|
CLAN Issue 52 published September 2007
Welcome to the Summer Edition of CLAN
The Summer months ahead look set to be a time of great excitement, as we announce plans to create a Carers’ Centre for the people of North Staffordshire. The Centre will serve the Carers of today and tomorrow and will provide the focal point for Carer support and activities.
To develop these plans and ensure that our vision for a Carers’ Centre becomes a reality, we need your support!
There are many ways that you can get involved. Why not join our ‘Carers’ Prize Draw Club’, for your chance to win some fantastic prizes. Half of all proceeds that are raised will be donated towards the Carers’ Centre. (See below for more details)
You may even like to hold a fundraising event such as a coffee morning ,sponsored walk or for the more
adventurous-a sponsored abseil! The possibilities are endless and every bit of support can help to make a huge difference. The only limit is your imagination!
Have a great Summer.
Lisa Denney– Information Officer
You may jump to any article by simply clicking on the chapter titles shown here.
A Vision For The Future
North Staffs Carers Association is committed to ensuring that Carers have access to the best possible support available. As a Charity, our support services have to be provided from a limited range and amount of funds. The creation of your “Carers’ Centre” and its ongoing running costs will be dependant on the support of the people and business communities within North Staffs.
Carers can play a massive part in spreading the message and we have included a special brochure with this edition of CLAN that we ask you to read, and pass on to friends, family and work colleagues to help spread the word.
We intend to raise the funds for the Carers’ Centre in a number of exciting ways.
We will shortly be launching your very own ‘Prize Draw’ Club. This will be a great opportunity to win a substantial cash prize whilst helping to build a better future for Carers. It will cost just £1 per month (£12 per annum) to buy a unique number, which will be entered into a monthly draw. The winning number will be chosen at random by computer on the last Friday of every month. 50 pence in every pound will go in prize money, with 50p going towards Carer support. As more people join (anybody can join), the prize money increases; our aim is to have a monthly first prize of £1000 cash.
We will also be developing this Website, to allow the thousands of people who receive information from there, to express their gratitude and make a donation if they so wish.
We will be helping people to remember North Staffs Carers in their will; providing a special way of helping and a lasting gift to Carers.
The critical success factor in creating and running a Carers’ Centre will be Carers themselves. You can help in so many ways; even passing information onto friends and family helps to spread the word, and gives them the opportunity to support your cause.
HELP US TO HELP THOSE WHO NEED US
Top of Page
Carers' Letters and News
Three years ago I met a family who I can only describe as an inspiration! Jane and Phil Key, care for their son Cameron, who has developmental delay. At first they struggled to obtain services but now they mentor other families who need support. Phil has helped to set up a website for other families, which I feel deserves recognition, so well done Jane and Phil, you’re both stars!
Dianne Underwood– Carer Liaison Officer
The POKWE group (Parents Of Kids With Epilepsy) started on Yahoo! in 2001, to provide parents with a wealth of information and support. The information featured on the site was gathered from a variety of sources and expertise. From advice off medical staff, articles from the internet and useful publications.
As the group developed, Tracey the site owner, set up www.pokweuk.org, to run alongside the original Yahoo! group. Tracey personally funds the site and does so for two reasons. Firstly the site is designed to act as a beacon of support and help to parents who have found out about their child’s condition. The second, it is dedicated to her son Kevin, who sadly passed away from a form of epilepsy called SMEI.
Tracey began the basic framework of the site in June 2004.Together with the site moderators, we hope to build upon the success of the Yahoo! site.
The site is divided into a number of sections. The home page contains articles written by parents along with information and news. Here, you will find personal stories from family members who give background information about their child’s condition, information about medication and useful hints and tips.
The second part of the site is a web forum where people can post their monthly activities, child’s progress and generally discuss how the family is getting on. The POKWE admin team look forward to welcoming the readers of this newsletter to our site.
Phil Key
Pat Bartlem, from Carefree Holidays, wrote in to tell us about her farmhouse complex in Spain, that caters for people with disabilities and their families.
If you have a story to share about a holiday or trip that is accessible for Carers and people with disabilities then contact Lisa on 01782 834836 or email lisadenney21@yahoo.co.uk
Our farmhouse complex consists of three houses, each having at least one en-suite bedroom with a roll in shower for wheelchair dependent guests. The rooms are spacious and the doorways are at least 80cms wide to accommodate wheelchairs.
Most of our guests and their family/Carers, prefer to holiday on a half board basis but if guests should prefer, they can holiday on a self-catering basis.
If guests are staying within the complex for the day, lunches and snacks are available from the poolside bar and dining room.
We have a wheelchair accessible minibus for airport transfers and excursions and can carry one person, who is unable to transfer into a seat, in their wheelchair. Guests can be collected from Murcia airport which is approximately 45 minutes away or Alicante airport which is approximately 90 minutes away.
For the comfort of our guests, we also have available a mobile electric hoist, shower chairs, toilet seat raisers and a hoist for the swimming pool.
If you require a mobility scooter whilst you are on holiday, these can be obtained from a local hire shop.
If you would like further information or to discuss the cost of our holidays you can contact me on (0034) 968 43 70 10 or email info@carefreespain.com. Visit our website at www.carefreespain.com
Pat Bartlam
Top of Page
A Week In The Life Of....Jillian Thelwell
Young Carer Worker. Mosaic Project
Monday. Myself and the rest of the Young Carers’ team spent the day with Closing the Gap, a Government initiative that aims to get young people involved in sports and activities. We learned how to play lots of fun new games and sports, which we can now get the Young Carers playing at our Saturday Groups and After School Clubs. Hopefully they will have as much fun as we did.
Tuesday. We’re busy organising venues, transport, staff etc for summer trips for around 400 Young Carers. It’s a busy time but we really look forward to giving the Young Carers a special day out. Afterwards I dedicate a few hours working on the Young Carers Newsletter. I end today with a home visit to one of the Young Carers I work with.
Wednesday. I visited the mother of one of the Young Carers who I support. She was having a few problems and needed someone to talk to. In the afternoon I visited the team at the Harplands Hospital to find out about the work that they do and to tell them about the Mosaic Project. It is vital that professionals, who are treating adults with mental ill health and substance misuse problems, are aware that there is also a service that can support the children of these individuals.
Thursday. A chance to catch up with paperwork. Not a job I enjoy but something that I have to do. I then have a First Aid trip to organise. We are taking 12 of our Young Carers to the hospital where they will receive training in emergency First Aid, followed by a tour of the hospital. My afternoon is taken up at a meeting of the Newcastle and Moorlands Substance Misuse Locality Group. Long name!! We are a group of professionals who work in the field of substance misuse. We get together to discuss how we can all improve the service that we offer to our clients.
Friday. I attend Cheadle High school where I carry out an awareness raising session with Year 7. These sessions are an important part of my role. It’s an opportunity to talk to teachers and pupils about some of the problems that Young Carers may have in their school life. It’s also an opportunity to let those, as yet unidentified, Young Carers know there is someone who can help.
Top of Page
News From NSCA
NSCA CARERS FORUM
The Carers’ Forum is made up of nineteen Carers/ex-Carers who meet bi-monthly at our Burslem offices. The members are a highly valuable group who, for the past twelve years, have consulted with professionals and service providers to inform strategic direction for the improvement of services. With the ever increasing changes and modernisation of Health and Social Care Services, I would like to invite new Carers to apply for membership on the forum.
The Aim of the Forum is :
To bring together a group of Carers and ex-Carers of people who have disabilities.
To empower Carers to work in partnership with other Carers and Professionals.
To provide a link between the Forum and Service Providers.
To enable a wider circle of Carers to actively participate in the planning and monitoring of services provided by Health Services and Local authorities.
To advise planning and commissioning.
To provide a potential source of innovative ideas.
If you are interested in joining our Forum, please contact Dianne on 01782 834836 for more information.
Carers Link Team Update
We have at last finished replacing our Carers' Information File with the new and improved, File of Information for Carers. This has involved a lot of hard work, but well worth it to make the new Files more compact and easier for Carers to use. They do of course still contain all the useful information designed to make life as a Carer that bit easier. It may surprise you to know that we have a total of 378 Files of Information for Carers in various locations throughout North Staffordshire. If you happen to be in your GP Surgery, any of the Hospital Wards, Social Care Area Offices (or any of the other numerous places we have managed to place a File!) please have a look at the information inside. You may find something useful that you didn't know about! As information is changing constantly, we are already starting to do updates on the new Files, as it is vital that the information is up to date and relevant.
Anna, who is our Secondary Care Link Co-ordinator, has single-handedly replaced around 190 Files of Information for Carers in Hospital Wards and Resource Centres. She's done a brilliant job with what must have seemed a daunting task, so congratulations to Anna!
Liz, Mandy, Anna and Ann
Carers’ Convention
14th September 2007 10am-3pm
Harplands Hospital
North Staffs Carers Association and Combined Healthcare NHS Trust are working in partnership to organise a Carers Convention on the 14th September.
The FREE event will be held at Harplands Hospital from 10:00am and will be officially opened at 10:15am. A variety of activities and workshops will be taking place throughout the day until 3:00pm, including:
- Aromatherapy
- Juicing and Smoothies for health
- Card Making
- Neck and Shoulder Massage techniques
- Tai Chi
- Relaxation
Lunch will be provided from 12:30 to 1:30 and refreshments will be available throughout the day for your enjoyment.
It is extremely important that Carers find the time for a break and to look after their own health, with 65% of Carers suffering from physical and mental ill health due to their caring role. Therefore this event is aimed at providing Carers with the opportunity for a break and to access information and skills to enable Carers to look after their own health.
The event is completely FREE to Carers and if you are interested in attending, please contact Nicola Brough or Irene Abbotts at North Staffs Carers Association on 01782 834836.
Young Carers Department
On behalf of all the staff in the Young Carers Department, I would like to take this opportunity to say a really big thank you to everyone who attended our Wellbeing fair and for helping to make it a thoroughly enjoyable and successful day.
Also, a big thank you to everyone who entered the Carers’ Week Competition. We received lots of colourful and creative artwork and as always it was very difficult to choose the winners. Congratulations to all of the winners and runners up and well done to everyone who took part.
Congratulations are also in order for the winner of the Christina Sanderson Award, which was awarded to Valerie Astle. This award is given to Young Carers for outstanding achievement and is a fantastic opportunity to recognise the role that Young Carers play.
Finally, a huge WELL DONE to Ange, Gill, Holly and Nicki, who took part in the Race for Life event in June, to raise money for Cancer Research. We’re all proud of you!
Liz
Volunteer Coordinator Update
The Care for a Cuppa! Event held at the Enterprise Centre on June 29th was a great success. The Volunteers are a real resourceful bunch and helped with collecting bric-a-brac, baking cakes and manning the stalls on the day.
The Care for a Cuppa event proved very successful and raised a fantastic £110.09! Thanks also go out to Miss Brown,, who kindly donated £100 and to one of our volunteers who raised £40 through holding her own raffle. This brings the total raised to £250.
This money will be used to send some of the Young Carers to the pantomime at Christmas. Many thanks to all the Volunteers who helped on the day and to those who donated various items. You really are remarkable people.
Top of Page
National News
Supporting Disabled Children and their Families
The Government has announced exciting measures to improve the support available to disabled children and their families.
Over the next three years, £340 million will be channelled into the development of existing services and the creation of new services to ensure a better quality of life for disabled children and their families.
The monies will be distributed in the following way:
- £280 million will be allocated to the provision of short breaks for disabled children. This equates to an extra 40,000 short breaks for disabled children and their families over the next three years.
- £35 million to fund a pilot project to provide accessible childcare. This is particularly important as many families report barriers to returning to work due to lack of specialist childcare for their disabled children.
- £19 million for a transition support programme which will enable continuity of care and support as a child enters adulthood.
- £5 million to enable parents to take an active role in the development and shaping of services for disabled children.
- Improvements to service provision and accessibility to equipment and wheelchairs.
The above measures will help to achieve greater independence and a more enriched life for many families and disabled children. This is an important step forward in recognising the individualised support that many disabled children and families have long been shouting for.
Visit Carers UK to find out more. www.carersuk.org
Vulnerable Household Scheme
Stoke On Trent
The Vulnerable Households scheme is available to people who pay their water charges via a water meter and are experiencing difficulty with their payments, due to a high volume of water use. The scheme is particularly targeted at households that are receiving a low income and are in receipt of benefits.
To qualify for the scheme, households must fulfil the following criteria:
- Your property must be billed via a water meter. (If the household does not have a water meter the household can apply to the scheme at the same time as requesting to have a water meter fitted.)
- Annual water and sewage bills must be in excess of £269 a year.
- A resident of the household must be in receipt of one or more of the following benefits: Income Support; Housing Benefit; Council Tax Benefit; Pension Credit; Working Family Tax Credit.
In addition to receiving one or more of the above benefits someone in the household must either be:
1) Suffering from Desquamation, Weeping Skin Disease (Including Eczema; Psoriasis:Ulceration), Crohns Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Abdominal Stomas, Renal Failure
OR
2) Have any other medical condition certified by a registered medical practitioner. The medical condition must cause an increase in water use.
OR
3) Have three or more children living at the household who are under the age of 19.
If you think that you may be eligible to receive support via the household scheme contact Severn Trent on 0845 7500 500 or visit www.stwater.co.uk
Top of Page
Local News
The Clifford Project
The Clifford Project is a unique initiative based in Stone, for young people with learning difficulties aged 18 and over. It recognises the need for a balanced and varied curriculum with an emphasis on building the confidence of young people.
The Clifford Project offers two different curriculum opportunities known as Way 2 Work and Skills 4 Life Programme.
The Skills 4 Life Programme offers a varied curriculum for students with higher level needs. This may include support with work skills, personal and social skills, leisure and recreation skills and independent living.
The Way 2 Work offers a structured work based programme, to encourage greater independence and the development of work skills. This is enhanced through the provision of work placements, basic skills development and independent living or supported living skills.
The Clifford Project works closely with employers in the area to establish links and to gain work placements for students. The student’s skills are matched to the employers needs before work placements commence. Students will continue to receive support whilst on work placement.
The Clifford Project also has two houses in the community where independent living skills are taught. The houses also offer short breaks opportunities. Other services available through the project include holiday clubs, a pizza club and a performing arts club.
If you would like more information or to arrange a visit to the Clifford Project, please phone our admin team on 01785 818877. Visit our web site at www.thecliffordproject.co.uk.
Direct Payments
Direct Payments are local council payments, that are made to people who have been assessed as needing help from Social Care Services, but who wish to arrange care services themselves.
The essence of Direct Payments is to provide people with greater flexibility and control in their lives, by arranging their own care support based upon their individual needs. This money could be used to employ personal assistants, take part in hobbies or leisure activities or to choose services that address the assessed person’s needs.
Direct Payments are also available to Carers, who have been assessed as eligible to receive them. They may be used by Carers to take part in a hobby, a leisure activity or even a trip to the theatre or cinema.
Direct Payments are available to disabled people over the age of 16 years, people who have parental responsibility for disabled children and to Carers aged over 16.
To receive Direct Payments, the disabled person or Carer will need to have an assessment. This will look at the needs of the person and the amount of direct payment will then be calculated.
People who already receive services from Social Care but who would like to receive Direct Payments as an alternative to their care provision, should contact their social worker or local Social Care Office for more details.
To find out if you are eligible to receive direct payments contact your local Social Care Office.
Top of Page
Carers Week Evaluation
CARERS’ WEEK 2007 SUCCESS
This year's Carers' Week event took place at Trentham Gardens for a HUGE double celebration. Not only were we celebrating the enormous contribution that Carers make in our community, this year was also our 20th year anniversary.
We didn't let the wet weather dampen our celebrations and the event was officially opened by Mike Sassi (Editor in Chief, Sentinel). Throughout the day Carers had access to Complementary Therapies, Tai Chi, Smoothie Tasting, Plate Painting, Jewellery Making, Card Making, Mosaic Building, Makeovers, Raffles, Competitions, crystals, craft stalls and much more.
Lots of stalls
Complementary Therapies
Some of our Young Carers meeting Sniggles from Signal Radio
This year's Balloon Launch competition was very nearly a wash out, due to the wet weather. However with lots of effort and determination from staff, Carers and volunteers the balloons were eventually and successfully released by Gilly Abbotts.
Up, up and away....
The event also saw the launch of the Association's new Prize Draw Club, which is part of our new campaign to raise funds for a Carers' Centre. We successfully raised a total of £795.90 at the event.
Feedback from the day has been excellent. One Carer stated the following:
"It was a lovely, relaxing and informative experience. Thank you for all the good work you do."
Thank you to everybody involved in making this year's Carers' Week celebrations a HUGE success.
Top of Page
North Staffs Carers trolley token
Why not take the hassle out of shopping and support your local Carers Association, by using the North Staffs Carers trolley token. The stylish trolley tokens come on a handy key-ring and are available from North Staffs Carers Association .
The trolley tokens are available on a first come first served basis. A donation of one pound is requested, with all proceeds going towards the development of the Carers’ Centre.
Pop in to see us at the Burslem Enterprise Centre, Moorland Road or call us on 01782 834836.
Top of Page
Emotional Wellbeing Project
Carers’ Emotional Wellbeing Project –
For Carers in the Newcastle & Moorlands Area
The past few months have been a busy time for the Emotional Wellbeing Project. Firstly, I would like to thank those Carers who donated their time knitting and lots of wool for the fund raising stall for Carers Week; there is some great skill amongst you! Thanks.
Secondly, to the Complementary Therapy Team from Combined Health Care and Independent Therapists who also delivered therapies for the Carers Day Event at Trentham. Thanks again, your ongoing support is always appreciated. Thanks also, to Derek Jones who led the Tai Chi and shared his wonderful ‘Sword Form’. And Anita Stott, who whisked up some amazing smoothie and juicing recipes.
Self Assertion & Self Esteem
Over the coming months there will be a series of five stand-alone workshops based around self-assertion and self-esteem. Attendance at any one would be beneficial but each would contribute to an overall improvement, offering tools and skills to develop assertiveness and self-esteem. These workshops will cover Care for Self, Learning to say ‘No’, Dealing with Anger and Self Esteem – What is it?
To take part in any of the series please contact Nicola Brough on 01782 831617. Sessions will be 2 hours in duration and located throughout the Newcastle & Moorlands. Places are limited to 20.
Complementary Therapy Voucher System
A reminder to Carers in the Newcastle and Moorlands areas. You can access a course of Complementary Therapies via our voucher system to have Reflexology, Reiki, Aromatherapy Massage, Indian Head Massage, Hopi Ear Candling and also Body Detox Therapy. Don’t be shy, please take the opportunity to experience these wonderful sessions.
Reiki Training For Carers in Newcastle & Moorlands
Reiki is Universal Energy. This ancient system of healing is a safe, powerful but gentle way of using light, energy vibrations to restore & balance yourself and others.This module is open to anyone who has a desire to learn Reiki and is intended for self treatment, self transformation and for the treatment of family and friends.
There are two dates available. Training will take place in Newcastle on Wednesday August 8th 2007, 10am – 3.30pm & in Leek on Wednesday August 29th 2007, 10am – 3.30pm. To take part in either of these workshops please contact Nicola Brough on 01782 831617. Places are limited.
Carers Break
On Wednesday 14th & Thursday 15th November the Carers’ Emotional Wellbeing Project is organising a Carers’ Break. This will include 2 days of relaxation and fun and one night’s accommodation. More details to follow, places are again limited to 25! Please register your interest early to avoid disappointment.
Support Groups (For Carers living in Newcastle and the Moorlands)
The last twelve months I have held groups at Leek, Kidsgrove, and Chesterton on a monthly basis, and in Biddulph and Cheadle on a bi-monthly basis. Support groups will recommence in September. Cheadle support group will be held on a monthly basis and Kidsgrove support group on a bi-monthly basis.
Support Group Information
Staffs Moorlands Childrens Centre
Albert Street, Biddulph
10.00am-12:00pm
Wednesday 14th November
The Brandon Centre,
Cheadle Hospital
Royal Walk, Cheadle
10.00am -12:00pm
Wednesday 17th October
Wednesday 21st November
Kidsgrove Library
Meadow Road, Kidsgrove
10.00am-12:00pm
Thursday 11th October
Thursday 13th December
Chesterton Salvation Army Community Ctre
Brick Kiln Lane, Chesterton
1:00pm-3:00pm
Tuesday 9th October
Tuesday 13th November
Beth Johnson Housing Association
Community Room, 1 Pickwood Close
Leek (Opposite Moorlands Hospital)
2:00pm-4pm
Thursday 27th September
Thursday 25th October
Thursday 29th November
Top of Page
| 
