|
CARERS CHAT LINE SERVICE
|
CARERS CHAT LINE SERVICE
The Carers Chat Line Service operates throughout North Staffordshire, and provides essential support to Carers that are experiencing loneliness and isolation, whether geographically or socially, as a consequence of their caring role.
The service is available to Carers who live in Newcastle and the surrounding area, the Moorlands and the City of Stoke on Trent, and provides a lifeline to many Carers that would otherwise experience social isolation. Confidentiality is a priority with this service.
The Chat Line Coordinators make regular telephone calls to Carers at a time and day convenient to them. This enables Carers to receive much needed social and emotional 'time out' from caring; ultimately alleviating some of the tension and stress that can manifest as a result of caring.
Throughout the year, (funds permitting), a number of social opportunities are arranged for Carers. These provide the perfect opportunity for people to relax, socialise with other Carers, and have a thoroughly enjoyable time.
If you would like further information about the Carers Chat Line Service please contact Margaret or Peter on 01782 834836.
* For Carers living in Stoke-on-Trent, wishing to access the service, a Carers Assessment is required.
Carer Quotes:-
"Thanks for your continued support"
Male Carer aged 84 years"Your calls are a great source of comfort"
Female Carer aged 60 years"Thanks for being there for me when I needed you most"
Female Carer aged 63 years.
TIME FOR A CHAT...
Well another year almost gone. Where does it all go? Only seems five minutes since the first blooms of Spring, now sadly all gone. This year I've had a delightful unexpectedly enjoyable experience amongst the flowers, the vegetables, the herbs and the trees. Now, now. All in the best possible taste!! Explanation to follow plus a 'beautiful' solution to an age-old problem. More of that later too.
I was fortunate enough to visit the island of Madeira. Not really expecting anything particularly spectacular, I was amazed at the sheer beauty of this volcanic rock. Everything imaginable grows. Tropical flowers. (You've no doubt heard of the Bird of Paradise, which is a horticultural miracle in itself.) Twenty-seven species of avocado. Almost as many types of melon, plus so many varieties of grapes, which are fermented into the exquisite world famous Madeiran wines. Not to mention the abundance of herbs. I could go on and on. Flower, food and wine festivals are held on a regular basis shared from village to village. That's the other lovely aspect of their little domain, the sheer kindness and consideration that flows between ordinary folk.
Spotlessly clean streets and houses are to their credit too. Not one piece of litter to be found. Therefore no flies and not to be eaten alive on a Mediterranean island (well, Atlantic to be accurate) is a blessing in itself. This, by the way is not an advert for their Tourist Board and I am coming to my other 'green' revelation of the year but they really do deserve a pat on the back for the way they respect their environment and each other.
Now closer to home…my garden to be precise. For years I've had a problem with the mess of dead birds on the lawn, under the hedges etc. I find the loss of little lives even more upsetting and it is nature I suppose but it's cats that have been making sport of these little creatures. The unpleasant aroma of the feral tomcats is also a nuisance but the final straw came when a baby rabbit was snatched away in the jaws of 'Tiddles' from under my rhubarb patch. What to do? Well, the solution came in the shape of some lovely plants called Coleus Canina. Once established, they have the added bonus of pale blue/purple flowers but don't be fooled. They give off the most obnoxious smell. To cats that is. The best solution is to put them into pots so that you can move them around the garden to target vulnerable areas.
With great delight I'm pleased to report that they really do work. The birds are even more ecstatic. No more mess. A lovely clean garden, flowers to gaze upon. Couldn't ask for more. Hardly Madeira but we can't have everything!
All for now. - Very best wishes to you and yours for the Festive Season.
Margaret Sinstadt
P.S. I'm told that holly and mistletoe have the same effect? - Humm, now there's a thought. - Will let you know.
Take good care.
Hello Carers and Chat Liners,
Chat Line has been up and running for many years throughout the City of Stoke on Trent and the Staffordshire Moorlands, offering many carers the chance to take time out from their very busy lives. The City Chat Line has been in the capable hands of Peter Shepherd since "the beginning of time", but as often happens it has been a time of change. Peter has taken up new challenges at the Association letting a new face fly the Chat Line flag....MINE.
My name is Judith Hunt and many of you already know me from my days as Peter's support worker. I learned a lot from Peter and plan to keep up the standards he set, but it is always nice to know a little bit about the person you talk to as it helps us all relax and that's what we aim to do. So, here is a little potted history of myself. I came to the Association in June of 2008 having relocated from the beautiful Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire. I went to live there in 1996, but as a Manchester girl at heart I wanted to move back "up North" to be nearer my family. I am married to John, who often helps Santa out at the Carer's Christmas party, and have a big family of five children and five grandchildren. When we get together it is pretty hectic. I also have two little black cats called Ella and Pippa, and they were named after Ella Fitzgerald and Gladys Knight and the Pips...I'm showing my true age now!
I love working for the Association and helping to make other people's lives a little happier whenever I can. My John always said I could talk the hind legs of a donkey, so it's always my lucky day when I can say to everyone - "let's have a natter".
Take Care
Judith Hunt
