CareLine Summer 2012
Care for the Carers FREE Magazine for CARERS in East Sussex
Carers Week 2012 page 11
Win tickets to Drusillas!
Take part in our Annual Survey
pages 7 - 10
You're invited to the Carers' Forum page 12
Message from the Chief Executive Jennifer Twist
I
was absolutely delighted to be appointed as CEO of Care for the Carers in May. It’s a real privilege to lead an organisation with such an important role and which achieves results for carers. I’ve been fortunate to work with many local carers and members of Care for the Carers in my previous role of Partnerships Manager, and I’m committed to your views remaining central to what we do. If you aren’t already a member and would like to get more involved, please do get in touch – we’d love to have your input. Carers Week took place in June, and this year it certainly made its mark. National coverage included Radio 4’s Today programme and ITV’s Daybreak, and we saw Carers Week ‘trending’ on Twitter and engaging 30 MPs in a ‘speed-networking’ event! Locally, we held 24 events across East Sussex, and there were many more events organised by communities, businesses and partner organisations – it was great to see carers being recognised, and my thanks go out to our wonderful volunteers who made it possible for us to run an unprecedented number of events this year.
support system. It recognises that the current system doesn’t offer enough support until people reach crisis point, and aims to help people to plan ahead for care needs. It rightly seeks to improve support to carers, and to increase carers’ rights. That said, it doesn’t set out a clear plan for addressing the social care funding crisis, and we see this as central to achieving meaningful change for carers. On 15th August, we will be moving to our new premises. We aim to avoid disruption, but unfortunately our telephone line will be affected by the move – should you need urgent support, we recommend contacting Social Care Direct on 0345 60 80 191. And finally, you will see that this edition of CareLine includes our annual survey – it’s an important way for you to shape what we do and how we do it, so please please do take part. Hope to see you soon,
With the publication of its white paper on 11th July, the government has acknowledged that carers need to be “recognised for their vital contribution to society” and “supported to reach their full potential and lead the lives they want”. The draft Care and Support Bill sets out how the government intends to deliver its new vision for a reformed care and
Inside this edition Carers, Computers & the Internet A Big Thank You Annual Survey 2012
We’re moving! 4-5 6 7 - 10
East Sussex Carers’ Forum Summary Report
11
Your invited to the September Carers’ Forum
12
Universal Credit - demystified
13
Carers’ Groups & what’s on near you My Work Experience, Leonie Mathiot, Young Carer
2
Care for the Carers
14 - 15 16
On the 15th August we’ll be moving to our new offices down the road, the address is: Care for the Carers Highlight House 8 St. Leonards Road Eastbourne BN21 3UH Telephone 01323 738390 (this is still the same)
Meet Tamsin Peart
The New Commissioner for Carers’ Services in East Sussex
You can se
e more ph
otos
from Care
rs Week, T
he Forum
& Su m m e
r Event on
page 10
Online Newsletter You can subscribe to our online newsletter from our website. It’s our monthly update on carers’ news and events, opportunities to have your say and points of interest for East Sussex carers. Scan the QR Code with your smart phone or visit eepurl.com/eRLGI to sign up.
Introducing Mark Tolhurst
M
In the June newsletter you can read an introduction from Tamsin, she has written about her previous work with Adult Social Care in Brighton & Hove, and about plans for carers’ services in East Sussex.
Tamsin Sp
eaking to
the Forum
Read the newsletter online at bit.ly/NChMCV
Note from the Editor
W
elcome to the Summer Edition of CareLine! It’s all been happening since we were last in touch - we’ve had the Carers Forum, Summer Event and Carers Week, and to top it all off we’re moving offices soon!
y name is Mark and I’m the new Macmillan Carers Support Worker at Care for the Carers. I am running a 3 year project, funded by Macmillan, providing tailored information and emotional support to carers affected by cancer.
I’ve really enjoyed putting this edition together and I’d like to thank Roger Strange-Burlong, Marjory Wise, Leonie Mathiot and Richard Potter for contributing articles. Roger and I have both written about using computers and the internet - hopefully you will find the information useful.
I am enjoying working within the Adult Carer Support Team and tapping into colleagues specialist knowledge on support available for carers.
Richard is a Care for the Carers volunteer and has de-mystified Universal Credit on p13, and if you’ve toyed with the idea of joining a carers group Marjory’s account of the Wadhurst group may be of interest.
It is important for me to do a job where I feel I’m making a positive contribution to people’s lives. Carers save the Government billions of pounds a year. It’s about time they got better recognition and support for what they do. I have been working for Care for the Carers now for just under 3 months. It’s good to be part of a positive and vibrant organisation which sincerely cares about what they do.
Mark
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
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Carers, Computers & the Internet In today’s society everything is “www” this or So what? “twitter” that, and for those of you who don’t use a computer it might all seem a bit alien.
In the article below Roger, a carer from Eastbourne, has written about how valuable his computer is to him. For Roger, the internet provides an extra window on the world, allowing him to have a social life when getting out of the house is more difficult
I use my computer every day, both at home and at work. It’s as much of a part of my life as breathing, and I use it for everything. For example, if I needed to write a letter or if I wanted to find something out I’d use my computer. I wouldn’t look through a reference book or grab a pen and paper.
How do I use it?
Now, I’m not suggesting that you become as dependent on technology as I am! But I have pulled together some useful information in case you are wondering what all the fuss is about...
So you’ve got a computer but haven’t got the foggiest idea about how to get online, let alone send an email. Do not fret, Francesca is here to find the right training course for you!
My Window on the World By Roger Strange-Burlong, Carer I have been a carer for my wife for eight years now and computers and the internet have become an important part of my life. Getting out is not an easy thing to do, and a social life can be very difficult to manage. Loneliness and isolation can be a real problem for carers. Much of my social life is conducted on the internet nowadays and I have made friends from all over the world. Some are carers, many are not. But the online friendships have become an invaluable part of my life. The internet is my window on the world. The social aspects are not the only benefits of being online. There is internet shopping, which can make life so much easier when getting out is difficult. I have been a regular shopper online since 1999 and in that time I have made many thousands of transactions. I have only ever had 4
Care for the Carers
two problems, and they were both dealt with efficiently and I was not left out of pocket. I even do my banking online, I know exactly how much money is in the bank at all times and this makes me feel more in control of my life. Information is so much easier to find as well. The government and the voluntary sector all have a very strong online presence which I find invaluable. It is easier to stay informed of the latest news about caring. But the internet does much more than that. I watch TV on it, watch movies, listen to music, play games and even listen to the radio! A bonus of listening online means that it’s not just UK radio I can tune in to, but worldwide radio. For example if you have relations who live in New Zealand, on the internet you can listen to their local radio station live.
Then there is Skype, a free service that allows you to connect to any other Skype user in the world for free. You can not only talk to them, but if you have webcams you can also see them. Just imagine being able to see and talk to your relatives and friends anywhere in the world in real time. I know that for some people computers and the internet can be intimidating, but in recent years it has all become much more user friendly, and there are plenty of people who are willing to help you online. Who knows, maybe we can be friends on Facebook. Catch you online!
As training courses are always changing I’ve only listed a few, so if you’re interested in taking advantage of a course please contact Francesca on 01323 738390 or email francescam@cftc.org.uk and she will endeavour to find the right course for you. »» East Sussex Disability Association offers free computer training on Tuesday & Thursday afternoons between 2pm - 4pm at their accessible centre in Eastbourne. Support is provided by volunteers and previous computer experience is not necessary. »» The Global Information Centre offers a warm and friendly atmosphere with patient staff to guide carers through courses specially designed to give you the skills and confidence needed to get online and access useful services. To start they offer 5 free lessons, one hour a week for 5 weeks. »» Weald Rural Activities Partnership based in Hawkhurst offers training for beginners, covering how to turn on a computer to basic typing and internet searches, and much more. The next course starts Thursday 11th October and runs for 8 weeks, it is £7 per session - if you need support with this give us a call.
Don’t have a computer or access to the internet? If you don’t have a computer or access to the internet this shouldn’t be a barrier to you getting online and discovering what it has to offer. Visit your local library as they’ll have computers that you can use. However, this isn’t ideal for everyone - caring responsibilities can make it difficult - but there’s good news, help may be available for you to get a computer. »» Computers4Carers is a project by Chill4Us Carers which aims to give a free computer to carers who cannot afford one. »» There are also other online schemes such as get online @ home which enables people receiving certain benefits to purchase a computer at a discounted rate. If you would like to talk with a support worker about the schemes mentioned or to find out about other ways in which you could get help with getting online please give us a call on 01323 738390.
Get Qualified If you would like to get a recognised qualification in IT (Information Technology) look out for Learn Direct courses at your local library. They do cost, but if you’re on certain benefits or don’t have any qualifications over level 2 (less than 5 GCSEs) you may be entitled to access them for free or at a discounted rate. Find out more on www.learndirect.co.uk.
facebook & social networks an introduction For those of you who don’t use facebook (or any another form of social networking) you’ve probably still heard somebody talking about it. Millions of people use Facebook everyday to keep up with friends. It is a “social networking” website joining people together online. You can share anything you want to, with people you know. This could be what you’re doing right now (as a written sentence), photos that you’ve just taken and lots more... A social network is an online community, and there are lots of others available. Examples that you may already know about are Twitter and Instagram. Twitter lets you to share a sentence, no longer than 140 characters, with people who ‘follow’ you - usually friends who subscribe to your updates. Within the 140 character limit you can include links to websites, photos and lots more. Read the FAQ on twitter for more information http://bit.ly/Nlzbj4. Instagram is a different kind of social network. It allows users to take a photo, apply a special effect to it - such as make it look vintage - and then share it with friends via a variety of social networks - including Instagram’s own. www.cftc.org.uk
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A Big Thank You!
We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has put thier time into raising funds for us. Below are some photos of support from the past few months.
The Argus Appeal donated £1560 for Young Carers for their Olympic Fun Day.
We we’re donated £450 from Waitrose Crowborough as part of their green token scheme.
Newhaven, Peacehaven & Seaford Lions raised £300 for Young Carers with a Pumpkin Growing Challenge.
The Hasting Round Table made a donation of £3600 Former Carers; Elisabeth Passemante, Moira Raines, Maggie Bennet & Sharman Bowen organised Old Time Music Hall at the Hydro and rasied £521! Chin Chin’s in Eastbourne raised over £270 with their music and dance all day event for the Jubilee
Rosemary Hunnisett from the Uckfield Carers’ Group organised a pub quiz & fun day at the Hare & Hound in Framfield and raised £251 for Young Carers!
Hastings Lions donated £4000 for Young Carers!
Support Us 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
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.
Please post this slip to our FREEPOST address (page 16)
My donation
Name
I would like to make a donation of
Address
I enclose a cheque/postal order
£
Please make cheques payable to Care for the Carers
I would like to Gift Aid my donation Postcode
A Lasting Legacy
Telephone
Please contact me to discuss how I can make a donation in my will
Email 6
Care for the Carers
Supporting Carers in East Sussex
Annual Survey ‘12 Please complete our annual survey! We’d love to hear your views on Care for the Carers and what we do - this is your chance to tell us what you think! As a small thank you, we will be entering returned surveys into a prize draw for 4 tickets to Drusillas Park! Just make sure that you include your name, telephone and post code below, and return the survey by Friday 31st August. Name Telephone Post Code We are very keen to involve carers in all aspects of our work. Would you like to be involved in any of the following? Please tick if yes. Informing the development of our services Fundraising
Other volunteering opportunities Publicity events I wish to become a voting member of Care for the Carers
Please return your completed survey to our FREEPOST address on page 10. No need for an envelope - if you pull out the survey, fold it in half (so that the address is on the outside) and seal the top with sticky tape or staples you can pop it straight in the post. Turn over for the survey www.cftc.org.uk
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Strongly Agree
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Being in contact with Care for the Carers increased my awareness of my rights as a carer and the support available
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I can access information from Care for the Carers when I need it
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I can access services from Care for the Carers in a convenient place
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Information from Care for the Carers has helped me to make informed decisions
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Counselling has helped me to maintain my wellbeing
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Counselling has helped me to improve my wellbeing
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If you haven’t attended a carers group please choose ‘Can’t Say’ and move to the next section
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Attending a Carers’ Group has supported me to cope with my caring role
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Counselling
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If you haven’t accessed the counselling service please choose ‘Can’t Say’ and move to the next section
Carers Groups
Befriending If you haven’t accessed the befriending service please choose ‘Can’t Say’ and move to the next section My befriender has helped me to cope with my caring role and to look after my own health
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Care for the Carers
Can’t Say
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Can’t Say
Neither agree nor disagree
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Can’t Say
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It is useful to access information and advice from Care for the Carers
Please circle 5 or cross 3 your chosen answer
Can’t Say
Strongly Disagree
Information & Advice
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Strongly Agree
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I feel that my views are listened to at Carers Forums
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I feel that my views are listened to at Focus Groups
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I am friends with Care for the Carers on facebook / twitter and value being able to give my views online
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Care for the Carers supports me to have my say on carers’ issues and services in East Sussex
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Care for the Carers supports me to have my say on Health and Social Care in East Sussex
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Attending involvement workshops has helped me to participate
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Participating in the involvement network has helped me to meet other carers
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About Care for the Carers Generally I feel that Care for the Carers values me as an equal partner
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I feel respected by Care for the Carers staff and volunteers
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Generally, I am satisfied with Care for the Carers
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Can’t Say
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I feel empowered to participate in discussions at Carers Forums and meetings
If you aren’t part of our network please choose ‘Can’t Say’ and move to the next section
Can’t Say
Strongly Disagree
Carers Voices Network
Is there anything else we should be doing to support carers in East Sussex? Would you like to make any comments about any of our work?
www.cftc.org.uk
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Care for the Carers FREEPOST RSAL-CKXH-UBRH 1st Floor Greencoat House 32 St. Leonards Road Eastbourne, BN21 3UT
10 Care for the Carers
Carers’ Forum June 2012 Thank you to everyone who came strategic planning meetings in to the Carers Forum on 14th June. the coming months. The Core Members of the Carers Forum planned the format of the The topic ‘Realising you are event a little differently to give a carer’ provoked a lively more time for table discussions. discussion as carers shared their The carers attending the forum own experiences - some carers agreed and made good use of explained that they do not want the discussion time. We also had to be labelled/identified as a “keynote listeners” rather than carer. The overall feeling was that keynote speakers – meaning that realisation of being a carer was a carers’ comments were heard gradual process. directly by decision makers as well as being recorded. We had a large number of comments about benefits and Jennifer explained briefly about how carers can find out the Carers Charter - a tool Care information about them – many for the Carers has developed to said they learned more from support GP practices working friends and other carers than from with carers. It is hoped that the statutory agencies. There is also first Charter will be awarded at confusion over which services are the September Forum. provided by NHS and which by Adult Social Care. Over 240 comments were recorded at the forum and these Over a third of the carers comments will be included in a attending the forum had not report on the event, and fed into been to a forum before and 95%
of those attending thought the event and discussions were good, very good or excellent. The report from the forum is available to download from our website and will be available at the September forum. Call us to receive a copy by post. We have also added a new page to our website, with details of Involvement Opportunities and Consultations – I will keep this updated with the latest developments. The forum was followed by the Summer Event, our launch of Carers’ Week in East Sussex. Various information stands and stalls were in the Hall and in the field opposite, and we held an IT & Social Networking workshop providing guidance and support for carers in all aspects of Technology. The summer event raised over £150.
Looking Back at Carers Week 2012 Following on from the Carers’ Forum was the Summer Event. We were really lucky with the weather and it was a beautifully sunny day. The afternoon went well and we had fantastic support from partner organisations and local businesses - including creepy crawlies from Drusillas! There are some photos from the day opposite. On Monday carers spoke up at a special meeting with Stephen Lloyd MP. Stephen reflected on how his experiences looking after his mother at a young age influenced his life, and
emphasised the importance of Young Carers being able to access support. He highlighted the growing number of older people looking after a relation or friend, and heard from parent carers of children and adults with a learning disability about the impact of lifelong caring. The report from the Stephen Lloyd event is available on the our website, please call Debbie on 01323 738390 if you would like a printed copy. Throughout the week we visited GP surgeries, more than we ever
have before during Carers Week, as well as shopping centres and community hubs across the County. Staff and volunteers were on hand to answer questions, give information about Care for the Carers and other services for carers. We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who volunteered to support us at stands and events during carers week - we wouldn’t have been able to be in so many places at the same time without your help.
www.cftc.org.uk
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You are Invited to the Carers’ Forum Thursday 13th September 2012, from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm at Robertsbridge Village Hall , Robertsbridge
Your health service is changing. What do you think? Keynote listeners and speakers from Adult Social Care, East Sussex Healthcare Trust, NHS Sussex, Sussex Partnership Foundation Trust and Care for the Carers will be at the forum to explain the proposed changes to Health and Social Care and listen to your views. Limited places - Please book by Friday 31st August 2012!
Can't make it? Here's how you can be involved If you are not able to attend the Forum but would like to share your views about health and social care, please contact us. See below for our contact details.
ht a lig ch is n u l et ! buff ded u l c in
FREEPOST Address: Care for the Carers FREEPOST RSAL-CKXH-UBRH 1st Floor Greencoat House 32 St. Leonards Road Eastbourne, BN21 3UT
To book your place call us on 01323 738390, email us at lizc@cftc.org.uk or complete the form below Name Address
Postcode 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. 12 Care for the Carers
Please contact me to discuss my requirements For example: dietary, mobility, language, sensory impairment etc... I would like to bring the person I care for There is an additional cost of ÂŁ3 per person, please enclose a cheque made payable to Care for the Carers. 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 I would like to stay for lunch
Universal Credit - demystified by Richard Potter, Volunteer
T
he idea behind Universal Credit is that it will increase participation in the job market and help prevent people from becoming caught up in welfare dependency and poverty. It will be administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and replace means-tested benefits and tax credits for working-age people up to pension credit age.
The aim of Universal Credit will be to ‘make work pay’ by reducing financial support at a steady rate as hours worked increase. The DWP has stated that as ‘Universal Credit payment reduces, claimants will keep more of their earnings and will always be financially better off in work’; This way people will not be caught in the poverty trap. Nobody should see their benefits entitlement fall with the change to the new system, because their Universal Credit will be fixed. Universal Credit will be a single income-related payment for people who are looking for work or on a low income at work. It will also help claimants and their families to become more independent and will simplify the benefits system by bringing together a range of workingage benefits into a single streamlined payment. It will replace Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment & Support Allowance, Income Support, Child Tax Credits, Working Tax Credits and Housing Benefit; and will see entitlements, such as those mentioned above, paid as a single lump sum which will show, more easily, the value of being in work
whilst reducing administrative costs and the risk of fraud.
April 2014 »» No new claims for tax credits.
This new system will be more responsive to changing work patterns, allowing people on low incomes, who may be moving in and out of work, to get ongoing support – giving them more incentive to work for any period of time that is available. So claimants will be able to take a part-time job and still be allowed to keep most of the money they receive.
April 2014 to October 2017 »» Existing claimants transfer to universal credit.
On the ‘minus’ side, concerns have been raised that the Universal Credit would normally be claimed online, when many thousands of low income families do not have access to the internet. To help people with this, the DWP suggests that there will be ‘Digital Champions’ in every Jobcentre to support and encourage claimants to take their first steps online. For those who cannot afford to buy a computer or use the Internet, your local library provides free computer use. Go to page 4 for how you can get online. Here is how Universal Credit will be introduced: October 2013 to April 2014 »» New claims for out-of-work support are treated as claims for universal credit. »» No new income-based jobseeker’s allowance, income related employment and support allowance, income support or housing benefit claims are accepted. »» People moving from outof-work benefits into work transfer onto universal credit.
How will Universal Credit affect Carers Allowance? At the moment no changes have been announced that should affect Carers Allowance. Carers UK have urged the Government, in the strongest terms, that the Carers Allowance should be separate from Universal Credit and not means-tested. The Government has pledged that ‘no-one will experience a reduction in the benefit they are receiving as a result of the introduction of Universal Credit’.
want to find out more? For more information on the specific details of the Universal Credit, take a look at the DWP’s website bit.ly/NtjgRh. There is also a good factsheet on the Child Poverty In Action Group’s website - bit.ly/NeKlJg and a more in-depth profile on the Turn 2 Us website bit.ly/NuYqOB.
next edition This Autumn we will be taking a look at the changes to health and social care and what these might mean for carers. www.cftc.org.uk
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A note from Francesca 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
3rd Monday
Heathfield
to be confirmed
Hailsham
1st Wednesday
Seaford
2nd Wednesday
Pevensey
3rd Wednesday
Rye
4th Wednesday
Bookwatch Eastbourne
2nd Thursday
Wadhurst
3rd Thursday
Bexhill
4th Thursday
Hastings & St. Leonards
1 Friday
Forest Row
3rd Friday
Uckfield
4th Friday
In April we mentioned that Queen Victoria was due to attend a fundraising event at The Hydro in Eastbourne! The afternoon of Old Time Music Hall (with cake) was organised by members of the Former Carers Group and was a super way to spend a chilly spring afternoon. Thankfully there were song sheets so that we could join in but perhaps they could have done
without my warbling. Over a £1000 was raised which was split between Care for the Carers and Motor Neuron Disease. I would like to say a special thank you to Maggie, Moira, Elizabeth and Sharman for their support, enthusiasm and organising skills. In the last edition I wrote about a new group in Heathfield - planning for this is still underway so watch this space. If you are interested and would like to be kept up-to-date on the latest developments please contact me.
Gentle Exercise for Carers
st
These gentle excises classes for older people take place monthly on the following days: Seaford
Over the past few months, some of the groups invited NHS pharmacists as guest speakers. Similar to last year, the visits were warmly received by carers who had a range of questions. What really impressed group members were the straight, plain English answers from highly knowledgeable people. In the next edition of Careline we will include a piece that covers the main areas that were discussed.
In July an Extend Exercise Class started in Seaford. Extend is a form of gentle exercise for older people or for people with a disability. The exercise can be either seated or standing. The aim is to increase a sense of wellbeing through improved mobility, co-ordination, balance and strength. The class will meet alternate Wednesdays. If you would like to come along to the class and meet new people, please call Francesca.
Bluebell Railway Trip “Such a lovely day out”
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
All Abo
ard!
In July carers from Bexhill were treated to a special day out, all thanks to the generosity of the Bexhill Rotary club. Organised by John Cooper from the club, the day began with trip on the Bluebell Railway. This was followed by lunch at a local pub and topped off with a stroll around Sheffield Park. Respite was also provided, helping those who attended to have a care free day.
Wadhurst Carers’ Group by Marjory Wise
about the group
Our Thursday mornings meet a very real need in our lives. We all try to be there, as we value this very special, totally confidential time among friends where we know we may find help and understanding away from those we care for. Over time, I feel a loyalty has grown amongst us.
The Wadhurst Carers Group in the morning, every third Thursday of each month. The Group provides support and information for Carers who can benefit from interaction with other Carers in similar situations.
perhaps heard or read about in the media.
You could say we are a good talking shop, and we do have a lot to talk about because some of us have very stressful situations at home! Some are so tired they don’t think they can go on; some are concerned about their own health, cracking up or Francesca with her practiced, becoming unable to look after their listening ear, provides a presence spouse (or whoever they care for) and of love, serenity, concern and some are concerned that money is knowledge in careful balance. She running out, making them fearful has sometimes arranged for a speaker of coping with Nursing Home fees. to inform us on financial and legal matters, benefits or services that are Help is at hand, however, either important to us, or is just there giving from other carers who have valuable guidance. been there, or Francesca. We discover how others tackle The group also has links in the their challenging situations. community, so we can be referred Not only do we share the to a person, agency or social service difficulties in our lives that can help if we need it. Often we but also the joys and ask Francesca to research and explain achievements and these can recent legislation that we have be very uplifting.
Contact Us
Call us on 01323 738 390
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.
Email us info@cftc.org.uk Visit us online at www.cftc.org.uk
The Wadh
urst Carers
Group
FREEPOST Address: Care for the Carers FREEPOST RSAL-CKXH-UBRH 1st Floor Greencoat House 32 St. Leonards Road Eastbourne, BN21 3UT
Please post this slip to our FREEPOST address
I would like to be called regarding
Name
»» Support & advice around my caring role
Address
»» Information on carer services I have moved »» Please update my address
Postcode
I am no longer a carer
Telephone
»» Please remove me from the mailing list
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My work experience with Care for the Carers Leonie Mathiot, Young Carer My name is Leonie and I am a young carer, I have spent the past week working at the Care for the Carer’s office for my school work experience. I decided to come here because it’s a charity that helps my family and is related to the career I’m interested in. I’m hoping to become a military or youth counsellor and here they provide support and someone to talk to, to those who need it. Over the past 5 days I’ve done numerous jobs around the office. I spent Monday and Friday with the partnerships team, who provide information to carers through carers groups, Careline and the website, and the rest of the week with the Young Carers team. My jobs varied each day, one day I worked on the computers, another I wrote the Young Carers newsletter (which you can find on the Young Carers page on the website or Facebook page) and I also went out of the office to run an activity at the Eastbourne Young Carers club. The idea of the clubs is to give Young Carers a break from their responsibilities at home. Usually
the clubs run once or twice a month and there are three that run in East Sussex; Laughton, Hastings and Eastbourne. They provide games, sports, and evening meal and the Laughton club, which I go to, also has horse riding. At the Eastbourne club, I ran an art activity titled “identity” where I set the Young Carers a task of drawing what they feel represents themselves. This could be something they are best at, their friends or simply a self portrait. I gave them this task as I thought it would be nice for the Young Carers to think about themselves and who they are away from caring. I found running it interesting because usually I’m taking part in the activities. It was great to see how the leaders Sarah and Jonathon do their job and how the clubs are set up. It wasn’t all work though as when we got to the club everyone including Sarah and Jonathon joined in with the different activities, such as football, board games and drawing. Working here has allowed me to see what goes on behind the scenes. As a Young Carer all you usually see is the results of lots of hard work but not what goes on before. I’ve learnt that there’s a lot of administration involved in running a charity from something as simple as sending invites to the activities to filling out a risk
assessment before club- there’s always something new to be done. Before I came I didn’t have any idea of how busy it would be and how many different jobs there are. Despite how much is always going on, working in the office was really fun and it’s such a relaxed environment. Everyone was so friendly and I’d happily work here again. This week has definitely allowed me to view what it would be like if I did become a counsellor as it has shown me that it’s not as simple as it seems. A lot of work goes on around each event, and if anything this has encouraged me to carry on with what I want to do as I enjoyed doing different things. Although it was hard, helping run the club and seeing how much the Young Carers loved it made me realise that it was worth it.
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