Networker/Compass Carers - Autumn 2015 by Anton&on

Enabling and empowering disabled people and carers

Networker

Carers

Compass

Free Membership Magazine

Autumn 2015

Volunteering Where/Who/Why?

Contacts across Somerset

Pl e to a s e r e ta ad k at e a ho co m py e

Keeping your home safe

Come and visit Taunton’s largest mobility centre. Friendly, knowledgeable and with a wider choice of products.

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Contents v Compass Disability Services is an innovative, enlightened and positive organisation.

Autumn ‘15 edition

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.

4 5

...............Richard Pitman, CEO

......Compass Points - Network

.............Compass Points - Hub

...........................................Lucy

v Compass Disability Services is a user-led organisation and our Board of Trustees is comprised of at least 80% disabled people.

........JSNA (see what it means)

.............Blind Veterans UK 100

v Our principles give us the authority to explore options to give a voice to disabled people.

12 13 ...........Get mobile, stay mobile

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

14 15

............FREE training (honest)

16 17

.................Associate members

18 19

..Learning & Sensory Support

20 25 .......Volunteering - How & Why 28 29 ........................Useful numbers 31 33

..............Carer support groups

34 37 ......Fire Service - Home Safety 38 41

.................Associate members

Tuppy Owens - Somerset club

...................Associate member

..........Access to Hestercombe

48 50

...................Associate member

....................From Oz with love

...................Associate member

............Trustee in the spotlight

www.compassdisability.org.uk

‘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 Autumn 2015 edition As usual there is lots of information on our Carers service and our recent celebration of the first year of the “Talk and Support” line. We also have a useful article on two new providers that have secured services in Somerset that have been tendered by Somerset County Council and the Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group. There is a small piece on the new Shopmobility service in this edition, however December will see the 21st birthday of Shopmobility Taunton and I encourage you to look out for celebratory events on the 3rd December. Sometimes Well that is summer done and dusted and it is hard to get everything in the magazine yet again it wasn’t what was promised and that fits with its timings for publication but now we are on the countdown to don’t forget you can always follow us on Christmas (sorry). There is lots going on Facebook and Twitter if you have these in this edition of the magazine and I know facilities or on the Compass Disability that Clive has struggled to get it all in, but Services’ website, addresses for all are this can only reflect on the success of the available within the magazine. magazine and how useful it is in getting all Anyway ta ta for now and I hope you of our own and our associates information enjoy this edition. out to you.

In the previous edition of the magazine we offered two prizes of a ‘ticket + carer’ to visit the SS Great Britain in Bristol. The winners are :

Marilyn Evans and

Tim Somerton The next edition of our magazine is published 9th December 2015. If you would like to comment or contribute, please contact Clive Rymer on 01823 282823 or email: clive@compassdisability.org.uk

Compass Points

Join the Network and have your say! News from the Network Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to update your details! If you would like to change the way you receive information from us, please let us know. For example, if you receive information in written format, we can arrange to send information by email instead. If you just receive the Networker publication we can arrange to send you information on our consultation events as well; please let us know. Also, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to let us know if you move house or change e-mail addresses.

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 LDPS Carers Network you can provide your contact details using the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s /Carersnetworkdetails Or you can contact Mandy Seaman or Nat Stevens at our offices to join up.

Sedgemoor Disability Forum The next meeting of this group will take place on Wednesday 21st October from 10.30am until 2.30pm at East Huntspill Village Hall. We hope to have someone from Sedgemoor District Council to give their annual budget presentation. Other speakers to be confirmed.

Taunton Deane Disability Discussion Group The next Taunton Deane Disability Discussion Group meeting will take place on Wednesday 30th September from 10.30am until 2.30pm at Ruishton Village Hall, Cheats Road, Ruishton, TA3 5JD. Topics to be discussed at this meeting will include the new swimming pool planned to be built at Blackbrook in Taunton, proposals for a shared reception area between Taunton Deane Borough Council and Somerset County Council at County Hall in Taunton, Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust will be discussing Falls Prevention plus Somerset You Can Do will be providing an update on their services.

www.compassdisabilitynetwork.org.uk

Continued on page 6 . . . .

Compass Points Future dates for the Forums are: Wednesday 9th September 11am - 3pm Transport, care and communication Wednesday 16th December 11am - 3pm support can be provided to enable you to If you are interested in attending or attend our Forums and Discussion Groups receiving more information on this, please and we are also able to re-imburse contact Mandy Seaman on mileage for anyone living in the areas 01823 282823 or concerned wishing to make their own way email: mandy@compassdisability.org.uk to the meetings. . . . . Continued from page 5

Mendip Disability Forum The Mendip Disability Forum meets three 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 cost of ÂŁ6. 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 will be arranging speakers, transport etc. for them in the future.

Thank you A big thank you to all our members that took the time and trouble to complete our annual membership evaluation questionnaire during June. We really do value feedback from our members and will be using the results to plan our future services. A report will soon be available to view on our website with all the results.

Join our Network and have a voice. telephone: 01823 282823 minicom: 01823 255919 text: 07568 109960 email: info@compassdisability.org.uk

Jumble Sale

IN AID OF COMPASS DISABILITY SERVICES

SATURDAY 25th October 11am-1pm MENDIP ROOM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Compass Disability Services 01823 282823

All donations gratefully accepted, please bring them to: COMPASS DISABILITY SERVICES, UNIT 11-12 BELVEDERE TRADING ESTATE, TAUNTON, TA1 1BH

www.compasscarers.org.uk

Compass Points

Service User Engagement Group The Service User Engagement Group is a group of disabled people and carers that discuss various topics related to care and support services for adults with Somerset County Council. The purpose of the group is to act as a strategic “sounding board” to the County Council to help improve and develop services to better meet the care and support needs of adults in Somerset. The most recent meeting of this group took place in early June and we had an interesting and full agenda. Speakers included: Debbie De Mornay Penny talking to the group about Carers Voice Somerset (the new name for Somerset’s Carers Partnership Board); members of Somerset County Council’s Commissioning team discussed Homecare redesign, residential/nursing updates and a discussion around respite. During the afternoon of the meeting Caroline Parry from Somerset’s Clinical

Commissioning Group (CCG) gave a presentation about Community Hospital Services and a consultation that has been taking place; followed by an update, again from the Commissioning team, regarding recently commissioned services, including Advocacy, the Community Equipment Service and the Home Improvement Agency. The next Service User Engagement Group meeting is planned for November 2015. Making the Most of Community Services in Somerset Provision of Care and Support at Service User Engagement Group Home in Somerset 3 June 2015 Carers€ Voice Somerset Service User Engagement Group Working together to improve the lives of carers

3 June 2015

€Never believe that a few caring people can•t change the world for indeed that•s all who ever have‚ Margaret Mead

We are delighted to announce that Compass Disability Services has been successful with an application to the Big Lottery Fund for a new project called ‘Pop-up Compass!’

www.compassdisabilitynetwork.org.uk

The aim of ‘Pop-up Compass’ is to visit vacant premises (e.g. shops) across Somerset, for short periods of time, to let people know about our organisation and the services we offer. We will not only be telling people about the things Compass does, but also doing our best to signpost people to other organisations that are good sources of information and support for people. This project will enable us to ‘get out there’ and have a presence in local communities to help us raise awareness about some of the services that are available. The aim will be for us to get around to all the major and some of the smaller towns in Somerset, over the latter part of the summer and during the Spring of 2016. We have only recently received this grant so work on the project has just begun. We are yet to plan the details of where and when but watch this space, we hope to be coming to a town near you! For more information about this project please contact Nat Stevens (Monday to Wednesday only) Email: natalies@compassdisability.org.uk or Tel: 01823 282823.

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. The purpose of the group is to use members knowledge, experiences and skills to inform and develop the learning of Somerset Adult Social Care staff. The Hub has four meetings per year, usually at our offices in Taunton, plus other meetings as necessary depending on topics as they come up. Transport and communication support can be organised to enable people to attend and participate in Hub meetings; and we can reimburse mileage expenses if you are able to make your own way to meetings. The most recent Hub meeting took place in early June. Sean from Somerset County Council’s Learning & Development team came along to discuss an upcoming training programme that is being developed for Adult Social Care staff. During the afternoon, we met with Sarah, an Advanced Practitioner Social Worker and gave our views on the new care assessment forms. The next Hub meeting is scheduled for September. If you live in Somerset and would like to find out more about The Hub project, please contact Nat Stevens at Compass Disability Services. Email: natalies@compassdisability.org.uk Telephone: 0330 333 0089 or 01823 282823 Text: 07568 109 960 www.compassdisabilitynetwork.org.uk/the-hub

A practical guide to learning and development for Personal Assistants

During 2014/15 Compass Disability Services worked with Skills for Care to develop a guide for Personal Assistants about learning and development. We are delighted to let you know that the guide has now been finalised and is available for people to read and use! We owe a big thank you to everyone that gave their time and energy to this project and all the hard work undertaken, to ensure that the content was suitable, relevant and readable! The guide is now titled: ‘A practical Guide to Learning and Development for Personal Assistants’; and can found on our website: www.compassdisabilitynetwork.org.uk/training-guide-for-pa-s And on the Skills for Care website: www.skillsforcare.org.uk/iepahub Go to ‘training and funding’ then ‘training, learning and development’. In the picture to the right is Ron a ‘Network’ member, with his PA Louise, who kindly shared their experience of training, which has been published as a case study to the guide. Once again, thanks to those that supported us with this project and I hope you enjoy the guide.

www.compasscarers.org.uk

A practical guide to learning and development for personal assistants This guide is to help you support your employer and grow in your role as a personal assistant.

Lucy shares her thoughts

Lucy So sure was I that everything was fine, I hadn’t even taken anyone to the appointment with me. I’ve always been the well one in the family, I’ve considered the possibility of being a young(ish) widow but I’ve never thought about my husband being left to bring up our children alone. For the week between being told that I almost certainly had cancer and receiving biopsy results, showing it was treatable, I had to give serious consideration to the fact that I might die. The thing is, that when it comes to death there’s really no ‘might’ about it, is there? Whatever happens we are all going to die; it’s just the how, where and when that’s less certain. Death is inevitable but we have allowed it to become the elephant in the room; distanced from the normalcy of death by increased medical intervention and improved public health, we have become unable to treat it as the everyday occurrence it is. If I died now people

would feel a sense of ‘wrongness’ and talk about how sad it was that I’d died so young. Give it another 40 years and they will refer to my ‘good innings’ and maybe comment on the manner of my passing. Dead is dead so what’s the difference between one death and another? The difference is in the effect on the people left behind. Preparing for death is arguably more important for the people who survive than for the one who dies. As a society we need to start opening up about death and dying; we need to find ways of talking to each other about issues like pain relief and treatment options. Grief at the loss of a loved one is a common cause of depression but if we could prepare ourselves mentally for the death before it occurred we may be able to cope with it more successfully. However we choose to express it, grief is a normal and healthy response to a traumatic event. Complications arise if we have unresolved issues around our relationship with the deceased or if we feel that we have somehow failed them around the time of their death. As a Care Manager I see the way in which family relationships can become distorted when there is a lack of openness about feelings and expectations. A care giver may feel bound by a sense of duty and may view any need of outside help to be a failure. If for example, a wife promises that her husband will die at home but it is found necessary to take him into hospital, she may struggle for weeks or months with a sense that she had let him down. Information needs to be available about options for end of life care and expectations need to be properly managed. This means full honesty and recognition that even the best made plans may have to be subject to change.

www.compassdisabilitynetwork.org.uk

In January of this year I was told that I have breast cancer; to say this was unexpected would be an understatement.

Somerset’s new Joint Strategic Needs Assessment Somerset’s new Joint Strategic Needs Assessment ‘Somerset: Our County 2014/15’ is published at: www.somersetintelligence.org.uk/jsna The summary gives an overview of the strategic health, wellbeing and social needs of Somerset people and has a particular focus on our rural communities. It’s an important issue for Somerset as 48% of the population live in areas classed as rural. The JSNA team at Somerset County Council asked: “what is it like to live in the countryside, what are the things that make it a good place to be and what are the concerns and difficulties people living rurally have”? Whilst most people really like the countryside, rural dwellers have specific issues around social isolation, access to services (such as health and education) because of distance and access to accommodation because of high house prices. We learned much from listening to young people in rural focus groups, run by the Somerset Rural Youth Project, who highlighted the difficulties they face with access to digital technology, employment and housing.

Contact: Jo Purvis, Public Health, Somerset County Council jpurvis@somerset.gov.uk 01823 357275

Free services for Armed Forces and National Service veterans. “Blind Veterans UK has helped me regain my independence. It has given me an entirely new lease of life.” Jim Hooper, Glider Pilot Regiment veteran with age-related sight loss

Call: 0800 389 7979 Visit: www.noonealone.org.uk

www.compassdisabilitynetwork.org.uk

Blind Veterans UK’s 100 year anniversary

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Just prior to the garden party at the palace, Harvey enjoyed lunch with the National President of the ‘Blinded Veterans Association’, (Blind Veterans UK’s sister charity in America), Mark Cornell. Mark headed the officers of that association when they welcomed Harvey and his son David to Washington where the B.V.A. honoured them both. He invited them to join him in laying a wreath on Veterans Day 11/11/2014 (our Armistice day), at the Arlington Cemetery. Harvey said,”Meeting Mark Harvey Godber (Red Hat!) again with Blinded Veterans from recent conflicts made the celebration of Blind Veterans UK’s 100th birthday extra special”. Blind Veterans UK (formerly St Dunstan’s) was A former R.A.F serviceman from Somerset was amongst the thousands of members celebrating the founded in 1915 and the charity’s initial purpose was to help and support soldiers blinded in World Blind Veterans UK’s 100 year anniversary, at a War I. The organisation has gone on to support special garden party at Buckingham Palace on signed on as a pilot in the R.A.F. more than 35,000 blind veterans and their families, June 4th ofHarvey thislateryear. H Harvey Godber 76, from Taunton, was invited to the spanning World War II to recent conflicts. For 100 years, the charity has been providing vital free palace with over 1,000 other veterans who have training, rehabilitation, equipment and emotional been helped by Blind Veterans UK (See advert on support to blind and vision impaired veterans, no page 10 opposite). The event was to mark the matter when they served or how they lost their military charity’s 100 years of proud service andP.T.O. sight. support to blind and vision-impaired ex-Service Chief Executive of Blind Veterans UK, Major men and women. General (Rtd) Nick Caplin CB, says: “All of us at Harvey served in the Royal Observer Corps for three years. A civilian organisation, it was affiliated Blind Veterans UK were very proud to celebrate our with the Royal Air Force. He was tasked to observe centenary at such a special event. It was a beautiful day for our veterans with the sun shining”. the sky and ‘identify and report’ if any enemy “This anniversary also provides the opportunity for planes approached the UK. He later signed on as us to look forward to the challenges that lie a pilot, in the Royal Air Force. Harvey first noticed he was starting to lose his sight ahead for Blind Veterans UK. It is a critical time for our charity as the number of blind veterans we in 2008 and later diagnosed with age related support is increasing; in the past year, more blind macular degeneration (ARMD). He started receiving support from Blind Veterans UK last year veterans have registered for our help than ever and has received specialist equipment and training before in the charity’s history and this trend is set to continue.” by Blind Veterans UK, including a magnifier and a memory pad. Harvey says: “I’ve had brilliant Visit www.blindveterans.org.uk to learn support so far from the charity. My Blind Veterans UK Welfare Officer came round to assess me and more about the charity’s provided me with equipment. I’m also going to the 100 year history and how Brighton centre for their ‘trains, planes and you can support its vital work today. automobiles’ theme week in August”.

Gettin’ around town

Slinky Bus Service Changes The Slinky Bus provides a door to door accessible transport service to residents of Somerset, with the primary aim being to help people without a regular public bus, access local amenities. With recent service updates Slinky buses will be routed or zoned into smaller areas of a district and on set days of the week. Routes are specifically designed to serve areas that have little or no public transport. The buses will stay relatively local dropping off at places such as libraries, supermarkets or doctors surgeries and will be available for use to anyone who is eligible, young or old, with the main criteria being that a person does not have their own transport, does not have access to a regular public bus service or they cannot access the bus due to a disability. Anyone in possession of an English National

Concessionary Travel Scheme pass will be able to travel free of charge on production of their card, as they would on a public bus. Somerset Student County Tickets are also valid on Slinky services. The revised aim is to provide villages without a public bus transport option, a regular service at least once a week to help even more people in Somerset benefit from the Slinky service. New customers will need to register for the service. Registration forms, copies of the new Slinky service leaflets with full details of villages covered and also further community transport information can be found on Somerset County Council’s website: www.movingsomersetforward.co.uk or by calling Somerset Direct on 0300 123 2224

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 July ‘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

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Somerset Wheelchair Services

Wheelchair Service Tel: 0333 003 5621

Wheelchair services for people in Somerset have been changing. During June and July the service, for wheelchair users in Somerset, has been transferring from Exeter Mobility Centre to Millbrook Healthcare and will be known as Somerset Wheelchair Service. This is part of an exciting redesign of wheelchair services, moving away from a stand-alone wheelchair service to becoming more local and more person centred. A wheelchair is one part of a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s overall lifestyle, care or independence. This means support needs to be planned in partnership with the person, carer and any other health or social care staff involved, to ensure needs are met. This new service has been designed over the last couple of years with wheelchair users in Somerset, who have described the aim of the service: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had the right chair, at the right time, through a local service which is comfortable and does what I need it to do for me.â&#x20AC;? Changes have been made so that the majority of patients with straight forward needs can have their equipment directly ordered by local therapists, speeding up and simplifying the process. For people

Email:

Somersetwheelchairservice@ millbrookhealthcare.co.uk

needing a more specialist assessment, the service will continue to offer domiciliary visits and see children in special schools. In addition clinics will be set up in a range of locations across the county, including Minehead, Bridgwater, Frome, Taunton and Yeovil. The handover arrangements have been very complex and for some people this has not gone as smoothly as planned, due to unforeseen events. The Somerset Wheelchair Service have been doing their best to support people during this time in difficult circumstances and now that the service has been fully handed over from 17 July, we hope that local wheelchair users will be able to see how the changes will make a positive difference. We needed to be very careful about protecting personal information, which has delayed sending information to all the wheelchair users and their carers. However, most people should, by now, have received a letter letting them know about these changes and the new contact details for any assessment, maintenance, repairs or queries they may have.

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The new contact details are: Wheelchair Service - Tel: 0333 003 5621 Wheelchair - Fax: 0333 003 5622 Wheelchair - E-mail: Somersetwheelchairservice@millbrookhealthcare.co.uk Address: Unit J, Monument View, Chelston Business Park, Wellington, Somerset, TA21 9JF

Free training for Direct Payment Employers and Personal Assistants in Somerset and Dorset - Autumn/Winter 2015 Being a Good Employer - A course to give service users greater confidence to be a good employer to a Personal Assistant. Somerset 7th & 8th October, 10am-3pm; Abbey Manor Community Centre, Yeovil 17th & 18th November, 10am-3pm; Princess Theatre, Burnham on Sea Dorset 22nd & 23rd October, 10am-3pm; Weymouth Community Safety Centre, Weymouth 24th & 25th November, 10am-3pm; Riversmeet Leisure Centre, Gillingham Role and Rights of a Personal Assistant - A course to give PAs a better understanding of their role; including personalisation of care. Somerset 22nd September, 10am-3pm; Princess Theatre, Burnham on Sea 29th October, 10am-3pm; Abbey Manor Community Centre, Yeovil Dorset 4th November, 10am-3pm; Weymouth Community Safety Centre, Weymouth 2nd December, 10am-3pm; Riversmeet Leisure Centre, Gillingham Manual Handling - A workshop designed to provide practical skills to Personal Assistants. Somerset 29th September, 10am-3pm; Princess Theatre, Burnham on Sea 15th October, 10am-3pm; Abbey Manor Community Centre, Yeovil Dorset 20th October, 10am-3pm; Weymouth Community Safety Centre, Weymouth 4th December, 10am-3pm; Riversmeet Leisure Centre, Gillingham Dignity in Care - A session highlighting the importance of placing dignity at the heart of care. Somerset 1st October, 10am-3pm; Princess Theatre, Burnham on Sea 13th October, 10am-3pm; Abbey Manor Community Centre, Yeovil Dorset 10th November, 10am-3pm; Weymouth Community Safety Centre, Weymouth 8th December, 10am-3pm; Riversmeet Leisure Centre, Gillingham

For more details, please check the website: www.compassindependentliving.org.uk or call the office on 01823 255911. Alternatively email: debbieo@compassdisability.org.uk 14

www.compasscarers.org.uk

Free training for unpaid carers is available in a variety of locations across the county and provided by a number of different organisations. Compass Carers has been delivering a series of courses with support from Emily Lang, a qualified nurse and experienced carers trainer, Gavin Churchill from the Red Cross and Andrew Carrigan from Ashford solicitors and more recently the Talking Therapies team from Somerset Partnership NHS Trust. This autumn we are hoping to arrange some sessions looking at the processes that follow when someone has passed away with Mark Robson from Cooperative Funeral Care. So why should carers take up these training courses? One of the carers who attended the Skills for Carers course in Minehead in the summer told us: “Today I have been on a course for people who care for loved ones and friends. Whilst doing these courses I have met some amazing people. A lady today who has cancer and other health issues who looks after her husband who has an aneurism. Three years ago he was given 18 months to live but is

still going along happily. She said to me they are 83 and have had 20 years of retirement together and are very lucky to have had that. How wonderful. I'm often asked why I do the courses when most things should come naturally to care for a loved one. I do them because I meet lovely people like today, I do them because every time I come away with a little bit more knowledge about all things medical, health and wellbeing, specialist care for dementia, mental health, home care and so on! I have made new friends and I can ask any questions I want and as a group we can all share our concerns over the person we care for, so we can give them our best. Caring for someone is demanding, stressful, frustrating etc. As a carer you spend so much time focussing on someone else you forget about the little things you like to do for yourself. So my thanks to Emily for all the help, advice and brilliant presentations you give and Debbie for organising the courses. Lastly but not least - all the other super carers out there for doing what you do and helping me along the way. Thank you.” In addition to the courses that Compass Carers coordinates, there are training programmes for carers on offer from other organisation in Somerset including St Margaret’s Hospice, The Alzheimer’s Society, Somerset Partnership and the Parkinson’s Society to name a few.

www.compassdisability.org.uk

Compass Carers

Free Training

Associate members

A new countywide Community Equipment and Home Improvement Agency Service have been secured by Mendip District Council, Sedgemoor District Council, Somerset County Council, Somerset NHS, Taunton Deane Borough Council and West Somerset Council. The new service known as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Somerset My Home My Lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is provided in partnership by Millbrook Healthcare and Aster Living and commenced on 3rd August 2015. The Community Equipment Service provided by Millbrook Healthcare will procure, deliver, collect and recycle simple aids for daily living and more complex pieces of equipment, to enable people to stay in their own home environment or educational setting. It will also facilitate hospital discharges with the provision of equipment e.g. beds and mattress systems, allowing people to be in a place of their

AVoice is an advocacy service for adult victims of crime and antisocial behaviour, providing free, independent and confidential advocacy to anyone over the age of 18. AVoice can work with people who have: w learning disabilities w issues with their mental health w physical disabilities w become a victim because of their age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief. Our team of AVoice advocates can: w help them to understand the criminal justice process and their rights within it w assist them to access services to help them cope and recover from the crime w explore their options with them and support their decision-making w help them to get practical help from other

choice. The service is accessible via an assessed need by a health or social care professional. The Home Improvement Agency Service provided by Aster Living, will assist people repair, improve and maintain and adapt their home to maintain independence. The service is open to all ages and provides support to older people, people with disabilities or anyone who is vulnerable at home, including families with young children. The disabled adaptation service is accessed via an assessment of need by a health or social care professional in conjunction with District Councils and the Home Improvement Agency. Any repair and improvement of the home may be assisted by your District Council. Both Millbrook Healthcare and Aster Living provide retail services which can be accessed by the general public. For further information on these services you can either contact Millbrook Healthcare on 0333 003 2407 or Aster Living on 0333 400 8299. Details can also be found on the Somerset my home my life website: www.somersetmyhomemylife.co.uk agencies by working with them on their behalf w help them to make informed decisions by offering guidance and information w listen to them and ensure they get their voice heard. AVoice will also advocate for victims of crime and antisocial behaviour who have not reported it to the Police.

Individuals, their family and friends and referring organisations can contact AVoice by telephone or e-mail. Freephone: 0800 254 0777 E-mail: avoice@thecareforum.org.uk

www.compasscarers.org.uk

Talking Therapies Team Maintaining a Life Outside Caring course for carers.

space to reflect on my personal needs and ways of achieving a better relationship with the person I care forâ&#x20AC;? whilst another commented â&#x20AC;&#x153;this group is a The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Life Outside Caringâ&#x20AC;? course was recently run, great response to a need which we discovered was by the Talking Therapies Team in both Bridgwater common to most carersâ&#x20AC;Ś.thank youâ&#x20AC;?. and South Petherton. The course is designed to There are still spaces remaining so if you feel you help carers recognise the impact their caring role would benefit from the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Life Outside Caringâ&#x20AC;? course has on their own emotional wellbeing in a please contact Linda Cunnington on confidential and safe environment with others who 01278 435853. We also offer Emotional Health are also carers. Discussions take place on topics Checks to carers to help assess their emotional such as; what itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like to be a carer, how life has wellbeing and potentially provide additional support changed since being a carer and what emotions if required. For a free and confidential Emotional this provokes. We aim to assist people to be able to Health Check please telephone 0300 3230033 relate differently to the person they are caring for Ruth Fenner, Psychological Well-being whilst reclaiming areas of their life to increase their Practitioner Group Facilitator own emotional wellbeing. Talking Therapies Team The feedback has been extremely positive with one Somerset Partnership NHS Trust attendee saying â&#x20AC;&#x153;It has given me the time and The course runs for 3 sessions at each venue, the next dates are: South Petherton: 22nd & 29th September and 13th October from 2pm to 4pm Taunton: 15th & 22nd October and 5th November from 12pm to 2pm Bridgwater: 9th & 16th November, 30th November from 10am to 12pm

INFORMATION...at your fingertips

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Learning Disabilities Services Key stage for the future of Learning Disabilities Services in Somerset

been working with our customers, parents and carers to make sure any changes are in their best interests. “All the shortlisted organisations have shown a In February 2014, Somerset County Council and commitment to investing their skills and experience Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group to establish a sustainable not-for-profit social considered the options for the future management enterprise that will fully meet customers’ needs and and ownership of the services that are currently run improve the care currently provided. by the Council’s Learning Disabilities Provider “It’s a very exciting stage and I’ll be keeping a close Service (LDPS). The decision they reached was to eye on progress as this project develops.” create a new social enterprise, and transfer all or Website addresses for the short-listed bidders are some of the services to it. as follows: This ground-breaking project to develop Learning www.brandontrust.org www.enhamtrust.org.uk Disabilities services in Somerset has reached a key www.dimensions-uk.org milestone with three organisations shortlisted to www.turning-point.co.uk work alongside the County Council. Learning Disability Provider Service Somerset County Council announced in February Carers Network 2014 that a new social enterprise would be In January this year Compass Disability Services established to run the services currently provided were appointed to establish a carers network for by the Learning Disabilities Provider Service the parents/carers of customers of the Learning (LDPS). The next step was to select an Disability Provider Service (LDPS). organisation to work with the LDPS to set up the The Network is an ideal way to ensure that Carers social enterprise. Following an initial competitive can continue to be kept informed of any changes exercise, three have now been shortlisted to that services are needing to make in the run up to progress to the next phase. the Social Enterprise Partnership. The short-listed bidders are Dimensions UK, Monthly briefings are distributed from the LD Turning Point and a consortium that includes Shadow Board which has been set up to help the Brandon Trust and Enham Trust. All are nationally recognised care providers. The County Council will service achieve a successful transition for Learning Disability Services from being part of Somerset be working with all three to decide which one will take the social enterprise forwards. A final decision County Council to becoming a Social Enterprise Partnership. is expected in early in 2016. One of the first roles of the Carers Network was to Cllr William Wallace, Somerset County Council’s invite parent/carers to select a representative to Cabinet Member with responsibility for Learning attend the monthly shadow board meetings. Disabilities, said: “We’ve had a lot of interest from Mrs Ashley Furmston was appointed as the main many different organisations who have seen vast potential in the LDPS and want to improve services parent/carer representative and Mr George Green was appointed as deputy carer representative for customers in Somerset. “This is the key thing for us; from the outset, we’ve earlier this year.

Continued on page 19 . . . .

www.compasscarers.org.uk

Future of Learning Disabilities Services . . . . Continued from page 18 The aim of the Network is to provide support to the representatives and ensure any comments or concerns are forwarded to them so that they can fully represent all carers views. Richard Pitman Chief Executive Officer at Compass Disability said: “It is vitally important that carers have an opportunity to be involved and receive information on the changes taking place in the LDPS over the next year.”

Become part of the Network If you would like to become part of the LDPS Carers Network to you can provide your contact details using the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ Carersnetworkdetails Or you can contact Mandy Seaman on email: mandy@Compassdisability.org.uk Telephone: 01823 282823 or Text: 07568 109960

Support for People with Sensory Impairments

www.compassdisability.org.uk

To be known as deafblind, a person will have both a vision and hearing impairment; each person having unique needs, depending on the sight and hearing they have. Increasingly older people experience this as they age and can become isolated. Some infants are born deafblind due to a particular syndrome and will need to find ways to communicate both their physical needs and their emotions to sighted and hearing parents. At Sense we tailor support around each person, whether the impairment is through the aging process or is congenital. In our Glastonbury service, we support people with a single sensory impairment and other disabilities. The support team undertake a journey of learning specialist communication and developing the personal skills to empower people to determine their future. This includes sign language, deafblind signing, braille, drawings or photographs. Most important is having the qualities of patience, kindness and the ability to listen, watch and encourage. IT developments and more sophisticated gadgets can help by being fun, stimulating and by aiding independence. These include talking labelers, braillers, digital recorders, subtitles and audio description on TVs, talking watches, Braille reading clocks and even talking microwaves. Simple developments such as braille labels on doors, lifts, toiletries and medicine can help feelings of inclusion and independence. A service user here says “My talking mobile phone tells me who is ringing and I can change the settings to how I like it by listening to the audio menu. Braille labels on tablets and shampoo can help me not get mixed up, which is good news. My talking labeler means I can label best before dates on my food which I find very useful because I don’t need to ask for help, I can do it on my own.” For information on Sense www.sense.org.uk For information on Somerset services for people with sensory impairments contact 01458 830212 Mobilising

Volunteering Update

2015 Volunteer of the Year Awards The event was organised by the volunteering charity Engage, and took place at North Street Congregational Church in Taunton. The three Compass Talk & Support volunteers, Jane, Anne and Juliet, attended with Debbie Ovenden.

Jane, Anne and Juliet There were many different organisations represented. There were group and individual nominations. We sat and listened to the citations for each nomination, which were varied, reaching many areas of our community. As each individual or group was nominated they were brought forward and presented with a certificate. There was a wide range of roles represented: the Samaritans; the 4-40 volunteers who support 40 Commando Royal Marines; a community coffee shop; a mechanic who works at ‘On Your Bike’,

a charity that refurbishes and recycles old bikes; volunteer drivers; volunteers that work with groups who support children and vulnerable people and others that encourage youngsters into sport; a physiotherapist who uses her professional skills and offers her time at the hospice; a member of the Royal Voluntary Service who currently supports the Home Library Service; a member of the Taunton Food Bank and the Wivey Link Community Transport team. Some volunteers give more than 20 hours each week. The oldest volunteer represented was 95! We were in distinguished company. Both the Mayor of Taunton Marcia Hill and the Chair of Engage Sue Eley made warm speeches about the importance of volunteering and the valuable contribution that so many volunteers make to the community. The award for Star Group went to the North Curry Coffee Shop volunteers. The shop is a community project providing a meeting place, selling food and drinks at affordable prices and providing an outlet for local art, handicrafts, flowers and second-hand books, with all profits going to nominated charities or local groups. The individual Star Volunteer was named as Tommy Gill who volunteers at On Your Bike. All who attended warmly acknowledged both award winners.

Martin writes, “A couple of years ago, while I was listening to BBC Somerset, I heard an interview with Jane Allin, the Volunteer Coordinator with Compass Disability Services. She was hoping to find potential volunteer members of the Compass Disability Steering Group. It caught my attention and decided to enquire. I had been helping support a family in Somerset, so I thought I would be able to assist with the Steering Group that encourages Carers Support Groups, across the county. I have been assisting with the C.S.G. groups in the City of Wells and Shepton Mallet, so that the support worker can be more available to discuss issues with clients, at the monthly drop-in”.

www.compasscarers.org.uk

Volunteering Update

Compass Carers Steering Group Over the time the service has been up and running, we have been successful in recruiting 11 very valuable members and they have represented almost all the GP federation areas. Sadly, for various reasons, four members of the group have had to resign and we are now seeking to recruit new members to join the 7 remaining members. We are especially seeking to recruit members, to represent the following areas:- North Sedgemoor, Bridgwater Bay, South Somerset Chard Ilminster and Crewkerne, but people from the other areas are also welcome to apply.

Spot the ‘Chair’ of Trustees If you are interested in joining our Steering Group, please contact Jane Allin our Volunteer Coordinator, who will be happy to supply you with further details and an application form on 01823 255911 or email: jane@compassdisability.org.uk

www.compassdisability.org.uk

In October 2012, Somerset County Council and the Somerset Health Commissioners commissioned Compass Disability Services to deliver the four priority areas identified in the National Carers Strategy, in Somerset, based around the nine GP Federation areas. This contract will run until at least October 2016. The overall aim of the service is to ensure that as many unpaid carers as possible are identified and supported to access good quality information, advice and low level services. The service helps carers build capacity in their caring role and also seeks, with them, ways to improve their own health and well-being. The Compass Carers Steering Group was set up to ensure that, by working with the organisation’s senior team members, all service planning, aims and delivery are based on the needs of its users and other stakeholders. Initially the Group met monthly but now meets once every two months. The next meetings will be from 10am -12noon on Thursday the 19th November. The Steering Group consists of up to 11 current carers or people who have been carers within the last 5 years. It is hoped there will be one member from each of the nine GP federation areas in Somerset, if at all possible; together with four members of the organisation’s staff.

Volunteering Update

Jasmine

I started working for Compass Disability Services back in 2013 when I was an Admin Volunteer for the Network Project. When an opportunity came up on the Carers project I thought I’d apply not thinking I’d get the job, however since that

day I’ve worked my way ‘up the ladder’. For two years I have been working on the Compass Carers helpline, supporting unpaid carers all across Somerset. Growing up I never knew what career path to take, but I knew as long as I was supporting people I’d be happy. Since being on the Carers Line I have spoken to hundreds of carers and given detailed support. I thrive knowing I have improved the quality of somebodies life. In September I start my new role for Compass Carers. I will become a Carer Support Worker, something I’ve always wanted to do, but again something I thought I would never achieve. Compass Disability Services have opened so many doors for me and I am grateful to be able to achieve what I’ve wanted to from the beginning.

My journey to working at Compass Disability Services My name is Jake I am 19 years old and I live in Taunton with my parents. I was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a muscle wasting disease, when I was 3. I have a massive interest in cars and I also enjoy playing on my games console. I originally went to Staplegrove primary school then in 2007 moved up to Ladymead Secondary School, which in 2010 became Taunton Academy. It was a good experience as I met and made new friends, from the increase in student numbers at the Academy. In 2012 I started studying at Somerset College for three years. The first course I did was ‘Business and Retail’ while the second was in Art. In my third year I did a Supported Internship which gives help and advice preparing for interviews, planning CV’s, how to write application forms and gives work experience. I did my work experience at Compass Disability Services, for about two and a half months, which I really liked. During my work experience I spoke with Michelle Edwards who told me about an apprenticeship that was opening up. I thought about it and applied, with a bit of support from College. I had to wait a couple of days to be shortlisted, then I was offered an interview. On the day of the interview I was a little nervous, but after the interview I felt that I did ok. A couple days later I was told that I got the job, I was really excited. Now I have almost completed my first month and I am really enjoying it.

www.compasscarers.org.uk

Volunteering Update

Bruton Talk & Support 1st Anniversary Jane Allin writes “On Monday 6th July, my colleague Debbie Ovenden and I travelled to Bruton, where we met with Sandra Consalvey, Voice Worker for South Somerset, Talk and Support volunteer Mandy Goodland and the Practice Manager Brian Matthews. The meeting was to celebrate our Talk and Support Telephone Befriending Service for unpaid carers reaching its’ first Birthday. Brian kindly supplied cake and juice, so we could celebrate in style. The service operates from our offices in Taunton and we are also lucky to have the support of the Bruton Surgery, which has given us the use of a room and telephone, that the service can operate from there as well. This has been funded by a grant from the surgery received from a local councillor as they wanted to support unpaid carers. Initially, we had two volunteers in Bruton, but unfortunately Viv Stephenson had to finish, so Mandy ‘holds the fort’. If someone else in the Bruton area wished to volunteer, they would be welcomed and trained at the

Bruton Surgery. Through much kindness, many carers have been supported by the regular telephone calls Mandy makes. She is but one of our fantastic, loyal, hard -working volunteers and she would not have been able to come to Taunton to make the calls, so thank you Bruton Surgery for making it possible, for Mandy to volunteer. My thanks also go to Sandra, who supervises Talk and Support in Bruton, to Debbie who delivered training to the Bruton volunteers and helped with their inductions and to Viv for all her work while a volunteer”.

Talk and Support First Anniversary Celebration Lunch

www.compassdisability.org.uk

Following the Steering Group Meeting on the 16th July, Steering Group Members staff and volunteers met together to share a celebration lunch to mark the first anniversary of our Talk and Support Telephone Befriending Service for carers. After lunch, Richard our CEO thanked the volunteers who run the service and Jane, the Volunteer Coordinator spoke about the service, which now supports over 100 carers. Cards and flowers were presented to the volunteers Anna, Jane, Mandy and Juliet and to Debbie Ovenden, Moira Brunt and Sandra Consalvey, the members of staff who help Jane with supervising the volunteers.

Volunteering Update

Why I Volunteer, from Andrew Carrigan

moaning about things (although I do that just like everyone else) it's better to 'chip in' and try to help. I believe that knowledge is power. The work I do with Compass is aimed at providing training in I am a solicitor with Ashfords LLP. I'm relatively areas of law that will be of practical use. I hope our new to Taunton, but I've been a volunteer with training makes people feel more confident when Compass Disability Services, pretty much since I dealing with the issues we address. arrived. I've had experience of being a carer; both We are working with Carers' Groups on 'Lasting in a paid role before I went to university and unpaid, Powers of Attorney' at the moment but we will move as a carer for members of my own family. It's partly on to other topics in due course. I get a lot out of that experience that led me to the law. the sessions we run. I enjoy the questions that I'm I work in Ashfords''Private Client' team, which asked and the experiences people share; they help means I deal with Wills, Inheritance Tax Advice, keep me on my toes and give me insight into the Probate and law relating to Long Term Care. I live types of issues people are grappling with. I have no with my partner Jodie and her two children Ellie(12) doubt that I learn as much from every training and William(7). We have two dogs and a cat. When course as the people who come along. Going to all I am not cleaning up after the six of them I like to sit the Carers' Groups across the County has also in a dark room and reflect on my life choices until made me realise how beautiful Somerset is. the sound of my own sobbing lulls me to sleep, I'd encourage anyone and everyone to volunteer. (joke, sorry Jodie x). The care system is under a lot of strain and more I've always tried to have some level of involvement than ever we have to find ways to support each in the community I live in. I don't know what drives other, if we want to live in a county that helps me to do that. I'm not religious and I wouldn't say everyone live with dignity and achieve their true I'm a particularly nice person, see the preceding potential. paragraph. However, I do think that rather than

Carer Support Group Volunteers needed Realising the tremendous help our volunteers Martin, Denise and Rosemary already give to Carer Support Groups, Su Saunders - Service Development Coordinator, has been working with the Compass Carers Team, developing new Carer Support Groups and existing groups, to help promote them. We are very keen to recruit volunteers to work with more groups in Somerset, who will also benefit from this additional help. Carer Support Groups most often meet once a month. Details of the Groups appear on pages 31-33. With volunteers already working with Groups at Minehead, Williton, Priorswood, Shepton Mallet and Wells and would love to hear from people who are willing to volunteer to help with any of our Groups. Help is especially requested for the Groups at Bridgwater, Woolavington, Cheddar and Priorswood. All these Groups are established, but need to be promoted and advertised in their areas and more carers encouraged to come. Help to facilitate the groups is also requested. If you would like more information about the Groups, please contact Su, on 01823 282823, email su@compassdisability.org.uk. To volunteer please contact Jane on 01823 255911, email jane@compassdisability.org.uk.

www.compasscarers.org.uk

Volunteering Update I started working for Engage in November 2014 and began contacting local organisations within the Taunton Deane area. I met with Jane at Compass Disability in January 2015 and was impressed to learn about the great work that is going on within the organisation. We were able to discuss current volunteer roles and look at ways of creating new roles and advertising them accordingly. There are six roles that we advertise for Compass, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good to know that Jane will see candidates individually and there is flexibility. Since then we have sent over details of ten potential volunteers who have enquired about Compass either through the Do-It website, email, telephone and face to face contact during our sessions in Taunton Library (Tuesday and Thursday mornings). The links with Compass have been beneficial in other ways. They have been able to offer advice with regard to information for Carers and disability issues which I have been able to pass on to individuals and other organisations that I come into contact with. In June Engage held an event in Taunton celebrating Volunteers Week. We were delighted that some of the Volunteers for Compass were nominated and able to come along to the event. During my sessions in the library I come across a variety of people looking for volunteering opportunities. It is reassuring to know that I can signpost individuals to Compass and they are always treated with respect and considered for the position regardless of their current situation. Compass always recognises the value of their Volunteers. Sandra Marsden.

www.compassdisability.org.uk

Jane (left)â&#x20AC;&#x2C6;our Volunteer Coordinator takes a rare break from being involved in every aspect of the charity, working with volunteers

ÂŁ50 Fun un ffor o or Forces Families! h

g k

Autumn Weekend* Specials For any armed forces family that includes a person with a disability. Open to serving, reserve or veteran families.

Just ÂŁ50 per person! (including halff term holidays*) Includes food, accommodation and adventurous activities.

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.

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 pages 23 and 26, 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

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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

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Taunton & District Citizens Advice Bureau St Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House, Magdalene St, TA1 1SB. 01823 282235

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Helping people make the most of their lives 01278 439177 www.brunelcare.org.uk somersetenquiries@brunelcare.org.uk Taunton: 01823 324944 Bristol: 0117 929 9556 Challenging Disability Through Outdoor Adventure www.calvert-trust.org.uk/exmoor

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

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

www.compasscarers.org.uk

Carers Support Groups

www.compassdisability.org.uk

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

Home Safety from Devon & Somerset Fire Service

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www.compasscarers.org.uk

Home Safety Here are a few quotes we have received from clients whilst delivering a visit. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I never realised the importance of closing doors at bedtime. The photographs you have shown me really bring it home to meâ&#x20AC;?

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How WISH helped one Somerset householder Carol has lived in her 200-year-old farmhouse for nearly four decades. Recently she developed severe health problems that mean she’s at home most of the day.

With the help of Warmer Improved Somerset Homes (WISH), the comfort of her house has been improved so much that she can now stay there despite her illness, for as long as her health allows. Somerset is awash with solid-walled houses that can be tricky to keep warm; and a high proportion of older people, who suffer the effects of living in cold or damp homes. This is why the rural county is the territory of an energy advice outreach project, WISH. Now in its third incarnation its helped along by caseworker Liz Dagger, advising residents for over 10 years. Back in the autumn she went to visit Carol, who was actively seeking home energy advice when a flyer for the WISH project caught her eye. Since that initial visit, a lot has changed, though a passerby would never know that the sash windows were double glazed replacements, or that the rustic ‘wooden’ door with its thick black knocker was a superbly fitted PVC installation. The highly efficient features have been fitted without compromising the building’s period charm and Carol considers them to be the best changes she’s made. The replacements have noticeably dulled traffic noise, “and they look good” she says Carol, smilingly. In a decade of home visits, Liz said this was the draughtiest houses she’d seen. The windows that

haven’t been replaced yet have been draught proofed. This is thanks to a long-standing relationship between WISH and Somerset Care and Repair, who assist the vulnerable, elderly and disabled to remain independent at home. They arranged for simple, cheap draught proofing strips to be fitted, even around the unusual and awkwardly protruding attic window. Carol says it’s remarkable what a difference these low cost measures have made. Other actions ticked off the list include a call to her electricity supplier, who confirmed she is eligible for the Warm Home Discount, a £140 rebate on her winter electricity bill, and they agreed to drop her monthly payments; by reassessing Carol’s needs against her tariff. Liz also suggested she get in touch with Citizens Advice, who helped her claim her Disability Living Allowance. There are lots more changes planned ahead of winter. Some of the radiators are far too small and need replacing, while others need to be fitted with thermostatic valves (TRVs) so Carol can control the temperature of individual rooms. Paperwork for attic insulation is in the post and an extractor fan is being fitted in the bathroom (necessary now that air isn’t flowing willy-nilly through gaps in the window). Liz has phoned Carol several times since the initial visit to check progress and give further advice, and Carol is delighted with the help she’s received.

Get in touch… If you know any Somerset residents who would benefit from a short talk with a friendly advisor, or a longer home visit, please contact the Home Energy Team at the Centre for Sustainable Energy (co-ordinaters of the WISH project) free on 0800 082 2234 or email wish@cse.org.uk.

www.compasscarers.org.uk

Advocacy in Somerset - Associate member

We provide two main services: Advocacy for Young People We offer independent support to young people between 16 and 25 years who may be experiencing a change in their circumstances and who, as a result of their mental health or substance use problems, find it difficult to speak up or get their point of view across to others. This might be moving on from Adolescent Mental Health or Social Care services to Adult services or it might be any significant change that is having an impact on your wellbeing. If you think having someone who is not a friend or a relative by your side to help put your views forward or work out what you need to do next, then our Advocate may be able to help. We will see you in a place convenient to you. If you live in the Mendip area the Advocate is holding weekly drop-in sessions at Routes Café and the Community College in Frome.

Mental Capacity Act training We are also offering affordable, accessible, interactive and personalised training to staff in Care Homes and Nursing Homes as well as in other contexts; where it is important to have a working knowledge of how to carry out your practice, in line with the requirements of the Act. Sessions start at £250 for a half day session in house and delivered by staff who have worked as Independent Mental Capacity Advocates.

If interested please contact the office on 01458 253053 or email info@advocacyinsomerset.org.uk Carers Claim free flu jab this winter

- Everyone is at risk of contracting flu including healthy people; the symptoms may be milder and you may even be asymptomatic but you can The seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to protect still carry the virus and infect others. yourself and the person you care for from flu. - Annual vaccination programme – the virus If you are the main carer for an elderly or disabled strains change each year so even if you’ve had person who may be put at risk if you fall ill, and/or flu previously you will not necessarily have you are in receipt of Carer's Allowance then you immunity to current flu strains. are entitled to a free flu jab. - The flu vaccine for adults is not a live Flu is a viral infection not the same as the vaccination so can’t give you flu. common cold. It can result in serious complications, such as hospitalisation, disability and death, for older people, infants, pregnant women and people with certain underlying health conditions. The vaccination is particularly important for those who are at increased risk of flu. It’s free because you need it. Did you know? - People with mild or no symptoms can still infect www.nhs.uk/flu for more information. others.

www.compassdisability.org.uk

Contact your GP or local pharmacy to find out how to receive your free flu vaccination.

Associate member Update on the Contract Awards for the new integrated Community Equipment Service & Home Improvement Agency

The new services will: • improve partnership working through closer integration • offer more joined-up assessment and streamlined service delivery • ensure interventions are proportionate to needs • have a strong focus on the customer and the outcomes that are important to them • make the best use of available resources The Community Equipment Service (CES) • be accessible and attractive to and Home Improvement Agency (HIA) self-funders. contracts have now been awarded to two Millbrook, Aster and Medequip (the friends of Compass Disability Services, outgoing CES provider) are all committed Millbrook Healthcare and AsterLiving to a smooth transition and to continuity of respectively. The contracts started on service for clients. 3rd August 2015. The project will involve a range of A number of high quality bids were received and the Strategic Commissioning colleagues and organisations in the implementation process. Training plans Manager, Gareth O’Rourke, Adults and Health Commissioning Service, confirmed have been developed so all prescribers are able to use new systems. There will that Somerset County Council were very also be launch events in the Autumn and pleased with this outcome and believe we will advise you of these nearer the that excellent services will be delivered time. over the next few years.

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 December, so we are looking to promote events for January, February and March 2016.

www.compasscarers.org.uk

Somerset Choices – giving you choice Somerset Choices is a new website that helps people access care and support services in the county. New website: www.somersetchoices.org.uk

www.compassdisability.org.uk

Developed by the County Council and the NHS, Somerset Choices aims to help people help themselves stay independent, healthy and well. It puts people in control of their care and wellbeing and gives them more choice when it comes to who provides their care and support. The new website guides people through self-help forms, provides easy access to information and a directory of local services, products, groups and events in their local area. Such as care homes, help at home, mobility equipment, personal assistants, lunch clubs, exercise groups, support groups and breaks for carers. So far, since the launch of the website in July, there have been over 50,000 page views and over 1000 care and support providers have uploaded their details. Pat Mayhew from Taunton, said: “I think it is a really useful resource and I have a friend I know that would find it very helpful to find some support caring for his wife.” Vanetta Merrick from Bridgwater, said: “I could have done with this last year when I was looking for support to help my elderly neighbour. It’s a great idea to have information like this in one place.” More local care and support providers are being encouraged to upload their details so that the site contains a really comprehensive directory of local services. If you know of anyone please encourage them to join in or alternatively if you have any feedback on the website please email: help@somersetchoices.org.uk.

Outsiders West Country Lunches It is a magical mix of people with a huge range of impairments, from spinal injury, spina bifida, MS, amputation, every kind of physical impairment, to hidden impairments such as ME, phobias, Aspergers syndrome, epilepsy, etc. We have The Outsiders Club is for physically and socially members with hearing and visual impairment and disabled people to make friends, enjoy peer some with both. Can you imagine all these people support and find partners. We know that most getting together to swap notes, have a laugh and romantic liaisons start when people are actively get to know one another? We have straight, doing things together (although these days the bisexual and gay members, young and old and lucky ones find somebody online) so we have many people living with full-time carers. created this self-help group. It is largely run by the We have members who hold down responsible members themselves. We enjoy an online (sometimes high ranking) jobs, members who do Clubhouse where members can chat privately and voluntary work when they feel up to it and members join in discussions on topics which focus on dating in care homes who do not work. All members are and enjoying sex when disabled, and where the able to handle their own affairs. lunches are announced and discussed. It is fine to bring your care support team or PA with I set the club up 36 years ago and it was an you to feed you and take you to the toilet etc. and immediate hit with disabled people â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one man, a they may like to wander off or sit in a corner dwarf called reading, while you mix and mingle with the others Mike Bramley there. said to us, The West Country lunches have been run by a 'Saviours of young lady, Sarah who has cerebral palsy and very horny disabled difficult speech. Sarah fell in love with Steve who people, I salute ran the Midland lunches and they now live together you.' We had and have stepped down as organisers. We have all-night parties new people running it and the location is kept with hundreds of up-to-date on our website, www.Outsiders.org.uk. people attending The current venue is the Alleford Inn, Alleford, but, over the Norton Fitzwarren, Taunton TA4 1AL. People travel years, the girls have feared being out after dark, so from all over Somerset, Devon and some as far as prefer lunches. The lunches are still popular. Oxfordshire. The Alleford is a large accessible If you study guidelines on online dating, you will gastro-pub with a big outdoor eating area and find the recommendation that you don't stay with plenty of parking, a short taxi ride from Taunton online interactions with a potential partner, but get station. Lunches are currently held on the third on the phone and meet face to face. There's Sunday in the month at 1.30pm. Jen, Bea and Tina nothing worse that having flirtatious and sex will welcome you, introduce you around and make communications with somebody then finding out sure you have a good time. after months that you don't fancy them one bit! So One thing we have learned is that most disabled we encourage Outsiders members to meet each people need to gain more confidence about dating other face to face at our lunches. and enjoying sexual pleasure, and this is something Non-members can also come to the lunches and we aim to support our members with. We have some of the people who come along don't use the plenty of tricks up our sleeves but we need you to online Clubhouse at all, but just enjoy the lunches.

www.compasscarers.org.uk

ask for help and practice does makes perfect. How do we support members to gain this kind of confidence? Well, we offer a multi-pronged approach. We run a workshop where we all sit in a circle and everyone says what they think other people find attractive about themselves, and what puts people off. Then everyone else says what they think â&#x20AC;&#x201C; often very different things, and this helps people to know how to make the most of themselves.

www.compassdisability.org.uk

the subjects deciding how they want to look and in what setting. Mat Fraser has been photographed by Ashley and he now actually loves his 'Thalidomide' hands (without thumbs) and has married a top New York stripper! Those of you who have partners and have become disabled may be very happy with your partner, but sometimes the balance of the relationship changes, things go down hill and the couple split up. This leaves the disabled person feeling stranded, lost and with no confidence to find a new partner. If this is you, you might need extra support from us and our members. People who have become disabled and sometimes disabled people who live and work in an 'able-bodied' world, may feel they do not want a disabled partner. But until you accept disability, your disability and the disability in others, how can you expect others to accept you? You need to love and accept yourself in order to be loved. Outsiders We encourage members to become more is a place where everyone is accepted and we pro-active, both online and in person, telling the people you fancy how great they are and offering to support one another. Some use Outsiders as a stepping stone and accompany them when they have to attend an event but don't want to be on their own. One of our others fall in love with other members. Our disabled members who form loving relationships with other members offered to accompany her friend to the disabled people say 'At last I have found somebody estate agents to find a more accessible flat. The estate agent assumed they were a couple and that who understands.' The Alleford Inn is opposite the rather splendid night he came tapping on her door. They were abode of Michael, a brain injured man who has had married last month. Don't always be 'the friend and never the partner' â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a lot of support from artist Katie Sarra a sexological men especially complain about this, after endlessly body worker. Michael has art groups and a hydrotherapy pool. He will probably be at the lunch, listening to female friends moan about current partners! The thing to do, of course, is to offer to do is keen to contribute and invites people round to tea after the lunch at 5.30pm, if you wish to go. the things which their partner fails to give them! Do look at our website to check which venue we Make loads of friends and keep busy. One of the are using and we hope to see you there! ways is getting involved in Outsiders. We are run by members and ex-members who love supporting us and we always welcome new volunteers. Outsiders has a section on our website called 'Our Partners' and these are people who offer their services to disabled people to help them gain confidence. For example, Ashley Savage takes photographs of disabled people looking sexy, with

Associate member system works and the lack of medical knowledge of the conditions amongst professionals. This is not helped by the fact that, usually, there is nothing abnormal detected on blood tests or x-rays to The Hypermobility Syndromes Association (HMSA) suggest what the person’s problem may be. To complicate things further, the person is often is a registered UK based charity set up to support people living with one of the Heritable Disorders of sent to various departments for various considerations and is not treated holistically. This Connective Tissue (HDCT) and their families. can lead to them being wrongly accused of having The conditions we support are often referred to as psychological issues, rather than a genuine health hypermobility syndromes by professionals and condition which is impacting significantly on the include; Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (all sub types), person’s ability to function in day to day life. Due to Marfan syndrome, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, the genetic nature of these conditions, and the very Stickler syndrome and the Joint Hypermobility differing presentations that can be seen amongst syndrome, which some professionals believe is family members, the child that is experiencing the same as Ehlers-Danlos hypermobility type. health issues and the parent may be wrongly These conditions can be complex and accused of fabricating illness. Having said that, multi-systemic, but often share common features with the increase in the knowledge base amongst which include; acute pain from daily injuries such professionals of all disciplines, more people are as subluxations and dislocations of joints being picked up earlier now than even just a few (sustained whilst doing simple everyday tasks), years ago. But it is still a widely debated subject as persistent widespread pain, persistent fatigue, to whether the needs of these people need to be gastrointestinal problems, bladder issues, met through medical and health service provisions. autonomic dysfunctions leading to Positional Orthostatic Tachycardia, difficulty in regulating body Traditional management of the conditions is based on presenting symptoms and the recognised temperature, skin fragility with abnormal laxity, stretchmark’s or scarring from poor wound healing, associated treatment, such as; physiotherapy, occupational therapy and prescribed simple pain and a whole host of additional health issues that relief. Whilst this is appropriate for the majority of research based evidence is now highlighting. patients with a HDCT there is a group of people The diagnosis of these conditions can take a who experience varying degrees of physical significant length of time, due to how the NHS

MARFAN SYNDROME STICKLER SYNDROME

JOINT HYPERMOBILITY SYNDROME

EHLERSDANLOS SYNDROME

OSTEOGENESIS IMPERFECTA

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PSEUDO XANTHOMA & OTHER

disability whether due to the presenting HDCT or multi-systemic conditions that are associated. Depression and anxiety is commonly seen in all groups of people with long term health conditions and HDCTs are not excluded from this. There are some very early indications that the group of people with one of the hypermobility syndromes may be predisposed to anxiety based disorders. For those people who are experiencing an impact on their ability to self-care, and care for children, or work there is a valid argument for additional support to be provided which may include physical rehabilitation, pain management programmes which include psychology. The HMSA is run by people who have these conditions and the majority are qualified medical, health, social care or educational professionals in their own rights. We are the only charity supporting people with a hypermobility syndrome or a heritable disorder of connective tissue who is accredited by NHS England with the Information Standard kite mark. The HMSA has a valuable service to offer those with a HDCT as well as schools, medical and health professionals, as it can plug the gap between primary and secondary services. All our volunteers are trained by the qualified staff of the HMSA and receive mentoring about their volunteer role. There are differing membership schemes available to adults and families.

We offer a dedicated helpline service for all sufferers and increasingly, for professionals too. We also have a network of support groups, including, in the South West, Swindon, Plymouth and Exeter. The support groups promote self-management and provide information on local service provision, self-management and education programmes run by our qualified staff which anyone can attend, and an extensive social media support network. In addition, there is a website with sections for â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Kids and Teensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, adults and also professionals. We can offer 1-1 support for those that need it most and an advocacy service to members of the charity. Recently, we also started a professional membership at the request of the professionals contacting the charity for support and advice for their patients. We also assist with research at all levels, offer training to professionals and can be contacted to advise schools about a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs. These conditions are often isolating and can be disabling, so for positive health outcomes there is a huge need for charities such as the HMSA to be able to step in and provide a comprehensive service.

If you would like more information please see our website www.hypermobility.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. 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.

‘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 va pmo e access to over 9,000 accessible locked toilets around the country. a o w tr 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 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).

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Access for all at Hestercombe Gardens An all-terrain mobility scooter and other improvements to its layout mean that Somerset’s Hestercombe Gardens are now more accessible than ever.

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its beautiful landscaped gardens and easy access from Taunton and those travelling on the M5.” Hestercombe has also developed its visitor centre to incorporate a pathway from the car park which goes directly to the gardens, allowing disabled Hestercombe near Taunton, boasts 50 acres of visitors easy access. Wheelchair users can now formal and informal gardens. Thanks to its efforts access around half of the gardens at Hestercombe, on improving accessibility, it is the latest of 35 sites taking in each area including the Victorian to become part of a scheme by Living Options Shrubbery, the Georgian Landscape Gardens and Devon to open up the South West’s countryside, to the Edwardian Formal Garden. In the last few years those with limited mobility. both the Mill and Hestercombe House have also Its latest option for people with limited mobility is an been opened, giving visitors an even wider range ‘off-road’ Tramper, which enables wheelchair users of things to do. The Mill is accessible for wheelchair and those who have difficulty walking to access users, with a disabled toilet allowing a break half around 75 per cent of the site,a huge achievement way around the garden route. considering the slopes and bumps through the Hestercombe House comprises a second-hand gardens. bookshop and the Column Room Restaurant, which Richard Mira, General Manager at Hestercombe, serves delicious three-course lunches and said: “We have always worked hard to make the afternoon tea with spectacular views overlooking gardens accessible to all but the winding pathways the Formal Garden. The first floor has been and steeper sections of the estate have always stripped back to create a contemporary art gallery, been a challenge for anyone who has difficulty Hestercombe Gallery, which showcases a series of walking. Now we have the Tramper we can safely nationally and internationally significant exhibitions give people independence to explore more areas of through the year. the beautiful gardens and woodland. The Tramper Although currently the first floor is inaccessible for will make a real difference to our regular visitors disabled users, a funding campaign is to be from the Taunton area and those travelling from launched allowing access to the gallery. In the further afield.” meantime, to enable everyone to experience the The Trampers can go up and down slopes, over artworks, Hestercombe showcases its exhibitions bumps and tree roots, through shallow puddles, with a special video on the ground floor featuring mud and soft ground and are for use by anyone the collection and interviews from featured artists. aged 14 or over who has a permanent or temporary For more information on Hestercombe, visit condition that affects their ability to walk. With a top www.hestercombe.com speed of four miles an hour they can keep pace with the briskest walking companion. Neil Warren from Countryside Mobility said: “Trampers are for everyone who wants to enjoy the countryside but can’t manage much walking. Many people have found that Trampers have given them back their freedom, enabling them to enjoy time outdoors alone, with their partner or on a family outing. We know that garden attractions are among the most popular within the Countryside Mobility scheme. Hestercombe is an excellent addition with

Associate member Carers’ Voice Somerset launched the draft “Somerset’s Commitment to Carers” on the 8th July 2015 at Stoke St. Gregory Village Hall. The day was well received with approximately 80 attendees, including a mixture of carers and professionals. Our launch event provided information about how the commitment will be developed, with whom, and when. Carers have continued to tell us what needs to improve, change or be added to help them with their caring roles. Our event enabled us to digest and consider all that we have heard and start thinking about the major themes and priorities, that must be included in the commitment. We are now in the process of developing a framework that will identify the different ways that carers can contribute to refining these priorities and enable us to create a

robust action plan. This action plan will be regularly monitored and reviewed by us. Our message to you is this: Carers’ Voice Somerset is the representing body for carers in Somerset, we need you to be involved in whatever way you can, for how ever little time you can give, to help us develop the services and supportive cultures, that are right for you. We will remain focused on what you have told us you need, we will work effectively with major decision makers and services providers to endeavour to meet your needs and we will communicate our progress to you at regular intervals. There are lots of different ways that you can get involved including some very creative projects. If you are a carer or are in regular contact with carers please do contact me to find out more information.

For an initial chat, please contact: Deborah de Mornay Penny (Debbie) - Support Officer Carers Voice Somerset Mobile: 07818 523487 Email: deborah.demornaypenny@rethink.org

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Carers Champions

Sally Frost, Head Receptionist Crewkerne Health Centre

Manager who all help identify carers and support me in my role. I will help the Carers who find it difficult to attend certain timed appointments by I am the ‘Carers Champion’ of Crewkerne Health offering them suitable appointment times for them. Centre; this role is carried out alongside my normal This is because often the carer often will find it position in the Practice. I offer help to Carers that difficult to leave the home to attend at certain times have been identified by the Clinicians of our so we wish to help as much as possible. Carers are Practice, or Carers that have made themselves eligible for free flu vaccinations each year and the known to me or the Practice. I will listen to the carer practice send a written reminder. It is important and offer them signposting help and support either therefore, that the carers are identified in order that face to face or on the telephone. This help can be these invitations can be sent. It is my aim to make provided in several ways; often it is helpful to the sure that carers are recognised, valued and Carer just to know they have a named point of supported. My role is one that is both rewarding contact at their Practice. There are other times I and satisfying. will refer (with the permission of the Carer) to Compass Carers Somerset for the specialist emotional support and carers support services they offer. They are a vital link to me and to the carer. I attend quarterly meetings with other ‘Champions’, to keep ourselves up to date on any changes, to listen to speakers from various services that are invited to attend our meetings and to share any information that may help us in our roles. I am particularly fortunate to have such a pro-active team of Clinicians, Staff, and a supportive Practice

Linda Driscoll writes

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I took on the role of Carers Champion at Church View Medical Centre in 2010 and it is probably the best part of my job! Over the last 5 years I have been able to support many of our patients in their role as Carers. The needs of the Carers and the cared for vary immensely, but on the whole many Carers need a listening ear, to be pointed in the right direction to obtain the help they need and sometimes a quick hug! Carers often feel very guilty about asking for help, seeing it as some kind of failure on their part. Personally I view this differently – Asking for help can lead to a better lifestyle for everyone involved and that certainly isn’t failure, it is simply wanting the best for everyone. I have found the Carers Assessment immensely useful in helping Carers to feel supported, and this often leads to the Carer receiving equipment and practical help to make their caring role easier, respite care for the cared for (if appropriate), and for themselves the ability to be able to take time out. For the health and well-being of Carers I believe it is very important they have time to relax, time they can call their own to follow their interests and hobbies, go shopping or visit their friends and families. Over time I have built up lasting relationships with Carers and continue to support them long after their caring role has ended. After Care Support in my opinion is so important as Carers find they have too much time on their hands, house is quiet, the external carers gone and the silence at times unbearable. If you are a Carer please register as a Carer with your local surgery and ask if they have a Carers Champion – they may be able to guide you towards the support you both need and deserve.

Associate members In the South West there is estimated to be over 31,800 sexual offences every year. Sex offenders are more likely to target vulnerable people including people with a physical disability, sensory disability, mental health issues or learning disabilities. • Email: support@sarsas.org.uk SARSAS exists to support and empower • Counselling and group work people who have experienced rape, Specialist Trauma counselling in sexual assaults and sexual abuse at any time in their lives regardless of when they accessible venues in Taunton, Yeovil, Glastonbury, Minehead and Bridgwater. disclosed. • 121 Support - Regular sessions with SARSAS provides survivors with a range of services within an empowerment model trained volunteers who listen, believe and support. to help them cope and recover. SARSAS • Self Help Guide - Information on raises awareness about rape and sexual responses to trauma with coping abuse through campaigning, advocating strategies. New easy read guide ready by for survivors voices to be heard and September 2015. training. • Survivor Pathway website to assist Helplines Women and Girls Tel: 0808 801 0456 professionals and concerned others to find out more about specialist sexual Monday 11.00am - 2.00pm violence services: Tuesday 6.00pm - 8.30pm www.survivorpathway.org.uk Wednesday 6.00pm - 8.30 pm • Training - understanding sexual Thursday 6.00pm - 8.30 pm violence, disclosure and pathways Friday 11.00 am - 2.00 pm • Campaigning - Pause Play Stop Men and Boys Tel: 0808 801 0464 Sexual consent campaign with interactive Monday 11.00am - 2.00pm website http://pauseplaystop.org.uk/ Tuesday 6.00pm - 8.30pm

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:

www.compasscarers.org.uk

The visitor

The Visitor - Bron Rauk-Mitchell Depression is an invisible disability, which means the sufferer will most often not be recognised, understood or helped, unless they fully ‘break down’ or shout for help. Most often, even the best of friends will say “You’re just fed up”, “Pull yourself together”,”Things can’t be THAT bad”. Ironically to the outside world THINGS may not be THAT bad, but inside, if you suffer with depression EVERYTHING can be that bad. Depression has no discrimination. Depression can affect anyone and it is suggested at some point in their lives, depression effects EVERYONE. The term ‘Black Dog’ is often attributed to Winston Churchill, however ”The Black Dog” is not Churchill’s originally. He referred to his own, however, it is the fact that Hester Thrale, Samuel Johnson, and James Boswell all used the phrase to refer to a similar state in their eighteenth-century correspondence. I have reproduced, with permission, a piece by an Australian Author and friend of Compass and hope it gives some insight to those who have not suffered the pain and struggle involved with depression.

What hope is there when he is around? I dare not look in the mirror on my best day, but when the visitor is in the house I want to smash the mirror to smithereens. If I dare look in the mirror and like what I see, he is quick to show me the lines on my forehead, the pregnancy marks on my face, the splotches. He is scornful of my dreams and desires. "Who could be your friend?, He mocks. "Who would employ you?", "Why do you even bother?" "You have nothing to offer anyone". I beg him to leave. I plead with him, the tears streaming down my face. I am screaming in my head. "leave me alone." "what have I done to deserve this?" "what gives you the right?" But I know that he is right. I am worthless. I am unlovable. I have nothing to offer. I should do the world a favour and remove myself. But I cannot bear to let him win. Surely there is someone there that can see my worth? Is there? He leaves. His work is done for the day. He threatens; no he promises to return. I watch him slink out the front gate like a big black dog. Bron

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I have a regular visitor that likes to drop in on me unannounced. Nothing can prepare me for his visits. Even when I am on top of my game he still finds fault. His visits have been less frequent lately and more often out of the blue. He is like an annoying neighbour that you don't want poking around your kitchen or bedroom, but you still feel obligated to let him in. Like my neighbour, I feel worse for his visit. They both point out my flaws. The fact that the dishes have piled up for two days, the kids have tracked grass on the carpet and I haven't vacuumed yet. In the end I want to curl up in a ball, on the floor. He knows my weaknesses, the very chinks in my armour. He creeps past every defence that I put in place. Even when I think that I am a fortress, he manages to storm the walls and beat me down again. I move and yet he follows. I change the topic, he swings it around again. I set out to show him he is wrong, but I cannot follow through. He is merciless and he sees all. If only I could get a restraining order out against him, but that is not possible. He is too wiley to be restrained or detained.

Associate member

Somerset Village Agent Project is now covering even more of the county Community Council for Somerset (CCS) is delighted to announce seven new additions to the Somerset Village Agent team, following its successful funding award from the from The Big Lottery Reaching Communities Fund. The new team members will work across 74 new parishes enabling the project to cover just over 56% of the county.

community to respond to a local need by working together to address issues e.g. by helping them to set up a coffee morning for a group of lonely people or start a volunteer car scheme. CCS is pleased to welcome its first ever Community Agent taking a post in Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge. This is an exciting opportunity, working with and funded by the Clinical Commissioning Group. The role is specifically focused on improving quality of life for people with long term health conditions. Community Council for Somerset is also excited to announce a new post; a dedicated Health and Wellbeing Officer who will be working with the Somerset Levels and Moors flood affected areas. This role aims to address some of Village Agents help to bridge the gap the long-term and ongoing emotional between isolated, excluded, vulnerable impacts of the floods. and lonely individuals and statutory and/or Since the start of the project Somerset voluntary organisations which offer Village Agents have supported 1404 specific solutions to identified needs. people, CCS aims one day to cover the They offer a signposting and referral entire county and we will continue to work service with a difference. hard to achieve this goal. The Village Agents brand also now has a Village Agents work with all ages dealing fresh new look and logo. with a wide variety of issues, although a considerable number of their clients are elderly and involves social care issues. For information Helping to solve these problems may, on Somerset ultimately, help the elderly to remain living independently for longer. Village Agents Village Agents also have the role of helping to shape services by feeding back to the appropriate body information about gaps visit: in service e.g. transport provision. They www.somersetrcc.org.uk/sva can also motivate and support a

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A Trustee opens up difficult environment with ever increasing budget pressures. They do their very best to provide their patients with the care that they need and deserve, as any professional would. In most other professions, a mistake costs money. In medicine, it costs lives. Mistakes are inevitable, most are forgivable but some are not, especially when lives are changed beyond all recognition as a result of an act of a clinician that was so out of the ordinary, that it could not be deemed as reasonable by other clinicians in the same field of medicine. Occasionally there is a need to submit concerns to the regulatory bodies of doctors and nurses. Normally, a claim concludes with compensation for my clients that helps them get their lives back on track and afford the equipment they need, whether that be a new wheelchair or a new house. Almost every single one of my clients is driven, not by the money, but by the need to achieve recognition of the mistakes that have occurred, and an opportunity to prevent recurrence of those mistakes in the future. By raising these mistakes with the provider, often new policies and procedures are put in place to avoid repetition of those mistakes. Historically, the NHS has been slow in coming forward with an apology. With the new duty of candour introduced last year, clients are now receiving apologies. Sometimes, that is all it takes.

Ceri-Ann Taylor is an Associate Solicitor for Foot Anstey LLP and a Trustee for Compass Disability Services. Ceri is happy to discuss with you any concerns that you may have about your medical care, or any injuries that you have suffered as a result of a medical or non-medical accident, that was not your fault. Ceri can assist, via her colleagues, with any other legal queries you may have. She can be contacted on 01823 625648 or by email ceri-ann.taylor@footanstey.com.

www.compassdisability.org.uk

At age 18, having just completed my A levels at Strode College, Street I was unsure what I wanted to do with my life. My friends all disappeared to university to study whilst I took a year out to plan my future and save some money. I found myself studying A level law and working in a local nursing home where I had helped for many years previously. Caring for disabled people and listening to people at the end of their life, inspired me to make the most of mine. I secured a place at university and went the following year with a suitcase full of excitement and energy. During my law degree, I continued to work with disabled and elderly people. This was a role I loved and the income supported me through my studies. Four years later, I had a degree and a post graduate diploma under my belt and I started my training contract with a South West law firm. Having worked with physically and mentally disabled people since I was about 13, I wanted to keep in touch with the disabled community. I chose to specialise, first in personal injury law and later in clinical negligence. I qualified as a solicitor in 2003. I am now an Associate Solicitor at Foot Anstey and am privileged to have also been appointed as a Trustee for Compass Disability. I am very lucky to be a part of a fabulous team of great Trustees and staff who are passionate about providing a service to disabled people and their carers and who strive to make their lives better. This is not dissimilar to the role that I do with my "solicitor's hat" on. I represent clients who have suffered injuries as a result of a medical accident. Injuries can range from an undiagnosed infection causing complications and threats of limb amputation, to complications arising from surgery and late diagnoses of cancer. Some of my clients have made a good recovery from their injuries, but unfortunately, many of them are disabled for life and have lost their independence. Sadly, some clients have passed away. Many clients have left behind young families who need care and financial support and I seek to provide that for them. Despite the work I do, I have a great deal of respect for the medical profession. Doctors do not study for all those years to then intend to deliberately injure their patients. On the whole, they work hard in a

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

H lp a Help att Home H ...therre for you

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