. Another popular event despite the low temperature!
MK Dons Tickets for the match on Saturday 22nd November were kindly donated to the Young Carers together with enough money for hotdogs all round. A great day was had by all, with the added bonus of MK Dons winning 1 – 0!
01908 231703
The forum will also give Young Carers the opportunity to take part in activities exclusively for the forum members. This will include; social outings and the possibility of an exchange with another forum, giving Young Carers the opportunity to meet other Young Carers and to see how being a young carer effects those living in different areas from you. The skills you develop and certificates you could gain from being involved with the forum would be great for going on your CV, which will help whether applying for jobs or further study.
High Ropes On a wet and cold Wednesday afternoon during October half term, a group of brave and determined teenage Young Carers took to the heights. At Caldecotte Activity Centre the High Ropes challenge was a fun event for everyone. Three teams took on the challenge of building a tower of milk crates to a massive height of 13 crates. The instructor had the delightful task of knocking the crates down leaving Young Carers hanging. A massive ‘Well Done!’ to everyone, and especially Emily who was not keen to meet the height challenge - a fear which she bravely overcame. Well done Emily!
Young Carers Forum We are currently looking to recruit six young carers to join our Young Carers Forum here in Milton Keynes, to represent all our young carers. The forum gives young carers taking part the opportunity to have their say in the services we offer. Representing all the young carers, the forum meets every half term to raise issues and discuss ideas. Through the forum young carers will have their say in activities we do, arrange fundraising, promote young carers and influence services affecting them.
Hollie and Valmik are currently members of the Forum and here give their reasons for taking part. Hollie says “Because I like to suggest some things that will help others and young carers, like organising trips. I can always talk to the staff about anything and always have a lot of funny moments to help me forget about the bad stuff in my life.” Valmik says “I think that the Forum group can help people that have difficult problems with life. I hope that other young carers are going to get their views across. I have found with Young Carers that I have met lots of people that are in the same position as me and made some really good friends.” If you would like to know more about joining the Young Carers Forum, then come along and join us, our next meeting is on 12th February 2015. Please contact Debbie, Caroline, Helen or Tracy for more details on 01908 231703.
PGL Re-Union Every year a group of Young Carers are taken on a residential holiday during the summer holidays. A reunion meal for everyone who went on the 2013 and 2014 PGL trips was held at the Harvester in Milton Keynes in November. It was great to see the friendships that had been made during the trips re-kindled.
Looking Ahead to 2015 Young Carers MK has already started planning events for 2015. A Siblings Workshop will commence in January. This is a workshop that has previously been held for Young Carers who look after their siblings. It has been a very successful event in the past and we will continue to run this workshop. We will also be running a ‘Boost’ workshop. This is particularly aimed at teenage girls to improve self-esteem and confidence. There will be many Activities during the school holidays in 2015. Keep your eyes peeled for invitations. Unfortunately funding is such that not everyone can be invited to all activities. Invitations are sent to Carers who we feel will benefit the greatest from each specific activity. Young Carers who are registered are offered different levels of support. Some Young Carers already share fun activities with their families and may not need the extended support provided by Young Carers MK. Don’t forget though, we are here to provide support to everyone. We are on the end of a phone 01908 231703. A big thank you also goes to our volunteer drivers and other volunteers. All of the help we are given is so much appreciated, not only by us but by the Young Carers who benefit.
Pantomime ‘Rapunzel’ Young Carers must say a massive thank you to the Milton Keynes Rotary Club for their donation of 20 tickets to see the Christmas pantomime at Stantonbury Theatre, as well as enough money for ice-creams and drinks during the break. We can only thank the Rotary Club for their continued support and providing this Christmas treat.
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PARENT CARERS Changes to the Groups Sadly we have stopped the session at the Art Room on the Lakes Estate, but have replaced this with a drop in bi-monthly at Daisychain Children’s Centre. There is an existing group there and we will be going along to provide support and information.
GUEST SPEAKERS Every third Monday of the month between 10.30am-12.30pm at Acorn House we will welcome a speaker to our Parent Carers group. Monday 23rd February Kevin Mangan from POhWER which is the advocacy service for Milton Keynes, will talk about how their service can benefit parent carers. Kevin was booked to come last year but was unable to make it so we are pleased to welcome him for this session. Monday 16th March We are delighted that one of the autism trainers will attend this session to talk about what it is like to grow up and live life on the autistic spectrum. Monday 20th April Guest speaker – Jill Wagstaffe from the Children & Families Commissioning team will be discussing short breaks for children with additional needs. Monday 18th May Mandy Fell is the Deputy Manager of the Children with Disabilities Team. She is warmly welcomed to this session. We have received some great feedback from some parents who attend our Parent Carer groups: ‘I have learnt so much from other parents at the groups, and it’s nice to be with others who understand what I’m going through’ Melanie Carroll, Parent Carer.
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What is the Milton Keynes SEND Local Offer? The Local Offer is a directory of information aimed at helping families to find information about education, health and care services, as well as leisure activities and support groups. As from 1st September 2014, all local authorities were required to have their own local offer as part of the government’s SEND reforms.
Who is it for?
It is for children and young people with SEN and/or disabilities (SEND) from birth to 25 years, their parents and carers, practitioners and professionals. You can access the Milton Keynes Local Offer by following this link http://www.milton-keynes.gov. uk/schools-and-lifelong-learning/ special-educational-needs/sendlocal-offer If you do not have access to a computer parent/carers can contact the SEN team on: 01908 253414 to ask for a copy to be posted to you. You can also contact MK Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service (MK SEND IAS) Formally Parent Partnership Service: 01908 254518 Email: mksendias@milton-keynes.gov.uk
FREE ‘Special Needs’ session at 360 Play Roebuck Way, Knowlhill, Milton Keynes, MK5 8HL Friday, 27th March 2015 6.30pm – 8.30pm. If you are a parent/carer of a child with additional needs then join us for a chat and find out more about PACA whilst your children enjoy the fun at 360 Play. Siblings are welcome to join in the fun too! No need to book, just turn up!
Learning Disability Partnership Board The next Partnership Board meeting will take place on Tuesday 3rd February from 10.45am – 2pm at Heron’s Lodge Guide Centre, Milton Keynes. The purpose of this meeting will be to plan how the Partnership Board will work for the rest of the year and will be an opportunity for Parent and Adult Carers to meet together and share information. For further details please contact Anne Matthews at Carers MK on 01908 231 703 or Luci Dunlop on 01908 253 209 or lucienne.dunlop@milton-keynes.gov.uk
www.carersmiltonkeynes.org
MENTAL HEALTH CARERS MENTAL HEALTH CARERS
T
he Mental Health group meets on the first Wednesday evening of every month. Carers looking after someone with a Mental Health condition find it beneficial to meet with others in a similar situation. We alternate chat sessions with a meeting with a speaker to inform you of local services. All meetings take place 6pm – 7.30pm at Acorn House. • 4th February – Speaker Darren Pearson from the Richmond Fellowship will talk about their employment service. • 4th March – Coffee and Chat session • 1st April – Speaker Pete Raimes Service Director • 6th May – Coffee and Chat session Please contact Beth Lawrence on 01908 340 967 or email beth. lawrence@milton-keynes.gov.uk for more information.
FRIENDS AND FAMILY COURSE FOR THE RELATIVES/SPOUSES OF PEOPLE WITH A PERSONALITY DISORDER The Family Carers Support Team within Milton Keynes Mental Health Service together with Debbie Baxter from Carers Milton Keynes have now completed the fifth course for people supporting someone with a personality disorder. This is an eight week programme that runs for two hours a week for one evening a week. The course provides information and support to people who are coping with behaviours such as suicide attempts; self-harming; aggressive outbursts; extreme mood swings; and risky behaviours from their loved ones. There are a number of different types of personality disorders and the course material provides information on these; together with the treatments that are offered and how people are diagnosed. The course also explains some theories about the causes of personality disorders and some possible explanations regarding why people behave in the ways they do. It also covers practical suggestions regarding dealing with difficult behaviours and suggestions of how to cope in a crisis. A very popular part of the course is when we have two visitors; one who has previously been diagnosed with a personality
disorder and who is now doing well as a result of having been through a successful treatment programme, and another who is supporting someone with a personality disorder who has attended a previous course and is further ahead on their caring journey. We hope that people with these valuable experiences will be able to help facilitate the course in the future. All of the previous course participants have said that they would recommend this course to others in similar situations. Here are some of the things they have said about the courses: “Thank you and please keep it going. Invaluable and a life saver.” “I think it is a fantastic course and will miss it now that it has finished.” “The best thing you can do for yourself and the person you care for.” “The course was like a breath of fresh air when you are dealing with difficult situations.” If you are interested in finding out more about future courses please contact either Beth Lawrence or Kirsten Gatehouse on 01908 340967 or Debbie Baxter on 01908 231703. This year Mental Health Awareness Week takes place 11th – 17th May 2015. For further information visit www.mentalhealth.org.uk/ourwork/mentalhealthawarenessweek/
FUNDRAISING & EVENTS
T
hank you to everyone who has been kind enough to donate to Young Carers and Adult Carers during 2014. The support and money donated is hugely appreciated and helps us to touch the lives of many Young Carers. These donations allow us to put on activities and workshops in order to provide
Young Carers with the well-earned break that they need.
Donations this year have been received from the New Manor WI, Bletchley Carnival, Milton Keynes Rotary Club, Asda, Rotary Club of Winslow, Milton Keynes Masons, Lakes Lane Open Gardens, Penn Road Street Party Committee,
Santander, St Martins Masonic Lodge who kindly paid for the Summer Celebration and some personal donations. A massive amount of £28,333 has been given to Carers MK since April 2014. However fundraising and donations continue to be vital in order for us to carry out the services we are able to offer to carers. Spring 2015
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SERVICES & INFORMATION W
e are pleased to announce the launch of our new Befriending Service which is aimed at Carers who provide unpaid support to a relative or a friend who, due to frailty, illness or disability, could not otherwise manage without them. By becoming a befriender you will help to reduce a Carer’s social isolation and improve their health and well-being by providing social contact, emotional and practical support. We are looking for people who are willing to be trained and supported to become Volunteer Befrienders for Carers. We want to make sure that your volunteering experience is the best it can be. In return for giving us your time, we will provide you with an induction, ongoing training, supervision and support. We take our responsibilities to our volunteers seriously. The service is due to launch at the end of February 2015. All volunteers will be reimbursed for expenses incurred as part of your voluntary activities (e.g. travel and
Carers Assessments and eligibility under the Care Act
C
hanges to the Care Act 2014 will mean new rights which will entitle carers and the people they care for to a clear right to an assessment of their needs regardless of their income and finances or their level of need. Young carers and the parents of disabled children are also included in the new system. The benefit of having an assessment is that it will identify care and support needs and provide information and advice about services aimed at meeting those needs. A carer’s assessment is for adult carers of adults (over 18 years) who
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telephone costs) and will be paid on completion of an expenses claim form. Expenses can be claimed on a monthly basis.
and Buckinghamshire.Ideally you should be able commit at least 1-2 days a week for a few hours to transport families to and from their appointments.
Receiving benefits?
Our aim is to match each driver to a family or client to transport them to their location safely. Full training and support will be given.
As long as you only receive volunteering expenses there should not be a problem with volunteering while on benefits. Please talk to the service manager if you have any concerns.
All volunteers will need a full clean driving licence, access to a 4 door car, have insurance and be able to commit 6 months volunteering. You will also need to be DBS checked (formerly CRB).
For further information contact Sue Bowering, Adult Carers Service Manager at Carers MK on 01908 231 703.
In return you will receive full training, be reimbursed for mileage and costs for meals (for long distance journeys) and have your car valeted once every eight weeks.
Volunteer Drivers Wanted!
If you are looking to gain valuable experience to help towards a career in social work, or to learn and develop new skills or simply have free time to help someone going through a difficult period, this could be for you!
Have you ever wanted to do something that could really make a difference to your community? Carers MK is currently recruiting Volunteer Driver Heroes to support a new driving project aimed at helping families in Milton Keynes are disabled, ill or elderly. It is an opportunity to discuss with your local council what support or services you need. The assessment will look at how caring affects your life, including for example, physical, mental and emotional needs, and whether you are able or willing to carry on caring. From April 2015 the people who carry out assessments may change. Previously only social workers from the local authority could carry out assessments, but from April 2015 local authorities will be able to arrange for other organisations to carry out assessments. For further information on Carers Assessments please contact Carers MK on 01908 231 703.
To find out more contact Heena (Project Co-ordinator) at Carers MK on 01908 257 826.
C
arers MK is launching a new online community in February enabling Carers who share similar situations to ask questions, share information, swap ideas and discuss issues regarding; support, training, money & legal matters and any general questions you may have. The online community will also give you the opportunity to discuss similar issues with other carers and discover how they overcome some of the day-to-day challenges in their lives. To take part visit the Carers MK website at: www.carersmiltonkeynes.org.
01908 231703
SOCIAL EVENTS
CONTINUED...
Singing
MK Museum
Singing is a great way to let off some steam while having fun and meeting new people. Why not join our friendly group for a singing session this Spring – all welcome! The group will meet at Newport Pagnell United Reformed Church Hall, High St, Newport Pagnell.
A visit to the MK Museum will take place on Thursday 7th May from 11am. Contact Carers MK for further information.
Contact Carers MK for further details.
SERVICES AND INFORMATION Alzheimer’s Society Information Sessions The Alzheimer’s Society will be further Carer Information sessions for Carers of people with dementia.
The Independent Local Consumer Champion for Health and Social Care in Milton Keynes. If you use these services in Milton Keynes we would be pleased to hear from you regarding your personal experiences of them. You can also become a member, which is free, and would enable you to be kept up to date on Health and Social Care matters, consultations etc about Milton Keynes based services.
The sessions will take place on February 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd and 2nd March.
Contact us:
For further details please contact Alison McGee at the Alzheimer Society on 01908 232 612.
By email: info@healthwatchmiltonkeynes.co.uk
By phone: 01908 266696
Website: www.healthwatchmiltonkeynes.co.uk
SUPPORT GROUPS
Y
ou will find a full list of our Support Groups running from February – May 2015 on the insert included with your newsletter.
Olney Support Group Meets for a coffee and chat session on the first Thursday of each month – 5th Feb, 5th March, 2nd April and 7th May at 2-4pm. A guest speaker will also be invited to attend these sessions. We would like to take the opportunity to thank the volunteers from Cobbs Garden Surgery PPG for their support and dedications in helping with these sessions. Spring 2015 | 13
MONEY MATTERS D
igital Services provided by Jobcentre Plus to support Carers. Carers have access to the full range of digital services provided by the Department of Work and Pensions.
Claiming Carers Allowance online is quicker and easier than completing the paper claim form and there are fewer questions to answer. Go to: www.gov.uk/carers-allowance to see if you are eligible and make a claim. Milton Keynes Jobcentre is now equipped with public use computers,
these can be used to make a claim to benefits or to look for work. Staff are also on hand to assist you with using the computers.
Remember you can earn up to £102 and claim Carers Allowance from April 2015 this increases to £110. Universal Credit is a new, simpler, single monthly payment for working age people in work or out of work, which merges together: Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, and Housing Benefit.
Universal Credit has been introduced in phases and has gone live across the country, and additional sites will go live as part of National Roll Out including Milton Keynes. Eligibility criteria will be extended gradually until all claimants will be entitled to apply. To find out the latest information go online to: https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit If you require any further information about Jobcentre Plus benefits please visit: https://www. gov.uk/contact-jobcentre-plus or telephone: 0345 604 3719
CARERS – IN THEIR OWN WORDS Kerensa’s story:
“My name is Kerensa-Cheyenne and I am a young carer. For a long time I thought no one would understand because although my family has a lot of disability, they do not look disabled. My brother, sister and niece are Autistic, my brother and niece have microcephaly and my sister has borderline personality disorder, which is a serious mental health problem, resulting in self harm, suicide attempts and unsafe behaviours. Also my mum has arthritis in her back and neck and so is limited in what she can do with me. My dad has heart and lung problems. None of these issues can be ‘seen’ though, and for ages I felt alone with the weight of all these problems. All that changed when I got a place with Young Carers. I have really enjoyed Young Carers and have seen fantastic changes in myself due to their input. I’ve been able to do things with them such as bowling, aquazorbing and art. I would not have been able to do these things before, but Young Carers gives me the chance to let off steam without feeling upset or guilty. All the staff 14 | Spring 2015
are supportive and will talk to me whenever I need. They have even come into school to do stuff with me when things have been very tough at home. I know I can turn to them always to talk things through, and they will not judge, but will try to help me find solutions. Quite simply, Young Carers is amazing and joining was the best thing I ever did.”
Chris’ story: Hello my name is Chris and I am 11 years old. I love going to school and it gives me a break away from home. I am a Young Carer because I look after my dad and my brother who have heart problems and mental illnesses. Being a young carer makes me feel special. But sometime it becomes difficult because talking about my feelings is hard. When my dad and brother get angry it upsets me because I know it before I see it and its terrifying. Young Carers have helped me because it has given me someone to talk to. Before I started Young Carers I didn’t properly understand about
mental health. But now I understand 10 times more. It was terrifying when we went to Ariel Extreme but I conquered my fears. When me and Helen went to the cinema to see ‘The Nut Job’, it was a big jump, though it might sound small to you. I wish more adults would listen to Young Carers so they understand what’s going on in our lives.
Alzheimers’s Request Do not ask me to remember, Don’t try to make me understand. Let me rest and know you’re with me Kiss my cheek and hold my hand. I’m confused beyond your concept, I’m sad and sick and lost. All I know is that I need you To be with me at all cost. Do not lose your patience with me, Do not scold or curse or cry. I can’t help the way I’m acting, I can’t be different though I try. Just remember that I need you, That the best of me is gone Please don’t fail to stand beside me, Love me ‘til my life is gone. Anonymous.
www.carersmiltonkeynes.org
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