CareLine | Winter 2012 by Care for the Carers

Christmas Edition 2012

RERS in East Sussex CA for e zin ga Ma EE FR rs re Ca e th for re Ca

Do you look after someone who couldn’t manage without your help? We’re here if you need information, advice or support

Does your GP know that you’re a carer? Read more about why they should know page 6

Come and talk benefits in St. Leonards this February Join us at the Carers’ Forum page 12

Seasons Greetin

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Do you look after somone who couldn’t manage without your help?

If you provide unpaid support to a relative, partner or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or substance misuse problems, you are a carer. You might feel that you’re doing what anyone else would in your situation; looking after your mum, son, or best friend and just getting on with it. We’re here to help. Care for the Carers is your local carers centre. We are a local independent charity

supporting unpaid carers in East Sussex. Our team of staff and volunteers can provide practical & emotional advice. We can put you in touch with other carers and offer a range of groups, training and events. If you are a carer and would like to know more, please contact us, call us on 01323 738390 or visit www.cftc.org.uk. For more ways of getting in touch please see page 15.

Message from the Chief Executive Jennifer Twist

his year, Carers Rights Day fell on the 30th November, and focussed on ‘Getting help in tough times’. Carers UK highlighted that many families affected by illness and disability have been the hardest hit by austerity measures, bearing the brunt of the additional costs of caring and of lost earnings, as well as facing the threat of cuts to essential services and benefits. Here in East Sussex, this message has been brought home by recent news from Adult Social Care that it faces significant cuts to its budgets over the next three years. Social care cuts affect carers three times more than elsewhere – by cutting the services they rely on for the person they care for; those they rely on for themselves; and also affecting their overall benefits and entitlements. This message has been recognised by Adult Social Care, and is reflected in their commitment to protect current funding of carer support, alongside new NHS investment. But decision makers must not see carers as a solution to the social care funding crisis. It is not acceptable to expect unpaid carers to simply plug the gap left when services are cut, and to do so will lead to more carers experiencing their own health problems, needing to leave work to care, or simply being unable to cope. There has never been a more important time for carers to know their rights, to be empowered to access the support and recognition they are entitled to. 2

Care for the Carers

The next Carers Forum on 5th February will be an opportunity to get information on your entitlements, and to discuss welfare reform. If you haven’t been before please do try to – your voice really does matter. Earlier this year, Department of Health funds were identified to support carers from 2012-15. I am delighted that Care for the Carers has been awarded some of this funding to raise awareness within our local hospitals, develop new carers’ groups and training opportunities, as well as roll out the Carers’ Card across East Sussex. We have also secured funding for this edition of CareLine, and another in the Spring, enabling us to test new ways of distributing the magazine through GP surgeries and community venues. And finally, with the festive season almost upon us, I would like to wish you a happy and peaceful Christmas on behalf of all of us at Care for the Carers,

Christmas Opening Times Over the holiday period we will be closed from the 24th December until the 2nd January. If you require support please contact Adult Social Care Direct on 0345 60 80 191, Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5pm. Out of office hours call 01323 636399 or visit www.eastsussex.gov.uk/socialcare

 Inside this edition  Recent News

Find out what Young Carers have been up to at Drusillas Park, read about Adult Social Care funding cuts and the changes being made at the hospitals

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Your GP

New Courses for Carers

Staying Healthy

Find out why it’s important your GP knows that you’re a carer and read about the new GP Carers Charter Hurry! Book your place now at one of our new training courses

The NHS want you to think about getting a flu jab & volunteer counsellor, Sarah, talks about counselling for carers

News from our partners

We’ve teamed up with our partner organisations in East Sussex to bring you the latest on how they’re supporting carers

Get Involved!

Find out what happened at the last East Sussex Carers Forum and book your place at the next one in February 2013

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Carers’ Groups

The East Sussex Carers Card

We have a new family carers’ group!

Offering carers discount in East Sussex

Note from the Editor

erry Christmas! Welcome to this festive issue of CareLine! This edition we’re trying something new and exciting as for the first time ever, we have over 5000 extra copies available in GP surgeries and community venues across East Sussex. With these extra copies we’re hoping that CareLine will reach more carers so they can read about what’s happening for carers in East Sussex and find out about support available to them. If this is the first time you’ve picked up CareLine and you would like to find out more about Care for the Carers, please give us a call on 01323 738390 or return the slip on page 15. Careline is a resource for all carers in East Sussex, so please do contact me either at davidt@cftc.org.uk or 01323 738390 if there is any information you’d like to share with other carers, or topics you’d like us to cover. I hope you enjoy reading the magazine,

David Thompson

www.cftc.org.uk

here’s some more news about how Drusillas are supporting young carers

Young Carers visit Drusillas Park A Zooper Day Out! On Saturday 8th September a group of 25 young carers enjoyed a complimentary day out at Drusillas Park. During their visit the group encountered a host of furry and feathered creatures along the zoo route including the resident meerkats, penguins and otters. They also enjoyed close animal encounters in Lory Landing and Lemurland before letting off steam in the large adventure play area. We are proud to be Drusillas Park’s Charity of the Year for 2012. Young Carers Manager, Cheryl Butler said: “We are extremely grateful to Drusillas for their support. We desperately need funding for the continuation of young carers clubs and activities so their help is invaluable”

The trip is just one way in which Drusillas is supporting us in 2012. We have an ongoing presence at the Park, with collecting tins in the retail and catering outlets, and Kariba the Serval is our representative, with 20% of any adoption proceeds for her donated to the Young Carers. The Park’s Managing Director, Laurence Smith commented: “As an attraction enjoyed by many young families, each year it is important to us to support a local charity dedicated to the welfare of children. We are very proud to have Care for the Carers as our Charity of the Year for 2012 and are delighted to be able to provide a fun day out at the zoo for some of our community’s most challenged young people.”

We Need Volunteer Drivers! 4

Care for the Carers

£5 for Young Carers when you buy your Christmas turkey! This Christmas Drusillas have teamed up with Badgers Mead Farm, near Heathfield to give you the opportunity to order one of their delicious KellyBronze turkeys. For every order placed, the family run farm will donate £5 to Care for the Carers for Young Carers! Orders can easily be placed online at www.badgersmeadfarm.co.uk just add the word “Drusillas” to the comments box. Your turkey will be available for collection at Drusillas Park on 22nd December between 12 -1pm or you can collect from the farm or an arranged collection point (home delivery is available). Meet Kariba, the Serval, she is representing Young Carers at Drusillas Park. Find out more about adopting an animal at www.drusillas.co.uk

Can you spare a few hours twice a month? We need volunteer drivers to transport Young Carers to their Youth Clubs. Without the transport Young Carers cannot come and have much needed time to have fun and meet their friends . To volunteer & find out more please call 01323 738390 Volunteers to help at the clubs are also welcome.

Adult Social Care funding cuts What will they mean for carers?

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In a recent letter to its stakeholders, East Sussex “It will be important to sustain current funding of County Council (ESCC) announced funding cuts carers support, alongside new NHS investment. This facing the Council over the next three years. The will avoid carers having their support reduced at a impact on Adult Social Care budgets will be time when the cared-for person has less direct help.” dramatic, equating to a reduction of £34.3 million to However, we are concerned about the indirect over the next 3 years, starting with an £8.6 million impact on carers of reduced personal budgets and (4.7%) cut in 2013/14. daily living support. More than ever, it will be vital for carers’ needs to be properly assessed to ensure that Adult Social Care has produced a set of proposals they can access the support that they are entitled to. detailing how they plan to meet social care needs whilst making the required savings – these are The proposals will form the basis of a wide ranging available in full on their website. public consultation, and the Cabinet will next ( www.eastsussex.gov.uk/yourcouncil/about/ consider the proposed budget on 29th January 2013. committees/meetingpapers/cabinet/ or search for Care for the Carers is currently building our formal the 13th November Cabinet Meeting papers) response, and we want to hear your views - please do get in touch to comment. If you did not receive a The proposals recognise the importance of stakeholder letter & would like us to send you a copy, supporting carers, stating that: please email info@cftc.org.uk or call 01323 738 390.

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Changes to hospital services agreed for stroke, general surgery & orthopaedic services

On 23rd November NHS Sussex unanimously agreed to proposals to improve stroke, emergency general surgery and emergency orthopaedic services in East Sussex. The decision will see the creation of a specialist centre for stroke services on the Eastbourne District General Hospital site, and a specialist centre for emergency general surgery and emergency orthopaedics on the Conquest Hospital, Hastings.

Amanda Fadero, Chief Executive of NHS Sussex, said: “Our overwhelming priority is to improve health services for local people. We believe all people in East Sussex should have access to the same high quality of healthcare, whenever they need it. That’s what these proposals will deliver. “I firmly believe that this decision will lead to improvements in care and is the right foundation for ensuring safe and sustainable services for the future while maintaining two thriving major hospital sites.”

The decision comes following an extensive public NHS Sussex believes the proposals will: consultation earlier this year and leading doctors say patient care will improve as a result. The Shaping »» Deliver a more reliable service, that is safe and of a higher quality with better outcomes for patients. Our Future public consultation lasted 14 weeks and ended on 28th September 2012. Local people from East Sussex, including carers responded to the »» Provide stroke patients access to specialist high quality care, 24/7, with a dedicated team around consultation sharing their views on the future of stroke care and certain surgical services. them from the moment they come in to hospital, right through to their rehabilitation. In making its decision NHS Sussex gave its support »» Reduce the number of cancelled operations to maintaining two thriving major hospital sites in therefore reducing the distress and huge Eastbourne and Hastings. The changes agreed will inconvenience for patients and their families. affect around 1% of the two hospitals’ total activity. www.cftc.org.uk

Does your GP know that you’re a carer? If the answer is no, it’s a really good idea to let them know.

Importantly for carers, surgeries will be awarded points if they have: “a protocol for the identification of carers and a mechanism for the Carers are often too busy to visit referral of carers for social services their GP or can find it difficult to get an appointment that fits in with assessment”. In response to this, GP their caring responsibilities; and for practices taking part in the QOF will have a list of patients who have a some, taking the person they look after to the GP practice can be a caring role - a Carers’ Register. struggle. Let your GP know that you’re a carer, you will be added to their Carers’ Shockingly, a survey by Carers Register and may be offered: Week this year shows that two in five carers are sacrificing their own health by putting off medical »» More flexible appointment times treatment due to their caring role. »» An annual flu vaccination In 2004 the NHS introduced the »» Support when you bring the Quality Outcomes Framework person you care for to the (QOF). It’s a voluntary incentive practice scheme for GP practices in the UK, rewarding them for how well they care for patients. The QOF contains »» Information and advice about the services that could support groups of indicators, against which you practices score points according to their level of achievement.

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»» A home visit if you’re unable to leave the person you care for »» Referral to Adult Social Care for a Carers Assessment »» Referral to Care for the Carers and other carer support services We’re always eager to hear about your experiences - good or bad - so please do get in touch. Call Laura Rickaby on 01323 738390 or email her at laurar@cftc.org.uk

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The Carers’ Charter Improving standards for carers

call us on 01323 738390 for a GP registration form

The Carers Charter, developed by Care for the Carers, has 5 Guiding Principles which define how GP services within East Sussex should be working to support carers.

the practice identifies and supports carers.

inappropriate caring and have the support they need to learn, develop and thrive, to enjoy positive childhoods and to achieve against all the Every Child Matters outcomes.

2. Recognising carers as partners in care, and ensuring that they have access to the services they need to support them in their caring role. Participating GP practices are The Carers Charter recognises awarded a star rating based on good practice and assists those their performance. This is assessed who need to improve by using the 3. Helping carers have a life with the help of volunteer Carers charter as guidance and a tool to of their own alongside their Charter Assessors who consider measure their performance. caring role. the information and evidence 4. Ensuring that carers stay provided and then issue the The 5 Guiding Principles are: practice with a charter mark. mentally and physically well 1. Team members are supported and are treated with dignity. To find out more please call Laura to develop and maintain Rickaby on 01323 738390 or 5. Children and young people their knowledge, skills and experience to ensure will be protected from email laurar@cftc.org.uk 6

Care for the Carers

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New Courses for Carers

 NEW 

We’re pleased to announce that we will be offering free training courses to carers in the New Year, thanks to recent funding from East Sussex County Council.

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Three different courses will be on offer and in Eastbourne, Hastings, Lewes and High Weald. Dates and venues will be confirmed in the New Year. Co

Hands On Caring Practical tips for carers

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Personalisation is about giving you and the person you care for greater choice and control over the care services you receive; allowing you to build a package of support tailored to meet your own unique needs.

Are you new to caring?

The day aims to equip you with the tools and resources you need to ask the right questions and make informed decisions about services that are right for you. Based on a course piloted by Carers Trust, the day will be jointly facilitated by Care for the Carers and Adult Social Care.

It’s an eight week course and covers a range of subjects including emergency planning, first aid, back care and taking care of yourself, as well as helping you to meet other carers in your area.

No previous artistic experience required!

We’ll be running 4 workshops in Lewes, Hastings, Eastbourne and Heathfield. The workshops have been developed and will be facilitated by a Teacher of Art and Design.

Come along to a free one day art workshop this February to discover ways to express your thoughts and feelings artistically, in the company of other carers. The workshops will encourage you to be creative, record your thoughts and to express your feelings in a positive way.

Personalisation Your Care, Your Choice

Are you interested in discovering new ways to manage everyday stresses creatively?

Creativity for Recovery and Wellbeing Express your feelings through art

We are bringing back the Hands on Caring Course! It’s aimed at people who are new to caring although anyone is able to dip into the relevant subjects.

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Interested? Book your place now Please contact Francesca if you are interested attending any of the courses mentioned; spaces are limited and we will do our best to select venues that are convenient for the majority of carers taking part. Call her on 01323 738 390 or email francescam@cftc.org.uk

Seeking your views on information, advice & training Want to shape the support available to East Sussex carers? The Information, Advice and Training sub group of the Carers Partnership Board influences and monitors part of the East Sussex Joint Carers’ Commissioning Strategy.

We’re looking for new members, with expertise to share and experience of the current services - both carers and professionals from health, social care or the voluntary sector. The meeting held four times per

year by Care for the Carers. Carer members may claim back the expenses incurred by supporting the work of the group. Please contact Grace to register your interest, call 01323 73839 or email gracem@cftc.org.uk. www.cftc.org.uk

NEW 

discuss this with your home care or home based respite provider.

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appointment.

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Does the person you care for have home care or home-based respite arranged by Adult Social Care?

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Healthcare Appointments A new service from Adult Social Care to help carers

This service is free. Adult Social Care will cover the cost of the You won’t be able to use this replacement care so there is no service if we don’t already arrange additional cost to you or the Between January and April 2013 support for the person you care Adult Social Care will be trying out person you care for. for but if you would like some a new service. help in your caring role or help If you want to use this service you should contact your care for the person you care for you When you are busy looking after should call our contact centre, someone else it can be all too easy provider in good time to allow them to arrange the replacement Social Care Direct, on 0345 60 80 to forget about your own health. 191* or email socialcaredirect@ For example, you may not be able care. Please make sure you tell eastsussex.gov.uk them as soon as possible if your to leave the person you care for appointment is changed or on their own while you go to see * Lines are open Monday to your GP or dentist, or attend an cancelled. Thursday 8.30am to 5pm, and outpatient appointment. Before the end of March 2013 we Fridays 8.30am to 4.30pm. will look at this service to see how For this trial period, you will well its worked and whether the be able to ask your provider to money can be found to continue. arrange for a care worker to look after the person you care for while you are out, or to accompany you If you are not sure whether or and the person you care for to the not this service is for you please

Interview with volunteer counsellor Sarah talks to us about counselling and carers Sarah has been a volunteer counsellor at Care for the Carers for the last two years while she has been completing her Personcentred counselling course at Sussex Downs College. She has just completed her training and is now a qualified counsellor. She recently came into our Eastbourne office to tell us about her experiences while working here.

a wonderful opportunity for the carers to take time for themselves to talk about how they are coping in life. When I first started everyone was so welcoming and friendly and I’ve really felt part of the team.

How can counselling help carers? Person-centred counselling believes that everyone has the potential to make positive changes to their life and how they Why did you decide to volunteer? perceive it even though at times, I was drawn to volunteer for Care a person can feel stuck and that for the Carers as I felt it is such a they have nowhere to turn or have good organisation with offering no options. free counselling to carers. This is 8

Care for the Carers

Counselling is not advice-giving but an opportunity to be listened to in an unbiased, non-judgmental way and in a way that possibly can’t be done with a friend or family member. It’s up to the carer to decide what they want to talk about. The counsellor provides a space of safety, confidentiality and privacy. We talk about the person’s role as a carer, their life as a whole and how the caring role is affecting them. Thoughts and feelings can be expressed and this can give a sense of relief.

Should you have a flu jab? Looking after your health this winter For most people, flu is unpleasant but not serious. However some people are at greater risk of developing serious complications, such as bronchitis and pneumonia. These conditions may require hospital treatment. The flu vaccine is offered free to people who are at risk, to protect them from catching flu and developing serious complications. You should have the flu jab if you: »» are 65 years old or over »» are pregnant; it’s recommended all pregnant women have the flu vaccine, whatever stage of pregnancy they’re in »» have a serious medical condition such as a long term respiratory illness, kidney disease, diabetes, or a weakened immune system »» are living in a long-stay residential care home or other long-stay care facility; or »» are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill.

“A flu jab can be a real life saver if you’re in a high risk group. If you do become unwell it could result in serious complications which may need hospital treatment and have long term effects upon your health”, says Jenny Greenfield, lead nurse for the East Sussex flu vaccination programme. “Last year less than half of those eligible with long term conditions, including children, had the free vaccine, with hundreds of people missing out on the vital protection from seasonal flu. “Even a mild season can contribute to more than 2,000 deaths each winter across the country. The autumn is the best time to have the flu jab. If you think you should have it but haven’t heard from your practice, contact the surgery or give me a ring on 07881 501126.” There’s more information about flu vaccination at: www.nsh.uk/flu-jab/

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What has your experience been of providing counselling to carers? On a personal and professional level I’ve been inspired by my clients – they are so courageous. I’ve learnt from their strength and how they cope and this has helped me deal with things in my own life.

counsellor daunting at first as they may not know what to expect. At the first session I explain how counselling works and reassure them. Carers have told me they find it a positive experience. The counselling offered is not for the counsellor to change your life but to be with you so that you see your life from a new perspective.

Carers have said that you are an excellent listener and are very encouraging and understanding. That’s amazing feedback to hear! It’s great to feel that I have helped to meet some of my clients’ needs. Some carers can find seeing a

What are your plans for the future? I’ll be setting up my private practice and also continuing in a voluntary role at Care for the Carers as a Community Champion. www.cftc.org.uk

Caring 4 All Home Care Provider Caring 4 All is a new and exciting home care provider that carers, people with care needs, voluntary and statutory bodies can approach to have their entire home care needs met from one organisation. Offering a variety of services from full personal care, re-enablement, shopping, respite care and taking out, from one hour to full

overnight care, Caring 4 All can meet your needs. Ensuring you are fully involved in planning the service you want whilst maintaining your dignity and respect the staff will work with you to ensure you are completely happy with the service you receive.

twenty years of working in the care industry. Registered with CQC to provide personal care and a member of East Sussex County Council Support with Confidence, the service provided is reliable and of a very high standard.

Please contact Janet Moon on 01323 440667 who will be happy Caring 4 All is run by experienced, to discuss your needs. professional people with over

Tr ai ni ng Co ur

Carer Information & Support Programme Workshops for carers of someone with dementia

The programmes are a series of workshops for people caring for a family member or friend with dementia. They provide an opportunity to talk in a friendly and confidential environment about your experiences and the impact they are having on you. They provide effective support and up to date, relevant and evidence based information. CrISP 1 has been designed specifically for carers and family members of those with a recent diagnosis of a dementia. It consists of essential sessions covering topics identified by carers and staff, external published research and internal focus groups. The programme 10 Care for the Carers

is a series of workshops and information about dementia made up of six weekly sessions to include:

The Carer Information and Support Programmes (CrISP), aim to improve the knowledge, skills and understanding of those caring for a person with dementia, with either a recent diagnosis of a dementia (CrISP1), or those who have been living with dementia for some time (CrISP2).

CrISP 2 has been designed specifically for carers and family members of those who have been living with dementia for some time to cover issues arising as dementia progresses and is delivered over four weekly sessions.

»» Understanding dementia –the physical, psychological and emotional implications that dementia may have on the person they care for. The workshops are run by Alzheimer’s Society staff and »» Legal and money matters volunteers for a group of up – information on legal and to 12 people. The content of money matters including each session is designed to last making decisions now and in approximately two hours in the future duration. There are some respite and travel costs available for »» Providing support and carers attending the sessions, care – practical information please apply to the office for on communication, further information about this. understanding problems from the perspective of the person If you would like to attend future with dementia and where and sessions or require information how to access support about CrISP or programmes in your area please call the »» Coping day to day and Alzheimer’s Society, Eastbourne, next steps – the physical, on 01323 727127 or email: psychological and emotional eastbourne@alzheimers.org.uk implications that dementia may have on them as the carer, including relationships, and how to look after themselves

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New Steering Group Help us develop support for carers affected by cancer

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Are you affected by cancer? As part of the project we are setting up a Do you look after someone with cancer? steering group and would like to invite carers who have personal experience of a cancer journey to join. In the last edition of CareLine we Your input will be invaluable in helping to shape the introduced Mark Tolhurst, our new service in order to provide the best support it can. Macmillan carer support worker, and his three year project which offers support, If you’re interested and can spare a couple of hours information and advice to carers affected every three months please give Mark a call on by cancer in East Sussex. 01323 738390 or email him at markt@cftc.org.uk

SUCCES* Project by Recovery Partners Influence Mental Health services in East Sussex Do you care for someone who uses mental health services? Do you live to the West of East Sussex† ? If yes, we need you! We are Recovery Partners, a peer support organisation that’s recruiting and supporting service users and their carers to get involved with the East Sussex Joint Commissioning Team (NHS and East Sussex County Council). This is a fantastic opportunity for you to take part in commissioning services and to have your say on what goes on at mental health service meetings. We will provide you with the support you need to represent yourself at these meetings and 3 days training are provided to help you fulfil this role.

Upcoming training dates are 17th December, 21st January and 11th February from 10am till 4:15pm at County Hall, Lewes. There will be further training, so if you can’t come to these let us know and we will discuss with you how you can be involved. You will receive payment of £20 for each meeting attended and travel expenses paid. Interested? Please call Miriam Owen, SUCCES Project Co-ordinator, on 07582 078193 or email her at owen4722@btinternet com. Service Users and Carers Collaborating in East Sussex † The West of East Sussex includes Newhaven, Peacehaven, Lewes, Wealden and Eastbourne.

Improving carers’ experience project A better relationship for all The ICE Project is currently working with Sussex Partnership Foundation Trust, who provide specialist mental health, substance misuse and learning disability services, on two projects to improve communications between Staff and Carers. The workshops will take place in the New Year in and

Building opportunities...

places will be limited, first come first served

Full support will be given before, during and after the sessions.

The aim is enable Carers to share their experiences with Staff and in return gain some insight to the working life of Professionals as well as understanding how to better access the services available.

For more information please get in touch with Alan Stenning on 01273 617100 or email him at alan.icepro@btconnect.com.

www.cftc.org.uk

get involved! Find out how you can have your say on services affecting carers in East Sussex

about the forum what is the forum? The East Sussex Carers Forum is a public meeting that takes place three times each year. It asks questions about services important to carers, gathers carers’ views and opinions and reports these back to decision makers. who can attend? The forum is open to all carers living in East Sussex, no membership or long term commitment is required. who decides the topics? Carers. The forum is led by a ‘core group’ of carers who, with feedback from previous forums, determine the theme of the meetings. want to take part but can’t attend? Get in touch! Debbie Harris, our Involvement Officer, will take your questions and comments to the forum and can pass on any suggestions for future forums at the core members meeting. why should I attend? The forum is a great place for you to meet and chat with other carers, as well as being an opportunity for you to make your views known and hear more about important issues. 12 Care for the Carers

your health service is changing what do you think? East Sussex Carers’ Forum Summary Report, 13th September 2012 Thank you to everyone who came to the Carers Forum on September 13th. The forum was planned for the whole day because of the many changes to Health Services in the coming months. In the morning we heard from Andy Porter, Deputy Director Social Inclusion at Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SPFT). He explained briefly about the Carers’ Charter published by the Trust and how they are now prioritising carers as part of their policy and strategy and are developing ways to identify carers. SPFT has signed up to the ‘Triangle of Care’, jointly published by Carers Trust and National Mental Health Development Unit, which is a guide to developing an organisation’s awareness of carers’ needs. It emphasizes the need for better involvement of carers and families in the care planning and treatment of people with mental ill health. More details of the Triangle of Care can be seen at this link http://static.carers.org/files/ caretriangle-web-5250.pdf Later in the day, carers took part in table discussions about GP services and about the draft Health & Wellbeing Strategy. The main themes of the discussions were: being identified as carer, being treated as a partner by health professional and concern about continuing care should they fall ill.

The afternoon of the forum was a joint event with East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (ESHT) and East Sussex Local Involvement Network (LINk) where the proposed changes to Hospital Services were discussed. These discussions were led by Stuart Welling, Chairman of ESHT. The major concern of the forum was with travel to hospitals; both the time taken and the cost of travel. Carers asked whether visiting times could be relaxed for carers as this could assist staff and speed up recovery of cared for. Stuart Welling acknowledged that Matrons need to be given flexibility over visiting hours in interests of patients if a carer wants to work with nursing staff to enhance the care of patient. As a result Stuart has suggested that it would be useful for a Matron and the Director of Nursing to meet with carers to discuss the role of carers in providing care and support to their loved ones in ward environments, as well as the need for carers to be listened to. We are hoping to organise this meeting early in the New Year. If you would be interested in attending please call Debbie on 01323 738390 or email her at debbieh@cftc.org.uk.

you’re invited to take part in the east sussex carers’ forum Tuesday 5th February 2013, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at The Sussex Exchange, St. Leonards-on-Sea

Lets Talk Benefits This February you’re invited to join the forum to talk about benefits. You’ll be able to find out how you can get the information you need about the benefits you’re entitled to. Advisors from local and central government will be talking about specific benefits that affect carers including carers allowance and housing benefit, as well as the changes to welfare reforms. Your views matter Places are limited, please book by Friday 25th January 2013! Call Debbie on 01323 738390, email debbieh@cftc.org.uk or complete the form below

do you need help with transport or respite?

freepost address:

If you would like to attend the forum, but are unable to due to difficulties with transport or respite care - we may be able to help. Unfortunately we have limited funds, so please call us as soon as possible and we will do our best to help. Call Debbie on 01323 738390 or email her at debbieh@cftc.org.uk.

Care for the Carers FREEPOST RTAC-GURC-XUJC Highlight House 8 St Leonards Road Eastbourne, BN21 3UH

Name Address

Postcode

Please contact me to discuss my requirements For example: mobility, language, sensory impairment etc... I would like to bring the person I care for There is an additional cost of £3 per person, please enclose a cheque made payable to Care for the Carers.

Telephone Email We will try to arrange car sharing for carers requiring transport, please let us know if you are able to offer a lift or if you would like one. Please post this form to our freepost address.

I would like help with transport We will contact you to discuss whether we can help with your travel arrangements I can help with transport I can provide a lift to another carer www.cftc.org.uk

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Family carers’ groups for learning disability carers

Carers’ Groups Carers’ groups offer a warm welcome, conversation, information and a sharing experience. Each group meets monthly on the following days: Lewes

1st Monday

Eastbourne

3 Monday

Heathfield

to be confirmed

Hailsham

1st Wednesday

Seaford

2nd Wednesday

Pevensey

3 Wednesday

Rye

4th Wednesday

Bookwatch Eastbourne

2nd Thursday

Wadhurst

3rd Thursday

Bexhill

4th Thursday

Hastings & St. Leonards

1st Friday

Forest Row

3rd Friday

Uckfield

4th Friday

These gentle exercise classes for older people take place monthly on the following days: Seaford

1st & 3rd Wednesday

If you would like to see an Extend class near you please let us know. Call Francesca at the office on 01323 738390 or email francescam@cftc.org.uk. 14 Care for the Carers

Do you look after someone with Learning Disabilities who is aged 16 or over ? We would like to invite you for a hot drink & biscuit at one of our family carers’ groups. They’re a great place for you to chat with carers in similar situations, share ideas and experiences. The group can decide to request guest speakers on topics of interest and you will have opportunities to bring up some issues more formally should you wish. Currently, we have a group in Eastbourne and we’re planning to start a new group in Hailsham in the New Year. We are also looking to start similar groups in other areas of the county. Group meetings are free.

Interested? If you are interested in coming along to either the Eastbourne or Hailsham group, or if you would like a group set up in your area, please call Sarah Stevens on 01323 738 390 or email: sarahs@cftc.org.uk

get involved! The groups are run as part of The Learning Disability Family Carers Involvement Project, at Care for the Carers, which helps carers of adults with learning disabilities (aged 16+) to be involved in having their say about services, to change things for the better. If you would like more information about this project, or would like to get involved, please contact Sarah Stevens.

Are you disabled & looking for work? Free support from Routways, NewCEP NewCEP is a project of Newhaven Community Development Association. It’s mission is to assist people living in East Sussex to access sustained work and learning and volunteering opportunities. As part of their work NewCEP has a project, Routways, supporting disabled people to return to work. How can they support you? »» 1 to 1 advice and guidance supporting you to achieve your goals »» Employment Skills and Motivational workshops

»» Funded internships »» Access to computers and support to use them Who can access this support? Anyone living in East Sussex with a physical disability or long term medical condition who is looking to return to work. How to book an appointment? Call Rob Hurst on 01273 516347 or email robert@newcep.org.uk

 Fu nd ra isi ng NEWs 

Beachy Head Marathon 2012 An unusual challenge accomplished! On Saturday 27th October four runners took part in the challenging Beachy Head Marathon in support of Care for the Carers. It was a sunny but very chilly start to the day.

Friston Forest, the Cuckmere Valley and the famous Seven Sisters chalk cliffs, including Birling Gap and Beachy Head.

5 hours and 20 minutes. All great times in what is regarded as the second toughest marathon in Britain.

All our runners enjoyed the The weather held until our challenge despite their weariness runners were closing in on the home stretch, but not even an icy at the end. Their combined efforts Our runners set off up the first downpour could deter them. As have raised over £2680 for Care steep hill just after the start at the sun came back out the first of for the Carers! A fantastic sporting nine in the morning, beginning and fundraising achievement by our runners, Alan Ruffle, crossed a 26 mile journey that included them all. the line in 4 hours 53 minutes. 300 steps and 14 gates. It took them through the villages of He was closely followed by Peter Jevington, Alfriston and Litlington. Harris in 4 hours 55 minutes. Next We would like to say a huge well home was Petr Turek in 5 hours 4 done and massive thank you to all Their route encompassed some minutes and then Gemma Early in of our runners! stunning scenery including

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call us on 01323 738 390 or email info@cftc.org.uk If you would like more information, support or advice around your caring role, or to notify us of any changes, please complete this slip and return it to our freepost address.

Name Address

freepost address Care for the Carers FREEPOST RTAC-GURC-XUJC Highlight House 8 St Leonards Road Eastbourne, BN21 3UH

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Postcode Telephone Email Please post this slip to our freepost address

I am no longer a carer: Please remove me from the mailing list Please let me know about staying in touch I would like to receive CareLine: by post

bywww.cftc.org.uk email

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Offering Carers Savings Across East Sussex The Carer’s Card Scheme has been extended to cover the whole of East Sussex! Offering carers savings at retail and leisure venues across the county. “Following a successful pilot of the card in Eastbourne earlier this year, we are now delighted to be able to commission Care for the Carers to roll out the scheme across the County”, said Tamsin Peart, Commissioning Manager for Carers, East Sussex County Council. If you’re a carer living in East Sussex you can get a card from any East Sussex Library. However you will have to have had a recent assessment (or review) from Adult Social Care (ASC) to show that you provide regular unpaid support to an adult. The assessment also

provides vital information on carers’ rights and the support you are entitled to. When visiting your library, to get your card, you will need to take along a signed copy of your support plan (you should receive this as part of your carers assessment from ASC). So far over 40 businesses are signed up to the scheme, with offers including free tea and coffee and money off your MOT! We are working hard to add more offers to the card in the coming months.

already available: »» Enjoy a free hot drink in Catkins Tea Rooms »» Get your MOT for only £30 at Seaside Garage and Southern Co Garage Services »» 5% off at Denis Bonnici Electricians »» And many more! For lots of other great offers take a look at the directory on our website www.cftc.org.uk To get a Carers Assessment from Adult Social Care call Social Care Direct on 0345 60 80 191 or email socialcaredirect@eastsussex.gov.uk

So, if you know of a local business that might want to give a discount If you’re a business and would like to to Carers then please get in touch. take part, call Neil Harvey on 01323 738390 or drop him a line at neilh@cftc.org.uk Here are some of the great offers

This Christmas Edition of CareLine is in partnership with