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CLAN Issue 51 published May 2007
Hello and welcome to the Spring Edition of CLAN. As we hang up our Winter woollies and welcome in the season of Spring, what better way to celebrate than with your new look CLAN. CLAN is much fresher and brighter and is packed full of useful news and articles for you to enjoy. Take a look at some of our new feature articles including A week in the life of…, Carers Letters and CLAN on Tour. With so much news to tell you its hard to know where to begin. Recently the Government has announced their 'New Deal for Carers' which will see £33 million allocated towards services and support for Carers. Some more good news, the Work and Families Act 2006 has been extended to include the right for Carers to request flexible working arrangements. This is fantastic news for all Carers and is a great leap forward in recognising the vital role that Carers play in Society. (See p6-7) Whether you are busy spring cleaning or even planting a bulb or two, take some time to sit back, relax and enjoy reading your new look CLAN .
Lisa Denney You may jump to any article by simply clicking on the chapter titles shown here.
Celebrating 20 years of North Staffs Carers Association On Thursday 14th June we will be hosting a Carers’ Well Being Fair in celebration of our 20th Anniversary and National Carers’ Week. The Carers’ Well Being Fair will be taking place inside the Marquee at Trentham Gardens and there will be entertainment throughout the day for you to enjoy. So spread the word and come and join us for what promises to be a most memorable day. We look forward to seeing you there!
Carers Letters and News With the holiday season fast approaching, Carers often ask us about hotels and leisure facilities that can cater for people with illnesses and disabilities. Phil Brown, a Carer from Newcastle, wrote in to tell us about a recent holiday that he enjoyed with his wife, Alison. If you have a story to share about a holiday or trip that is accessible for Carer’s and people with disabilities then contact Lisa on 01782 834836 or email Lisa
Alison and I recently enjoyed a wonderful break at the St Anne’s Hotel in St Anne’s, which is between Blackpool and Lytham.
At the weekend I had the pleasure of visiting JJ’s Sensory Play Centre in Macclesfield. I have a friend whose son has Asperger Syndrome and it was a delight to be able to go and play with all our children at a centre that has equipment for all children to use. The centre has been funded by the Big lottery and has sensory play equipment along with facilities for eating, drinking, changing and feeding. If you are fed up with visiting local play centres that do not understand or cater for the needs of Disabled Children, then I recommend a visit to JJ’s Sensory Play Centre. Although it may seem like a bit of a trek to Macclesfield, the journey is well worth it!! If you would like any information about the centre I have plenty of leaflets at the office that I can send out to you. Alternatively you can contact JJ’s Play Centre on 01625 667872.
Best wishes
Margaret Webb, a Carer from New Chapel, has kindly donated two sets of Golf Clubs to any aspiring Tiger Woods that live in the North Staffs Area. The golf clubs have had minimal use and are of excellent quality. There is one full set of golf clubs complete with bag and trolley and a further half set of clubs that also come with a bag. These will be given on a first come first served basis and if you would like further information please contact Margaret on 07940 113610
CLAN on Tour
Lazing in the sun on a swinging hammock, provided the perfect place to settle down and catch up on all the latest news from North Staffs Carers Association. Whether you are away on a day trip or a far away paradise, CLAN can be the perfect read. Why not take a picture of yourself and your copy of CLAN and send it to us? Email your photos and a brief description of your trip to lisadenney21@yahoo.co.uk
Do you want to promote your organisation? North Staffs Carers Association has seven display boards that are looking for a good home. The display boards come complete with their own carrier case and are quick and easy to assemble.If your organisation or group wants to shine out from the rest, the display boards can provide you with the perfect advertising tool. The boards can be used to produce a small table top display or quickly assembled into a large stand alone display. The display boards will be distributed on a first come first serve basis. A small donation is kindly requested
A week in the life of....Irene Abbotts
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday.
Friday.
National News New Deal for Carers The Government has recently announced new measures to support Carers through their New Deal for Carers. This will see a total of £33 million allocated to services and support for Carers. Each local authority in England will receive a share of £25 million, which will be used to provide emergency respite to Carers via short term, home based support during an emergency or crisis. Of the remaining £8 million, £3 million will be allocated to a National Advice and Information service for Carers. This will enable Carers to receive up to date information for themselves and the people for whom they care. There will also be a specific focus on advice about benefits for Carers as well as information about local support services. The final £5 million will to be used to deliver an ‘Expert Carers Programme’. This will consist of training sessions for Carers that will address the health needs of Carers, stress management, information for Carers and practical skills training.
Work and Families Act 2006 In April 2007, the Work and Families Act will be extended to include the right for Carers to request flexible working arrangements. With approximately 3 million people juggling caring and working commitments, the act has made a significant leap in recognising Carers in society and the demands that caring brings. Supporting Carers to remain in work has a positive impact on their social, emotional, financial and physical self. The very nature of being able to balance caring and work commitments enables people to have a life outside of caring. In accordance with the Act, a Carer is defined as:
"…an employee who is, or expects to be caring for an adult who is married to, or the partner or civil partner of the employee or is a near relative of the employee (includes parents, parent-in-laws, adult child, siblings, uncles, aunts, or grandparents); or falls into neither of those categories but lives at the same address as the employee." If an employee has been in continuous employment for 26 weeks they have the right to request flexible working if: -they are a parent with a child/ren under the age of six years or a disabled child under 18 years. -they are a Carer Flexible working arrangements can enable Carers to balance their working and caring commitments. It could involve a change to the start and finishing times of their working day; compressed working hours; emergency time off; the ability to work from home or quite simply access to a telephone whilst at work. If an employee wishes to make an application for flexible working arrangements this must be made in writing. Although an employer can refuse flexible working a clear reason for refusal must be given. Carers UK have produced an information pack for Employers about the Work and Families Act and how to implement these changes. To accompany this there is a booklet for Working Carers entitled 'An employees guide to work and caring’.
Digital Switch Over Help Scheme By now many of you will be aware that the future of television is changing. The switchover from analogue to digital viewing will be slowly phased in from 2008 and will be complete by 2012. This will mean that all house holds within the UK will have to switch to digital viewing if they are to continue to receive television services. The benefit of digital TV, will mean that viewers have access to a wider range of channels and services, including access to digital radio and re-runs of old favourite programmes. For people with hearing impairments there is a wider range of subtitled programmes available and digital TV also allows enhanced access for people with visual impairments through the audio description service for some programmes. To ensure that everybody can continue to receive TV services the Government announced a digital switch-over help scheme that is focused on providing practical assistance and support to those individuals who need it most. The scheme is aimed at people aged over 75 and over, people with significant disabilities and people who are registered blind or registered partially sighted. People with significant disabilities are those who receive Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance. The assistance and support provided by the Scheme will include:
This provision will also be free to the poorest eligible households including those on Income Support, Job Seeker's Allowance or Pension Credit. Other eligible households will need to pay a one-off modest fee. The scheduled switch-over date for Staffordshire will be 2011. People who are in receipt of DLA or AA will automatically receive a leaflet called 'Digital Switch over- Help Scheme Eligibility Form' which will explain how to access the help scheme. The form can also be completed over the telephone.
Local News Blog On! The Media Action Group for Mental Health (MAGMH) is encouraging as many people as possible to view its Lottery funded innovative new web-based project – Mind Bloggling! Anyone who visits www.mindbloggling.org.uk will be able to view the blogs – or online journals of people who have experienced the effects of mental ill health. With the dual focus of giving people who have experienced mental ill health a voice, as well as raising awareness of mental health issues, MAGMH is excited about what Mind Bloggling can achieve. The Mind Bloggling team are offering people the chance to learn how to blog. Project Lead, Emma Brown, says, “If you have experience of mental distress and want to express this in a positive way but are a complete technophobe, then we can help! Not only can we teach you how to create a blog, we can also offer you the use of our computers. So why not give us a call?" To find out more about Mind Bloggling contact Emma Brown or Natalie Brown on 01782 285800 or visit www.mindbloggling.org.uk
Learning Opportunities for Adults We are also running a number of free 'My Guide' sessions which will teach you how to send emails and get to grips with the internet. People who are in receipt of certain benefits may be eligible for support. To find out more please contact your nearest Neighbourhood College.
Tunstall Neighbourhood College Tel. 835032 Willfield Neighbourhood College Tel. 234620
North Staffs Asperger/Autism Association Our Annual Awareness Conference is open to anyone interested in learning more about Autism. The conference will be taking place on Tuesday 12th June from 9:30-4:00pm at Keele University and the theme for this year is 'Transition into Adulthood'. There will be various speakers throughout the day who will be talking about factors that can affect individuals on the Autistic Spectrum during the teenage years and beyond. Two of the speakers will be talking about their personal experiences of growing up with Autism and being a carer. Full details can be viewed on the web site at www.nsaaa.co.uk or you can contact the office for an application form on 01782 627002.
Adult Social Care Team Stoke on Trent
When we receive calls we take as much information from the caller as possible to see what help and support Social Care can provide to improve the quality of life of people who require our services. The help and support could be anything from providing care in your home, arranging short breaks (respite) or providing aids and adaptations to help around the home. We work alongside North Staff Carers Association to make sure that Carers are supported in their caring role. This is through the process of carrying out a Carers’ Assessment which can highlight the kind of support that Carers may need to help them in their caring role. To contact the team call us on 01782 235985 or you can e-mail at social.care@stoke.gov.uk or fax us on 01782 235720.
ISS Healthcare ISS Healthcare launch their Respite and Long term Home Care Service in Staffordshire offering personalized support plans and a fully flexible 24hr Service either in your own home, or in one of their luxury i-Choice Homes. The directors of ISS Healthcare have over 20 year's experience in creating innovative healthcare solutions for people of all ages. Their belief that 'the best care home is your own home' has enabled thousands of people to remain independent within their own homes. The natural development from this was the i-CHOICE Home - a dwelling enhanced by the latest assistive technologies to offer personalized support for the most complex of needs, offering both respite and long term care facilities. Yet the advanced environment is nothing without the correct support plan. All our support plans are unique, based on each person’s needs and choices and are designed to compliment the support provided by informal Carers. Denise Wherton, local manager stated "Understanding the aspirations of each person we care for is vital when developing and delivering their support plan; our trained advisors will take time to ensure that we fully understand the goals that are important to you and your Carer." Independence is encouraged at all times - with support available whenever you need it. ISS Healthcare are constantly adding new properties to their portfolio of homes, so there's usually a home available that will meet your needs perfectly. If you wish to remain in your own home, ISS Healthcare can also provide quality respite and intermediate home care services in your home.
Denise Wherton on: 01782 442820 Email: denise.wherton@iss.staffs.com Website: ISShealthcare.co.uk
Hospital Discharge Service Age Concern's Hospital Discharge Service is available to people over 60 years of age living in Stoke on Trent and who may need support after being discharged from hospital. A Hospital Discharge Organiser will contact you to arrange a meeting to assess your needs and the support that you require once you have left hospital. Among the things that we can help you with are:
-Assistance with completing benefit forms This service is available for up to six weeks after discharge from hospital. If you would like to access this service or to request more information contact Margaret on 01782 200735 or visit www.acns.org.uk
MENCAP North Staffordshire MENCAP has received funding from the Big Lottery to run their Palliative Care Project. The Palliative Care Project is funded for a two year period and will provide support and advice to:
News from North Staffs Carers Association Young Carers Department
I hope you all had a great Easter break and received lots of yummy Easter Eggs! We were very busy in the Young Carers Department during April organizing various Easter trips for our Young Carers. A big thank you to those Young Carers who entered our February half term competition, which was based on Drug and Alcohol Awareness. We received some brilliant entries, which made it difficult for us to judge as always! However, after some tough decision making in the Young Carers office, here are the winners: 1st Luci Holmes 2nd Jayne Barrington 3rd Jessica Cox
Age 9-12
Age 13+ Congratulations to all of the winners and runners-up each of whom received a prize for their efforts! Don't worry if you didn't win this time, there is always the next competition which will be sent out to all Young Carers in June. Good Luck! As summer is on its way I just want to inform you of an event that is taking place in June to celebrate Carers' Week and also 20 years of North Staffs Carers Association. On Thursday 14th June there will be a Marquee at Trentham Gardens, which will include our very own 'Young Carers' Corner' with lots of activities taking place for Young Carers to get involved in. If you are able to come along then we would love to see you! Also, we will soon be organising Summer Trips so if any Young Carers have any ideas or suggestions of where you would like to go then please let us know either by calling 01782 831619 or e-mail the Young Carers Department at nsca@supanet.com. We look forward to hearing from you with your ideas!
Considering Volunteering for North Staffs Carers Association? Don’t know how to go about it? In 1997, 22 million people volunteered in the UK, yet 11 million people said they were waiting to be asked! Becoming a Volunteer can be a rewarding and enriching experience. It can help you to gain valuable work experience and develop your CV, make a difference to someone’s life, make new friendships or even fill your time during the week. North Staffs Carers Association recognises the important and valuable contribution that volunteers can bring. We have a number of volunteering opportunities, whether it's for a few hours a week or simply as a one off occasion. Volunteering activities can include:
Professional packing of our newsletter; CLAN Anyone wishing to discuss volunteering opportunities within North Staffs Carers Association can contact our Volunteers Coordinator; Sue Cartwright, on 01782 834836 or 07983006046 (available Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 4.30 pm)
Hello to all our readers. In my role as Liaison Officer, I am out and about meeting Carers and Professionals on a daily basis. Over the past few months there have been several articles in the local newspapers around the closure of residential homes and day services. I have met with several groups of Carers and would like to let Carers know that I am here to help with any difficulties that Carers are coming across. There are meetings being held all over the county and city and if you would like to come along please contact me on 01782 834836 or email me on dianne_underwood2005@yahoo.co.uk
The new Young Carers' Forum is aimed at Young Carers across the City aged between 13 and 18. We currently have 4 members (Bobbi, Terri, Val and Sarah) but we are hoping to increase this number to 6 or 8. We have secured the funding for the Forum from the Youth Opportunities Fund, based on an application that we have put together ourselves. With this funding we hope to create a Young Carers Emergency Fund, which Young Carers can apply to once a year. They may be able to secure up to £30 (per person) when they are experiencing difficult times, which may be used for essential things like bus passes, school equipment, college books etc. We are also planning to use some of this funding for Young Carers' summer trips which will mean that Young Carers' can enjoy a relaxing and fun day out. Other amounts of money are being put aside for training the Forum members, monthly Forum meetings, a conference and meetings with professionals across the city in order to put Young Carers' issues across to them. Any professionals who would like to speak to our Young Carers Forum, should contact Ange or Gill in the Young Carers Department on 01782 831619.
My role as Secondary Care Link Worker has primarily been taken up with the distribution of the New Files of Information for Carers, What a job! However I am thoroughly enjoying the task as I meet you all along the way. As you may be aware, having read the 'New Deal For Carers' article, the Government have promised £33 million for Carers. A percentage of this is directed towards recognition of Carers by Professionals. As you can imagine this is fantastic for our Project. Our aim being to provide the essential link between Professional and Carer, to ensure that the most up to date information is available at every port of call. Anna, Mandy, Liz and Ann (Link Team)
News from Chat Line in the County Time for a Chat? I hear people say, "How do you do it?" 'Do what?' "Give emotional support all day long and not feel down." "Easy," says me, 'It's a two way street, and I learn some fascinating tips on how to cheat the blues and survive the day's little challenges.' Thought I'd take this opportunity to share a few of these with you. Some no doubt completely useless, some worth trying and some not to ignore. However, you decide.... A lovely lady who's on my register has a great remedy for cheering herself up. She makes sure that her garden is a blaze of colour especially through the dark days of Winter. Loves gardening but with her caring role, doesn't have much time to do it. Solution – she inserts plastic blooms in amongst her plants and shrubs! When she gets tired of one formation she simply moves them around. Eat your heart out Charlie Dimmock, that's what I call a clever gardener. Still on the blooms theme and conscious of doing our bit for the planet, those ready-made supermarket trifles- the clear plastic dishes, are perfect for placing in plant pots for drainage. Also if you're making jelly for kids parties and don't have jelly moulds they're brilliant and so re-usable. Talking of kids, and big ones for that matter, I'm told that Biro ink will lift off if you drench the mark with hairspray then rinse with cold water. Chewing gum on clothing? Place the garment in the freezer for a few hours and the sticky will easily lift off. Also a clean pencil eraser removes marks on suede. Well worth a try. We'll soon be into the 'invasion of ants season' and if you're suspicious of insecticides and to cut down on cost, simply draw a white chalk mark across thoroughfares to keep them out. Just one to finish off. Try touching the end of your nose with the tip of your tongue – Guaranteed to put a smile on your face and everyone else's for that matter! - More next time. You're an amazing bunch of folk so take very good care! Margaret Sinstadt.
I hope you are all keeping well and looking forward to the Summer months ahead. I'm sure many of you are already turning your thoughts to holidays and day trips away. By the time you read this, Phil my support worker, will no longer be working with me. He has decided to retire or maybe he has just had enough of me. Phil has been a fantastic work colleague and a very good friend and I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for all of his help and support. May I also take this opportunity to introduce my new support worker; Karen Boulton-Lear, who joined the Association in April. I will be introducing Karen to you all during my home visits and social events and I am sure that you will all make her feel welcome. Peter Shepherd
On the Social Side Each year in June, the Association along with other Carers' Associations across the UK celebrate National Carers' Week. This year will very special as we are also celebrating the 20th anniversary of North Staffs Carers Association. As part of the celebrations we will be holding a Carers' social evening on Tuesday 12th June at the Grocott Centre, Fenton. The theme of the evening is a 1940's night (dad's army and the land girls) and there will be entertainment provided by "THE SONG BIRDS" who will be performing songs from that period. A warm buffet of corned beef hash, peas & gravy followed by spotted dick pudding & custard will be served for your enjoyment. Any of you who wish to dress for the part are quite welcome to do so as most of the staff from the Association will be wearing fancy dress. We will be running a fun competition on the night which will require lots of audience participitation so I hope you're up for some fun. Competition details will be revealed on the night. If you require tickets or any information for this event please contact me on 01782 834836. Tickets numbers are limited and will be issued on a first come first served basis. Peter Shepherd.
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Our Deputy Chief Officer; Shelley Davis, took her copy of CLAN to the tropical delights of Cuba!.
Irene is known to many Carers and Professionals through her role as Imaginative Respite Coordinator for North Staffs Carers Association. Irene also cares for her daughter, Gilly and in our new feature ‘A Week in the Life of …’ Irene shares with us a typical working week.
We are the Adult Social Care Team based in Fenton and we provide the first point of contact for all enquiries relating to Adult Social Care (formerly known as Social Services). 
Hello Everybody!!