CareLine WINTER 2013
e The Fre r e fo Magazin rers Ca d i a p n U ussex S t s a E in
have you asked your GP for your free flu jab? new services for mental health carers
Information What’s on Advice Carers’ tips News
Supporting Carers in East Sussex
Welcome to CareLine
In this issue
Jennifer Twist Chief Executive, Care for the Carers
Caring is a journey that almost all of us will embark on at one point in our lives, but is rarely one that we have planned for. Relevant, timely and accurate information is crucial, especially at the start of that journey, and campaigning for this was a focus of national Carers Rights Day on 29th November.
With young carers high on the national agenda, it is heartening to see them recognised locally too. I was honoured to attend the Hastings Youth Awards – a celebration of some of the most inspirational young people, and youth organisations, in the Hastings area.
Christmas, although an exciting, happy time for some can bring challenges and difficulties when caring for a loved one. For this reason we have included some useful contacts on p3 to keep to hand over the festive period.
A Young Peoples’ Award was presented to young adult carer Paige Broad, in recognition of her achievements. Paige’s enthusiasm and creativity have been instrumental in helping Care for the Carers’ young carers’ clubs evolve and grow, and in developing peer networking for this age group. I would like to thank Paige for her support and commitment, and congratulate her on her Award!
On Carers Rights Day, I had the pleasure of attending the launch of the Association of Carers’ new free respite service for carers in Wealden, Eastbourne and Lewes. It’s great to see a service previously only available in Hastings & Rother opened out to carers across the County – please see the back cover for more information. Another key recent date was 18th November, when we saw a significant and ground breaking change in legislation set to bring about a better future for young carers. The Government has agreed an amendment to the Children and Families Bill that for the first time will recognise young carers in law, giving them the right to an assessment and to having their needs met. 2
Care for the Carers
Care for the Carers’ Young Carers’ Service was also recognised – particular congratulations go out to the volunteers and staff who run our wonderful young carers’ club in Ore. Thank you also to all our volunteers and staff across East Sussex for their dedication and untiring support throughout 2013. Season’s greetings,
4 Support for carers of someone with a drug or alcohol problem 5 Are you ready for winter? Where to get advice and support to keep your home warm 6 - 7 Medication advice guide Helpful tips from the pharmacists 8 Update from the Carers’ Forums 9 What is recovery? Sussex Oakleaf talk about recovery and their services for carers 10 Mental health carer support Morag tells us about Care for the Carers’ new service 11 Free information booklet for mental health carers From the Improving Carers Experience Project (ICE) 12-13 Look after your own health and wellbeing Health trainers, vegetables, WRAP and foot care - it’s all covered 14 Groups & activities for carers Read Francesca’s update and find out how you can join Gilly’s craft group 16 Free respite for carers From the Association of Carers 16 Contact Care for the Carers How to get in touch or update your CareLine subscription
CareLine in partnership wit h
Do you look after someone?
A Note from the Editor
Do you look after a relative, friend or neighbour 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 are your local carers centre Care for the Carers is an independent charity and we have been supporting unpaid carers in East Sussex since 1989. 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.
we're here to help! Supporting Carers in East Sussex
Christmas Opening Times Over the holiday period we will be closed from 25th December and will reopen on 2nd January. If you require support please contact Adult Social Care Direct on 0345 60 80 191, Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5pm. If out of hours call 01323 636399 or visit www.eastsussex.gov.uk/socialcare
David Thompson Editor
My favourite time of the year is nearly here and I’m excited for the festivities, Christmas is just around the corner! However, enough of my rather nauseating helping of Christmas cheer and more about this edition of CareLine. Following on from the theme of the October forums “Mental Wellbeing Matters” this issue has a strong mental health focus. Inside are articles from organisations who attended the forums with information about the services they offer, and Sussex Oakleaf have written about what ‘mental health recovery’ means. We’ve also included a useful guide from the pharmacists which talks about medication and what medicine labels really mean. I hope you enjoy reading this edition and I’d like to wish you a very Merry Christmas!
Useful winter contacts Cold Alert www.coldalert.info | 01273 484 337
Keep Warm Keep Well www.nhs.uk/livewell/winterhealth
Energy Saving Trust 0300 123 1234 | www.energysavingtrust.co.uk
Met Office Get Ready for Winter www.metoffice.gov.uk/getreadyforwinter www.cftc.org.uk
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Advice, Support & Information for Carers New befrienders service at St Peter & St James Hospice
Support for carers of someone with a drug or alcohol problem
St Peter & St James, a registered charity, whose mission is to provide specialist care, love and support for those living with progressive, life limiting illnesses, is pleased to announce that thanks to East Sussex County Council funding carers of patients at their hospice in North Chailey can access their free Befriending Service. The service includes:
This coming season of good cheer may not feel like that for some people. It is not easy to live with a person whose drinking or drug use is causing problems, and this may increase over the festive period. Action for Change can offer support over this potentially stressful period.
»» »» »» »» »» »» »»
Visiting Telephone support Counselling Meditation Walk & Talk Group Carers Drop-in days Life Histories
The Befrienders Service is there to support family and friends and aims to encourage and enable carers to live their lives to their full potential whilst understanding the impact that illness can have on family life. To find out more contact the Patient and Family Support Service at the hospice on 01444 470815 or e-mail les.shilling@stpeter-stjames. org.uk 4
Care for the Carers
If you are a relative, a friend, a neighbour, a carer or an employer and have to deal with someone else’s alcohol or drug misuse, you can get help. FREE and CONFIDENTIAL advice and support is available from Action for Change. Just go along to one of their free drop in sessions that run throughout East Sussex.
Action for Change offers the following: »» Information about alcohol and/ or drugs »» Information about the services they and other organisations provide »» Help to address any negative attitudes, beliefs and behaviours that are having an impact on your own wellbeing. »» Help to motivate someone into the services »» Guidance in how to support an individual with their goals For more information or full details of the opening hours, especially over the festive period, please check their website www.action-for-change.org or call 0300 111 2470
Advocacy for older people from AGE Concern Eastbourne
not taken seriously, or if you are unsure what choices are available to you. Their well trained, friendly, committed and non-judgmental Volunteer Advocates can routinely make a home visit if you have problems with getting around.
The AGE Concern Eastbourne advocacy project seeks to assist you if you find it hard to speak up for yourself, feel ignored or
They have a very pleasant venue at the Venton Centre close to Eastbourne Station providing visitors with a comprehensive and
Employment advice for people with a physical disability or long term health condition
East Sussex Winter Home Check Service To help you get advice and support to keep your home warm. If you are an older or disabled person, or if anyone in your household is disabled, or if you are a family with children and on a low income, you may qualify for this service. It includes:
Newhaven Community Employment Partnership (NewCEP) and Action for Blind have been funded by East Sussex County Council to deliver a project called Routeways to Work. The project provides 1 to 1 advice and guidance to support you to find training opportunities, voluntary work, paid work and internships.
»» A full assessment of your home and how best to keep it warm
You can also attend an employment skills workshop which will help you to compile a CV, gain interview skills and advice on how to write effective application forms. You can also attend a motivational workshop which will give you the inspiration and encouragement to move forward in your life.
»» Small preventative works, such as improving insulation, clearing gutters or chimneys
If you have a physical disability or long term health condition and you would like advice on work, learning or volunteering opportunities then please get in contact with Rob Hurst on 01273 516347.
»» Providing emergency temporary heating »» Advice on getting help with the cost of heating your home
very impressive range of services, activities, expert advice, and social involvement/inclusion etc and also The Pantry for lunches and refreshments. For more information the Advocacy Project can be contacted by calling Freephone 0808 129 5399, emailing the Advocacy Co-ordinator Karen.dean@ ageconcerneastbourne.co.uk or by leaving a message at Reception, Venton Centre, Junction Road, Eastbourne BN21 3QY at reception or by telephone 01323 638474.
East Sussex Energy Partnership Working with your local council
For more information phone Social Care Direct on 0345 60 80 191 or email socialcaredirect@ eastsussex.gov.uk
www.cftc.org.uk
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Advice from the P harmacists Did you know that food and drink can affect how medication works?
Tips to avoid problems There are lots of things you can do to take prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications in a safe and responsible manner.
Your food and drink habits may not seem like critical information, but just as there are countless combinations of drug-drug interactions and supplement-drug interactions, there are also a number of food-drug interactions that can have serious negative side effects.
»» Always read drug labels carefully.
A food-drug interaction can:
»» Ask your doctor or pharmacist what you need to avoid when you are prescribed a new medication. Ask about food, beverages, dietary supplements, and other drugs.
»» prevent a medicine from working the way it should »» cause a side effect from a medicine to get worse or better »» cause a new side effect A medicine can also change the way your body uses a food. Any of these changes may be harmful. The pharmacists, who you might have met at one of our carers groups, have put together this useful guide for carers. They’ve answered some common questions, included useful tips about medication and demystified medicine labels!
»» Learn about the warnings for all the drugs you take. »» Keep medications in their original containers so that you can easily identify them.
»» Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking an OTC drug if you are taking any prescription medications. »» Keep all of your health care professionals informed about everything that you take. »» Keep a record of all prescription drugs, OTC drugs, and dietary supplements (including herbs) that you take. Try to keep this list with you at all times, but especially when you go to any medical or dental appointment.
Why can’t I. . . have grapefruit with my cholesterol medicine? The juice changes the way the body breaks down the medication, affecting the liver’s ability to work the drug through a person’s system. This can increase the risk of side effects.
Why can’t I. . . drink cranberry juice with my warfarin? Cranberry juice may inhibit the activity of the primary system involved in the metabolism of warfarin; this can result in higher levels of warfarin in the body, increasing the blood levels and the risk of bleeding. 6
Care for the Carers
Please note this guide should never take the place of the advice from your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care professionals. Always ask them if there are any problems you could have when you use your medicines with other medicines; with vitamins, herbals and other dietary supplements; or with food and alcohol.
“Warning: Do not drink alcohol” When this appears on a medicine there may be a reaction such as ‘flushing’ if alcohol is drunk, in particular the antibiotic metronidazole.
“Take with or just after food or a meal” Used where the medicine may cause gastric irritation or where absorption is improved when food is also in the stomach. Small amounts of food are sufficient.
So what does it mean when the label says...?
“Take this medicine when your stomach is empty” This means an hour before food or 2 hours after food. The presence of food in the stomach or increased acid in the stomach, a normal reaction to eating food to aid digestion, may reduce the absorption of medicines in the stomach reducing effectiveness.
“Do not take milk, indigestion remedies, or medicines containing iron or zinc, 2 hours before or after you take this medicine” The calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc in these products can form compounds with some drugs notably antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, oxytetracycline or other tetracyclines, this means the body is less able to absorb them, reducing their effectiveness.
“Warning: This medicine may make you sleepy. If this happens, do not drive or use tools or machines. Do not drink alcohol” This is used on medicines for adults that can cause drowsiness, thereby affecting coordination and the ability to drive and operate hazardous machinery. Alcohol can add to any drowsiness caused by these medicines. It is an offence to drive while under the influence of drink or drugs.
“Take with a full glass of water” Used if a preparation that should be well diluted, require a high fluid intake or where water is required to either ensure that the drug rapidly passes into the stomach or where the water is required to aid the action. ‘A full glass’ means at least 150ml, which is about a quarter of a pint in ‘old money’. In most cases fruit juice, tea, or coffee may be used, but check with your pharmacist. www.cftc.org.uk
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October Carers’ Forums “Mental Wellbeing Matters” In June carers completed the Carers Week survey which asked carers about their caring role and the impact it has had on their health and wellbeing. Results from the survey highlighted the effect that caring can have on mental wellbeing with 89% of carers saying that they feel more stressed, 45% having suffered from depression and 79% feel more anxious, all because of their caring role. As a result, we decided that the forums in October would focus on mental health.
Jennifer highlighted the government’s commitment to mental health and emphasised how mental health is everyone’s business, central to everything else, in terms of our wellbeing.
Opening each event Jennifer Twist, CEO at Care for the Carers, introduced the theme ‘Mental Wellbeing Matters’ and spoke about new mental health services for carers in East Sussex – you can read more about these overleaf.
»» Making sure that what they do is well researched and therefore more likely to work »» Thinking clearly and deeply about managing risk and safety of the patient, carer and the wider community
Book for mental health carers from the NHS Sussex Partnership has recently published research about carers experiences of recovery in a book titled Wellbeing and Recovery Narratives for Caregivers. One reviewer wrote: “In this ground breaking work the authors collate and reflect on experiences of recovery 8
Care for the Carers
Keynote speaker Rachel Kenny, from the Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, introduced the Trust as the NHS specialist mental health service for Sussex. She talked about ensuring quality across their diverse range of services and that it comes down to three things:
form the perspective of the caregiver - giving voice to this important and neglected form of lived experience. The contribution of hope and relationships emerge form these stories, as does the emphasis on wellbeing - all which mirror a shift in mental health services. I recommend this book and hope it contributes to a better understanding of and improved support for the experience of care giving” You can pick up your free copy from Care for the Carers’ office.
»» Providing a positive patient and carer experience by working together with those who are experts by experience – carers. Rachel spoke about how they support and involve carers through the Carers Charter and the Triangle of Care. The Charter sets out commitments from the Trust to carers, about things that you have said are important, such as making sure people are offered carers assessments and that they have the right information. The Triangle of Care, developed by Carers Trust, sets out standards for mental health services to work towards to ensure that carers are fully included and informed in the care and support of the person they look after, with the ‘triangle model’ helping to illustrate the relationship between carer, professional and service user. As part of the Triangle’s self assessment tool, local carers, health professionals and carer
organisations are regularly brought together to check that services are meeting the correct standards and if not, inform them how they can improve. Following presentations from Sussex Oakleaf, Coastal Wellbeing and the Improving Carers Experience Project (ICE) we asked carers to think about ‘recovery’. What does it mean? What is it trying to achieve? Is it appropriate, relevant, meaningful? What’s missing? Carers said that the term recovery is a “familiar one for some people”, but for some it can seem “alien”. One carer shared that they felt the word recovery is “generally understood to mean getting better” and “might not be helpful if in long term situations”. However, it was also mentioned that recovery is a journey, a process of “doing lots of small things. e.g. lose 3lb this week, not 10st this year”
Another common theme discussed was the idea of a “Wellbeing 1st Aid Kit” and the importance of developing coping strategies. A carer said that “carers can feel out of control and can be a short step to having mental health support needs themselves”. In reply a carer said “that’s what WRAP does” - you can read about how WRAP can help on p13. At the end of each event a ‘market place’ of local organisations was available; with representatives on hand for carers to meet and find out about their services. The full forum report will be available soon. Visit www.cftc.org.uk or call us on 01323 738390 to find out more.
What is recovery? A recovery approach to mental health emphasises and supports a person’s potential for recovery. Recovery is generally seen in this approach as a personal journey rather than a set outcome. The concept of recovery is about staying in control of your life despite experiencing a mental health problem. There is no single definition of the concept of recovery for people with mental health challenges. But the guiding principle is hope – the belief that it is possible for someone to regain a meaningful life, despite serious mental illness. Recovery is often referred to as a process, outlook, vision, and conceptual framework or guiding principle. The key elements of Recovery are Hope, having a Secure Base – housing, finance, access to health care, Self – having a positive sense of self, Supportive Relationships – others who believe in the person, Empowerment and Inclusion – decision making and help seeking, social inclusion, Coping Strategies – self management, developing coping and problem solving skills, and Meaning – having an overall purpose in your life. Written by Sussex Oakleaf www.cftc.org.uk
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Information & support for mental health carers guidelines to improve the quality and availability of community mental health services. In East Sussex services are keen to make improvements for people who have mental health support needs, and of course their carers.
A new service for mental health carers from Care for the Carers I’m Morag McInnes and I am the new Mental Health Carer Support Worker at Care for the Carers. I have joined our busy carer support team to help carers who look after people with mental health conditions, as well as carers who have a mental health condition themselves.
We’re all thinking about Mental Health You might have noticed that there’s more on TV and in the news about mental health than ever before. Recent statistics show that there is four times more public interest in mental health awareness today than in 2009. In 2011, the Government recognised that there is “No Health Without Mental Health” and as a result set out national
10 Care for the Carers
The involvement of carers in mental health support and recovery is acknowledged as being hugely influential, and with current thinking moving towards community treatment rather than hospital admission the role of carers has never been more important.
Supporting carers at every level There are three main aspects of my role: »» I provide 1-1 support for carers who are finding it difficult to cope in their current situation. This might mean giving advice about certain conditions, information about being admitted to hospital, practical guidance regarding what carers may be entitled to or just providing a listening ear. »» I run several support groups across the county. They have a focus on mental health issues and can be attended by carers with direct experience of them. They are a really great way to meet others in a similar
situation and discover new ways of thinking about mental health. »» I meet with organisations like East Sussex County Council and Sussex Partnership Foundation Trust to make sure that carers’ views and experiences are represented at all levels. I also meet regularly with partner organisations in who provide mental health support and advice.
Mental health experience I’m a registered Social Worker with experience of working for the NHS in Community Mental Health teams, so I’m really looking forward to this new challenge and am excited to start making a positive impact in our communities. For more information call me on 01323 738390 or email moragm@cftc.org.uk
Each support group meets monthly on the following days:
Lewes Last Tuesday of the month
Hastings Last Saturday of the month
Eastbourne 2nd Thursday of the Month
Mental Health Carers Support Service
in your local community and what information and support is available for carers in your local area.
Sussex Oakleaf have a specialist service for mental health carers, family and friends in Wealden and Eastbourne, offering carers:
Training and Leadership Skills: be part of decision making that affects you or someone you know. We will support you to develop the skills and confidence to influence services.
Personal Development and Support: having a better understanding of mental health and wellbeing, having a better understanding of carer awareness and how to look after yourself, and regular support group to share your experiences and being listened to in a supportive environment.
The service will be available in Eastbourne, Uckfield, Hailsham, Crowborough, Heathfield and Mayfield. For more information please contact Nelida Senoran, 07850 642969, nelida.senoran@ sussexoakleaf.org.uk and Alan Wallace, 07850 643029, alan. wallace@sussexoakleaf.org.uk
Information and Advice: what mental health services are available
Do you support an adult with Mental Health Difficulties? Do they receive support from Sussex Partnership Foundation Trust? Sussex Partnership Foundation Trust (SPFT) are gathering feedback from Carers about how the services work for you. Improving Carers’ Experience
Project (ICE) are hosting an event where Carers and SPFT can develop an approach to getting feedback from carers about their adult mental health services. It’s your chance to say what works well and what could be better. The meeting will be informal and will be held in Eastbourne starting at 14:30 Thursday 30th January. Tea, Coffee and Cake provided. For more information and to book a place please contract Alan on 01273 617100 or alan.icepro@btconnect.com
Information Booklet for Mental Health Carers in East Sussex The Improving Carers’ Experience Project (ICE) have put together an information booklet for mental health carers which aims to hopefully help improve your quality of life as a carer. The information comes from other people in similar situations and therefore may be useful from time to time and help to support you when your patience and perseverance are under pressure! For your copy or to find out more please contact Alan on 01273 617100 or email alan. icepro@btconnect.com
www.cftc.org.uk
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Staying Healthy . Looking after your own health & wellbeing Help to stay healthy Often we have the best intentions to make our lifestyles healthier but sometimes other things get in the way. What many people need is a bit of motivation, encouragement and some practical ideas to help them achieve a healthier lifestyle. A Health Trainer can be the answer. Health Trainers are local people who are trained to help you make positive changes that can make a real difference to your health. They can support you to make the lifestyle changes you want, such as losing weight, eating more healthily, getting more active or stopping smoking. They understand how difficult it can be to make healthy choices and offer reassuring, practical and personal support to help you to achieve your goals.
Have you ever used a veg box scheme before? The Community Fruit and Veg Project (CFVP) is a Hastings based social enterprise that has been running for ten years. They run an affordable veg box scheme, delivering fresh, tasty produce from local farmers straight to your door. Deliveries happen every Friday morning ready for you to cook up some tasty treats over the weekend.
For more information see their website www.fruitandveg.org or call 01424 851054
More than just fruit and veg Support for people with autism In partnership with the charity Autism Sussex they provide volunteering opportunities for their service users. Health living events They also run healthy living events and demonstrations encouraging health eating, contact them to see if they can organise some free cooking sessions near you!
They provide small or large vegetable boxes, fruit bags or boxes and free-range eggs from Catsfield. They currently have a HALF PRICE discount for new customers!
Putting your best foot forward
»» Over 400,000 people aged over 65 in the UK have difficulty in cutting their own toenails.
Did you know that... Health Trainer clinics are conveniently located throughout East Sussex and the Health Trainer service is free of charge. For more information call them on Freephone 0800 917 8896.
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»» Every year, up to 30% of those aged 65+ will have a fall, rising to 50% of people aged over 80. Many of these falls can be prevented with simple foot care and footwear advice as can most common foot problems associated with growing older.
The Age UK East Sussex Foot Care Service are pleased to announce that they able to offer a range of venues for residents of East Sussex across the county. They have a team of friendly, professional foot care workers, who are available by appointment to provide high quality foot care,
Looking after your own wellbeing Wellness Recovery Action Planning groups for Carers Molly and Lucy from Coastal Wellbeing will be delivering Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP) courses across East Sussex next year as part of a new project for Carers. WRAP supports people to create positive change in their lives and maintain their wellbeing. WRAP will help you to: »» gain information around wellness and recovery »» support your own wellbeing »» explore ways of supporting the wellbeing of those you care for »» develop a plan for coping with
including nail cutting and general advice. If you are not able to get to one of their venues, they’re able to visit clients in their own home. They offer toenail cutting, footwear advice and information on how to maintain healthy feet. For those people who require more specialist care, or people with diabetes, who are on steroids or who have corns and or callus, they can refer onto an Associate Podiatrist within the service.
challenges »» build a supportive network »» share experience and learn from others They are now taking bookings for the following six week courses:
Uckfield Starts: Friday, 10 January 2014 Session time: 10am - 1pm
Hastings Starts: Monday, 10 March 2014 Session time: 10.30am - 1.30pm
Hailsham
Bexhill Starts: Tuesday, 3 June 2014 Session time: 10am - 1pm For more information and to book your place please contact: Molly Booth molly@coastalwellbeing.co.uk 07507 734 370 Lucy Tucknott lucy@coastalwellbeing.co.uk 07598 323 254 www.coastalwellbeing.co.uk
Starts: Tuesday, 1 April 2014 Session time: 10am - 1pm
Eastbourne Starts: Wednesday, 23 April 2014 Session time: 1pm - 4pm
If you live in East Sussex, are 50+, and would like to know more about the service, please contact: Nonie Harries, Foot Care Service Team Leader, Age UK East Sussex, 54 Cliffe High Street, Lewes, BN7 2AN Call 01273 476704 or email nonie. harries@ageukeastsussex.org.uk
www.cftc.org.uk
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Carers In Touch . Groups & activities for carers Carers' Groups
An update from Francesca
Our groups offer carers offer a warm welcome, conversation, guest speakers, information and a sharing experience.
As we draw to the end of another year, I thought it was about time I introduced Darren who is a volunteer here at Care for the Carers. If you have attended any of our group meetings, it is more than likely that you have spoken with him, as his is the voice at the end of the ‘phone dropping a gentle hint that about the next meeting. Apart from volunteering here, Darren’s other main passion in life is Crystal Palace Football Club. Darren can be seen on the cover of CareLine.
Each group meets monthly on the following days: 1st Monday
Lewes
Eastbourne #1 4 Monday Eastbourne #2 1 Wednesday Hailsham 2 Wednesday Seaford 3 Wednesday Pevensey 4 Wednesday Rye 2 Thursday Eastbourne Bookwatch 3 Thursday Wadhurst 4 Thursday Bexhill 1 Friday Hastings & St. Leonards 3 Friday Forest Row 4 Friday Uckfield 3rd Monday th
st
nd
rd
th
nd
rd
th
st
rd
th
Interested?
If you would like to find out more call Francesca on 01323 738390 or email her at francescam@cftc.org.uk
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We have been delighted with the success of the Every Day First Aid sessions provided by the British Red Cross. The aim is to give carers the confidence to deal with an ‘every day’ incident.
NEW Crafting group My name is Gilly. I live in Eastbourne and care for both my parents. I relax by crafting but feel it would be more fun to do it with other carers. Would you like to join me? Crafting can be done by the young and not so young, by new carers and experienced carers. If you are interested we could
The demand has been such that in some areas we have had to provide additional sessions. The remaining two hour long sessions will be run in the New Year in Seaford (early January), Bexhill (end of January) and Pevensey in February. Please let me know if you are interested, in case additional sessions are required. If you would like to come along, I can assure you that you do not have to lie or roll on the floor (unless you want to) or bandage anybody. Finally, I would like to wish all carers who have made the groups such a success a peaceful and happy Christmas, and New Year.
meet at my house over tea or coffee maybe say, once a month on a Tuesday afternoon and see how it goes. You never know, we could put the world to rights, make new friends or at the very least have a good chat. There might even be time to make a Christmas card or two! Please contact Francesca on 01323 738390 if you are interested and she’ll pass me your details.
Dementia supper clubs for carers and people with dementia
Where your local Supper Club meets, how often and what happens is up to you - it’s your Supper Club. So why not pop along? Treat yourself to a meal or just enjoy a drink and a chat. Charges for meals and drinks apply.
Would you like to get out and meet other people with dementia and their Carers, share experiences and increase your support network?
A member of East Sussex County Councils Adult Social Care department will be available once a month to support you and provide information and guidance.
If you’re answer is yes, join your local Dementia Supper Club! These informal groups, organised by East Sussex County Council, give you a chance to get together and meet new friends.
Dementia Supper Clubs meet in Hastings, Bexhill, Robertsbridge, Seaford, Heathfield, Uckfield/ Crowborough, Eastbourne/ Polegate
For more information about the Dementia Supper Clubs and details of Dementia Supper Clubs in your area please contact the: Carers Breaks Dementia Engagement Service on 01323 449294. Someone will be available to take your call Monday - Friday 09.0014.00, or you can leave a message and they will get back to you.
Support Care for the Carers If you would like to make a donation please send the form below, along with your donation as a cheque or postal order, to our freepost address. For more information please call us on 01323 738390
Name Address
If you are a tax payer, you can Gift Aid your donation and make it worth more. For every pound you give to us we get an extra 25p from the Inland revenue.
My donation I would like to make a donation of
£
I enclose a cheque/postal order Please make cheques payable to Care for the Carers
I would like to Gift Aid my donation Postcode Telephone Email Please post this slip to our freepost address overleaf
A Lasting Legacy Please contact me to discuss how I can make a donation in my will www.cftc.org.uk
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Taking a break Free respite & befriending from the Association of Carers Would you benefit from being able to take a regular break from your caring role, safe in the knowledge that someone is there to keep the person you look after company?
The Association of Carers’ free respite and befriending service, which is funded by East Sussex County Council, is now available to carers throughout East Sussex. They match a carefully selected and thoroughly checked volunteer with the person you look after and who is able to come to your home, usually for around 3 hours each week, to spend time with the person you care for, so that you can have some time to yourself. Sue Palmer, Services Manager at the Association of Carers said:
that additional funding from East Sussex County Council has enabled us to expand the service to include Wealden, Eastbourne and Lewes as well. We are proud of our ability to make a good match between the volunteer and the person that is being cared for, enabling long lasting befriending relationships to develop and giving peace of mind to carers when they take a well-deserved break.” If you are interested in receiving the service please contact the Association of Carers on 0300 330 9498
“We have been providing this service in Hastings and Rother for many years and I am delighted
Contact Care for the Carers
freepost address
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
Care for the Carers FREEPOST RTAC-GURC-XUJC Highlight House 8 St Leonards Road Eastbourne, BN21 3UH
I would like to be called regarding: Support & advice around my caring role Information on carer services I have moved: Please update my address
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
by email