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Derbyshire Carers Association
No. 70
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Summer Newsletter 2012
www.derbyshirecarers.co.uk
CARERS WEEK 2012 - ‘In sickness and in health’
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Carers Week is delivered by a partnership of eight national charities: Age UK, Carers Trust. Carers UK, Independent Age, Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie Cancer Care, MS Society and Parkinson’s UK. It’s the largest awareness week for Carers - with a huge range of activities and events organised across the UK, celebrating the work they do, saving the government £119 billion per year. Last year, Carers managed to get the Prime Minister's attention and even meet him at No.10. Celebrity supporters include such names as: Fiona Phillips, Lynda Bellingham, Dame Judi Dench, Paul O’Grady, Pam Ferris, Tony Robinson and Graham Norton. Carers Week will be highlighting how: The health and well-being of Carers is paramount. Cuts to local services does have a knock on effect on the health and well-being of unpaid Carers. Recognition by professionals and by others who impact on Carer’s day-to-day lives, can help to make a massive difference. Derbyshire Carers Association Is delighted to confirm that this year’s Carers Day will be held at Sudbury Hall’s Museum of Childhood on Wednesday 20th June 2012. ‘Share and compare childhood experiences and reminisce about the toys and games you used to play. The eight galleries celebrate the challenges and delights of childhood throughout history, right up until the present day’
Moving Learning Disability Carers to the Digital Age
Learning Disability Carers will soon have their own, easy to use interactive website courtesy of a secondment from The British Transport Police. The site will be user-led, with up-to-date information and advice on a broad range of issues relevant to family Carers of people with learning disabilities. The Learning Disability Partnership Board will use the site to network local meetings and it’s sub group information on housing, health, employment, safeguarding and recreational event listings, whilst on-line forums will enable LD Carers to debate specific issues. Inspector Philip Milton of BTP will be working with Derbyshire Carers Association to develop the site in partnership with Carers. Helen Robinson, CEO of DCA outlined: ‘We are very grateful to be receiving this specialised support from BTP for a much needed and timely resource. It is a superb example of how co-production and partnership working can benefit Carers, who work so hard to improve the lives of people with learning disabilities’. This initiative was taken up by Elected Carers from The Learning Disability Partnership as being crucial for improving
Explore and discover the history of childhood throughout history and try a lesson in the Victorian schoolroom. A light afternoon lunch will then be served in the Coach House Restaurant. During the afternoon take a stroll in the naturalised gardens; walk along the meadow and enjoy the tranquil views over the lake. Uncover more about the history of the estate by visiting Sudbury Church and the village.
Sudbury Hall, Derbyshire - home of the Museum of Childhood
The day will be held between 11.00am and 4.00pm with transport available upon request. To reserve a place please call Becky on 01246 222373. inclusion to a wider community of LD carers. Learning Disability Partnership Boards meet in six local areas each month and the website aims to promote its existence to Carers who are not aware of it’s work or how Board members can help and support them. The website will be available by the summer and will be formally launched at The Melbourne Festival on 15th September 2012. The Festival will host a specially adapted Changing Place facility. In addition to the website, DCA has received funding from Derbyshire County Council to offer home based I.T. training to LD carers on the partnership board. Pam Gill, LD co-ordinator for DCA added, ‘Information-based events are held monthly in Ashbourne, Newhall, Belper and Chesterfield for Learning Disability Carers . This website and I.T. training programme will reach even further into our communities. The British Transport Police recognise the importance of local engagement to broaden understanding of learning disability and improve safeguarding standards. We are very grateful for this partnership opportunity.’ If you would like to become involved in the work of your local Partnership Board or to find out how it can benefit you, please contact Pam Gill on 07903 282604 or E-mail: pamela.gill@derbyshirecarers.co.uk for further information or click to www.derbyshirecarers.co.uk
Distributed free of charge to Carers and Health Professionals throughout the Derbyshire region
Derbyshire Carers Association
Head Office: White House The Willows Slack Lane, Ripley, Derbyshire DE5 3HF Tel: 01773 743355 Fax: 01773 512288
Amber Valley 01773 749087
Bolsover and East Chesterfield 01246 222373 Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire 01246 222373 Derby 01332 200002
South Derbyshire 01283 212194 Erewash 01159 468881
Glossop 01457 858383 High Peak 01663 745500
High Peak South and Dales 01629 812132 Minority Communities 01332 200002
Emergency Planning Services (Derby City only) 01773 743355
Learning Disabilities Network Co-ordinator (M) 0790 328 2604
Carers Centres:
Chesterfield 69 West Bars S40 1BA Open 10am - 3pm, Monday to Friday Tel: 01246 222373
Derby City 17 Babington Lane DE1 1TA Open 9am - 3pm, Monday to Friday Tel: 01332 200002
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Cooking up a rhyme The Derbyshire Carers Cookery Class
The Derbyshire Carers Had a well earned treat, Chef gave us all tips On cooking fish and meat. First we donned our pinnies And name tags as well, Cosseted with coffee It felt like an hotel. Chef wanted us to fry To keep the juices in. But the only thing we managed Was an ear bursting din. The fire alarm had set off, Well, what could you expect? All in Bradbury House... outside Till the alarm was disconnect. We stood outside in aprons We knew there was no fire Good job it was not raining Or it would have been dire. We made beef and ale stew And chicken stir-fry, Smoked haddock with spinach The time it did fly. The perfect omelette Was next on the list Two volunteers came Out to assist.
Banana split for afters With toffee sauce on top, Baked apples in quarters Nothing was a flop. We sampled all the goodies, All prepared by Jeff. He was a professional An excellent chef. His helpers cleaned up and provided us with brews. The inevitable happened, With visits to the loos Thank you to the planners For such a lovely day We all felt uplifted As we went upon our way.
Written by Margaret Tarbatt A Glossop Carer.
Popular chef - Jeff poses for the camera
Time Bank for Carers
Time Banks originated in the USA in the mid1980’s as a way to bring communities together to bring back a sense of neighbourliness. Chesterfield Time Bank is a local charity that has been active in the local community since 2001. The idea is simple: Participants ‘deposit’ their time in the bank by giving practical help and support to other members and then are able to ‘withdraw’ their time when they need something done for themselves. With over 200+ members and organisations/ community groups around the area, our members have an enormous range of skills and services they can offer their fellow Time Bankers. Time Bank also runs a lunch club at the Cricketers at Newbold on a Thursday, starting at 12.15. and costs just £2.00 for a two course lunch. A Tea Club again at the Cricketers at 5.00pm on a Tuesday evening costs just £3.00 followed by Bingo. If you would like to join us please give us a ring to book your place. Chesterfield Timebank recognise the important job Carers do and with this mind we are working with Derbyshire Carers Association to set up Time for Carers and this will be an opportunity for Carers to participate in Timebanking and get help with those small tasks and share your skills with others. We will keep you informed as things progress. Chesterfield Time bank also works closely with The Royal British Legion and now have six trained case workers for ex-services personnel or dependents. For further information please contact: Julie or Chrissie on 01246 204418. E-mail ctimebank@tiscali.co.uk
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Derby City Cathedral Service Celebrating Carers Week: Monday 18th June 2012 11am to 12 Noon Carers, their cared-for, family and friends are all very welcome to attend!
‘I'm delighted to say that we have been successful in our application for the Derbyshire Dignity Bronze Standard. Many thanks to all staff who worked so hard to achieve this award especially Joanne and Deb.’ Helen Robinson
Derbyshire Carers Association to receive share of £6.8 million to benefit patients
Derbyshire Carers Association is to get up to £348,000 over three years to test and develop innovative approaches to improve health and wellbeing, Care Services Minister Paul Burstow announced. Voluntary sector organisations submitted funding bids to the Department of Health setting out how they could help their communities by improving care for thousands of vulnerable people. The funding will help DCA to continue and expand their pilot Innovations Programme, allowing the Association to work in partnership with community hospitals and GP practices throughout Derbyshire in order to identify and support carers at the point of the diagnosis of the person they care for. This early intervention will reduce the risk of isolation for the carer and the likelihood of them developing stress-related health problems or financial difficulties. Helen Robinson, Chief Executive of Derbyshire Carers Association, said “We are delighted to have been awarded funding allowing our organisation to continue and greatly expand our valuable work with community hospitals and GP practices. The concept at the heart of this project is that if carers are identified earlier and offered support, the health and wellbeing of both carers and those they care for, will be improved. We are grateful to the Department of Health for funding this important work”.
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ne year in our new office o g n i t a r b ! Cele d 19 th Opene
The Mayor an d
20 April
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Mayoress visi ts Carers
Back row, L-R: Helen W, Debs, Becky, Hilary. Front row: Linda and Janis
‘I don’t believe it!’ - one staff member exclaimed, ‘Is it really a whole year since we first opened our doors in Chesterfield?’
broadcasts As they say, time flies by - and a lot has happened at the Carers BBC Radio Sheffield Centre on West Bars, Chesterfield - since the Centre was officially opened on 19th April 2011. The preparation for the move was very intense, installing computer new networks, telephone systems, alarm systems and all the legal brandy or ing the paperwork... thank heavens for our head office staff! Launcahrers Direct C An immense amount of work behind the scenes was done by the ACO’s, who moved desks, computers, filing cabinets and all the documentation to the new offices, now situated on three floors! The worse part was shredding years of accumulated out-of-date papers, then visiting the refuse site with dozens of bulging, black plastic bags! But it was worth all the hard work - the Centre is Moving and H andling course now fully established and a focal point for Carers with a differ ence! and third party network organisations seeking help, information, guidance and support. The Centre is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 3pm It’s a pleasure and a privilege with the reception desk and phones manned by our Centre e h t t meeting and helping to support a latest member of staff - Rebecca Laughton, ‘Becky’ Carers Young all our Carers. If we can help in as she is known, she also manages all the admin and DCA volunteers - so she is kept very busy! any way, don’t hesitate to call us. The top floor offices are soon to Becky, Janis, Kevin and Linda be filled by a new ‘Teaming up for Transition’ team, led by Helen The 60+ Carers Wellbeing launch Weston, formerly of our Bakewell was held at Chesterfield Carers Centre offices. on Friday 2nd March. There was a When you consider staff originally wonderful response from Carers and housed in Derwent House; three different organisations who came along to find ACO’s sharing computers, desks out about the different grants and events that and telephones in a room the size we have planned. of a kitchen - we have certainly Thank you to everyone who came come a long way! The new 60+ Carers Breaks Scheme along on the day! Helen Weston
PLUS
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DEMENTIA
C AT C H Carers Advice and Training for Confidence in Health
Question and Answer Session
Continuing with the 60+ Carers Wellbeing Project, Derbyshire Carers Association have booked three CATCH Programmes for Carers living in Derbyshire who are aged 60 and over.
Carers are invited to attend a Question and Answer Session intended for people diagnosed with Dementia.
Thursday 19th July, 7.00pm-8.30pm at the Staveley Centre, Calver Crescent, Middlecroft Road, Staveley S43 3LY. Tel: 01629 533040
CATCH is a bespoke training package aimed at improving Carers confidence in the way they carry out their day-to-day caring roles. Carers who have attended previous courses have praised the programme and said that it has helped improve the way they carry out their caring responsibilities.
A panel of different professionals, including doctors, nurses and occupational therapists trained in Dementia Care will be available to answer questions and provide advice.
Training will cover three modules: Caring and Me/ Caring and Life Caring and Coping/ Caring Day to Day Coping with Finances
We would like to offer our congratulations to DCA staff member - Thanh Yung and his wife Yuan - on the safe arrival of their new son Kai. Kai finally arrived on the 5th April weighing 9lbs. Mum and baby are doing really well. Best wishes from all the staff in DCA
Courses arranged for the project are: South Derbyshire CVS Thursday 17th, 24th, 31st May 2012. 10.00am-12.30pm Derby Carers Centre Tuesday 3rd, 10th, 17th July 2012. 10.00am-12.30 pm Chesterfield Carers Centre Monday 1st, 8th, 15th October 2012 10.00am-12.30pm If you are a Carer, aged 60+ and provide care for a minimum of 14 hours per week and would like to reserve a place on one of these very popular and worthwhile courses, please call Becky on: 01246 222373. Places are limited so please don’t delay.
Text a donation...
Derbyshire Carers Association is now registered to accept donations from our supporters via text message. All donators need to do is text: DERB25 ÂŁ10 (or any other amount). The donator will receive a text message receipt confirming their donation to Derbyshire Carers Association. A chance to Gift Aid the donation is offered.
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Chatsworth revisited On Monday 26th March we visited Chatsworth House as part of the new 60+ Wellbeing Project.
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The weather was glorious which allowed us to not only enjoy the house but to venture into the gardens too.
Carers Week Service
To celebrate Carers Week, a Carers Service will be held at Central Methodist Church, Chapel Street, Glossop on Sunday 24 June at 4pm. Everyone is invited – especially people and families who help look after a relative, spouse, child or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health problems. You are welcome to a buffet tea after the service. There is no charge but any donations will go to the Alzheimer’s Society. Lynda Hammond
Carers Sitting Service
Currently available in Clay Cross, Holmewood, Heath, Mickley, Morton, Pilsley, Shirland, Stonebroom and the whole of the Bolsover district. Carers in the above areas may be struggling to have some time to themselves, perhaps by contacting Briggitte Smithson they may be able to arrange a few hours respite, whilst one of her staff provides the cared-for with support. A couple of hours off could make all the difference. The service is widely used and comes highly recommended. The Carers Sitting Service, based at Stafffa Health, Stonebroom, can be contact on 01773 873581.
There were many compliments for the afternoon tea, which was a real treat. One Carer wrote: ‘It was a wonderful day out and so appreciated. The tea was delicious and beautifully presented and it was good to meet up with other Carers’.
Information Events for Carers of Adults
N L EWD S
D Uniq Ev A L E ue en S t
DCA staff and friends of DCA are teaming up to take part in a Murder Mystery fundraising event on June 2nd. We shall all be sporting silly costumes and attending local nightclub owner and millionaire Buck Xaplenty’s home to find there has been a grisly murder on the dance floor - that we ARE YOU BRAVE ENOUGH TO ATTEND? have to solve! Each attendee/suspect is donating £5 and we are each being sponsored in an effort to raise as much as we can for DCA. If you would like to sponsor any of the characters please call Rebecca Volli 01629 812132. All donations big and small are greatly appreciated! Keep your eye out for the photographs in the next newsletter! Characters: Ima Trollope - nightclub dancer. Lou Swimmin chat show host. Don Mess - nightclub bouncer. Alley Carte 5-star restaurant owner. Bill Righter - Buck’s accountant. Dan Gleestucked - comedian drag act. Neil Sanpreys - parish vicar. Susan Knitts - fashion designer. Dr Mimi Karakus - zany scientist. Derek Antona - professional footballer. Nick Demall local car salesman. Jayne Blonde – MI5 agent. Telephone: Rebecca on 01629 812132 for further information. DCA presents
Learning Disabilities Assessments Per sonalisation Self Dir ected Suppor t Per sonal Budgets
on the dance floor
Just want to feel in the loop and better supported? Want to know more about funding and services?
What do they mean for you?
Need information on housing, health, employment and recreational/ sports activities? Need to meet people and have Carers outings?
Come to your local
LD Carers Information Events held every month across the County
Belper Meeting: 1.30 to 3.00 at Whitemoor Centre, 100 John O’ Gaunt Way, Belper DE56 0DB Contact: Jenni Noble on 01629 531908 14th May. 18th June. 9th July. 13th August. 10th September. 15th October. 19th November.
Raise money when you shop online
Every time you buy something online, participating retailers will give a donation to DCA via www.easyfundraising.org.uk. How it works: easyfundraising.org.uk helps charities, schools, sports clubs and other good causes to raise money when their supporters shop online. It works in a similar way to Nectar, but instead of earning points when you shop, you raise a donation for your cause instead. It's as simple as that! You can shop with over 2,000 well-known stores and each will donate up to 15% of what you spend. For example, John Lewis will donate 2.5%, Amazon 2.5%, The Body Shop will donate 10%, some insurance retailers will donate up to £30! It doesn't cost you a penny more, plus there’s got lots of voucher codes and special discounts so you can actually save money while you help your good cause. The service is totally free. Just click to: www.easyfundraising.org.uk/how-it-works.
with
Newhall Meeting 10.30 to 12.00 Noon at Newhall Centre, Meadow Lane, Newhall Contact: Trevor Slatter 01283 223801 17th May. 14th June. 12th July. 9th August. 6th September. 4th October. 15th November.
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Chesterfield Meeting 10am-12 Noon at Fair Play, Alexandra Road West, Chesterfield S40 1NP 16th May. 20th June. 19th September. 17th October. 21st November. Please call PAM GILL 07974827934 or E-mail: pamela.gill@derbyshirecarers.co.uk
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Dawn’s new day
A place of respite for Carers
Many of you Carers out there may be longing for a wellearned break, sometimes it’s finding a place to go, especially for single Carers who aren’t very confident taking a break alone. Why not consider the Kiloran Trust Respite Centre in London. It’s a three-storey house in Hammersmith, where Carers can be cared for, in a welcoming, homely atmosphere with two very special ladies to care for you. Usually there are four Carers staying at any one time. Your en-suite room is very comfortable and relaxing, all meals are provided - and breakfast is on a ‘help yourself’ basis, as and when required. It’s a real home from home with a chance to talk to other Carers, be listened to, feel rested and do the normal London touristy things. Sightseeing, shows, shopping or just relax in the beautiful Kiloran garden and have some special ‘Me Time.’ The cost of a stay at Kiloran is just £59 per night and if finances are a problem, perhaps we can try to help find funding towards the costs. Come on Carers - give it a try - you deserve it! Janis Handley Chesterfield Carers Centre West Bars, Chesterfield S40 1BA
Kiloran Trust
Lisa writes...
Looking back over the last three months, time has flown by - with more and more Carers getting in touch and coming into the Centre in the Swadlincote CVS building, mostly for help with forms; Attendance Allowance and Disabled Living Allowance. I’m also able to help with these forms at Carer’s own homes if it’s difficult to get into the office, be mindful that these forms can take two and three hours respectively! Don’t miss out on the benefits you may be entitled to and make sure that if there are any changes, where health improves or worsens or mobility changes, that you let the DLA or AA know, as this can effect your eligibility. Many people forget their level of benefit and miss out on monies as a result of not applying when changes occur. Also I have been asked to assist with forms that have been sent out en-mass to people, to re-assess their availability for work. Carers are concerned for their family members who are feeling extra pressure at this time. So far, those receiving help, have had positive outcomes, where their mental and physical health has been assessed, resulting in their benefits being unchanged. Carers have said that this has been a very difficult process to go through. Try not to feel to targeted, this is a national campaign. If you have uncompleted forms, please ring me, with a little support these can be finished quite quickly and I am happy to support people over the phone or by E-mail. Recent success stories have include a Carer accessing the secondary school of choice for her child with special needs; this is a time of worry for a lot of parents and the added pressure parents feel when the school is ill suited to your child. You can feel powerless, though on this occasion the Carer involved did battle on every front and had genuine concerns that were upheld by the appeal, to achieve a positive outcome. I think her motto is ‘persistence pays off!’ For those of you interested in the Carers Breaks Scheme funding and don’t know how to access information in the South of the County; telephone: 01283 212194 and let me help you through the assessment to see if you are eligible for the scheme. This is non-means tested and is accessed via a short completion of a form and Carers Assessment. Carers experiencing high levels of stress and the care impacting on many areas of their life - are likely to be eligible. If your caring situation has changed recently or you would like to chat, please ring the office and leave a message including your phone number and I will call you back. Office hours are Monday: 9.00am till 3.00pm and Friday 9.00am till 2.00pm, the office is open on other days in the week, but it is advisable to book an appointment, as often home visits may be a priority on these days. Those wishing to set up a Contingency Plan in case of an emergency, can complete on-line - Derbyshire County Council website, search for “Carers Emergency Card” or I can complete this form over the phone on your behalf. If any carers are struggling to visit the office then a home visit can be arranged to discuss your situation further.
Dawn Campbell is based in our Derby City Carers Centre and previously worked in the South of England for the Princess Royal Trust for Carers... Here’s a typical day in her Diary: 8.30am: Turn on the computer check the E-mails, update my Planner for the day, confirm appointments and collect required paperwork. 9.00am: Make any phone calls I need to do. This may be referrals for Carers and their cared-for; to services which have been identified from their Carer’s Assessment. 9.30am: Staff meeting on Monday morning with all the team. This gives everyone the opportunity to catch up and share information of the services and support that’s required. 11.30am: First appointment, this occasion its a new Carer, who was referred via a GP portal. Home visits, office visits or outside visits are an option whichever suits the Carers best. Some may even prefer to complete documentation over the phone. Support may be emotional, form filling or guidance through the range of services available. Each visit takes one to two hours, dependant on the assessment and identified needs. 2.00pm: Return to the office and write up notes, make relevant referrals and phone calls. Send information requested via post or e-mail and ensure my case notes are recorded accurately 2.30pm: Make support calls and ring around, then prepare paperwork for next visit at 3.30pm, when I do it all again! As a full-time Carer Support Worker, I have targets to achieve each week. My targets are ten home/office visits a week, all one-to-one with a Carer. This job is a great privilege - working to enhance the life and support mechanisms for Carers! Best wishes - Dawn
THE KILORAN TRUST
157 Blythe Road, London W14 0HL Contact: Norma Graham: 020 7602 7404 or Janis Handley: 01246 222373 www.kilorantrust.org.uk
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Lisa Barker, Area Co-ordinator - South Derbyshire Telephone: (01283) 212194
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Amber Valley News
Buxton News
Buxton Carers Group are visiting the Brookside Garden Centre on Wednesday 6th June with a coach organised to pick up in Buxton. We aim to leave at about 10.30am and be back in Buxton for about 2.00pm. We are also organizing a ‘Pamper Day’ in May. Details are yet to be organised but if you are interested, please call Lynne O’Brien: 01663 745500. There will be a charge of £6.00 for lunch, otherwise the pamper sessions will be free. On a personnel note, I would like to share with you fellow Carers my lovely hobby. My son who is 26 years old and who has autism/learning disability left home to live in a house with other young people of a similar age and disability with 24-hour care, much of it one-to-one. I then discovered a ‘sense of freedom’ - I no longer had to organise ‘sitters’ etc. or decline invitations to go out. A friend invited me to join a Barber Shop Chorus (just women) and it was the best thing I have ever done. We meet on Thursday to rehearse and generally have fun, but we are quite serious singers, as we compete in competitions. I have travelled all over England competing and I’ve just come back from Spain where we won a gold medal, it was ‘absolutely fabulous’. So if you get an opportunity to join a singing group go for it, whilst you’re singing you generally feel happy and I find that my mind has to focus on singing, not on what is happening elsewhere, the experience is like wonderful respite. Lynne O’Brien
Volunteers are urgently needed at the Amber Valley office - if you have a few hours to spare and are looking for an outlet to develop your skills, please contact our head office on 01773 743355 or Becky on 01246 222373. Carers Breaks - Lots of A.V. Carers have benefitted from the funding, please contact Louise Green, Amber Valley Carer Support Worker on 01773 749087 for further updates. The A.V. Support Group are planning a visit to Ashover Brewery for a tour and lunch, followed by a local country walk on 14th June. Already 28 Carers have booked! Belper Carers Support Group. Meets 2nd Wednesday of the month, 10.30am-12 Noon at Manor Farm, Newbreck Road, Belper. Ripley Carers Support Group. Meets 1st Tuesday of each month 10.30am-12 Noon at Field Terrace, (Opp. Co-op store), Ripley. Heanor Carers Support Group. 2nd Monday of each month, 10.30am-12 Noon at Park Court Community Rooms, (opp. Hospital through archway at Sheltered Housing), Ilkeston Road, Heanor.
Erewash News
South Derbyshire News
New Male Carers Group
We know you’re out there... this is the chance to set up, plan, socialise and design what would be most helpful for your own unique caring role. The first meeting will be held on Wednesday June 20th at the Carers South Derbyshire office, Grove Street CVS Offices Swadlincote, 10.00 - 12.00 Noon. Should you be interested in getting support or tips from other men who are currently caring, please contact the South Derbyshire office on: 01283 212194 or E-mail: southderbyshire@derbyshirecarers.co.uk.
Erewash Carers visit Hopton Hall, Matlock
Outlook Carers Group meets 3rd Monday of each month (except Bank Holidays), 2.00pm-4.00pm at: Outlook Centre, 99 Briargate, Long Eaton NG10 4BQ. Ilkeston Carers Support Group. Meets fortnightly on a Wednesday. 1pm - 3pm in the Stanton Room at the Ilkeston Community Hospital. Share your problems with other Carers or sit and relax and make new friends. You will be made very welcome. Telephone Emma on 0115 946 8881 for further details.
Wellbrook Medical Centre Carers Group meet at Welland Road, Hilton, Derby DE65 5GZ, from 10.00am - 12.00 Noon. Next meetings are planned for: June 18th (Carers Week stand, 9.00am - 3.00pm). July 10th. September 11th. November 13th and December 7th: Carers Rights Day, open drop-in session 9am-3pm. Recent meetings have been well attended. On the alternate months enjoy a lunch out or coffee at local Tara Centre and Pub! Future talks at the group are to be on dementia care and sight support. ‘Laughter at this group can be infectious!’ says Joan, our volunteer. Ring South Derbyshire office to speak to Joan on Friday mornings, telephone 01283 212194.
We reckon the two guys in the red T-shirts won’t make it... they look pretty legless to us!
Do you care for a child or adult with Asperger’s Syndrome, Autism or ADHD? Come along to our support group every fortnight on Thursdays, 11am-1pm at Sure Start Children’s Centre, Kenilworth Drive, Kirk Hallam, DE7 4EX. For more information contact Emma on 0115 9468881 or Liz on 0115 9320576.
British Red Cross
It was ‘hands on’ when the BRC gave a First Aid demonstration at the Staveley Carers Group last month. Our thanks to Janet Taylor and Brian Mason for all their help.
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Great selection of wheelchairs in all sizes and styles, including battery assisted. Lots of Wheelchair accessories available in store.
Cl ai m of £ £5 50 00 of f Ex this or an m y ot clud adv or pu he e e e rc r o s a rt. wi h th as ffe ny e r
Kate and Gill own and work for Care100. Kate spent two years caring for her Mum and felt that there was a real need for a Care and Mobility shop that offered a wide range of products combined with excellent service. They value their ‘Derbyshire Trusted Trader’ status and are determined to help eradicate the way elderly and vulnerable people are ‘ripped off’ by unscrupulous traders. Kate said ‘We have heard some shocking stories of overcharging and in our opinion downright theft. We are putting together a series of buying guides together with information on how to avoid scams. Hopefully if people are aware of the questions they should be asking, they will avoid the pitfalls of making a disastrous purchase’. If you need help with mobility and are considering a major purchase (for instance a mobility scooter, wheelchair or rise and recline chair), Kate and Gill suggest you follow the guidelines below: Don’t buy anything from someone who tries to sell you something over the phone. If you are getting phone calls from a company asking if you have any mobility needs, ask them to take you off their list. Try to visit the shop you are considering using. If you cannot visit them and they offer to come out to see you, make sure there is no obligation to buy. Try to arrange to have a family member or friend with you if you invite someone to your house. Ask for references. A reliable business with happy customers should be able to put you in touch with someone who will vouch for them. Don’t be in any hurry to make a decision. Try the product test drive a scooter or take time to sit in a chair. If possible, take a relative or friend with you. It’s always good to have a second opinion. If you are trading an old scooter in for a new one, make sure you shop around. You might be offered an enormous amount for your old scooter but you could be paying far too much for the replacement. Don’t be fooled into thinking second-hand is always cheaper. We have seen many customers who have bought second-hand scooters for more than they could have obtained them new. A warranty offered by a dealer for a second-hand item is never as good as a manufacturers warranty for a new item. Kate is still very sad that she was given bad advice when caring for her Mum. She says ‘I bought the wrong scooter for her. It was far too small. I also did not realise the importance of being measured for a rise and recline chair. There are so many products to help with various situations. If I had known that one-way drinking straws were available, my Mum’s last few sherries would have been much more enjoyable!’ Kate and Gill have a wide range of products in the shop and are always on hand to help and advise. They personally deliver most of the larger items free of charge and often arrive with toolkit ready to assemble beds and chairs. Carers are always welcome and the kettle is usually on. For expert help and advice on how to choose scooters, a rise and recline chair or anything else, pop in (or telephone) for a chat with Kate and Gill.