Carers Milton Keynes Spring/Summer 2017

The newsletter of Carers MK

Spring / Summer 2017

Fundraising New Workshops

Young Carers Parent Carers Dedicated to supporting carers

Investors in Carers GP Standard Award www.carersmiltonkeynes.org

• Hard Skin Removal • Corns and Caluses • Moisturise • Diabetics Welcome • Fully Insured • Free Foot Check Experience with supporting clients with Dementia, Parkinsons, Alzheimers and other special needs.

01908 225632 07923 578403

Meet the

Team...

Chief Executive Stephen Archibald Finance Manager Kirstie O'Sullivan Adult Services Sue Bowering Robert Benn Christine Straughan Lynne Stoodley Alison McGee Rebecca Eveleigh Fundraising and Events Martine Frith Parent Participation Rachael Sherratt-Smith Young Carers’ Team Sally Mansi Debbie Norton Bryony Gibbens Helen Galvin Volunteer Driver Service Project Co-ordinator Heena Trivedi Communications Hayley Mountstevens Holly England-Archibald Margaret Powell House 439 Midsummer Boulevard Central Milton Keynes MK9 3BN. Tel: 01908 231703 Email: mail@carersmiltonkeynes.org Reg charity no 1116804; Company number 05577393 Advertising Laurence Rowe Telephone: 01536 526678 Email:laurence@lancepublishing.co.uk Published: Lance Publishing Ltd Telephone: 01536 521126 www.lancepublishing.co.uk Printed: Lance Print Ltd Telephone: 01733 390564 www.lanceprint.co.uk

Foreword by the

Chief Executive

W

elcome to the Spring/Summer issue of Carers News.

In this issue you will find lots of useful information including our new Support Groups Diary (April – September 2017) and details of our latest Workshops & Training.

We are pleased to announce that we have launched a carers’ support group in Bletchley, which takes place at West Bletchley Council Offices on every second Tuesday of the month from 10.30 – 12. For details about all the latest support groups see pages 6 & 7.

We are running a number of workshops over the coming months which will cover many aspects of caring roles, including Dementia, Digestion & Gut Health, Managing Stress, First Aid, Advance Care Planning and Manual Handling.

Carers Lounge which will be located in the new main entrance of the hospital. Further information about this will be available soon.

Our Community Fundraiser has been extremely busy over the past few months working with a number of organisations across MK. We would like to thank Kuehne & Nagel, Santander, Bletchley Bowls Club, Argos Financial Services, Pictons Solicitors, St Martin Lodge and M & S Stadium store for all their recent support in selling tickets for the MK Car Raffle.

Our Young Carers team are as busy as ever and will be running a host of club and activities for young carers over the summer. We are also pleased to announce that we have recruited two new members to the Young Carers Forum.

Over the past few months we have been busy seeing the number of Save the Date! Carers Week 2017 carers which we support increase, and takes place from 12th – 18th June, continuing our work with GP surgeries. during which we will be organising In December, we were delighted to groups and activities for carers. The present Milton Keynes Village Practice Summer Celebration for young carers in Middleton with our Investors in and their families will take place on Carers GP Standard Award for its Sunday 18th June at Heron’s Lodge commitment to supporting patients who in Loughton. are unpaid carers. We are now working with a number of other GP surgeries in Stephen Archibald, Chief Executive Carers MK and Carers Bucks MK, and hope to present our second stephen.archibald@carersbucks.org award in the near future.

Later in the year, as part of the latest improvements to Milton Keynes Hospital, Carers MK will be continuing its Carers’ Support Service from a new

Supported by

Contents 04

News From Carers MK

10

Parent Carers

05

Support Groups

12

Fundraising News

06

Support Groups and Training

16

Young Carers

08

Workshops and Training

18

Services & Information

The front cover shows carers attending Carers MK's Sewing Workshop.

NEWS FROM CARERS MK

Investors in Carers GP Standard Award

the hospital direct access to support and advice from a Carers MK support worker.

For further details contact Carers MK on 01908 231 703. For further information about the changes to the hospital building see page 14 or visit http://bit.ly/MKUHImprovements Workshops at Margaret Powell House Two Week Dementia Workshop Thursday 13th & 20th April 2017 10:30 – 12:30 Digestion & Gut Health Workshop 19th May 2017 - 10.00 – 12:00 We are pleased to announce that Milton Keynes Village Practice is the first surgery in Milton Keynes to be given an Investors in Carers GP Standard award by Carers MK. Milton Keynes Village Practice has been working closely with us to achieve accreditation standards.

The accreditation standards encourage GP surgeries to be more flexible around the needs of carers when making decisions about appointments/home visits. By having clear signage within the surgery, so that carers are able to identify themselves and then register as a carer. We are keen that priority flu jabs are offered to carers and by having an up to date carers register, this enables the surgery to do this.

We are working with other GP surgeries in Milton Keynes and hope to be able to award further surgeries soon.

Managing Stress workshop Tuesday 21st March, Tuesday 3rd May, Tuesday 25th July, Tuesday 26th September 10.00 – 12:00 You can find further information and details about other workshops and training taking place on pages 8 & 9.

Do we have your email address?

Carers MK sends out regular email bulletins to carers. Our newsletter is issued bi-annually, and so we use email bulletins to communicate with carers in between this time.

If you would like to receive these email bulletins and we don't have your email address, please email us at mail@carersmiltonkeynes.org with your details.

Save the Date!

Carers Lounge at Milton Keynes Hospital

Carers Week 2017 12th – 18th June

We are excited to announce that as part of the improvements to Milton Keynes Hospital, Carers MK will be continuing its Carers’ support service from a new Carers Lounge which will be located in the new main entrance of the hospital. The new Carers Lounge will enable Carers visiting

Carers MK will have groups and activities running throughout Carers Week. Our groups will be themed around Milton Keynes 50th Anniversary, and we will be welcoming carers to talk about their time living in MK and share any old photos.

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Saturday 10th June - West Bletchley carnival - we will be running the tombola and raising awareness about our service please do let us know if you have any items you can donate!

Monday 12th June – Bucket collection and information stand at Sainsbury’s - 12:00 – 4:00 Tuesday 13th June – 9:00 – 2:00 Community event at Great Linford Parish Council offices West Bletchley support group Wednesday 14th June – Parkinson’s support group, Great Linford support group, Alzheimer’s support group and Mental Health support group Thursday 15th June – Event at MK Hospital Friday 16th June – Bucket collection at Sainsbury's 12:00 - 4:00 Sunday 18th June – Summer Celebration This year’s Summer Celebration for young carers and their families will take place during Carers Week 2017 at Herons Lodge, Bradwell Road, Loughton Lodge, Milton Keynes, MK8 9AA. Saturday 24th June – Midsummer Ball in aid of Young Carers MK at Woburn Golf Club Last year this event raised £3300 for Young Carers MK and the organisers would love to smash this record in 2017! Full details will be available on www.youngcarersmk. org. In the meantime, why not save the date for this fun evening of fabulous food and entertainment in a beautiful setting to help raise money for our wonderful young carers.

For more information please contact Martine Frith on 07835 849622.

www.carersmiltonkeynes.org

SUPPORT GROUPS Our Carers Support Groups are designed as a local support network for carers and are all facilitated by Support Workers who are available to discuss your caring role, within the groups or on a one to one basis. The groups welcome anyone in a caring role. Support is provided by meeting together and sharing experiences, information and offering peer support to one another (as well as the much needed cup of tea of course).

Carers have reported that the group gives them the opportunity for a much needed ‘break’ from their caring role. Groups are carer led and sometimes we invite guest speakers with expertise in relevant issues. Carers are invited to attend groups as and when is convenient to themselves. They are welcome to drop in as often or as little as suits the individual as we understand that the caring role can be at times unpredictable. The groups are free to attend and you do not need to book a place to attend, simply turn up when you can.

Changes to the Stroke Support Group We have been reviewing the support groups that we provide to see if we need to make any changes.

Please be advised that as a result of this review, the times and days for the Stroke Group meetings have now been changed. The reason for this change is that carers tell us that they find it hard to attend an evening group and would prefer a group during the day.

The Stroke Support Group will meet on the fourth Thursday of each month 10.30 – 12.00 at Margaret Powell House, with effect from 27th April 2017.

Dates for the group are included in the diary of workshops and events.

The Hanslope Group meet at Hanslope Church each month on Wednesdays 10.30 – 12.30

The Newport Pagnell Group meets each month at UR Church on Wednesdays 1.30 – 3.00 New Bletchley Support Group Do you live in the MK3 postcode area? A new Carers Support Group will now take place at West Bletchley Parish Council Offices, 221 Whaddon Way, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK3 7DZ. The group will meet on the 2nd Tuesday of each month 10.30 – 12.00 on 11th April, 9th May, 13th June, 11th July, 15th August, 12th September Come along and join us for a cuppa and meet other carers in a similar situation. We look forward to seeing you!

New support group for carers looking after someone over the age of 18 with Autism From 4th April, 2:00 – 3:30, every first Tuesday of each month at Margaret Powell House We are pleased to announce our new support group aimed at carers looking after someone over the age of 18 with Autism.

We have listened to feedback from carers about when they would like the group to take place and most have said that afternoons are best.

Please see page 6 for details.

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Support Groups

SUPPORT GROUPS A

Bletchley Support Group, West Bletchley Parish Council Offices

Tuesdays 10.30 – 12.00

11th April, 9th May, 13th June, 11th July, 15th August, 12th September

Olney Support Group, Olney Centre

Thursdays 2.00 – 3.30

6th April, 4th May, 1st June, 6th July, 3rd August, 7th September

Great Linford Support Group, Great Linford Parish Council Offices

Wednesdays 2.00 – 3.30

12th April, 10th May, 14th June, 12th July, 9th August, 13th September

Hanslope Support Group, Hanslope Church

Wednesdays 10.30 – 12.30

26th April, 31st May, 28th June, 26th July, 30th August, 27th September

Newport Pagnell Support Group, UR Church

Wednesdays 1.30 – 3.00

26th April, 31st May, 28th June, 26th July, 30th August, 27th September

Mental Health Evening Support Group

Wednesdays 6.00 – 7.30

5th April, 3rd May, 7th June, 5th July, 2nd August, 6th September

Friends and Family Mental Health Group (Personality Disorder)

Wednesdays 6.00 – 7.30

26th April, 31st May, 28th June, 26th July, 30th August, 27th September

Parent Carer Group

Mondays 10.30 – 12.00

15th May, 19th June, 17th July, 21st August, 18th September

Former Carers

Thursdays 1.30 – 3.00

Stroke Group

Thursdays 10.30 -12.00

27th April, 25th May, 29th June, 27th July, 31st August, 28th September

Parkinson’s Support Group

Wednesdays 2.00- 3.30

5th April, 3rd May, 7th June, 5th July, 2nd August, 6th September

MS Support Group

Mondays 2.00– 3.30

8th May, 19th June, 31st July, 11th September

Alzheimers Support Group, Alzheimers Offices, Margaret Powell House

Wednesdays 10.30 - 12.30

12th April, 10th May, 7th June,5th July, 2nd August, 30th August, 27th September

Autism Support Group (for carers of someone over the age of 18 with Autism)

Tuesdays 2.00 – 3.30

4th April, 2nd May, 6th June, 4th July, 1st August,5th September

Monthly on Fridays

By appointment only

Writing Group

Wednesdays 10.30 – 12.00

12th April, 10th May, 14th June, 12th July, 9th August, 13th September

Drumming Party, Moulsoe Millenium Hall, Cranfield Road, Moulsoe, MK16 0HB (For parent carers and their children only)

Tuesday 2.00 – 4.00

15th August

13th April, 11th May, 8th June, 13th July, 10th August, 14th September

Relaxation Reflexology or Indian Head Massage

Social Groups

Please note: All activities are at Margaret Powell House unless otherwise stated.

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www.carersmiltonkeynes.org

ND TRAINING DIARY

Workshops and Information Sessions Mondays

6th March – 10.00 – 12.30 8th May – 1.30 – 4.00 3rd July – 10.00 -12.30 18th September – 1.30 – 4.00

Manual Handling (back care), The Quaker Centre, Downhead Park

Mondays

6th March – 1.30 – 4.00 8th May – 10.00 – 12.30 3rd July – 1.30 – 4.00 18th September – 10.00 – 12.30

Advance Care Planning

Monday 10:00-12:00

22nd May

Q & A Workshop for Power of Attorney and Court of Protection by Tollers Solicitors

Thursday 10.00-12.00

7th September

Digestion and Gut Health workshop

Friday 10.00-12.00

19th May

Managing Stress Workshop

Tuesday 10.00-12.00

21st March, 23rd May, 25th July, 26th September

2 week Dementia Workshop

Thursday 10.30 – 12.30

Autism Awareness Workshop (caring for someone over the age of 18)

Mondays

8th May - 5.00 - 7.15 18th September - 10.00 - 12.15

Craft Activity Workshop

Tuesday 1.30-3.30

18th April

Sleep Routines, Emotional Needs and Strategies Workshop (For parents who are caring for a child with autism)

Thursday 10.30- 12.00

1st June

First Aid, The Quaker Centre, Downhead Park

WORKSHOPS, EVENTS, ACTIVITIES OR TRAINING SESSIONS You will need to book a place on any of our workshops, events, activities or training sessions listed. Spaces are limited, so please only book onto a workshop if you feel that you will be able to attend. To book a place please call 01908 231 703 or email mail@carersmiltonkeynes.org.

Our data shows us that 1 in 4 people who book onto a workshop do not attend.

Whilst we understand that, as a carer, your situation can change very quickly, we would ask that if you do know in advance that you are unable to attend, please let us know as soon as possible, so that we can offer your place to another carer. If you have booked but are unable to attend please contact us to let us know on 01908 231 703 or email mail@carersmiltonkeynes.org

13th & 20th April

permitted to use the lifts and you will need to exit the building via the stairs. If you have any difficulties managing stairs then please contact us as soon as possible.

If you are attending a workshop or training in Margaret Powell House, please note that our offices are located on the third floor and, under normal circumstances, there is lift access.

Please be aware that in the event of a fire evacuation it is not

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WORKSHOPS AND TRAINING

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Mental Health Group

Manual Handling Two Week Dementia Workshop (BACK CARE)

Wednesdays – 6.00 – 7.30

Thursday 13th & 20th April 10:30 – 12:30

5th April – Support session 3rd May – S peaker – Phil Chandler from Neighbourhood Employment Programme 7th June – Support session 5th July – S peaker– Helen Spencer Hicks from the prison healthcare team at Woodhill Prison to talk about the provision available to support prisoners with mental health issues in Woodhill Prison

Two informal sessions looking at symptoms and behaviours associated with dementia.

The sessions will look at practical ways you can support someone living with dementia, meet others in a similar caring role and find out about support services available in the local area.

First Aid Awareness

2nd August – Support session 6th September – S peaker - Tyrone Blackford-Swaries, Service Director for MK Mental Health NHS Services

Autism Awareness Workshop Monday 8th May - 5.00 - 7.15 Monday 18th September - 10.00 - 12.15 This workshop is for parents supporting a person with Autism/ Asperger’s over the age of 18.

It aims to enable parents/carers of someone who is on the autistic spectrum to gain an understanding of the condition and strategies for coping. This workshop will be facilitated by a trainer from MK Council, the Autism Trainers (people who are on the spectrum themselves) and Carers MK. There are 10 spaces available at each session. Please contact Carers MK to book your place.

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Spring / Summer 2017

The course will start 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.

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

Compulsory elements Care plans and communication with the patient “Power Posture” and a practical exercise.

Mix and Match sessions (depending on the needs of the attendees) 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.

6th March: 8th May: 3rd July: 18th September:

The course will start 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.

• •

• • •

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)

6th March: 8th May: 3rd July: 18th September:

10.00 – 12.30 1.30 – 4.00 10.00 – 12.30 1.30 – 4.00

1.30 – 4.00 10.00 –12.30 1.30 – 4.00 10.00 –12.30

The Manual Handling & First Aid courses will be delivered by Guardian at the Quaker Centre, 1 Oakley Gardens, Downhead Park, Milton Keynes, MK15 9BH.

Managing Stress workshop Tuesday 21st March, Tuesday 3rd May, Tuesday 25th July, Tuesday 26th September, 10.00 – 12.00 Learn how to identify sources of stress and ways to manage it. Explore ways of avoiding unnecessary stress by learning to say ‘no’, taking control of your environment, avoiding the ‘hot’ topics, setting realistic goals, focusing on the positive and learning to forgive.

www.carersmiltonkeynes.org

Advance Care Planning Legal Information Fun with Glass Painting and Advice Unless people know what is important to somebody they will not be able to take their wishes into account in relation to their future care and management.

Developing an advance care plan is one way of ensuring that choices and preferences for care in the future, including at the end of life, can be discussed and documented, allowing people to take control of their lives.

Having an advance care plan has been shown to reduce the level of stress, anxiety and depression that family members experience in their caring role and can help prevent future crises.

In May 2015 a new document was developed by the Milton Keynes Joint Palliative Care Group to help with advance care planning.

This workshop will teach carers about the document and about the process of advance care planning.

Digestion & Gut

Health Workshop Friday 19th May, 10.00 – 12.00

Workshop

© shutterstock / Green Flame

Monday 22nd May, 10:00 – 12:00

Tuesday 18th April, 1.30 – 3.30 Thursday 7th September, 10.00 - 12.00 Tonina Ashby, Solicitor at Tollers Solicitors, will be hosting a legal workshop to provide free, easy to understand information and advice on Power of Attorney and the Court of Protection.

Please call the office to book a place on 01908 231 703.

Join Susie Ford from Works for Us to create and design your own candle holders, using different designs and techniques. This is a short fun session designed to provide an introduction to glass painting and you will be able to take home a completed candle holder.

We will provide all the materials, just bring yourself!

Please call Carers MK on 01908 231703 to book a place.

Many people suffer needlessly from symptoms associated with poor digestion and gut health. Symptoms are generally the result of diet and lifestyle choices and include acid reflex, poor absorption of nutrients from food, fullness after eating, bloating, pain, constipation or diarrhoea and excessive burping or flatulence.

© shutterstock / Marsan

As Hippocrates said some two and half thousand years ago, “All disease starts in the gut”, and this is very true. Poor gut health is implicated in many of the chronic diseases seen today. This is not surprising when we consider that the gut removes waste material, toxins and excess oestrogen and cholesterol from the body and is home to the majority of our immune system.

In this workshop, run by Nikki Brown at Heartfelt Nutrition, you will look at the common symptoms and why they occur and how nutritional and lifestyle choices can help us to improve digestion and gut health and in turn our health and vitality.

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PARENT CARERS Parent Carer Support Group at Margaret Powell House A support group for parent carers takes place on the third Monday of each month from 10.30 -12.00. Dates of the group are listed on page 6.

Speakers at the Parent Carer Support Group: 17th April – No group (Bank Holiday) 15th May – S ue Edgerton from Barnardo’s 17th July – Rachael Sherratt-Smith from Parents and Carers Alliance MK (PACA) 18th September – Karen Caldbeck from Independent Support MK

Drop in at Broughton Children’s Centre We have been reviewing the support groups and drop-ins that we provide to see if we need to make any changes.

Attendance numbers have been really low at the Broughton Children’s Centre parent carer drop-in, and despite promotion of the group over the last year, numbers have still not increased, so unfortunately a decision has been made to cancel all future dates with immediate effect.

Drumming Party Carers MK warmly invites you and your child to a Drumming Party funded by Happy Days Children’s Charity, for parents carers looking after a child under the age of 18.

Tuesday 15th August, 2.00 - 4.00, Moulsoe Millenium Hall,Cranfield Road, Moulsoe, MK16 0HB To book a place, please call us on 01908 231703 or email mail@carersmiltonkeynes.org 10 |

Spring / Summer 2017

Trip to Thomley in September 2016 We are extremely grateful to Nicki Ausden for daring to do a sky dive and raise enough money for this trip to go ahead. Nicki has an autistic child herself and wanted to do something for parents in the same position.

Thomley is a wonderful, safe venue for children who have any kind of disability with all kinds of activities (indoor and outdoor) ranging from sensory rooms, ball pits, music rooms to bikes, suitable climbing activities.…the list goes on.

It was wonderful to see parents, children and young people and their siblings enjoying the freedom and open space. They loved it and some of the comments reflect this:‘made our dreams come true’ ‘an amazing day – thank you’ ‘a fantastic end to the school holidays’ ‘great to see our children playing together – felt relaxed’ ‘an amazing place’

Sleep Routines, Emotional Needs & Strategies Workshop Thursday 1st June – 10.30 -12.00 An interactive workshop exploring a successful sleep programme for those children who have autism. The workshop will cover sleep diaries, sleepy foods and suggestions on how to implement a successful sleep routine.

The Zones of Regulations explores how best to support your children with learning needs, to have a better understanding of their emotions. The workshop will explore your child’s emotional needs and strategies to support them to regulate their own emotions.

www.carersmiltonkeynes.org

Parents and Carers Alliance MK SEND Information Day 2017

Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP) Survey

“Brilliant event. Well organised, diverse and informative.”

Are you going through the process of converting from a Statement of Special Educational Needs to a New Education Health and Care Plan?

“Absolutely wonderful day. Very informative and really enjoyed it.

Everyone was really helpful.”

Have you just taken part in your first review?

Thank you to everyone who attended the SEND Information Day on 4th February, which we organised with our colleagues from MK SEND IAS.

Has it been a good experience or could it be improved?

Did you have enough information to help you through the process?

The day was a great success with over 230 parent carers joining us with their children. The programme included some very motivational speakers, workshops for parents, children and young people, and a range of information stands.

PACA is working with Milton Keynes Council to gather feedback to improve the experience for all those involved in the Education Health and Care Plan process. We would really welcome your feedback and would be grateful if you could complete our online survey.

Watch this space for news of next year’s event!

Responses will be collated and shared with decision makers in MK Council. You will not be identified personally and all feedback will remain anonymous. Please follow this link – https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ PACAMK-EHCP2017 We are also happy to send you a copy by post. Please phone 01908 257828 or 07852 526057

© shutterstock / Syda Productions

If you would like to become a PACA member and join our mailing list please contact us at Carers MK. Mobile: 07852 526057, Email: pacamk@gmail.com www.pacamk.org, www.facebook.com/ parentsandcarersalliancemk https://twitter.com/pacamk

If so, then we would love to hear from you.

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Fundraising news Bletchley Bowlers

Collection at MK Dons Stadium A big thank you to the MK Dons who gave us the opportunity to do a match day bucket collection on Saturday 21st January 2017.

We raised over £400 for Carers MK which is a fantastic sum of money.

Thank you to the volunteers and to the donors. Great effort!

Kuehne + Nagel Carers MK was selected as Kuehne + Nagel’s ‘Charity of the Year’ and the company has done some fantastic activities to raise funds for us including raffles, a charity run, 11 a side football matches, selling Car Raffle tickets and more!

Bletchley Bowlers presenting cheque for £550 to Carers MK On Sunday 11 December at Bletchley Leisure Centre, prior to the annual bowls fixture between Bletchley Indoor Bowls Club and Bletchley Town Bowls Club, Gordon Clay, the outgoing president of Bletchley Town Bowls Club, presented Carers MK with a cheque for £550 which was fantastic!

President Gordon decided to try and raise as much as possible for his chosen charity, which this year was Carers MK. Fundraising took place at games played during the outdoor season and at other events.

We would like to thank President Gordon and all his fellow Bowlers for all their support.

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Thanks to M & S Stadium store for supporting Carers MK and selecting us as their charity of the year. For Carers Rights Day on 25th November 2016 staff organised an indoor cycling event in store to help raise funds and awareness of the vital role unpaid carers play.

Carers MK is currently M & S Stadium store's Local Charity of the Year for 2016/2017.

MK Library Raffle A big thank you also goes to the MK Library staff who raised £139 by organising a raffle for Carers MK.

Carers Rights Day at M & S Stadium Store

This is much appreciated.

Well done! Thank you for your support.

www.carersmiltonkeynes.org

Argos Bake-Off

Bake Off Fever!

We would like to thank Pictons Solicitors for organising a fantastic Bake Sale in support of Carers MK in November.

Pictons, who sold each slice of cake or cupcake for £1, were joined by three judges from Hart’s Food and Events, a catering company based in Leighton Buzzard.

Pictons Great Bake Sale and the 5k Big Fun - run by Pictons Marketing Assistant Ranga Nasho and colleague Linsey Collacott, raised a total of £151.50.

Thanks to Argos store in Milton Keynes for organising their Bake Off in November which raised over £209 for Carers MK.

Murad Event A big thank you to Jennifer, Nilo and Humaira for organising the Murad event for the Carers. It was a success with the carers, who all loved it.

Carers were offered a choice between an express facial, Youth Cam consultations, or hand and arm massages and received a goody bag worth £30 along with an invitation to the Murad Counter in John Lewis Milton Keynes and received an exclusive gift with purchase after the event.

We are so appreciative of companies like Pictons who make such a generous effort on our behalf to help us to raise money for the vitally important work that we do.

MK Car Raffle The annual charity Car Raffle organised by MK Community Foundation gives local charities and community groups the opportunity to raise funds through selling Car Raffle tickets from October – January.

This year our fundraiser Martine Frith managed to sell 732 tickets!

The winners of the Car Raffle were announced on 25th February.

We would like to thank the following organisations for their support in selling Car Raffle tickets: • Kuehne + Nagel • Santander • Bletchley Bowls Club • Argos Financial Services • Pictons Solicitors • St Martin Lodge • M & S Stadium store

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Carers admitted FREE

Young Carers Awareness Day 2017 Young Carers Awareness Day took place on Thursday 26th January.

This year’s theme was ‘When I Grow Up’, and focused on the dreams and ambitions of young carers and how difficult it can be to achieve them. Carers Trust released the findings of a survey which showed how young carers across the UK are in danger of not getting the most out of their education or fulfilling their life ambitions because they are caring for a family member.

YOUNG CARERS

Young carers at the beach in Barcelona

More than half (53%) of the young carers surveyed were having problems coping with school work and nearly 60% say they are struggling to meet deadlines.

A third said they have to skip school most weeks.

Young people are suffering a range of set-backs in pursuing their goals, with 82% of young carers reporting stress and 73% saying they have to take precious time off school and learning specifically to care for a family member.

A worrying picture is emerging, revealing the extent to which their caring role is severely affecting their future choices.

The support that young carers are able to receive from services like Young Carers MK is vital so that young carers are able to get the support and help they need to enjoy their childhood, and achieve their ambitions.

To hear from some young carers who attend Young Carers MK’s youth group talking about their caring role visit www.youngcarersmk.org

Waiting to go into Casa Mila

Young Carers Overseas During the October half term we hopped overseas to Barcelona where 10 lucky young carers were able to experience the delights of the Spanish culture. We had a jam packed few days which consisted of visiting Casa Mila, Sagrada Familia, Camp Nou, the beach and a bus tour of Barcelona. Everyone had a great time soaking up the Spanish sunshine and the trip was a great success. © shutterstock / Fer Gregory

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www.carersmiltonkeynes.org

Youth Club Dates

Young Carers Forum Young Carers Forum has had a great year, during which we have recruited two new members, Zak and Imogen, who have been great additions to the team.

Over the summer holidays, the forum teamed up with Mike Lister from the Youth Service to write, direct and film a video about what it is like to be a young carer. It was a full three days on set and we now have a video that we can show at school assemblies, teacher training and events.

Some of our young carers and volunteer Bonnie showing off their homemade fashion at youth club!

Young Carers Youth Club is the perfect opportunity for young carers to meet each other, play games and make friends. We hold it at Newport Pagnell Youth Club, Wolverton Road, Newport Pagnell, MK16 8HX between 6pm-8pm on Wednesdays.

Please see the dates below: Age 8-10 22nd February, 26th April, 14th June 13th September & 8th November Age 11-13 8th March, 10th May, 28th June 27th September & 22nd November Age 14+ 22nd March, 24th May, 12th July, 11th October & 6th December

In the autumn we had an opportunity for a young carer to join MK Youth Cabinet.

Zak put himself forward to become a member of Youth Cabinet and started at the beginning of January. Zak will be a member of Youth Cabinet for 2 years and will serve to help better represent young carers' views in Milton Keynes.

We are really looking forward to seeing what kind of opportunities this will bring.

Young Carers Forum have set some goals for 2017/18 year; they want to host a fundraising event, raising money for young carers activities; they also want to put on a Halloween party in October for the younger children, play party games and give out prizes for the best costume‌ so watch this space!

We are always looking for new members to join the forum so if you are interested in taking part, and you have lots of enthusiasm and ideas about what Young Carers MK should look like, please contact Helen or Bryony on 01908 231703. We meet every 6-8 weeks at our offices in Central MK and have three socials a year such as Christmas meals, bowling and laser tag.

New consent forms for 2017 have been sent, so if you would like your child to come, please return the form. If you have any issue with transport please call the Young Carers office on 01908 231703.

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Services and Information

Milton Keynes University Hospital

Construction on the new main entrance at Milton Keynes University Hospital is now underway. The new building will contain additional seating areas, a Costa coffee and convenience store and will provide the ever-increasing number of staff, patients and visitors with a contemporary and welcoming main route into the hospital building.

The new main entrance will be located opposite the hospital’s multi-storey car park and will be constructed in front of the existing entrances 4, 5 and 6 of the main outpatients building and the entrance to the Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) department.

This is just one of many exciting projects planned for the next few months to improve facilities for staff, visitors and patients at the hospital.

The development will be completed in two phases to minimise disruption to

WeCARE

visitors to the site. Once construction of phase one begins, a panelled fence will be erected by the site contractors to prevent access to the building works.

As a result, access into the hospital will be reduced to ensure the safety of all visitors to the site. During phase one, access to entrances 5 and SALT will be closed. Entrance 6 will be temporarily moved along the physiotherapy corridor to allow some pedestrian access.

During phase one, patients and visitors will be able to use outpatient entrances 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6. Phase two will see the closure of entrances 3 and 4 while a link corridor is constructed between the new main entrance and the main outpatients building to ensure all future access into the hospital is connected and under cover.

Chief Executive Professor Joe Harrison welcomes the development, though acknowledges that there will

be challenges to overcome.

Professor Harrison says “We recognise that these changes will cause some confusion and disruption to visitors entering the hospital site over the next few months. However it is important to realise these challenges are only going to be in the short-term; the outcome of a new main entrance will provide many benefits for staff and patients now and in the future.

This is an incredibly exciting time for the hospital as we continue to grow and improve our services for the population of Milton Keynes. The new main entrance is the perfect addition for ensuring that all our visitors to the site are welcomed safely and effectively.”

The new building is being built on top of the former outpatient’s car park but the hospital will not be losing any car parking spaces as a result of this development. The disabled spaces outside of the outpatients building were relocated to the ground

Your new main entrance is coming

We are building a new main entrance which will provide staff, patients and visitors with a modern and welcoming entrance into the hospital.

From January 3 2017, construction of our new main entrance will begin.

Contractors will be bringing materials onto site and will be based in the car park outside of the current main Outpatients building.

As a result, this car park and entrances 5 and Speech and Language Therapy will be closed.

The Fracture Clinic and the Speech and Language Therapy services can be accessed through entrance 6 as well as entrance 3.

Please enquire at reception or ask a member of staff if you are unsure of your journey.

Entrances 3, 4 and 6 will remain open.

Disabled parking spaces have been relocated to the ground floor and level 1 of the multi-storey car park.

30 minutes free parking is available in all MKUH car parks to assist with patient pick up / drop off. A taxi and PHV rank will be installed on the ring-road.

For more information visit http://bit.ly/MKUHImprovements 18 |

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www.carersmiltonkeynes.org

Act for Wellbeing and first floors of the multi-storey car park in August 2016, in anticipation of the development of the new main entrance. A wheelchair park was installed on the ground floor for users requiring this provision with a phone being connected for visitors who need the support of a porter.

To support with patient drop off and pick up, free car parking has been extended in all MKUH car parks from 15 minutes to 30 minutes so that if assistance is required for patients to get to their intended destination, visitors will not be charged for this.

Users will not need to validate their ticket on exit of the car park and the same ticket they are given on arrival will allow them to exit without charge.

For all the latest news regarding the estate developments to the hospital, including images of the new main entrance, please visit http://bit.ly/ MKUHImprovements. If you have any enquiries regarding the development, please email NME.Enquiries@mkuh.nhs.uk.

Digital health wearables for the person being cared for: a survey As a part of the Sir Halley Stewart Trust-funded Digital health wearables project at The Open University, we are running a survey to find out your opinions of using digital health wearables for monitoring the health and activity of the people you care for. It is not necessary for you to have used such devices for yourself, or the person that you care for to participate in this survey.

Our current focus is on activity trackers (e.g. wrist-bands from Fitbit or Jawbone, or smart watches from Apple or Samsung), which track daily fitness levels such as steps, distance walked, heart rate, sleep patterns, or calories expended.

Your input through this survey will help us to understand how similar

health wearables could be effectively used if they became a part of healthcare.

Please visit this link https://www.surveymonkey. co.uk/r/health-wearables-forthe-person-being-cared-for or http://bit.ly/2iN4YSd to participate in this survey.

The survey will take 6-8 minutes to complete it.

Since these devices are not yet designed to accurately analyse data from wheelchair usage, please complete this survey only if the person you are caring for is mobile.

The university’s Human Research Ethics Committee has approved this research. If you have any queries about the project or this survey, please contact Professor Shailey Minocha: shailey.minocha@open.ac.uk

Sometimes we can’t get over or around the feeling that life is unfair. Sometimes we feel numb and stuck or it all seems too much. Sometimes we have a good idea of what’s wrong and needs to change but can’t seem to find the way to do it.

I am a volunteer counsellor with Carers MK and I am trained in a psychotherapy called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT can be very useful in looking at where we are now and what we face and helping us work out what change is right for who we are as individuals.

ACT is based on a science that postulates that language both solves and creates problems for all of us. ACT says that we are all human and therefore face similar problems – we worry about the future or ruminate about the past, we avoid thoughts and feelings related to painful experiences, we get caught up in our thoughts and forget what kind of person we want to be. Or we can eat, drink, spend or harm ourselves in other ways to avoid the thoughts and feelings that hurt. Or we can convince ourselves that we are a particular kind of person for whom change is impossible and life offers little.

ACT is very focused on what is right for you and is also about making some change, however small. At some stage in the counselling process there may be suggestions of homework or exercises to do.

In ACT counselling, we work to uncouple ourselves from unhelpful thoughts, to accept that our past and/or our present has been painful and to find a space between ruminating about the past and worrying about the future. This often allows us to work out what kind of person we really want to be and helps us take steps to be that person.

ACT works to create “psychological flexibility”– the aim of counselling is not only to deal with “now” (whatever that is) but also to foster skills that make it easier to deal with the next curved ball that life throws at us.

ACT counselling can help create the tools that promote wellbeing.

If you are interested in ACT counselling or would like to find out more, please contact Wendy Sale (wendys.counselling@gmail.com).

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