Enabling and empowering disabled people and carers
Networker
Compass
Free Membership Magazine
Carers Winter 2015
#CashNotTrash - We can accept Any brand of coffee packaging. Lids and packets only, not jars or tins. Any brand of sweet biscuit wrapper including individually wrapped biscuits. Any brand of air or home cleaning packaging including trigger spray heads, bottle caps and air freshener packaging, no bottles or cans
Send us your recyclables and we will stop them going to landfill and turn them into cash instead
We need your help You may have heard of the “buy a Bubble” appeal, where we have been asking people to buy a bubble, to fill the theraputic tubes in the sensory room or the hydrotherapy pool, that will be just two of the wonderful facilities housed in our new Wellbeing Centre in Taunton. We still have some way to go to reach our target, but we know that not everyone can afford to donate cash. So we have come up with two ways that you can make a difference to our fundraising, without it costing you a penny. Full details on all our fundraising initiatives can be found online at www.compassdisability.org.uk or find us on Twitter @CompassDis or Facebook “Compass Disability Fundraising Page”, or call Paula on 01823 282823.
Shop online through Easyfundraising and raise a free donation s Join s Shop s Raise
www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/cds 2
Contents Winter ‘15 edition
v Compass Disability Services is an innovative, enlightened and positive organisation. v Our mission is ‘to enable and empower disabled people and carers to have independence, choice and control in their lives’. v Our values, beliefs and mission have allowed us to spread our influence in Somerset, Cornwall, Dorset, mid Wales, Warwickshire & Birmingham.
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...............Richard Pitman, CEO
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......Compass Points - Network
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.............Compass Points - Hub
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.....................Pop Up Compass
v Compass Disability Services is a user-led organisation and our Board of Trustees is comprised of at least 80% disabled people.
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.............Shopmobility Taunton
v Our principles give us the authority to explore options to give a voice to disabled people.
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.......Dementia Action Alliance
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...................Accessible Malaga
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.................Associate members
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........................Useful numbers
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..............Carer support groups
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.......Our wonderful volunteers
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..............................Mindfulness
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.........................Carers support
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...................Training for Carers
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.......................Compass Carers
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.............Supported Internships
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...................Associate member
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......A Trustee, gets trussed up
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.................Associate members
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............Could you be a Trustee
v Compass Disability Services works through consultation, representation and service delivery, facilitating various projects. Feedback: Compass Disability Services welcomes feedback on ‘Networker’ or any of the services it provides. Alternative Formats: ‘Networker’ is also available in large print, braille, on cd, cassette, as an MP3, PDF or by email. Editorial or Advertising queries: Contact Clive Rymer, Editor on 0330 333 0089 or email: clive@compassdisability.org.uk. Disclaimer: The views expressed in ‘Networker’ are not necessarily those of Compass Disability Services. For further information please contact Clive Rymer, Editor on 01823 282823 or email: clive@compassdisability.org.uk
16 17 .............Free Training From Us
www.compassdisability.org.uk
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‘Networker’ is produced by Compass Disability Services Unit 11-12 Belvedere Trading Estate Taunton TA1 1BH Tel: 0330 3330089 or 01823 282823 Text: 07568 109960 Minicom: 01823 255919 Email: info@compassdisability.org.uk Website: www.compassdisability.org.uk Registered Charity Number: 1099376
Compass Points
Richard introduces the Winter 2015 edition Buy a Bubble and together with Compass Disability Services you will help to create Taunton’s first ever Wellbeing Centre and Community Café with hydrotherapy pool, sensory room, community garden and space to run activities from, such as a dementia café, young carers groups, disabled kids club, gardening club, craft sessions and much more! Merry Christmas to you all. It is the Perhaps you’d like to get involved by season to celebrate and we have been hosting your own fundraising event celebrating at Compass Disability Services as we recently heard that we or maybe you have a fundraising idea have received enough funds to that could help us get those sensory commence work on our Wellbeing Centre. tubes and pool filled with bubbles! Our Buy a Bubble appeal will continue as To help you get your thinking caps on there are many things we still need to some of the ways in which others are enhance the project. We have also getting involved include doing a celebrated Shopmobility’s 21st birthday sponsored walk, running a marathon, as you will see later in the magazine. Sadly, due to print deadlines we have not organising a cream tea and even been able to bring you photos of the event collecting scrap metal to sell in aid of but look out for them, next edition. the project. As usual there are many articles in this So if you would like to help us make edition of the magazine, particularly a difference and turn a dream into around volunteering and some personal reality all you need to do is go to the experiences of how volunteering has enhanced people’s lives. We also have an ‘mydonate’ page set up specifically article on Mindfulness as a tool to assist for this project, which can be found with relaxation and self-awareness. at:
Finally look out for our intrepid Trustee who has zip wired down Europe’s longest zip wire, to raise funds for our ‘Buy a Bubble Appeal’. If you think you are as big a daredevil as Mark and would like to undertake an activity to raise funds for our organisation we would always love to hear from you. Anyway ta ta for now and again I wish you a joyful Christmas season.
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https://mydonate. bt.com/events/ compassbuyabubble# Or phone Rachel or Michelle on 01823 282823 Or email info@compassdisability.org.uk
www.compasscarers.org.uk
Compass Points
Join the Network and have your say! Carers Network for Learning Disability Services in Somerset. We have now established a Carers Network for parent/carers of customers of the Learning Disability Service in Somerset. The aim is to ensure that carers have an opportunity to be involved and receive information on the changes taking place in the Learning Disability Service as it moves to becoming a Social Enterprise Partnership Carers who are part of the Network receive a copy of the monthly briefing sheet issued by the ‘LD Shadow Board’. A nominated carers representative attends the monthly meetings and carers are invited to put forward their views through Compass or direct to the representative. There are also other opportunities for carers to get involved and have their say throughout the process.
If you would like to become part of the LDS Carers Network you can provide your contact details using the following link: www.surveymonkey.com/s/ Carersnetworkdetails Or to join, please call Mandy or Nats on 01823 282823 or email mandy@compassdisability.org.uk
Sedgemoor Disability Forum The most recent meeting of the Sedgemoor Disability Forum took place on Wednesday 21st October at East Huntspill Village Hall. Sedgemoor District Council provided their annual budget update and invited members to complete a survey on how they think the council should spend their council tax in the forthcoming financial year. Aster Living and Millbrook Healthcare gave a talk on the new Somerset MY Home My Life Service which brings together the Home Improvement Agency and Community Equipment Service in the area. Other speakers included the AVoice project provided by the Care Forum which provides an advocacy service for individuals who have been a victim of crime or antisocial behavior and SARI who provide support for victims of Hate Crime. A report will be available shortly. The next Forum will take place in the Spring of 2016. Please contact us if you would like more information on this meeting.
Taunton Deane Disability Discussion Group The most recent meeting of the Taunton Deane Disability Discussion Group took place on Wednesday 30th September at Ruishton Village Hall. A presentation was provided on the project which is looking at relocating the current council offices at Deane House in Taunton to County Hall in Taunton and a new shared reception area.
www.compassdisabilitynetwork.org.uk
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Continued on page 6 . . . .
Compass Points . . . . Continued from page 5 Tone Leisure provided information on the new pool pod proposed for Blackbrook in Taunton in July next year. Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust provided information on their Falls Prevention service and finally Somerset You Can Do explained about their work with volunteers which can help individuals access their community or provide help with IT. Somerset You Can Do also look after the Active Living Groups in Somerset, approximately 120 groups provide activities for people aged over 50. A report is available to view on the Compass Disability Network website or you can telephone the office to request a copy. The next meeting will take place in March next year, please contact us if you would like more information. Transport, care and communication support can be provided to enable you to attend our Forums and Discussion Groups and we are also able to re-imburse mileage for anyone living in the areas concerned wishing to make their own way to the meetings.
Mendip Disability Forum The Mendip Disability Forum meets four times a year at Tor Leisure Centre in Glastonbury and provides an opportunity for disabled people and carers living in the area to be consulted and informed on a range of issues from different organisations. Speakers are invited to provide information on services giving members an opportunity to raise their views. A hot meal is provided at a small cost to members. Transport is provided free for those unable to use their own or public transport. The forum has asked Compass Disability Network to assist with
the future running of the group and we are now arranging speakers, transport etc. for them. Future date for the Forum is: Wednesday 16th December 11am - 3pm If you are interested in attending or receiving more information on this, please contact Mandy Seaman 01823 282823 or email: mandy@compassdisability.org.uk.
Annual Membership Survey Thank you to all our members that took the time to give us their feedback this year in our Annual Membership Survey. We have provided a few of the results below, however a full report is available to view on our website with all the results, if you wish to view this.
The Networker 97.5% of those that answered said they liked the layout and appearance of the Networker magazine. 97% said they thought it is a useful publication
How satisfied are you? 58% said they were extremely satisfied or satisfied with the amount of involvement they have had with Compass Disability Network. 38.5% were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied and 3% were dissatisfied or extremely dissatisfied. 71% said they were extremely satisfied with the level of service they have received from the Compass Disability Network project. 27% were neither satisfied Continued on page 7 . . . .
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www.compasscarers.org.uk
Compass Points . . . . Continued from page 6
nor dissatisfied and 2% were dissatisfied or extremely dissatisfied.
Contacting the office 98.8% found it easy to obtain our contact details. 97.7% said the phone was answered quickly and efficiently
Future Development The top areas that members would like Compass Disability Services to concentrate on in the next financial year were to continue to: ~ Promote peoples independence, choice and control in their lives, 56% ~ Support disabled people and carers, to improve their quality of life, 52%
~ Be a useful resource for finding information regarding the needs of disabled people and carers, 45% ~ Promote the health and wellbeing of disabled people and carers, 44%. The information will be used as part of our business planning during the coming year to ensure we encompass members priorities in the work ahead.
Thank you from the Network. We would like to say a big thank you to all our members that have given up their time to get involved and contribute to our work this year. We are extremely grateful to you all and look forward to working with you in 2016.
www.compassdisabilitynetwork.org.uk
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Join our Network and have a voice. telephone: 01823 282823 minicom: 01823 255919 text: 07568 109960 email: info@compassdisability.org.uk
Compass Points Money Management Taster Session Compass Disability Network has been working with the Monday Club in Burnham on Sea to bring together speakers and information that the group have requested. The Monday Club is a group for people with learning disabilities, run by a group of valuable volunteers and meets weekly at the Bay Centre. On the 16th November the Brandon Trust were invited to deliver a Money Management Taster Session as part of their current range of Skills for Life courses being run with Somerset Skills & Learning in Highbridge. The group discussed money safety, budgeting and essential / non-essential spending.
Service User Engagement Group The Service User Engagement Group is a group of disabled people and carers that come together to act as a “strategic sounding board” to Somerset County Council relating to care and support services for adults.
and we had an interesting and full agenda. During the morning of the meeting we had an update on “Somerset Commitment to Carer’s” (which is the name for Somerset’s Carers Strategy). Somerset County Council and Carers’ Voice Somerset have been working with carers and former carers to identify the key The purpose of the group is to help themes and priorities regarding services improve and develop services to better and support that are important to help meet the care and support needs of adults unpaid carers in their caring roles. These in Somerset. The most recent meeting of key priorities were presented to the group this group took place in mid-November at the meeting. Carers’ Voice Somerset Continued on page 9 . . . .
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www.compasscarers.org.uk
Compass Points . . . . Continued from page 8 have been working to involve carers to further refine these priorities to enable them to start creating an action plan which aims to improve outcomes for carers in the future. We also heard from Somerset’s Safeguarding Adults Board, which is a multi-agency partnership working together to help protect adults with care and support needs. The aim of the Board is to ensure: q There is a culture of not tolerating abuse. q People work together to prevent abuse. q People know what to do when abuse happens. There was also an update on the Autism Strategy, the progress to date on the Learning Disability Provider Service
moving to a Social Enterprise Partnership and we also learned a little about the current thinking regarding Outcome Based Commissioning. To find out more about the Service User Engagement Group contact Nat Stevens at Compass Disability Services: Email: natalies@compassdisability.org.uk or tele: (Monday to Wednesdays only) 0330 333 0089 / 01823 282823.
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Compass Points - The Hub
Compass Learning & Development Hub ‘The Hub’ is a group of disabled people and carers that have an interest in training and staff development, specifically of adult social care staff in Somerset. The purpose of the group is to enable members to use their knowledge, skills and experience to inform the learning and development of adult social care staff.
We do this in various ways. One of the ways we do this is by providing two induction sessions per year, which all Somerset adult social care staff will undertake when they join the department. The next day like this is being held on 30th November and is being delivered by
four Hub members, along with the support from Debbie ‘O’, Compass Disability Services’ brilliant Training Coordinator. The focus of the day is to share Hub members’ experiences and highlight the things that are important to service users and carers when receiving services. The Hub meets four times per year. During the meeting in September we were joined by Jo Purvis and Pip Tucker who presented the latest findings from this year’s Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA), which was very interesting. In the afternoon Meg Niven from the Learning & Development Team at Somerset County Council came along to talk to us about (ASYE) Assessed and Supported Year in Employment, for Newly Qualified Social Workers and to look for new representatives to sit on the moderation panel. Two Hub members put themselves forward. The next Hub meeting is taking place in December and we will be joined by a member of the Commissioning Team from Somerset County Council to talk to us about the Home Care services and answer some questions that have previously been raised by Hub members.
If you live in Somerset and would like to find out more about ‘The Hub’ project, please contact Nat Stevens Email: natalies@compassdisability.org.uk Tel: 0330 333 0089 or 01823 282823 Text: 07568 109960 www.compassdisabilitynetwork.org.uk/the-hub
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www.compasscarers.org.uk
Pop Up Compass Pop Up Compass is a short-term project that will be running from the Autumn of 2015 until June 2016. The aim is to visit various locations around Somerset, to raise awareness about Compass Disability Services and our projects. This project has been made possible by the Big Lottery Fund, from a grant application earlier in the year. So far we have attended the following events: The Taunton Deane Health & Wellbeing Fair took place on Saturday 19 September at Castle Green in Taunton town centre. This was a successful event that was organised by Taunton Deane Borough Council in partnership with the Blackdown Hills Market. The aim of the event was to showcase local crafts and produce, as well as provide the opportunity to find out about healthy living and other advice. On Friday 25 September we took part in
the Burnham-on-Sea Farmers Market, by kind permission of the Somerset Farmers Market Ltd. This is a regular market held in the High Street in Burnham-on-Sea on the last Friday of every month. This was a great opportunity to meet with lots of people as they were out and about. We also attended West Somerset Healthy Living Fair, organised by West Somerset Council and held in Minehead on Saturday 17 October. This was a really well supported event and great opportunity to meet people from the area. We hope to meet lots of you when we ‘pop up’ in your area!
Taunton’s Shopmobility is celebrating its 21st birthday To mark the occasion we teamed up with the Orchard Centre Taunton to raise awareness of the invaluable service Shopmobility provides, as well as about Compass Disability Services itself. In April 2015 Compass Disability Services took over the management of Taunton’s Shopmobility, in a bid to make it a sustainable enterprise. From Monday 30th November to Thursday 3rd December 2015 members of staff and volunteers from Compass will be in Orchard Centre, informing people about the services and projects we run in Somerset and bringing that party atmosphere to Taunton’s Shopmobility! This event is also part of Pop Up Compass project. December 3rd is ‘International Day of Disabled People’ and it was on this day in 1994 that Taunton’s Shopmobility first opened its doors to the public, lending out scooters and wheelchairs to make the town centre more accessible, for people with limited mobility. On December 3rd 2015, there will be balloons and cupcakes to celebrate! To find out more about Taunton’s Shopmobility and about the equipment available for hire please call: 01823 327900. Or pop into the office, which is on the first floor of the multi-storey car park in Taunton Town centre, adjacent to the Orchard Centre. There are two lifts directly accessing the shopping centre from there, for your convenience.
www.compassdisabilitynetwork.org.uk
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See pages 11-14
; ’ Back in the early 1990’s the way Taunton Town o M Centre looked changed considerably with more p o , space being given to pedestrians. ’s Sh y h The removal of on street parking through the w d e centre of the town was going to have a huge Th e’s an impact on the ability for disabled people to g r n e i park and do their shopping. Back then we m wh o c had a Taunton Access Group who worked s ’ t with the council on their plans and wha next? vigorously campaigned for a Shopmobility service for Taunton and as we know, they were successful; on 3rd December 1994 Shopmobility Taunton was opened by disabled actress Julie Fernandez. The service was stocked with a good range of powered scooters and manual wheelchairs many of which had been sponsored by businesses that had bases in Taunton and believe it or not, we still have some of those scooters today.
ad, e h e Mi n m o r t it’s f u n b w r o e t d coo s o me we c n o w e s o r r “W a ve ou ut in the c ing able a h e w d be to p n t l a u c n i Mrs S w o & diff d r ming nton” – M o c e lov Tau n i p o to sh
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www.shopmobilitytaunton.org.uk
Orchard Shopping Centre Taunton Somerset Mon 9.45am-4.30pm & Tue to Sat 9.15am-4.30pm Bookings and Enquiries 01823 327900 HIRE TARIFF FOR AVAILABLE SERVICES Membership Discounted from 1 October ‘15 until 31 March ‘16 Single Membership £5.00 Joint Membership £7.50 Effective from 1st April ‘16 annually Single Membership £10.00 Joint Membership £15.00 Electric Scooter Hire Members £4 for 4 hours £1 per additional hour Non Members £6 for 4 hours £1 per additional hour Manual Wheelchair Hire Members £3 for 4 hours £1 per additional hour Non Members £5 for 4 hours £1 per additional hour Long Term Hire Small Electric Scooters £35.00 per week Larger Electric Scooters £50.00 per week Manual Wheelchairs £10.00 per week £50.00 refundable deposit required
www.shopmobilitytaunton.org.uk
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in the Paul Street ith w d se a b n e e b s ton ha as always been h Shopmobility Taun is h T . g in n e p o rk since its multi-storey car pa of the users of ty ri jo a m e th r fo n an ideal situatio r with plenty of ve o rc e d n u is it s a the service e ess directly into th cc a t lif s a h d n a g parkin Orchard Centre. e committed th is e ic rv se e th to Another asset lways there to help a re a o h w ff a st ly and friend le get the best possib rs se u t a th re su n and e made up of Colin, is m a te t n e rr cu r u service. O d volunteer Terry. te a ic d e d r u o d n a Lewis hopmobility for six S ith w n e e b s a h Colin best job he has e th is it t a th ys sa years, he Colin eople and p g tin e e m s ve lo e ever had as h t them. being able to assis
From our friends at the Somerset County Gazette A SERVICE that provides motorised scooters for shoppers with mobility problems is to continue in Taunton town centre thanks to an agreement reached between Taunton Deane Council and a charity. Compass Disability, based in Taunton, has come forward to ensure the Shopmobility service, based in Paul Street multi-storey car park, can continue and improve. Richard Pitman - CEO of Compass Disability Services says; “It has been fantastic that as an organisation we have been able to keep Shopmobility from closing and provide this valuable service. In taking over the service we have had some tough decisions to make including an annual membership and charging policy. We are fully aware of the task ahead in ensuring that we are a self-sustainable service at the end of the three year period which we initially committed to but we have lots of ideas to help with this”
What next? We have many plans for Shopmobility over the coming months that will help us stay around for a long long time! As you will see from our advert on the next page, we have already started a service to provide repairs, batteries and servicing for scooters at competitive rates. In 2016 we hope to launch our shopping companion service which will provide support to people who either need support or just companionship to access the town
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shops. We will also be raising funds to develop a scooter/wheelchair test track to enable people to have an assessment before deciding whether they wish to buy a scooter for themselves. We also have many other ideas which we are looking at the feasibility of.
Comments from our users when asked “What does shopmobility mean to you”? “The service is essential to my husband and I to get out the house and do some shopping, without it we’d be stuck indoors.” - Mrs D. “Oh it’s marvellous, I get a sense of independence with the scooters as I can’t walk very far without them.” - Mrs R. “I can’t afford to buy myself a scooter of my own so this service is great for someone like me, it’s a small price to pay for the service you provide.” - Mr B.
01823 327900
www.shopmobilitytaunton.org.uk
Get your servicing and repairs at
Shopmobility Taunton Replacement scooter / wheelchair provided whilst yours is being serviced, allowing you to spend some time shopping.
All services include checks to: Electrics, Batteries (load tested), Motors Tyres (tyre pressures), Brakes All moving parts checked & greased where applicable (e.g. bearings)
Servicing costs are: q q q
Manual wheelchair £20 Small scooter £35 Other scooters / powered wheelchair £55 Full written report provided on all servicing
all profits go to the continuation of Shopmobility Taunton
Repairs and spares £10 for evaluation of work needed on your chair or scooter, which will be deducted from your bill, if you proceed with the work required.
Spare batteries and tyres at competitive rates, fitted while you wait.
Please ring us today on
01823 327900 www.shopmobilitytaunton.org.uk
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for a quote
Training employers . . . . . . to recruit, train and manage Personal Assistants. After receiving funding from Skills for Care, Compass Independent Living has been running training for Direct Payment Employers and their Personal Assistants. The training has been taking place in areas where Compass provides support and has included delivering courses in Taunton, Glastonbury and Burnham on Sea as well as Sandwell and Smethwick. More training is to be provided in , Yeovil, and Weymouth. Being a Good Employer is a two day course designed to improve the knowledge and skills of those who currently employ their own personal assistants or who are considering doing so. It covers the process of recruitment, interviewing, inducting and training staff, as well as how and what to pay, dealing with tax and pensions. In addition, there are three one day modules for personal assistants (PAs), which include Dignity in Care, Roles & Rights of a PA and Manual Handling. Recently we delivered this training at the YMCA in the Sandwell area and worked with a fantastic group of employers and PAs. They were all current employers and had a variety of experiences to share with one another, as well as being updated
on changes to pay requirements, pension arrangements and other employment regulations. At the end of the two days, they were presented with certificates to recognise their participation in the programme and they took away materials including a computer disk containing downloaded templates and documents to use at home.
Some Burnham on Sea delegates Skills for Care has a wealth of information and useful tools on their website and has funding available for individual employers to access to support training for their PAs. The website address: www.skillsforcare.org.uk For more information on the dates and venues for this training, see below or check the Compass Independent Living website: www.compassindependentliving.org.uk
TRAINING FOR DIRECT PAYMENTS EMPLOYERS AND PERSONAL ASSISTANTS IN SOMERSET AND DORSET Being a Good Employer - Somerset Dates: 19th & 20th January 2016, 10am – 3pm Venue: Abbey Manor Community Centre, Yeovil, BA21 3TL Being a Good Employer - Dorset Dates: 16th & 17th February 2016, 10am – 3pm Venue: Weymouth Community Safety Centre, DT4 0QF Dignity in Care - Somerset Date: 29th January 2016, 10am – 3pm Venue: Abbey Manor Community Centre, Yeovil, BA21 3TL Date: 4th February 2016, 10am – 3pm Venue: Princess Theatre, Burnham-on-Sea, TA8 1EH Dignity in Care - Dorset Date: 26th February 2016, 10am – 3pm Venue: Weymouth Community Safety Centre, DT4 0QF
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Continued on page 17 . . . .
www.compassindependentliving.org.uk
Training . . . . Continued from page 16
Manual Handling - Somerset Date: 22nd January 2016, 10am – 3pm Venue: Abbey Manor Community Centre, Yeovil, BA21 3TL Date: 9th February 2016, 10am – 3pm Venue: Princess Theatre, Burnham-on-Sea, TA8 1EH Manual Handling - Dorset Date: 19th February 2016, 10am – 3pm Venue: Weymouth Community Safety Centre, DT4 0QF Role and Rights of a Personal Assistant - Somerset Date: 3rd February 2016, 10am – 3pm Venue: Abbey Manor Community Centre, Yeovil, BA21 3TL Date: 11th February 2016, 10am – 3pm Venue: Princess Theatre, Burnham-on-Sea, TA8 1EH Role and Rights of a Personal Assistant - Dorset Date: 23rd February 2016, 10am – 3pm Venue: Weymouth Community Safety Centre, DT4 0QF
I have been working for Compass Disability Services for the previous few months, as an Apprentice Project Support Worker. While I am able to experience various roles within the charity I spend the majority of my time working, under the guidance of Debbie Ovenden, on the training we organise or provide for unpaid carers, Direct Payment Employers and Personal Assistants, across Somerset. Within this role I currently spend half a day at Richard Huish College and 4 ½ days in the office, until I complete my Apprenticeship in Business Administration. I am 20 years old, having lived in Taunton my whole life. It wasn’t until finding the job advertisement from Compass Disability Services that I was aware of everything the Charity offered. It was then that I decided this would be the job that would allow me to support projects, helping to improve other people’s lives. I’ve always known that I’ve wanted to take a career pathway which would allow me to support others. By working with
Compass Disability Services and supporting the running of the training we provide, I know that I am supporting a project which will help people in their caring role. I’m also glad to be working for a charity, which is so very supportive of equality and diversity. The time I have spent working for Compass disability Services has been great fun and really eye opening. After completing my apprenticeship I hope to have the opportunity to carry on working for Compass Disability Services; that I am able to carry on supporting the running of projects allowing others to thrive in their caring roles.
www.compassdisability.org.uk
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Shannon Tarr Apprentice Project Support Worker
Meeting Room Hire in Taunton Close to Railway Station and Car Park Projector & Screen Hire £5 Laptop Hire £10 Flip Chart £5
Day Rate Monday - Friday Hourly Rate Seats for layout Theatre Seats for layout Boardroom
Mendip Suite **
Brendon Room
£100
£85
£15
£12
50 seats
36 seats
32 seats
20 seats
Rooms can be laid out in many different styles, as required. Please ask for details or plans. Refreshments Available
(please request at time of booking) Tea / Coffee - 80p per serving Tea/Coffee & Biscuits £1 per serving Various lunch options starting from £4.50 per person Other catering options are available on request including sandwiches, platters, fruit, cakes, savouries, pasties, vegan or vegetarian.
Please ask for details
01823 282823 All rooms are fully accessible. Our rooms have a ‘Hearing Loop’ system and accessible toilets. We have limited ‘Blue Badge’ parking, which must be reserved, subject to availability. Ample parking is available on Belvedere Road, @200 metres away.
** The ‘Mendip Suite’ is also available evenings and weekends. It is ideal for children’s party’s etc. being self contained with a reception lobby and toilets. ‘Mendip’ can also accommodate up to 50 people theatre style and 32 people boardroom style. For evenings and weekends only, there is a minimum booking of 2 hours which is £20 then £15 per hour thereafter. Full details on request.
Watchet Dementia Action Alliance Compass Carer Support Worker, Maria Knight recently joined a meeting of the ‘Watchet Dementia Action Alliance Group’. The relatively new group was happy to feedback that the town is “. . becoming more dementia friendly, which is wonderful.” The group runs alternate Wednesdays at the Sanctuary Café on Swain Street, Watchet under the name of ’Forget-me-not café’. This is in the heart of the town and central to welcoming anyone who would like to attend. Rosie runs the kitchen and with a wonderful smile is making teas, coffee and serving cake. Anyone living with dementia or other memory problems and their carers are very welcome. Maria says, “The lady I meet is Margaret Tatham and she is one of the founder members of the group, together with her husband they have to date financed this group, although they had a little help from the Alzheimer’s Society.
Watchet Dementia Action Alliance, creating a dementia friendly community. People living with dementia in Watchet want a community that supports them to: ~ Find their way around our town and not feel embarrassed. ~ Live independently and well for as long as possible. ~ Carry on doing the same things they have always done, like going to the shops. ~ Keep in touch and feel they still belong to the community of Watchet. One of the main priorities of Watchet Dementia Action Alliance is to heighten awareness and increase understanding of dementia throughout their community.
If you would like to help please telephone: 07973638030 or email: watchetdementia@btinternet.com
www.compassdisability.org.uk
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If you would like to know more about Carer Support Groups in YOUR area, or if you would like to know what support is available to set up your own Carer Support Group, please contact our information line on 01823 255911 or email: info@compasscarers.org.uk
Jasmine - girl around the world
Wish you were here? You may recall the story in a previous magazine where Madeline and I were planning to go to Malaga on holiday. As promised I said I would write about our experiences to help those permanently in a wheelchair, who are thinking about going on holiday abroad. This was my first holiday out of the country with my partner and it’s something I was quite nervous about. I have my own team of PA’s at home, and knowing Madeline would be helping me with my personal care duties really did scare me. Madeline was more than happy to help me because she loves me; but I just didn’t feel comfortable and if I’m honest I did worry she would see the other side of me and my disability and be freaked out about how much help I do need and how much I’d rely on her. We flew out to Malaga in late August and stayed out there for 6 nights, and the best part for me was enjoying a ‘normal’ holiday. We drank and ate far too much, we went on evening zoo tours simply enjoying each other’s company. I would
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thoroughly recommend anyone to go to Malaga and experiencing what we did. We had assistance on and off the aeroplane, and the hotel was simply perfect, both I and Madeline would return here and we are planning another exciting trip for next year. A study was made of Malaga City, specifically within the city centre, identifying local points of interest that meet a good level of accessibility. It’s not just Malaga's tourist attractions that are equipped for visitors with disabilities. There exists many resources throughout the city: small businesses, shops, restaurants, bars and cafeterias, that are equipped and comply with accessibility regulations.
Visitors planning a trip to Malaga can find this information on
www.malaga.eu where they list over 600 accessible attractions and points of interest the city has to offer.
www.compasscarers.org.uk
Associate member - St Margarets Hospice
The way to a man’s heart … St. Margaret’s Hospice is a registered charity which has been at the heart of Somerset’s community for 35 years. We strive to make each day count through the delivery of high quality, responsive, compassionate care to patients and their families facing a life shortening illness. Through our medical expertise, nursing skills and specialist support services, we provide physical, emotional and spiritual care to over 3,200 patients and their amilies each year. Over the last two years our Community Team have been developing courses aimed at supporting carers by : s Meeting fellow carers and the developing companionship this can bring s Providing practical advice s Exploring the emotional impact of caring for someone facing a life-limiting illness s Helping carers look after themselves both physically and emotionally
men as the weeks go by. The course gives them so much confidence; some of the group members went on to attend the Friends and Family Support Course.
Friends & Family Support Course
www.compassdisability.org.uk
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Carers of patients facing a life-limiting illness can often feel unprepared for the challenges ahead. The Friends and Family Support Course has been developed to help carers feel more confident by means of talks, discussions and demonstrations. The course covers a wide range of topics including: s Guidance and advice about giving medications s Demystifying professionals. Who can I expect to do what, when? Cooking Course s Hand massage demonstration It is well documented, s Looking after yourself as a carer s Diet advice and support men find it The course is run twice a year in easier to St. Margaret’s Taunton Inpatient Unit. express Carers can choose which sessions to emotion attend, depending on what they think through they’ll find more useful. practical activities. By creating a group focusing on a physical For more information on either of these courses or about St. Margaret’s Hospice activity, the facilitators of the group have please call 0845 78910 seen a comradery develop between the
Outsiders West Country Lunches
Many disabled people have been bullied, teased, abused and left out. Some have only had their bodies poked and operated on by the medical profession and need to claim their bodies back, as something that can provide enormous pleasure. Not surprising many complain about lacking in confidence, especially sexual confidence. Those with hidden disabilities, like ME and fatigue, incontinence, catheters or ‘ostomies, epilepsy, Aspergers Syndrome, etc., may feel more lacking in confidence than ‘obviously’ disabled people. They need to gain confidence so they can talk about their impairments with dignity, that potential partners understand and feel comfortable. Confidence is something we at Outsiders are very aware of and we spend much time supporting our members to gain confidence, so they can find partners and enjoy sexual pleasure. If you came to our West Country lunches you would meet the wonderful Jennifer Mottram who glows with confidence and inspires others. Outsiders even has a group of specialists who support disabled people with their confidence. You will find them on the menu bar under 'Partners' or 'Confidence' the Outsiders website,
express themselves through different media and gain confidence along the way. It provides new tools for self-expression while creatively interacting with different and new people. This takes place in London. We are hoping that another of our West Country volunteers, Bea Lewis will put her details up on our website. Bea teaches dance to disabled people; Modern Jive /partner dancing, Salsa, Tango and West Coast Swing Its a great opportunity to meet people, dance, chat, and have a great night out. Class nights are usually a very inclusive, friendly environment. Dancing in a wheelchair is possible if the client can move the wheelchair with one hand and use the other to dance with a partner. Bea has danced with many deafblind dancers as well as dancers with learning difficulties, Asperger's and Autism. She really would love to see more disabled people access these rich and social environments.
www.outsiders.org.uk/outsidersclub A wide range of different practitioners are listed and we hope they inspire others around the country. A new one is, Improvised Comedy (Impro), a comedic way of acting, performing and even dancing without a script. It can give people with disabilities a chance to
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“The West Country Lunchers”, Riches Cider Farm
www.compasscarers.org.uk
Buy a Bubble and together with Compass Disability Services you will help to create Taunton’s first ever Wellbeing Centre and Community Café with hydrotherapy pool, sensory room, community garden and space to run activities from, such as a dementia café, young carers groups, disabled kids club, gardening club, craft sessions and much more!
’ e l b b u B a y n u g i B a ‘ p Cam
Perhaps you’d like to get involved by hosting your own fundraising event or maybe you have a fundraising idea that could help us get those sensory tubes and pool filled with bubbles! To help you get your thinking caps on some of the ways in which others are getting involved include doing a sponsored walk, running a marathon, organising a cream tea and even collecting scrap metal to sell in aid of the project. So if you would like to help us make a difference and turn a dream into reality all you need to do is go to the ‘mydonate’ page set up specifically for this project, which can be found at:
we are n o s a e r n e nforese If for any u ith this w d a e h a go lus funds, p unable to r u s e r a there upport s o t s project, or n io t the dona we will use Compass f o k r o w r the wide ich is to h w , s e ic v er nd carers, a Disability S le p o e p isabled . support d ality of life u q r e t t e b to have a
Please note th at due to issue s wi t h packag i posting ng and all bub bles purcha sed are virtual.
www.compassdisability.org.uk
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https://mydonate.bt.com/events/compassbuyabubble# Or phone Rachel or Michelle on 01823 282823 Or email info@compassdisability.org.uk
Networking Networking Networking
Useful Numbers for Readers
Compass Carers Compass Disability Services Compass Disability Network Compass Independent Living Funding for Training Personal Health Budgets in Somerset
All Services contact on: Tel: 01823 282823 Tel: 03303 330089 Minicom: 01823 255919 Text: 07568 109960 Fax: 01823 351790
Adult Social Care Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Somerset Direct
0300 123 2224 01278 432000 0300 123 2224
ABUSE (Safeguarding) Domestic Abuse 0800 6949999 Hate Crime 101 Mankind Initiative 01823 334244 Somerset Direct 0300 123 2224 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support 01823 324944 / 0117 929 9556 Womankind 08454 582914 ADVOCACY Advocacy in Mind 01823 334906 Advocacy in Somerset 01458 253053 SEAP 03003 435717 Swan Advocacy 03333 447928 AUTISM Autism Somerset 01278 788776 Autism Wessex 01202 703193 BIBIC 01458 253344 NAS Adult & Community Services 01179 748413 Taunton Aspergers Group 01823 368396 BENEFITS Turn 2 Us 0808 8022000 CARERS Breaks for Carers 0300 123 2224 Carers UK 0808 808 7777 Compass Carers 01823 255911 Text Phone 07568 109960 Compass Disability 01823 282823 Minicom 01823 255919 Emergency Social Care Team 01458 253241 Emergency Social Care Team 01823 257185 (6pm - 8am) Social Care Team (Sat 10am-4pm) 0300 123 2224 LOCAL AUTHORITIES Mendip District Council 01749 648999 Sedgemoor District Council 0845 408 2540 South Somerset District Council 01935 462462 Taunton Deane Borough Council 01823 356356 West Somerset District Council 01643 703704 Wellington Community Office 01823 667279
www.compasscarers.org.uk
01749 836606
Text Phone 08457 909192
The following links will take readers to websites, that aim to assist disabled people, with their sexuality. If you are likely to be offended please do not choose to use them. The content is designed for adults only. www.COSRT.org.uk www.outsiders.org.uk www.TLC-Trust.org.uk This list is for information only and while each number was checked prior to publication, errors may sneak in. If you are aware of any error or believe a useful number should be added, we will endeavour to update our list each edition with “not for profit” contacts. We also have a “Services for Readers” section, currently on page 30, where an organisation or service provider can apply to be added for a very small fee. Additions and updates please, by email to clive@compassdisability.org.uk
www.compassdisability.org.uk
Networking
Text Phone
Networking
0845 606 46 47
Networking
Text Phone
Useful Numbers for Readers
HEALTH Age UK 0845 643 4621 Alzheimers Society 0300 2221122 Dementia Somerset 01935 473597 Dental Helpline 08457 697691 Healthwatch (BANES & NE Som.) 01225 232 401 Healthwatch (Somerset) 01823 751 403 Musgrove Hospital 01823 333444 Musgrove Hospital - Info Line 01823 342253 NHS Direct 111 PALS (Patient Advice & Liaison) 0800 0851067 Patient & Practitioner Services 01823 333491 Patient (Hospital) Transport 01278 432025 Red Cross Medical Loan 01823 273746 Yeovil Hospital 01935 475122 LEGAL ADVICE Somerset Community Care Matters 01823 334906 MENTAL HEALTH Advocacy in Somerset 01458 253053 Alzheimers Society 0300 222 1122 Carers Services -Mental Health 01749 836633 CRUSE 08444 779400 Mindline 01823 276892 Mind Infoline 0845 7660163 Rethink 0300 5000927 The Samaritans 01823 288998 TRANSPORT (ASSISTED) Blue Badge Scheme 0300 123 2224 British Red Cross Somerset 01823 273707 Concessionary Bus Pass 0845 3459155 Disabled Coach Card 08717 818178 Disabled Persons Railcard 0845 6050525 Mendip Community Transport 01749-344141 Patient Transport Advice Centre 01278 727444
Services for readers Yo u r l o c a l s u p p l i e r o f quality continence care products with discreet, reliable service. F or advice and your f r ee m ail or der br ochur e c a l l A r e l l e F R E E o n 0 8 0 0 3 8 9 3 5 9 7 o r v i s i t w w w. a r e l l e . c o m BED PROT ECT IO N
z
BRIEFS
z
PA D S
z
ACCESSORI ES
0300 500 5000
Taunton & District Citizens Advice Bureau St Mary’s House, Magdalene St, TA1 1SB. 01823 282235
(01823) 327076
Help at Home ...there ...ther e for you
Helping people make the most of their lives 01278 439177 www.brunelcare.org.uk somersetenquiries@brunelcare.org.uk Here ar
• • • ther
Taunton: 01823 324944 Bristol: 0117 929 9556
•
Call: Email: info@asterliving.co.uk Or visit our website: www.asterliving.co.uk e you can hear some of our customers telling their stories. Please quote DR 1305 when you contact us.
Challenging Disability Through Outdoor Adventure @
www.calvert-trust.org.uk/exmoor
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www.compasscarers.org.uk
Carers Support Groups Details of these groups are checked before publication, but errors may sneak in. Please check dates and times before making special arrangements or travelling. If in doubt call our Helpline on 01823 255911, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
www.compassdisability.org.uk
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Bridgwater ** New Group Forget Me Knot, Befriending Group. Sydenham Community Hall Do craft and have guest speakers on various subjects Monday mornings 9am -11.45am Ladies group, all welcome. Contact Compass Carers on 01823 255911 Bridgwater Redgate Medical Centre, Westonzoyland Road, Bridgwater, TA6 5BF. Refreshments available. Every 4th Thursday of the month. 10am - 12pm Contact Mike Fitzgerald on 01823 255911 Bruton Bruton Community Hall, Silver Street, Bruton, BA10 0EB Every 3rd Wednesday of each month 10.30am - 12pm More information from Sandra Consalvey (Compass Carers) 01823 255911 Burnham on Sea Burnham Community Centre, Berrow Road, Burnham-on-Sea, TA8 2ET Last Tuesday of each month, 10am to 12pm Contact Compass Carers on 01823 255911 Chard The English Martyrs Church Hall, 2 East Street, Chard, TA20 1EP Second Monday of each month, 10.30am to 12pm Pat Galpin 01460 220026 / 07708866717 Cheddar Cheddar Carer Support Group. Meeting on the second Tuesday of each month at Hannah Moore Cottage, Lower North Street, Cheddar, BS27 3HQ. Meeting 10am until 12 noon. The building is fully accessible. More information from Mike Fitzgerald (Compass Carers) 01823 255911 Crewkerne The Henhayes Centre, South Street Car Park, Crewkerne First Tuesday of each month, 10.30am to 12.30pm. More information from Gill Charnock 01460 271776 Dulverton Exmoor Medical Centre meeting room, Dulverton TA22 9EN. Held on first Tuesday of each month from 2.30pm to 4.00pm. Contact Surgery Carers Champion, Karen Hunt, on 01398 323333 to reserve a place (as spaces are limited to 12) More information from Maria Knight (Compass Carers) 01823 255911
Carers Support Groups Frome Frome Cricket Ground, The Showground, Fromefield, BA11 2AH First Wednesday of each month, 10.30am to 12.00pm More information from Joan Paynter 01373 302128 or Sheila Nicholson 01373 461940 Glastonbury See entry for Street & Glastonbury ‘HenTempMil’ Carers Group (for Henstridge, Templecombe and Milborne Port) Henstridge Village Hall Ash Walk Henstridge BA8 0QB Held on last Tuesday of the month from 10.30am to 12.00pm. More information from Sandra Consalvey, Compass Carers 01823 255911 Ilminster Meets one Thursday a month Summervale Surgery, Ilminster Medical Centre, canal way, Ilminster, TA19 9FE More information from Holly Hawkins compass Carers 01823 255911 Langport and Somerton ‘Rumours’, Somerton Road, Langport, TA10 9SZ Fourth Wednesday of each month, 11am to 12.30pm More information from Sue Cockle 07508 744292, email scockle.1@btinternet.com Minehead Quaker Meeting House, 9 Bancks Street, Minehead, TA24 5DJ Last Monday of each month, 10.30am to 12.00pm. More information from Maria Knight (Compass Carers) 01823 255911 Porlock Porlock Medical Centre TA24 8PJ 01643 862575 Last Wednesday of every month, 10.30am to 12.00pm More information from Maria Knight (Compass Carers) 01823 255911 Shepton Mallet Parish rooms, St Michaels Church, Park Rd, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5BP 3rd Monday of every month, 10.30 to 12.00 More information from Abi Black Compass Carers 01823 255911 Street & Glastonbury Street Parish Rooms, 6 Leigh Road, Street 01458 440588 Second Monday of each month between 10.30am and 12.30pm More information from Abi Black, (Compass Carers) 01823 255911 Taunton Deane Robin Close, Community Hall, Bishops Hull, Taunton Third Friday of each month, 1.30pm to 4.30pm More information from Liz Pooley 07523 350772 Taunton Priorswood Priorswood Community Centre, Priorswood, Taunton First Thursday of every month, 2pm to 3.30pm More information from Vidette Quinnell (Compass Carers) 01823 255911
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www.compasscarers.org.uk
Carers Support Groups
www.compassdisability.org.uk
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Wheddon Cross ** New Group Moorland Hall, Wheddon Cross, TA24 7EX. For up to date information contact Caroline Harding 07908 160733 Wells Wells Fire Station Community Room Burcott Road,WELLS, BA5 2EF 1st Tuesday of each month between 10.30am and 12.00pm More information from Abi Black, (Compass Carers) 01823 255911 Wellington Wellington Medical Centre, Mantle Street, Wellington, TA21 8BD 01823 663551 First Monday of every month between 2pm and 3.30pm More information from Maria Knight, (Compass Carers) 01823 255911 Westonzoyland Ups and Downs "Littlies" The Old School', Westonzoyland, Bridgwater, TA7 0LN Group dates vary - please phone. Ups and Downs Southwest 01278 691100 Williton Williton Childrens Centre, Killick Way , Williton, TA4 4QA Second Monday of the month, from 2pm until 3.30 pm. Supported by Compass Carers. More information from Ann Hope 01984 633058 Wincanton Wincanton Memorial Hall, High Street, Wincanton, BA9 9JF Second Monday of each month,10.30am to 12pm More information from Sandra Consalvey (Compass Carers) 01823 255911 Woolavington ** New Group Group will be held on the second Thursday of the month from 10am until 12 noon at The Surgery, Woolavington Rd, Woolavington, TA7 8ED. For up to date information please call Mike Fitzgerald (Compass Carers) 01823 255911. Yeovil - Birchfield Birchfield Hall,Birchfield Road,Yeovil Second Thursday of each month, 10.30am to 12pm. More information from Joan Wilcox on 01935 706466 Yeovil - Old Barn The Old Barn Club, Old Barn Way, Yeovil, BA20 2NX Second Monday of each month, 10.30am until lunchtime. For carers of people with learning disabilities. More information from Malcolm Campbell (Chair) 01935 478032 Yeovil Ups and Downs Ups and Downs - "Littlies" Birchfield Children's Centre, Yeovil BA21 5RL Please contact the number below for information about future dates Ups and Downs Southwest, 01278 691100
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Volunteer profile Ann has been a carer for her husband for over 30 years. When Ann’s husband was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) they found themselves as a young couple in a different world. Instead of looking forward to normal family life they had to cope with the prospect of long term illness. Rather than dwelling on her own problems Ann set to helping others who were in need. For over 15 years Ann helped volunteer with the Somerset Partnership Activity Bus (Magic Bus), going out in the mini-bus with the old folks. This was an opportunity for all participants to see wider Exmoor and socialise. When this service was discontinued in 2008 she joined the carers group that met at Ann Hope the old Croft House in Williton, leading this group which then moved to the new Croft House. Ann worked hard to help those attending always cheerful and always ready with common sense advice. Within the last two years the group moved to the Williton Children’s Centre to encourage more carers to join. Lately the numbers attending have dropped off owing to the changing circumstances of the carers. The group has become unviable. With only Ann and another volunteer attending, the sad decision has been made to close the group. Compass Carers are looking for new ways of assisting the carers in the area. Ann will still carry on with the Friday ‘Health Walk’ group, where she is a qualified leader, so no rest for Ann. Compass wish to thank Ann for all she has done for the carers in Williton. We are confident that she will still be helping those needing her assistance. Further plans for the area are in hand, but meanwhile Maria will still be visiting those carers who need home visits and contacting those who need help over the phone. Syndrome. None the symptoms were found in any of my family other than in my mother. I have been through a lot of annual hospital appointments seeing specialist consultants who are all based in Bristol. I have suffered with a lot of spontaneous lung collapses (pneumothorax) through my life. It can be a frightening and emotional experience for parents and their children. In October 2013, I had open heart surgery and the procedure was a valve sparing aortic root repair. After recovering from open heart surgery for 6-12 weeks, I was put onto a rehabilitation programme where I attended a gym and took part in an exercise programme. Having been through so much with my health, I still find myself still trying to get my life back on track. I find that you have to make the most out of your life and know that your friends and family are there to support you. You can find information about Marfan Syndrome by going on Wikipedia. You can be a member of an organisation called Marfan Association UK and you can aid research by donating to Marfan Trust.
www.compassdisability.org.uk
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My name is Sarah Greaves, I am 27 Years old. I want to tell you about my life journey, living with ‘Marfan Syndrome’. Marfan Syndrome is a medical condition, classified as a heritable disorder of connective tissue, that Sarah primarily affects the bones and Greaves ligaments (the skeletal system), the eyes (the ocular system), the heart and blood vessels (the cardiovascular system) and the lungs. ‘Marfan Syndrome’ is named after a French paediatrician, Antoine Marfan, who described in 1896 a 5 year old girl whose limbs, fingers and toes were long and thin, whose muscle development was poor and whose spine was curved abnormally. It has taken me a lot of courage to write this and has taken me a long time to accept that I have this condition. I found out that I had Marfan Syndrome as a child. My family had a Genetic Clinic appointment with a Consultant Clinical Geneticist to find out if they had the symptoms of Marfan
Mindfulness
Julie Wilson & Andrea Osborne share an insight into a popular method of getting the best from your life Today you can barely open a magazine or newspaper without the term Mindfulness being mentioned in some form or another. If you’ve never heard of it before, it’s quite likely that after reading this article you will notice it everywhere. They’re even talking about it in Parliament! A recent parliamentary report ‘The Mindful Nation’ noted there is evidence that Mindfulness Based Interventions (MBI’s) can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety for people living with long-term conditions such as vascular disorders, chronic pain and cancer, and promising evidence is emerging for the helpfulness of MBIs for other long-term physical health conditions.” Mindfulness is not a new ‘thing’, it is an ancient practice which has roots in the Buddhist tradition. During a meditation retreat, a micro biologist named Jon Kabat- Zinn, wondered if the techniques he was practicing could be used to help people living with stress and chronic pain. He went on to develop the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Programme which is still highly regarded and used today. Mindfulness in it’s simplest form is ‘paying attention to what you’re consciously doing in that moment. It’s like being awake to your thoughts, sensations and surroundings without judging them as good or bad or wanting them to be different. The most well known definition is by Jon Kabat-Zinn who describes it as ‘awareness that arises from paying attention in a particular way: on purpose,
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moment by moment and non judgementally. Traditionally Mindfulness practices are done either sitting, standing, walking or lying down. It involves choosing something to focus on (such as the breath or an object) with the intention of looking at it as if for the first time. The objective is to cultivate a sense of curiosity about it whilst staying focused. The mind will inevitably wander away to start thinking about something else, DON’T WORRY this is perfectly normal and what minds do! When we notice that the mind has wandered away we simply bring it back to the object of our attention. This is the essence of Mindfulness.
One of the benefits of regular Mindfulness meditation can be to improve our attention. The exercise of focusing our attention is like building a mental muscle the more we use it the stronger it becomes. By training our attention during meditation we create more space in our minds and are able to slow down. This can help us to respond to situations rather than react to them. It can help people to become aware of their thoughts and feelings enabling awareness that thoughts are just thoughts and not necessarily facts. Whilst Mindfulness is often practiced through formal mediation, we can also apply Mindfulness informally to any aspect of our daily lives or daily tasks. Simply paying attention when carrying out every day tasks such as washing up,
www.compasscarers.org.uk
Mindfulness news there are things that we as individuals can do to bring our stress levels down and engage the parasympathetic nervous system (the part of the brain which helps our Dealing With Stress bodies to calm and heal). This simple exercise can be down centre Reduced stress levels is one of the most yourself and help yo to connect with the researched benefits of Mindfulness. present moment. Try it throughout the day, Science has now shown that when we particularly any time you are feeling experience something stressful (or even overwhelmed. the thought of something stressful) the 1. Allow yourself to take three slow, brain goes on red alert. The brain sends deep breaths. out an alarm in response to the stress Notice the sensations of the breath factor, preparing the body for fight or flight; 2. as it enters and leaves the body. the hippocampus sends messages to .Notice the cool air entering the release the stress hormones of adrenaline 3. nostrils and the warm air leaving them. and cortisol and the amygdala reacts to the negative information by converting the Notice the chest rising and falling or the rise and fall of the shoulders. Notice the stress to fear or anger - resulting in the expansion and contraction of your physical responses of increased blood abdomen. pressure and heart rate and feelings of 4. Expand your awareness: anxiety. Reacting to threats has been important to simultaneously notice the breathing and your body, feel the contact the feet are our survival as humans; evolution has making with the floor. Then look around protected this ability by ensuring that the the room and notice what you can see, brain remembers threats and responds hear, smell, touch, and feel. intensely to them. The disadvantage of this survival mechanism is that the brain tends to preserve negative information or experiences more readily then positive ones and like a magnet it’s always on the lookout to attract negative information. In today’s society the seemingly endless stream of tasks, sensory information and expectations have resulted in daily mild to moderate stressors, putting the brain on ‘high alert’, thereby generating the feeling Alternatively, evidence shows that giving yourself a hug (for about 20 that something is always wrong. seconds) or touching your lips stimulates Studies have shown that moderate to the parasympathetic nervous system severe stress increases the size of the which released the hormone oxytocin. amygdala, which over time can lead to Oxytocin referred to as a love hormone issues such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder and many has been shown to increase feelings of calm, trust and safety. other mental health disorders.The good
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cleaning your teeth, hovering - noticing any sensations, smells, touch, sound involved with that task. Or simply notice your surroundings while you go for a walk.
Carers Support - South Somerset
Compass Carers
4th September 2015 Debbie and Sandra attended the Fresher’s Fayre at Yeovil College and spoke with several young carers and college staff supporting them. They also gave out leaflets and information to over 100 students throughout the day, many of whom have chosen to study health and social care. Many thanks to Julie Woan (Somerset CCG) and Michelle Dennett from Yeovil College for inviting us 10th September 2015 This time we ‘popped up’ at the Palmer’s Garden Centre for the G.P. Carers’ Champion Event. We spoke to many carers, gave out information and leaflets etc. whilst taking at least 12 referrals. Many thanks to Julie Woan (from Somerset CCG) for inviting us.
3rd October 2015 Bruton Carers’ Group hosted a coffee morning at one of the Bruton Community Hall’s regular Saturday morning fundraisers. Many group members were on hand to provide refreshments, run the raffle and cake stall, set up and tidy up. The event was a great success and raised nearly £200 towards the upkeep and running costs of the group. Many thanks to all the attendees and helpers.
Carers, claim free flu jab this winter.
- People with mild or no symptoms can still infect The seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to protect others. - Everyone is at risk of contracting flu including yourself and the person you care for from flu. healthy people; the symptoms may be milder If you are the main carer for an elderly or disabled and you may even be asymptomatic but you can person who may be put at risk if you fall ill, and/or still carry the virus and infect others. you are in receipt of Carer's Allowance then you are entitled to a free flu jab. Flu is a viral infection - Annual vaccination programme – the virus strains change each year so even if you’ve had not the same as the common cold. It can result in flu previously you will not necessarily have serious complications, such as hospitalisation, immunity to current flu strains. disability and death, for older people, infants, - The flu vaccine for adults is not a live pregnant women and people with certain vaccination so can’t give you flu. underlying health conditions. The vaccination is Contact your GP or local pharmacy to find out how particularly important for those who are at to receive your free flu vaccination. increased risk of flu. www.nhs.uk/flu for more information. It’s free because you need it. Did you know?
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Training for Carers Skills for Carers Two sessions, run a week apart, covering a range of practical skills and information, to give carers valuable support to help them carry out their role safely and with greater confidence. February 5th & 12th, 10:00am - 3:00pm East Quay Medical Centre, Bridgwater, TA6 4GP March 11th & 18th, 10:00am - 3:00pm Wellington Medical Centre, Wellington, TA21 8BD Recognising & Managing Health Conditions This one day course gives carers a better understanding of the signs and symptoms of a range of health conditions and the current treatments and medications available. February 26th, 10:00am - 3:00pm East Quay Medical Centre, Bridgwater, TA6 4GP Dementia Care A one day session to help carers understand what constitutes a diagnosis of dementia, how to recognise the symptoms, dealing with memory loss issues, and where to go for support. March 4th, 10:00am - 3:00pm East Quay Medical Centre, Bridgwater, TA6 4GP
Lasting Powers of Attorney & Mental Capacity Act A two hour session to explain the legal rights & responsibilities around managing people’s personal welfare & financial affairs and their decision making abilities. These sessions are delivered through Carer Support Groups. January 6th, 10.30am - 12.30pm, Frome Carers Group, Cricket Club, Frome Maintaining a Life outside Caring In partnership with the Talking Therapies Service this course is held over three 2 hours sessions. It will look at the impact that caring has on carers, teach carers how to relate differently to the person they care for and support them to reclaim parts of their lives that may have been lost to their caring role. January 5th & 12th & February 2nd 1:30pm - 3:30pm South Petherton Hospital, South Petherton January 21st, 28th & February 11th 12pm - 2pm Compass Disability Services, Taunton March 2nd, 9th & 23rd, 2pm - 4pm Victoria Park Community Centre, Bridgwater
To book a place on any of these FREE courses, please contact Debbie or Shannon, on 01823 255911 ‘Lighthouse’ is a team of staff from the Police and victim support organisations, working to guide, advise and support victims & witnesses.
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Contact: Call 101 In an emergency dial: 999 Contact Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111
The and
he ind ependent reg ulator of all health and s ocial c gland. W e are e go given opw ersbregulator ment t independent of health t d care monitor and i socialices care in England .
Tell us about your care Prov y Provided by Taunton andSomerset Som erse NHS NHS Foundation Foun on TTrust rust Taunton and
Com Co m e and m eetour CQC insCome pecto rs.meet Shar e CQC your inspectors. and our We willnce shortly inspecting experience of theT t rov ofbe the se vicesand Share careyour p ided yb the acute Somerset services and care provided heservices last inm12 onths : and
want to hear your experiences by the Trust in the last 12 months: of services provided by the st 11am-1pm 21st Jan 2016 1pmHospital 11am -1pm on Thursd ay 2 21Thursday Januar Taunton and Somerset Orchard Shopping Centre NHS Foundation Trust. Street, Taunton ngPaul Cen Orchar Somerset TA1 3TP You can tell us by: Email: Paul enquiries@cqc.org.uk your experience TA1 tre Taunt ,Som Share erset 3TP Tel: 03000 616161 or go to anonymously at any time: Web: www.cqc.org.uk/ Email: enquiries@cqc.org.uk share-your-experience-finder Tel: 03000 616161 or go to Share your exp erience no a n ou t Web: n a e: www.cqc.org.uk w w w cqc.org.uÂą cqc.org.ukÂą 03000 616161 k enquiries@
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Compass Carers
Carers Rights Day Friday 20th November 2015 marked Carers Rights Day.The Care Act brought new rights for carers to receive services and have support. To mark this occasion, Moira from the Carers Team hosted an awareness stand at Musgrove Park Hospital. We are delighted to announce that Compass Carers and Musgrove Park Hospital are working together to launch a Cares Hub in January 2016. A Compass Carers awareness stand will be situated in the Concourse, by Marks & Spencer’s and a Carer Support Worker will be available on both a Tuesday & Thursday from 10am until Noon, when we can advise carers and sign them into the service, if they wish. When the stand is not attended, at all other times, carers will be free to take any information they would like, from the stand. We hope to increase manned hours as the Hub develops. A Compass Carers notice board is also situated in the Queens Building. Please pop by to say hello if you are passing.
Talk & Support Volunteers Wanted
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We are looking for reliable people who can give a few hours each week to the Talk & Support Service in either our offices in Taunton or at the Doctors Surgery in Bruton, to help continue this important service. We have five very successful volunteers recruited to the Talk & Support Service who work from a list of over 130 referrals; however we still have 30 referrals on the waiting list. If you would like to be a volunteer for this service or just to know a little more, please contact Jane on 01823 255911 or email jane@compassdisability.org.uk.
www.bridgwater.ac.uk
DO YOU RECEIVE DIRECT PAYMENTS TOWARDS YOUR HEALTHCARE NEEDS AT HOME? You can now access FREE training for your personal carer/personal assistant Are you an independent person who employs a personal carer/personal assistant at home to meet your individual needs? Do they have little in the way of formal training? If so, you can now access FREE professional training for your carer/personal assistant in a number of subjects, enabling your care to be carried out more effectively. These short training programmes are EPP REXMSREPP] VIGSKRMWIH UYEPM½GEXMSRW delivered by Bridgwater College, either in the home or at the College, with no cost to you or your carer. There are a wide variety of subjects available, including: •
• •
HABC Safe Moving and Handling/ HABC Moving People Safely/Hoist Training Emergency First Aid at Work Fire Safety Level 2
• • •
• • •
• •
•
2'*) 'IVXM½GEXI MR XLI 7EJI Handling of Medicines Level 2 2'*) 'IVXM½GEXI MR 4VMRGMTPIW SJ Dementia Care Level 2 2'*) 'IVXM½GEXI MR Understanding End of Life Care Level 2 NCFE Award in the Prevention and Control of Infection Level 2 Introduction to Duty of Care in a Health and Social Care Setting 'IVXM½GEXI MR 4VITEVMRK XS ;SVO in the Adult Health and Social Care Sector Understanding in Working in Mental Health Level 2 'IVXM½GEXI MR XLI 6SPI SJ the Health and Social Care Professional Personal Assistant (Care) 'IVXM½GEXI
For more information contact the Care Team on 01278 655111 or email business@bridgwater.ac.uk. Bridgwater College, Bath Road, Bridgwater, TA6 4PZ
Supported Internship Programme
Benefits to the interns include: • Varied employment within a credible workplace • Competitive, transferable, marketable and employability skills • Increased independence, confidence and self-esteem • On-site and individualised instruction and support • Chance of employment as a direct response of the experience. Benefits to the host employer include: • Access to a new, diverse talent stream with skills that match business needs • Employees who serve as a role model for other staff and customers • Increased local, regional and national recognition through participation in the programme • Increased performance and retention in high-turnover, entry level positions.
Compass Disability Services has worked very closely with Somerset College’s Supported Internship programme this year. The process started with an assessment of each Intern, establishing their strengths and work goals followed by an 8 weeks induction period. After an initial discussion with Compass Disability’s Work Place and Volunteer Coordinator an interview date was established providing our interns with relevant and meaningful opportunities, with the potential of building experience skills and confidence in their chosen area of work. The Interns were supported by job coaches in the initial stages of their work placement and they ensured progression towards independence of working before fading support and then maintaining the contact with Compass Disability’s natural supports who were directing them in their team. ‘Jake’, Intern at Compass Disability Services
Jakob worked in the Finance department at Compass, assisting with filing, entering pay roll figures and information in a supportive team situation. He received initial support from the college’s job coach and soon proved his ability to work independently. Towards the end of his Internship a job opportunity arose within his department. Jakob was short listed, interviewed and successful, being offered an Apprenticeship for a Business NVQ Level 2 in the role of ‘Helpline Support Worker’. Thanks go to motivated Interns who aspire to securing jobs and employers who home in on the Intern’s strengths to fulfil a business need. Compass Disability Services has been a positive influence on the Internship Programme and helped towards 5 Interns securing employment this year.
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The Supported Internship Programme at Somerset College has been working closely with young people with Learners with Learning Difficulties & Disabilities (LLDD) and local employers since being selected to run the SIP pilot. From the original cohort 90% are in employment. The programme is for students with Learning Difficulties and Disabilities (LDD) who have a Learning Difficulty Assessment (LDA) or an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), between the ages of 16 to 25. Supported Internships are for students whose goal is sustainable employment. If the circumstances are right the objective is to obtain paid employment and in the likelihood of this being the case, ‘Better off’ calculations will be explored. At the very least the experience will be meaningful and progressive. The programme takes place with a host employer where the job role is matched to the Intern. The teaching and learning is guided by a full-time Job Coach and the employers’ natural supports. The Job Coach will identify off-job training needs and will liaise with tutors for help with work related literacy, numeracy and IT tasks.
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Carers leading the way Are you someone who spends a significant proportion of your life providing unpaid support to a relative, partner or friend who has serious physical and/or mental health issues? If so then you are a Carer and we would be so pleased if you would like to get involved in improving the lives of unpaid Carers across Somerset, by joining us. The purpose of Carers’ Voice Somerset is to make sure that those who hold the purse strings commission services wisely. Carers’ Voice Somerset is formed of carers and some professionals, whose purpose is to influence decision makers, to provide the best carer services possible, within budget constraints. We need to ensure that agreed plans meet your needs. In order to do this we need you to tell us what is working well and what is not and what else you might feel would help you.
Find out more by joining us for tea or coffee between 10:00 am and 11:15 am on any of the following dates in 2016. February 29th West Monkton Village Hall, Monkton Heathfield, TA2 8NE. April 28th Berrow Village Hall, Berrow, Burnham-on-Sea, TA8 2NL. July 6th Compton Dundon Village Hall, Ham Lane, Compton Dundon, TA11 6PQ. Sept 26th Wincanton Memorial Hall, High Street, Wincanton, BA9 9JF. We want to hear your stories; the good things and the not so good, so that our final ‘Commitment Document’ is as helpful to the broadest spectrum of carers possible. If you then feel you can join in our work to secure the best possible practice in the county we’d be delighted to welcome you to our quarterly meetings.
For more information, please contact: Deborah de Mornay Penny (Debbie) - Support Officer Carers Voice Somerset Mobile: 07818 523487 Email: deborah.demornaypenny@rethink.org This magazine is read by an estimated 15,000 people and you are one of them, welcome. You have the opportunity to get your point of view across and advertise your services or products to an audience of people with disabilities, Somerset unpaid carers or professionals who are keeping up to date with social needs. For more information please call Clive on 01823 282823 or email clive @compassdisabilityservices.org.uk.
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If you would like to receive a regular printed copy of this magazine, free of charge, you are welcome to join our Network free, online at: http://bit.ly/1vs0qSC.
Associate members
Mind Taunton and West Somerset currently run Mindline Somerset & Mindline South Devon and Torbay. The two services are out of hours helplines that are a confidential listening services providing a safe place to talk if you, or someone you know, is in distress. We can also give basic information about mental health and local services. See below for the Mindline Service which operates in your area:
Free services for Armed Forces and National Service veterans. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Blind Veterans UK has helped me regain my independence. It has given me an entirely new lease of life.â&#x20AC;? Jim Hooper, Glider Pilot Regiment veteran with age-related sight loss
Call: 0800 389 7979 Visit: www.noonealone.org.uk
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A trusting Trustee, thrust through the air Mark Oldershaw is an above the knee amputee and a long standing Trustee of Compass Disability Services. He has gained an interest in disability issues over time, as he was not born disabled. This has also opened new doors for him, by volunteering for the police. On 17th October 2015 at ‘Zip World’, Penrhyn Quarry, Gwynedd, he went to tackle Europe’s longest zip line, to raise money for Compass Disability Services’ ‘Buy a Bubble Appeal’. This project is to build a much needed well-being centre in Taunton. See page 23. Mark was born in 1966 and is married with two children. He likes fishing, DIY, football and gardening; and apparently doing crazy madcap things like jumping off cliffs attached to a wire. Mark is originally from Birmingham but now lives in Bridgwater. The Velocity Zip lines are unrivalled in terms of speed. The design and operation is such that they allow riders to travel, under the influence of gravity, at the highest possible speeds achievable. This involves balancing wind speed, wind direction and rider’s weight carefully. Speeds over 100mph have been reached. Mark achieved a speed of 119 mph, flying over the Welsh valley attached only to a wire. As adrenalin goes, “WHAT A RUSH”, says Mark,
“I couldn’t speak for about 20 minutes afterwards. That in itself is a miracle”. The Big Zipper is a mile long zip line that provides riders with a birds-eye view of the historic quarry and the spectacular North Wales coastline and beyond. Participants are supplied with a safety helmet, goggles and a flying suit that is wind and shower resistant. Zip World activities require a degree of physical fitness; however, if you can walk short distances (approx. 200m at Velocity and 500m partly uphill at Titan) you should be fine. They welcome everyone to all their sites; however, whilst activities are designed to be accessible to most people they do offer a degree of physical and mental challenge.
You can still sponsor Mark at the website below until 1st April 2016.
https://mydonate.bt.com/ fundraisers/markoldershaw1 Please sponsor him and help him to help others. Thank you.
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If you would like to advertise your event, social club or activity, contact Clive on 01823 282823 or email clive@compassdisability.org.uk. Our magazine is delivered free of charge to our members, professionals, people with disabilities and unpaid carers. If you would like to reach our 15,000+ readers for a small fee (to keep the magazine free), it’s simple. The next magazine will be published in March 2016, so we are looking to promote events for April, May and June 2016.
Associate member
Yo u r l o c a l s u p p l i e r o f quality continence care products with discreet, reliable service. F or advice and your f r ee m ail or der br ochur e c a l l A r e l l e F R E E o n 0 8 0 0 3 8 9 3 5 9 7 o r v i s i t w w w. a r e l l e . c o m BED PROT ECT IO N
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Arelle is a small, family-run business based near The Quantock Hills in Somerset. We have been working with incontinence products for 23 years and we take pride in our helpful, personal and confidential service. Our business has grown because we supply products that really work. Our customers appreciate that quality products save time and money. That is why they return to Arelle.
www.bridgwater.ac.uk
DO YOU RECEIVE DIRECT PAYMENTS TOWARDS YOUR HEALTHCARE NEEDS AT HOME? You can now access FREE training for your personal carer/personal assistant Are you an independent person who employs a personal carer/ personal assistant at home to meet your individual needs? Do they have little in the way of formal training? If so, you can now access FREE professional training for your carer/ personal assistant in a number of subjects, enabling your care to be carried out more effectively. These short training programmes are all nationally-recognised UYEPM½GEXMSRW HIPMZIVIH F] Bridgwater College, either in the home or at the College, with no cost to you or your carer. There are
a wide variety of subjects available, including:
•
NCFE Award in the Prevention and Control of Infection Level 2
•
HABC Safe Moving and Handling/HABC Moving People Safely/Hoist Training
•
Introduction to Duty of Care in a Health and Social Care Setting
•
•
Emergency First Aid at Work
'IVXM½GEXI MR 4VITEVMRK XS ;SVO in the Adult Health and Social Care Sector
•
Understanding in Working in Mental Health Level 2
•
Fire Safety Level 2
•
2'*) 'IVXM½GEXI MR XLI 7EJI Handling of Medicines Level 2
•
2'*) 'IVXM½GEXI MR 4VMRGMTPIW SJ • Dementia Care Level 2
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2'*) 'IVXM½GEXI MR Understanding End of Life Care Level 2
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'IVXM½GEXI MR XLI 6SPI SJ the Health and Social Care Professional Personal Assistant (Care) 'IVXM½GEXI
For more information contact the Care Team on 01278 655111 or email business@bridgwater.ac.uk. Bridgwater College, Bath Road, Bridgwater, TA6 4PZ
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‘RADAR’ keys are available from Compass Disability Services Providers of accessible toilets fit ‘RADAR’ locks to ensure the facilities are in good condition. Over 25 years, the scheme has been adopted by over 400 local authorities and many transport, retail and leisure providers. RADAR Keys are available to all disabled people and/or their carers. Even if you are a “casual” carer it may be handy to have one of these keys, to access the locked toilets, set aside for disabled people. There is no restriction on who can hold one of these keys, however the scheme exists to specifically assist people with disabilities. at y, e l b bilit The Radar National Key Scheme key offers disabled people independent a l i o access to over 9,000 accessible locked toilets around the country. ava opm tre w The availability of appropriately designed lavatories in public No n Sh Cen nto hard ton places is essential if disabled people are to be able to engage in u a T Orc n their communities and take part in everyday activities. Tau
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RADAR keys are available in standard size or with an easy turn/larger head from Compass Disability Services. Orders can be placed by calling 01823 282823 with payment made by credit or debit card (£4.25 each) or collected in person (£3.25 each).
Could you be a Trustee? We are recruiting new Trustees, with a range of skills, to join the existing board. Compass Disability Services is looking for people who are committed to its mission, values, aims and objectives and are passionate about the work it does. As a Trustee you would be expected to ensure that the organisation complies with its governing documents, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations. Trustees use their specific skills, experience and knowledge to help the board reach sound decisions.
Becoming a Trustee will involve: Scrutinising board papers Focusing on key issues Providing special expertise Leading discussions Promoting the organisation whilst enhancing and protecting its reputation Being a good ambassador for the organisation
For more information, please contact Paula Ingrey on 0330 333 0089 or email: paula@compassdisability.org.uk
Current Board of Trustees
Chair Val Palmer
Treasurer Mark Oldershaw
Trustee Alison Hart
Trustee Denise Hole
Trustee
Trustee Ceri-Ann Taylor
Trustee Pauline Tilley
Trustee Frank Hulbert
Tracy Oldershaw
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Help at Home ...there ...ther e for you
Sometimes you might need a bit of help to do the things you want. Tell us your story story.. Help us to understand you and your needs, what you find dif difficult ficult and what you’d like to do. We can then tailor our service, so we can help you do the things you want. Here are some things we could help you with: • • • • • •
Shopping Writing a letter or reading and dealing with post Getting out and about Arranging appointments, getting there and back Cleaning and light housework De- cluttering your home.
He gave us a call and we now drive Brian wher where e he wants to go. He can do his shopping, get to his appointments and enjoy trips to the garden centre. He can now spend time looking round and going for a cup of coffee. Brian said: “Everything “Everything I need is done, cleaning, shopping, doctors appointments, hospital appointments, day trips, anything.” T hi s i s n’t all we do. Fro m orga can n a hol i d ay to m ising ak a c up o f tea, w ing a lw a y s e’ll try to he l p.
Contact us Call: 0333 400 8299 Email: info@asterliving.co.uk Or visit our website: www.asterliving.co.uk where wher e you can hear some of our customers telling their stories. Please quote DR 1305 when you contact us. @
All our friendly and professional team has DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks so you know you can trust us. This is how we helped Brian… Brian’ss health was making it increasingly Brian’ difficult for him toget out and about.
If you struggle to read this, please call us on 0333 400 8299. We can produce pr oduce a version in Braille, large print, on audio, in other languages or in ‘Easy Read’ using symbols and short sentences.