Caring Services in Shropshire UK

Transcription

1 Carers Newsletter February 2012 SUPPORTED BY

2 Carers Support Service Community Council, The Creative Quarter, Shrewsbury Business Park, Shrewsbury SY2 6LG Tel: Fax: The Community Council of Shropshire is a company limited by guarantee. Registered No Registered Charity No Welcome to 2012 the year of the Queen s Diamond Jubilee, the London Olympics and the launch of our new service for carers and a new look Carers newsletter! You will find details of the new service on the facing page, and throughout this edition you will find information about activities and events, as well as other sources of help and services from the Community Council of Shropshire. We hope you like the new format of this all colour newsletter. We are very grateful to our sponsors, advertisers and contributors for their financial support so that we can make it available to you, free of charge. We d like to know what you think so please fill in the enclosed questionnaire and send it back or us. You might even win a prize so good luck! Julia Baron Chief Executive Every effort is made to ensure that the information in this newsletter is correct. CCS cannot accept liability for errors or omissions within it, is not responsible for the quality of services or products referred to, and does not necessarily endorse the views or opinions expressed by other organisations or contributors. Contents Introduction 2 Your new Carers Support Service 3 Golden Jubilee Appeal for Carers 4 Meet the Staff Team 5 Money Matters were you mis-sold? 6 Activities and Events for Carers 7-9 Volunteering Opportunities 10 Carers Fly Fishing Group 11 Didn t we have a luverly time the day we went to Chester! 11 A Voice for Family Carers 12 Carers and the Internet 13 Red Cross First Aid Workshop 13 Sources of Help 14 Bulk Oil Buying Scheme 15 If you no longer wish to receive the newsletter or are in a position to receive the newsletter by e mail please let us know. Tel: or glenda.jordan@shropshire-rcc.org.uk 2

3 YOUR NEW CARERS SUPPORT SERVICE The central feature of our service is the Carers Support Line. This is open Monday Friday from 9am-4pm. Our staff are here to give you expert help and advice with the issues and concerns that you have as a Carer. The number for the Support Line is If you need more help, we can arrange to call you on a regular basis to help you get back on track or just to give you support and reassurance. Drop in sessions for Carers are happening in your local area. Experienced Support Workers will be available to speak with you about specific issues you may have around your caring role or just pop in for an informal chat. For further details, please see pages 7-10 of this Newsletter or our website: Workshops and training will be running on a regular basis to help you in your caring role. For example, in March, we are running a First Aid course for Carers with British Red Cross. Newsletters and Information If you are registered with our service you will receive a copy of the Carers Newsletter. Copies may be downloaded from our website where you will also find information about carers issues. You can call or us for information. Getting Involved We need volunteers to work with us. If you are interested in volunteering or being part of our Advisory Panel of Carers we d love to hear from you. See our website for further details. 3

4 Golden Jubilee Appeal for Carers The Community Council of Shropshire has been operating for 50 years and as part of our celebrations we want to recognise and promote the work of the carers and more importantly to give something back. You have told us you value the opportunity to have a break and to recharge your batteries so that you feel better able to cope and carry on. Our staff have organised many things over the years from pampering sessions to Christmas shopping trips and from support groups to theatre outings and we know that these are valuable opportunities for people to relax and meet others in similar situations to share experiences. We want to do more of this but the funding we receive from Shropshire Council doesn t cover these costs so we are launching the Appeal to raise funds for these extra services to continue. Can you help? Shropshire people are known for their generosity and fundraising events take place weekly across the county. We would really value your help. Can you organise an event with your friends, family or community? If you work, could your workmates have a coffee morning to raise funds? Would your employer or your local pub have a collection box for the Appeal? Would your local pub organise a quiz or maybe a local shop or business would donate a raffle prize? If you can help please ring Shropshire RCC Carers Appeal is an operating name of the Community Council of Shropshire

5 Meet the Staff Team Over the next two years our core team will be nine part-time staff based at the Community Council, with a further two part-time staff employed by the Mayfair Centre delivering support in South West Shropshire. We also have two other part time staff working with us on short term contracts. Carers Support and Development Team Our support officers are: Angela Evans, Gail Bonella-Foster, Julie Alanthwaite, Joseph Dudley, Julie Apted and Dice Buchanan/Jenny Englefield (Mayfair Centre). They are co-ordinating a regular programme of drop-in surgeries, outings, events, and can offer emotional and practical support for carers. Other Staff If you are a new Carer you have probably already talked to Glenda Jordan our Carers Support Line Officer. Glenda provides information and advice by telephone as well as overseeing recruitment, training and support for volunteers assisting with the Support Line. Julia Wenlock, our Administrative Officer, arranges bookings for training or workshops for carers and ensures our website is up to date. Our Involvement Officer Jenni Lewis is building our volunteer team and developing an annual survey for carers to feedback on our services. Elodie Home, our Community Fundraising Officer, is creating a team of volunteer fundraisers to help us raise more funds to support and develop our services. Diane Cuff and Celia MacIntyre share the job of Head of Service. They support staff, work with local partners and funders, and ensure everything runs smoothly. We are here to help so give us a call! Clockwise from bottom left: Julie Apted, Gail Bonella- Foster, Joseph Dudley, Diane Cuff, Celia MacIntyre, Julia Wenlock, Julie Alanthwaite, and Jenni Lewis. 5

6 MONEY MATTERS Were you mis-sold? Payment Protection Insurance, or PPI s as they are known, were applied to many loan and credit card plans and also mortgages, but now that money may have to be repaid to customers who had these payments added without their permission. The original idea behind PPI s was to cover loan repayments if a borrower fell ill or lost their job, but they were sold to unsuspecting customers even though they rarely paid out. PPI s have become the biggest source of customer complaints to the Financial Services Authority. Now banks have been forced to set aside 7 billion to meet potential PPI claims, and thousands of Shropshire people are entitled to claim their money back with interest. Mike Walker, legal consultant on financial matters at Darwin Matthews Solicitors, has been helping local people with their claims and says PPI policies were not compulsory, although Banks implied that you needed the insurance to get finance. Many policies were sold to people who could never have claimed on the policy. The easiest way to find out if the insurance was added, or is being paid, is to look at an old or current statement. Customers can pursue their own claim but can also use a solicitor to check if they were mis-sold a PPI. Mike Walker added: People who cancelled their insurance are still entitled to claim back premiums and any interest paid, which could be substantial. We recently recovered amounts of 13,500 and 12,500 for clients. You are entitled to claim if: Your Loan/Credit Card/ Mortgage is still active, or you made the last payment since You were or are self-employed and the lender was not clear that you would not benefit from redundancy protection. Your lender did not make it clear that the insurance was optional or that it wouldn t cover pre-existing medical conditions. Your lender failed to tell you that you would pay interest on the premiums, or that the cover could run out before you finished paying off your loan. Mike Walker can be contacted on

7 ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS FOR CARERS Carers Groups The Oswestry Carers group for Carers of Adults with Learning Disabilities will continue to meet on the last Wednesday of the month, 10.30am 12pm at Oswestry Borough Council Chamber in Arthur Street. Speakers from both the Benefits Options and the Shared Lives Teams along with others will be giving presentations to the group. For more information or suggestions for future speakers please contact Jackie Taylor The Shrewsbury group for Carers of Adults with Mental Health issues meets, courtesy of Mind, on the 1st Thursday of the month pm at Shropshire Mind Building, Observer House, Holywell Street, Shrewsbury. The Bridgnorth group for Carers of Adults with Substance Misuse Issues meets 2nd Wednesday of each month: pm Bridgnorth Fire Station, Innage Lane, Bridgnorth. RETHINK Mental Health Carers Group meets 1st Tuesday of each month: pm at 25 Corve Street, Ludlow. Shropshire & Telford Asperger Carers Group (STACS) for those caring for an adult with Aspergers Syndrome. The group is active in promoting the creation of services for adults with Autism. Daytime meetings 10am 12.30pm: l March 7th Civic Centre, Wellington l April 4th Inn on the Green, Radbrook, Shrewsbury l May 2nd Civic Centre, Wellington, Evening Meetings: 2nd Tuesday of the month to Please call Robin on for details of venues. Mental Health Active Carers Group The Active Carers Group meets at The Lantern, Meadow Farm Drive, Shrewsbury SY1 4NF on the second Tuesday of every other month at 2pm. Next meetings: March 13th, May 8th. Carers Groups open to all Bridgnorth: 3rd Thursday of each month 10.30am 12.30pm The Bungalow, Innage Lane, Bridgnorth Church Stretton: 1st Wednesday of each month, 2pm 4pm, Mayfair Centre, Easthope Road, Church Stretton Ellesmere: 2nd Tuesday of each month, 11am 1pm, The Town Hall, Ellesmere Oswestry: last Thursday of the month, 11am 1pm, Red Lion, Oswestry Shrewsbury: 3rd Wednesday of each month, 11am 1pm, Inn on the Green, Radbrook, Shrewsbury 7

8 8 Lunches An informal opportunity for Carers to meet and chat to each other and Support Workers. l Thursday 15th March at 12.30pm The Craven Arms Hotel Shrewsbury Road SY7 9QJ Carvery at 7.95 each, payable on the day To book call Dice or Jenny l Wednesday 21st March at 12.30pm Brooklands Hotel, Mill Road, Shrewsbury Roast beef lunch + dessert and tea/coffee 6 each payable on the day. To book call Events Quiz Afternoon Red Lion Pub, Bailey Head, Oswestry Tuesday 6th March, 2pm 4pm Entry 1 each General knowledge cash prizes. They serve good food so why not come early and have some lunch! To book call Coffee Morning and Table Top Sale Carers along with their friends & family are all welcome. Tuesday 13th March, 10 am 12.30pm Victoria Hall, High Street, Broseley Slim Gym Free taster session for carer and/or the person you care for. Thursday 29th March 2012, 2pm 4pm Bailey Street, Oswestry Don t be put off by the word gym. You can try the activity chairs and power plates, gentle exercise to begin. You work at your own pace and have some fun. The gym will be closed to the general public. Contact to book a place. Walks A chance to blow the cobwebs away, enjoy the exercise and the company. Mere Meander Tuesday 24th April 10am 11.30am at The Meres Visitors Centre, Ellesmere The walk is being led by a Meres Ambles walk leader and is suitable for wheelchair users. Tea/coffee available afterwards. To book a place call Battlefield Walk, Shrewsbury Thursday 29th March, 11am 12.30pm Easy access, level walking for approximately 1 hour. Why not treat yourself afterwards at the Visitors Centre Café? To book a place call Information Event Ludlow Methodist Church, The Zion Room, Broad Street, Ludlow Wednesday 18th April, pm A great opportunity for carers to meet up and gain information from Wace Morgan Solicitors and the Police plus a variety of information stands to help you in your caring role. To book telephone or maysi@hotmail.co.uk

9 Carers Drop In Surgeries A member of the Carers Support Team will be available on an informal basis to offer advice to unpaid family carers on a range of issues including Benefits, Health, Social Care, and Respite options. Please drop in for a chat. For more information about the following surgeries contact Gobowen Library St Martins Road Thursday 9th February, 10am 1pm Ellesmere Library Fullwood House, Victoria Street Friday 10th February, 2 4pm The Lantern Library Meadow Farm Drive Shrewsbury 14th February, 2 4pm Pontesbury Library Bogey Lane, Pontesbury Thursday 16th February, 2 4pm Oak Farm House Station Road, Ditton Priors 10am 12 noon 4th Tuesday of each month Starting Tuesday 28th February Oswestry Library Arthur Street, Oswestry Tuesday 6th March, 10am 1pm For information about the following surgeries please ring Cleobury Mortimer Library Cleobury Country Centre, Love Lane Wednesday 15th February, 11am 1pm Millmead Mayfield Avenue, Craven Arms Thursday 8th March, pm Bishops Castle Pharmacy Church Street, Bishops Castle Thursday 22nd March, 2 4pm Hazelhurst Close Community Centre Clun Thursday March 29th, 2 4pm 9

10 Volunteering Opportunities Volunteering can be immensely rewarding. Whether you need work experience, want to make new friends or to give something back to the community; we have the opportunity for you. We are currently looking for volunteers to help in the following areas: Group facilitators Do you have a hobby or leisure activity you would be interested in sharing with a group of Carers? We are looking for volunteers to help us develop a group activities programme across the county. The groups will provide peer support in a relaxed and informal environment alongside the fun of developing new interests. Ambassadors Are you able to give some time in your local area to help raise awareness of the services available to family carers? This may involve delivering leaflets to key venues, supporting local carers groups, giving short talks to local groups or representing us at an occasional local event. This is a very flexible role, which offers you the opportunity to meet new people. Telephone Supporters Are you able to give carers who are isolated a regular weekly or fortnightly telephone call to help them feel less isolated and more supported in their caring role? A volunteer Telephone Supporter will provide a listening ear, emotional support and signposting to other services. Telephone Supporters are matched with one or more carers who they phone from their own home. Those carers receiving calls may be l isolated with a minimal support system l caring for people with little or no conversation, perhaps because the person being cared for has lost their power of speech or has communication problems l those whose caring role is extremely difficult and where extra support would be beneficial Local Fundraisers See page 4 for how you could help with our Carers Appeal. What do we offer? Volunteers receive all the necessary training and are fully supported by our team. It is a great feeling knowing that you are helping those carers within Shropshire, who care for family or friends with health problems or disabilities. Volunteering can be a stepping-stone into paid employment, making new friends and giving something back to the community. Being a Carer can be lonely, and talking to others who understand how that feels is immensely helpful and reassuring. Help us to help more Carers by joining our volunteer team. Please contact to find out more about our volunteering opportunities. 10

11 Carers Fly Fishing Group Do you enjoy getting out in the fresh air? Would you like to meet up with other carers for an activity? Then perhaps you might like to join us for an afternoon of fly fishing. The Carers Fly fishing group meets 1st Wednesday of the month from 7th March onwards at a variety of venues across the county. Why not join us for a taster session and give it a try? Costs vary from per afternoon and in some instances, there is no cost. If you don t have the equipment we can loan you this on the day. Come along to enjoy the company of other carers and take home a trout for tea. If your interested in more information then contact Diane on or diane.cuff@shropshire-rcc.org.uk. In November, 51 carers enjoyed a coach trip to Chester to enjoy a festive shopping trip. The day out included a pick up from various points, mince pies (baked by one of the carers) and soft drinks on the journey home, with discount vouchers to spend in the Waitrose store in Chester. Carers paid just 7 for the trip and the balance of the costs were paid for by proceeds of a book sale organised by Community Council staff. Comments from the carers on the day included: THE OUTING MEANT WE COULD HAVE A GOOD DAY OUT WITHOUT HAVING TO PUSH A WHEELCHAIR A GOOD DAY OUT, SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO PLEASE KEEP THESE DAYS OUT GOING BRILLIANT DAY OUT WITH EVERYTHING ORGANISED ONLY HAD TO TURN UP ON TIME A LOVELY BREAK FROM CARING IT GAVE MY WIFE AND ME TIME TO BE OURSELVES NICE TO HAVE TIME TO MYSELF AND SHOP WITHOUT FEELING GUILTY If you would like to be included in a future trip, please let us know 11

12 A Voice for Family Carers Having a voice is important for carers to influence service provision and ensure their needs are met. The Carers Leadership Group (adults with a learning disability) fulfills this role and has developed influence through representation on the Learning Disability Partnership Board and Family Carers Partnership Board. The Group was set up to improve the lives of family carers of people with a learning disability and the people they care for in line with the principles in Valuing People (2001). Its membership is open to any individual who cares for an adult with a learning disability. The group is currently chaired by family carer Susan Smith and meets six times a year. Key speakers from Shropshire Council and the PCT come to discuss issues relevant to group members/family carers. Most importantly the group wants to ensure that family carers are involved in local developments and that their voice is heard. Group members also offer mutual support and share information about what is happening locally and nationally, both for family carers and for people with a learning disability. If you would like to know more ring Jackie Taylor on or jackie.taylor@shropshire.gov.uk 12

13 Carers and the Internet The Get Shropshire Online project gives those not currently online confidence, guidance and skills to use the internet and . The project runs small local groups where learners get one to one support. These sessions are demand driven, i.e where new learners come forward, groups and sessions are set up in libraries, schools and community venues; anywhere where there is equipment, a broadband connection and some willing, trusted volunteers to show others the virtues of the World Wide Web. We are specifically appealing to carers to come forward and take advantage of this help to learn about the internet. Carers face a variety of challenges including irregular or unpredictable schedules, a shortage of time and money and the necessity of staying near the person being cared for. The internet can help to overcome many of these Ludlow Computer Course challenges by providing access to a wealth of services and functions such as: l Information l Flexible working l Social interaction l Entertainment and breaks from caring l Saving time and money l E-learning l Online shopping l Podcasts, online news, radio and tv l Reduced isolation l A life outside of caring If you would like to find out more call Renee or Lisa on /177 EVERY DAY FIRST AID PRACTICAL WORKSHOP Tuesday 27th March, 10 am 12noon Cost: 5 Red Cross Centre, Sutton Lodge, Betton Street, Belle Vue, SY3 7NY To book your place or for more information, please contact Glenda Jordan

14 SOURCES OF HELP The Social Care Emergency Duty Team provides help in a crisis to vulnerable adults, children in need and their families when local daytime offices have closed. This includes during the night, on weekends and public holidays. They are only available to deal with social care emergencies that arise outside office hours. To contact the emergency duty team call If you need to contact the police, ambulance service, medical services or fire services then you must contact these agencies directly. Need a break or a holiday? The Carers Emergency Respite Scheme is aimed at family carers and is an additional service that can be considered in the event of an emergency or a situation that arises resulting in a carer being unable to provide any care due to unforeseen or unplanned circumstances. Paid carers can stay with the cared for person in their own home for up to 48 hours or 72 hours during a bank holiday, for free. Carers will need to register for the scheme and have a Carers Assessment as part of the process. For further information please contact Carers Support Service First Point of Contact for Adult Social Care Advice 14 Contact Respite Solutions Sourcing care-free holiday for family carers and people of all abilities. We offer personalised holiday searches booking support Offering choice in sourcing respite opportunities on your own, as a couple or wider family. Extensive catalogue of holidays and short breaks for all budgets. Ring info@caringenterprises.org.uk Caring Enterprises CIC Adults who require first time help, support or advice about social care can contact the council on just one number. Customers can call and speak to experienced and professional advisers at Shropshire Council s Customer Service Centre, who will be able to help them access the council s adult social care services. As well as identifying whether someone is eligible for a service at first point of contact, individuals can also be signposted to other relevant services within the council. The Minicom number is

15 Bulk oil buying scheme from the Community Council of Shropshire The Community Council of Shropshire aims to tackle the high cost of fuel head on this winter. An Oil Buying Scheme has been established to enable residents, community buildings, schools and businesses to save money through bulk buying their fuel. The scheme is aimed at bringing communities together to make the most of joint buying power so that greater savings can be made and passed on to customers. Were now have over 200 members across Shropshire who are making significant savings on their heating bills. One member said: I placed my first order in September and was delighted to find I had saved 23 on my first order! The delivery came a few days later as promised. The scheme will also help to reduce the carbon footprint of the actual delivery system. If one tanker can reach many customers in a small area, the fuel consumption is reduced. Individual membership to the scheme is subject to a small annual fee of 20 however there are a limited number of free memberships available for households where someone meets certain criteria. For example where someone: l is over 75 years old l has learning difficulties l has dementia l is disabled For more details on how you can join the scheme please contact Lizzy Thain on or oil@shropshire-rcc.org.uk 15

16 DAR WIN MATTHEWS S O L I C I T O R S PAYMENT PROTECTION INSU RANCE (PPI) A RE YO U OWED 3, 000? ( p )