Enabling and empowering disabled people and carers
Networker
Carers
Compass
Free Membership Magazine
Summer 2015
Win tickets to SS Great Britain
Pl e to a s e r e ta ad k at e a ho co m py e
Shopmobility Taunton
Meeting Room Hire in Taunton Close to Railway Station and Car Park Projector & Screen Hire £5 Laptop Hire £10 Flip Chart £5
Day Rate Monday - Friday Hourly Rate Seats for layout Theatre Seats for layout Boardroom
Mendip Suite **
Brendon Room
£100
£85
£15
£12
50 seats
36 seats
32 seats
20 seats
Rooms can be laid out in many different styles, as required. Please ask for details or plans. All rooms are fully accessible. Our rooms have a ‘Hearing Loop’ system and accessible toilets. We have limited ‘Blue Badge’ parking, which must be reserved, subject to availability. Ample parking is available on Belvedere Road, @200 metres away.
01823 282823
Refreshments Available
(please request at time of booking) Tea / Coffee - 80p per serving Tea/Coffee & Biscuits £1 per serving Various lunch options starting from £4.50 per person Other catering options are available on request including sandwiches, platters, fruit, cakes, savouries, pasties, vegan or vegetarian.
Please ask for details ** The ‘Mendip Suite’ is also available evenings and weekends. It is ideal for children’s party’s etc. being self contained with a reception lobby and toilets. ‘Mendip’ can also accommodate up to 50 people theatre style and 32 people boardroom style. For evenings and weekends only, there is a minimum booking of 2 hours which is £20 then £15 per hour thereafter. Full details on request.
Contents v Compass Disability Services is an innovative, enlightened and positive organisation. v Our mission is ‘to enable and empower disabled people and carers to have independence, choice and control in their lives’. Our values, beliefs and mission have allowed us to spread our influence in Somerset, Cornwall, Dorset, mid Wales, Warwickshire & Birmingham. v Compass Disability Services is a user-led organisation and our Board of Trustees is comprised of at least 80% disabled people. v Our principles give us the authority to explore options to give a voice to disabled people. v Compass Disability Services works through consultation, representation and service delivery, facilitating various projects. Feedback: Compass Disability Services welcomes feedback on ‘Networker’ or any of the services it provides. Alternative Formats: ‘Networker’ is also available in large print, braille, on cd, cassette, as an MP3, PDF or by email. Editorial or Advertising queries: Contact Clive Rymer, Editor on 0330 333 0089 or email: clive@compassdisability.org.uk. Disclaimer: The views expressed in ‘Networker’ are not necessarily those of Compass Disability Services.
Summer ‘15 edition 4
...............Richard Pitman, CEO
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......Compass Points - Network
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.............Compass Points - Hub
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....................DP & PHB (What?)
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....Volunteering with Compass
14 15
..Meet the team. Staff updates
16 21
.................Associate members
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.....Is the magazine any good?
23 26
.Services and useful numbers
27 29
............Carers support groups
30 32
...................Carers information
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...........................Bubbling over
34 35
............................Shopmobility
40 41 ..................Accessible Day Out 42 43 ..Tuppy Owens - Cared for sex 45
....Readers write - you can too
For further information please contact Clive Rymer, Editor on 01823 282823 or email: clive@compassdisability.org.uk
Tortoise Parking?
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‘Networker’ is produced by Compass Disability Services Unit 11-12 Belvedere Trading Estate Taunton TA1 1BH Tel: 0330 3330089 or 01823 282823 Text: 07568 109960 Minicom: 01823 255919 Email: info@compassdisability.org.uk Website: www.compassdisability.org.uk Registered Charity Number: 1099376
Compass Points
Richard introduces the Summer 2015 edition Welcome to the Summer edition of Networker. It is with great excitement that we are able to introduce Taunton Shopmobility (pages 34 & 35) to the magazine, as a new service being delivered by Compass Disability Services since April. We have taken over the service with the aim of making it sustainable over the next 3 years through a range of initiatives. The first thing that we have had to introduce is membership and charges for what has been a free service for the past 20 years. Although this has been a difficult decision it does bring us in line with other Shopmobility Schemes across the country.
In order to support services like this it is essential that Compass Disability Services also raises money through its fundraising activities. We always have a range of things going on from our Compass Carboot, our Jumble Sales to one off events such as our Firewalking Challenge which we will be holding on the 11th September, at North Petherton Rugby Club. If you are not up for Firewalking, as you will see from the article later in the magazine (page 39) there will be lots of things going on. We would love to see you there. Since the last edition we have had an election which has seen the Conservative Party elected as our Government. At the time of writing this magazine we are still assessing how this may effect disabled people and carers across Somerset. I am confident that we will keep you updated over the coming issues, with any changes that may affect you. Don’t forget to enter the competition on page 41, to win tickets to visit the SS Great Britain. That is it from me and I hope you enjoy your summer whatever you may be doing.
The next edition of our magazine is published 16th September. If you would like to comment or contribute, please contact Clive Rymer on 01823 282823 or email: clive@compassdisability.org.uk 4
“No one in the world was ever you before, with your particular gifts and abilities and possibilities”. Joseph Campbell “If you really want to do something, you’ll find a way. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse”. Jim Rohn
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Compass Points
Join the Network and have your say! News from the Network! The Compass Disability Network is a Network of disabled people, their carers and organisations that represent disabled people, which works to improve access and inclusion to services and facilities. Members have an opportunity to participate in consultation events and meetings to give their views on a range of issues that are important to them. Views are fed back to organisations and agencies that develop services such as local authorities and health services. The Network is free to join and members can participate as much or as little as they like. Being part of the Network is a great way to meet other people in a similar situation.
To join, please call Mandy on 01823 282823 or email mandy@compassdisability.org.uk
Don’t forget to update your details! If you would like to change the way you receive information from us, please let us know. For example, if you receive information in written format, we can arrange to send information by e-mail instead. If you are a bit of a ‘techy’, you might like our online version as an ISSUU magazine, (email the Editor for details). If you just receive the Networker publication we can arrange to send you information on our consultation events as
well, please let us know. Also please don’t forget to let us know if you move or change e-mail addresses. If you know of anyone that you think would benefit from being part of the Network or receiving this publication please do spread the word!
Carers Network for Learning Disability Services in Somerset. We have now established a Carers Network for parent/carers of customers of the Learning Disability Service in Somerset. The aim is to ensure that carers have an opportunity to be involved and receive information on the changes taking place in the Learning Disability Service as it moves to becoming a Social Enterprise Partnership. We have carried out a number of coffee mornings across the county during May giving parents/ carers a chance to meet us and ensure they are kept informed. We will also be updating parents/carers with communication received from the monthly LD shadow board meetings taking place as soon as we receive it. If you would like to become part of the LDS Carers Network you can provide your contact details using the following link:
www.surveymonkey.com /s/Carersnetworkdetails Or you can contact Mandy Seaman or Nat Stevens at our offices to join up.
Sedgemoor Disability Forum
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Continued on page 6 . . . .
Compass Points . . . . Continued from page 5 The most recent meeting of the Sedgemoor Disability Forum meeting took place on Wednesday 20th May 2015 at The Canalside, Huntworth, Bridgwater, TA6 6LQ. Speakers in attendance were; NHS Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group updating the group on “Care.Data”. Laura Fowler from Sedgemoor’s Digi-Link project – a local project helping to get people on-line. Emma Milton – Somerset County Council how the council is providing improved information and advice on social care with a new website “Somerset Choices” Dean Eales – Disabled Go, information about their website which provides access guides to over 125,000 places of interest across the UK. Rhys Davies – Somerset Micro Enterprises Project, providing information on the project.
Taunton Deane
Disability Discussion Group At the Taunton Deane Disability Discussion Group in March an update on Disabled Facilities Grants was given. Rachel Bye from Compass provided information on the Taunton Shopmobility service which we have been running since 1st April 2015. Martine Price – Patient Experience Lead from Musgrove Hospital came to hear peoples experiences and asked what they were doing well and what could be better. Information on Dementia Awareness was provided by Taunton Deane’s Community Officer and details of a new community project called ‘Archie’ that provides awareness of dementia through schools to help children understand more about dementia and about people who may be isolated and alone. The next meeting will take place on 30th September at Ruishton Village Hall. Transport, care and communication support can be provided to enable you to attend our Forums and Discussion Groups and we are also able to re-imburse mileage for anyone living in the areas concerned wishing to make their own way to the meetings.
Mendip Disability Forum The Mendip Disability Forum meets three times per year at Tor Leisure Centre in Glastonbury and provides an opportunity for disabled people and carers living in the area to be consulted and informed on a range of issues from different organisations. Speakers are invited to provide information on services giving members an opportunity to raise their views. A hot meal is provided at a cost to members of £6. Transport is provided free of charge for those unable to use their
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Compass Points
Join our Network and have a voice. telephone: 01823 282823 minicom: 01823 255919 text: 07568 109960 email: info@compassdisability.org.uk own or public transport.The forum has asked Compass Disability Network to assist with the future running of the group and we will be arranging speakers, transport etc. for them in future. The meeting on the 10th June 2015 will have speakers form Transporting Somerset, Mendip Citizens Advice Bureau and Bluebird Care will be doing a session on Dementia Awareness. The next meeting after this will take place on Wednesday 9th September from 11am until 3pm.
receiving more information on this, please contact Mandy Seaman on 01823 282823 or email: mandy@Compassdisability.org.uk
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If you are interested in attending or
Compass Points - The Hub
Compass Learning & Development Hub The Compass Learning & Development Hub is a project run by Compass Disability Services in partnership with the Learning & Development Team at Somerset County Council. ‘The Hub’ is a group of disabled people and carers that have an interest in training, learning and staff development. The purpose of this group is to use members’ knowledge, experiences and skills to inform and develop the learning of adult social care staff in Somerset. The Hub has four ‘core’ meetings per year, usually at our offices in Taunton, plus other meetings as necessary. Transport and communication support can be organised to enable members to attend and participate in Hub meetings, and we can reimburse mileage expenses if you are able to make your own way to meetings. The Hub’s most recent meeting took place in early June. Somerset County Council’s Learning & Development team came along to find out the group’s views around some training that is being developed for social workers, adult social care workers and occupational therapists. The aim of
the training is that staff are better equipped to assess the needs of service users. The subsequent Hub meeting is scheduled for September. If you live in Somerset and would like to find out more about The Hub project, please contact Nat Stevens at Compass Disability Services. Email: natalies@compassdisability.org.uk Telephone: 0330 333 0089 or 01823 28282 Text: 07568 109 960 More information about The Hub can be found on our website page: www.compassdisabilitynetwork.org.uk /the-hub
This magazine is read by an estimated 15,000 people and you are one of them. Welcome. You have the opportunity to get your point of view across and advertise your services or products to an audience of people with disabilities, Somerset unpaid carers or professionals who are keeping up to date. For more information please call Clive on 01823 282823 or email clive @compassdisabilityservices.org.uk. If you would like to receive a regular printed copy of this magazine, free of charge, you are welcome to join our Network free, online at: http://bit.ly/1vs0qSC (type carefully please)
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Compass Learning & Development Hub - Training In early May The Hub group delivered an induction training session for Adult Social Care staff that are new to Somerset, as we have been doing twice a year for the last few years. The training took place over a whole day with a full house of 14 delegates. The aim of this session is to share with staff our experiences as service users and carers in Somerset, as well as the things that are important to us, as recipients of services. Thanks to Caroline, Denise, Elaine and Caroline who volunteered to deliver these training dates supported by Debbie, Compass Disability Services’ Training Coordinator. Also thank you to all The Hub members that have helped to create the various elements of our training ‘behind the scenes’. If your organisation is interested in finding out more about the training we can offer, please contact Debbie Ovenden: Tel: 01823 282823 or email: debbieo@compassdisability.org.uk Pictured below are some of delegates from the induction training day, that took place at Compass Disability Services’ meeting room in Taunton on 11 May 2015.
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The Hub has delivered several training days recently. It’s great to have the opportunity to ‘get out there’ and meet new people to talk about Compass Disability Services and disability equality. We were approached towards the end of last year by Magna Housing to deliver some Disability Equality Training to their Tenant Panels. Two full-day sessions have taken place; one in Williton for Magna West Somerset Housing Association and one in Dorchester for Magna Housing Group. Both training dates took place in late April and were attended by 12 and 13 people respectively, a mixture of Tenant Panel members and staff attended. The training covered a variety of topics including; reflecting on perceptions of disability, the different models of disability, potential barriers in society for disabled people, how language can affect our perceptions of disability, and more! The training was positively received and feedback comments included: “Trainer was very good and helpful”, “Very well put across and clear”, “Excellent and experienced tutor and support”.
Direct Payment and Personal Health Budget Compass Independent Living is taking part in a one year pilot scheme with Enham Trust, Somerset County Council (SCC) and Somerset NHS Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to support people in the County to manage their Direct Payment (DP) or Personal Health Budget (PHB). For more information Tel: 01823 282823/0330 3330089 Email: info@compassindependentliving.org.uk Text: 07568 109960 From the 1st April 2015 referrals have been shared between Compass Disability Services and Enham Trust for both PHB and DP. If you have previously received DP support from Enham Trust or PHB support from Compass Disability Services this will not change. The support provided may include help working out your DP/PHB budget, recruitment, employment, payroll, managed accounts, support planning, accessing services, brokerage, ongoing support or budget reviews. Compass Independent Living is part of Compass Disability Services, a User Led organisation based in Somerset but delivering services across the Country. We provide services that support people in receipt of health and/or social care packages (Direct Payment or NHS Personal Health Budget) or ‘Self Funders’ to manage their care in a way that gives them choice and control over their lives. We can: • • •
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explain how the Direct Payment Scheme/Personal Health Budget works discuss the choices available in terms of a personal budget advise you how you could use your personal budget to employ a Personal Assistant in relation to paying Tax and National Insurance to HMRC give guidance on getting Employer’s Liability Insurance cover in place
advise on employment legislation e.g. national minimum wage, statutory rights of employees, contracts of employment etc. assist with recruiting a Care Assistant or Personal Assistant provide guidance about financial record keeping work with you to develop your care plan and provide an ongoing support (where needed) help to find the services you need
We also provide payroll and/or managed accounts services. Our managed account service is for people who may need or want additional support managing their care funding. This could be Direct Payments or Personal Health Budgets. You retain full responsibility for your own personal funding, but are able to focus on directing how the monies are spent whilst we pay the agreed support package bills from the funding received.
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Volunteering We have an amazing amount of positive activity on the volunteer front within Compass Disability Services & Compass Carers. In the Compass Carers Team, a new volunteer will be assisting, as an office based volunteer. Three potential Talk and Support Telephone Befriending volunteers received ‘Listening Skills’ training at the end of April and another four will attend a course to be held in the near future. Two of these volunteers will start on the Talk and Support telephone line in the near future.
pleasure to work with. They are an inspiration to the people of Somerset’. We hope they receive the awards they deserve. A need for more help, with our Carer Support Groups has been identified. We are however pleased that the training on legal matters, which is delivered by our Training Volunteer, (a qualified Solicitor), continues to be well received by carers all over Somerset.
Other Volunteering News
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We have continued to work with the Shaw Trust, which has recently placed a Finance Volunteer and an Administration Compass Carers Volunteer with us. We have also worked Nominated for County Volunteer with the Somerset College Internship Week, Somerset Star Awards Scheme. Through that scheme, we have appointed a Finance Volunteer, who We are delighted that our four volunteer volunteers 15 hours each week, to build Talk and Support Telephone Befrienders up their work experience and learn for Carers have been nominated for the transferable office skills. We have a new ‘Somerset Star Volunteer Awards’. These relationship with St. Loyes College, which awards will be made at celebrations to be runs a pilot scheme in Somerset. An held at the beginning of June, in Volunteer Administration Volunteer has recently Week. As their nomination form states joined us via an introduction from them, ‘Jane, Anna, Mandy and Juliet are again having the chance to learn office absolutely exceptional volunteers and The skills and get real work experience. A Compass Carers service is so lucky to further Finance Volunteer joins us during have been able to recruit them. They are the Summer holidays. An unusual role is a professional women, who have personal new Grant Writing Volunteer, who will be experience of caring. They have assisting our Business Manager. undergone internal training and have Shopmobility shown themselves willing to give up Compass Disability Services recently took several hours every week for the benefit over the ‘Taunton Shopmobility’ project. of our unpaid carers. They are totally We are in the process of developing reliable, friendly, empathetic and helpful Shopmobility volunteer roles. and have made a real difference to the If you are interested in becoming a lives of the group of carers they each volunteer with Compass Disability support. Those carers look forward to the Services or Compass Carers, contact calls and testify to the real difference the Jane Allin, Volunteer Coordinator on calls have made to their lives. They have 01823 255911 or email: become an important part of our Compass jane@compassdisability.org.uk. Carers Team and are an absolute
Training from Compass Carers
Summer and Autumn 2015 More free training for carers in Somerset It has been another busy year for our carers’ training programme. We have already begun this new financial year with a series of courses planned through the summer and autumn. We try to deliver training at different locations across the county, at a range of accessible venues.
The current series of courses are being held in Minehead, Taunton, Wells with more sessions in Chard, Yeovil and Burnham on Sea planned later in the year. We offer a range of modules, all designed to give carers knowledge and skills to support them in their caring role. The training also provides an opportunity to meet with other carers, share experiences and learn from others in a relaxed and informal environment.
New: “End of Life” – Awareness training session Working in partnership with Compass Carers, Co-operative Funeral Care has developed a short training course for carers, which aims to raise awareness of the process that follows after a death. The key areas covered will include: • What to do when someone dies • Documentation to be completed following a death • The role of the funeral director • Making funeral arrangements, and associated costs • Options and choices available to the bereaved • Planning ahead Starting in the Autumn, there will be the opportunity to attend these sessions at the Co-operative Funeral Care offices in Taunton and Yeovil, as well as having Mark Robson, Principal Funeral Director deliver a session at carer support groups. To register your interest, please contact Compass Carers on 01823 255911 or email: debbieo@compassdisability.org.uk
We are additionally working with the ‘Talking Therapies’ team from Somerset Partnership NHS Trust to run a three session course “Maintaining a Life outside Caring”. The course will look at the impact that caring has on carers, teach carers how to relate differently to the person they care for and support them to reclaim parts of their lives that may have been lost to their caring role. The first course started in early June in Bridgwater (8th June, 15th June & 6th July 10.00am - 12.00pm), but more dates are planned. 12
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Compass Training Skills for Carers: 4th & 11th September - 10.00am - 3.00pm Community Room, Wells Fire Station, BA5 2EF
Recognising & Managing Health Conditions: 19th June - 10.00am - 3.00pm Community Hospital, Minehead, TA24 6DF 24th July - 10.00am – 3.00pm Compass Disability Services, Taunton, TA1 1BH 25th September - 10.00am - 3.00pm Community Room, Wells Fire Station, BA5 2EF
Dementia Care: 12th June 2015 - 10.00am - 3.00pm Community Hospital, Minehead, TA24 6DF 10th July - 10.00am - 3.00pm Compass Disability Services, Taunton, TA1 1BH 18th September - 10.00am - 3.00pm Community Room, Wells Fire Station, BA5 2EF
Lasting Powers of Attorney:
A two hour session to explain the legal rights and responsibilities around managing people’s personal welfare and financial affairs; and their decision making abilities. These sessions will be delivered through Carer Support Group meetings. 17th June - 10.30am - 12.30pm Bruton Carer Support Group, Bruton Community Hall 19th June - 1.30pm - 3.30pm Taunton Carers UK Group, Robins Close 13th July - 10.30am - 12.30pm Wincanton Carers Support Group, Wincanton Memorial Hall 10th September - 10.30 am - 12.30 pm Yeovil Carers Support Group, Birchfield Close Community Centre 14th September - 10am - 2.30pm Chard Carers Support Group, English Martyrs Hall, Chard 22nd October - 10am - 12pm Bridgwater Carers Support Group, Victoria Park Community Centre, Bridgwater
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For more details, please check the Compass Carers website www.compassscarers.org.uk or call the office on 01823 255911. Alternatively email: debbieo@compassdisability.org.uk or elliej@compassdisability.org.uk
Meet the Team - Josef My name is Josef Tucker, I am 23 years old and a local lad.
my arms and legs and am a wheelchair user. It also means I am unable to use natural speech to communicate with others and I have to rely on my ‘Fab Communicator’ to help me. Apart from that I am just like any other young man my age. I bring a my personal story in order to illustrate my resilience and most importantly how you can be better placed should you happen to come across some body as unique as me in the future, (although I doubt that is possible). As a I originally come from Bridgwater and my motivational speaker, I have to make family still live around there. At the speeches intended to inspire an audience. moment I live in Wellington at ‘Fiennes I have also visited local schools to read House’ which is run by a national charity stories to the children and raise called Seeability. awareness of disability, in an informal I am currently doing a ‘Supported manner. I enjoy this part of my work very Internship’ programme at Somerset much as it means the next generation are College, to develop my self-employment much more aware of issues of disability. idea of becoming a Disability Awareness This is a skill I hope to build upon during Consultant; hence my placement for the my time at Compass Disability Services. next few months at Compass Disability. I am currently building a portfolio of I am also liaising with an organisation motivational speeches, on various called ‘Aspire’ based here in Taunton, who subjects, tailor made for my different belong to the British Association of audiences. In making these speeches Supported Employers, to help me reach good communication is imperative, as my my goals. customers are my audience and my I have a passion for Radio. At the moment product is my wonderful self! I hope you I have my own radio show on a local can see that I am not at all shy about community radio station called ‘10 Radio’ coming forward. based in Wivelescombe and volunteer A lovely smile goes a long way but I once a week at Musgrove’s Hospital with realise that I have to keep in contact not their in house radio station, Apple FM. only with my customer base, but also with As you can see I am a very busy young my support team at Fiennes House and at lad. So watch this space; today Taunton Compass Disability Services, because of tomorrow, who knows…….Hollywood? my unique needs. I hope that during my As a person living with a disability I bring time at Compass I will be able to meet to the Compass Disability Services team with as many people as possible. I look my personal and unique story. I live with a forward to meeting you all very soon. condition known as Cerebral Palsy as a result of being born 3 months early. For www.joseftucker.me.uk me, this means I have very limited use of
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Meet the Team - Jasmine, out and about
Jasmine was our ‘Cover Girl’ in October 2012. Subsequently, she became a volunteer, then joined the staff of the Carers team, supporting the unpaid carers of Somerset.
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Planning ahead is usually the key to being stress free. This has always been the way I like to live. Late in 2014 I took part in a BBC3 program (yet to be aired) and I became good friends with a girl called Emily. We are the same age and have very similar interests. During the making of the TV program we both agreed that we would attend a festival in the Summer of 2015 together but without a film crew following us around 24 hours a day! I am usually one for planning out everything I do. This makes life much easier for me, especially when I face barriers. As a challenge and for the Festival weekend in particular, I’m not going to bother. This has been with great encouragement from Emily, giving me some ‘bravado’. Sometimes leaving things to work out on their own makes life complicated but also exciting. Emily taught me her ‘3 second rule’, which is a brilliant challenge. Basically you think of things to do or have a task suggested and then decide YES or NO within 3 seconds. Whatever the decision, you MUST stick to it. On that basis, I will not be taking any equipment apart from my wheelchair and will be sleeping in the grass, just like everybody else! It will be a great opportunity to meet a range of new people and simply experience something I haven’t done before. I’m not worried about the access; I’m not worried about the sleepless nights. There will be plenty of people around who will be willing to help, so I’m going to embrace it. This could be a very well invested 3 seconds of my life. Look out for my write up in the next magazine! We love to hear stories about people with disabilities who get stuck in and enjoy life to the full. We spend every working day trying to make life a little bit easier for unpaid carers, the people they care for and the people with disabilities who get along, on their own. Please share your positive stories. Life can be a real grump day to day, so if you have a secret that keeps you going, maybe a club or a hobby, please share and pass on a smile. email: clive@compassdisability.org.uk.
A members story - Anne Norris When I was asked by Compass Disability Services if I thought my mum would like to write a piece about her MS I wasn’t sure; a) if she would and b) what to expect. I know I am biased, but I wasn’t expecting anything quite so positive. The day to day struggles that my Mum and Dad cope with mainly on their own, are incredible. They are amazing people and how they keep going with such positivity is beyond belief. It proves to me that life really is worth living. They have been married for 53 years and whatever life throws them they just get on with it. We all love them to bits x. Mandy (Anne’s daughter) Anne writes “I am in my mid-seventies and have suffered with Multiple Sclerosis for 40 years. When I was diagnosed it was a great shock, but for a long time physically it didn’t affect me too much and life went on as normal. Double vision and the dragging of my left leg were the first signs of the disease and fortunately after the all these years it’s just my legs that are the biggest problem. I am now in a wheelchair all the time and I also use a scooter to help me along. I have a wonderful family. My Husband looks after me day and night; I couldn’t manage without him. My Daughters, Son-in-Laws and Grandsons are very supportive and help to keep me laughing through life.
I keep as active as possible and my Husband and I have some very good friends. We are members of our local bowls club and I use a specially adapted wheelchair on the rink. I am also a member of Cheddar U3A and lead one of the reading groups. I am learning to play Bridge and go out socially as much as possible to the Theatre and Cinema. I go to the ‘West of England Therapy Centre’ in Bradley Stoke every week for group and individual physiotherapy. This is very important to me and I am sure my mobility is as good as it can be because of this. I meet lots of other people at the centre and find them resilient and positive; this helps me to be this way too”. The West of England MS Therapy Centre Bradbury House, Wheatfield Drive, Bradley Stoke, Bristol, BS32 9DB Tel: 01454 201 686
The West of England MS Therapy Centre provides treatments and therapies to people living with MS in a warm and friendly environment, which makes living with this unpredictable condition easier. Treatments aim to help reduce the physical, emotional and psychological effects of a life with MS. The Bradley Stoke Centre is situated in purpose built premises just off the M4/M5 interchange. We help people from the Greater Bristol Area, parts of Somerset and South Wales, boasting a state of the art physiotherapy gym, oxygen treatment suite and a variety of individual treatment rooms, housing the wide range of treatments and clinics on offer. They also have a café area, providing a relaxing space to sit with a hot drink and chat with friends.
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www.compasscarers.org.uk
Disability insight - Multiple Sclerosis
None of this would be possible without our wonderful fundraisers and donors. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
More than 100,000 people in the UK have multiple sclerosis (MS) More women than men are diagnosed Multiple sclerosis is not inherited, close family members may have a slightly higher risk of developing MS It is usually diagnosed when people are in their 20s and 30s MS is a condition affecting the central nervous system There may be periods of relapse of varying length and severity and symptoms can come and go Everyone's MS is different It is neither infectious nor contagious Most people diagnosed will not need to use a wheelchair on a regular basis At present, there is no cure for MS but this certainly doesn't mean that the symptoms of MS cannot be treated
To learn more about our activities and the resources we offer please email: research@ms-research.org.uk or go to our web site at:
www.ms-research.org.uk
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The charity Multiple Sclerosis Research, Treatment and Education (MS Research) is dedicated to furthering our understanding of MS and developing better treatments. We LISTEN to people who have MS and those close to them, we LEARN about everyday problems, we ACT to address and help alleviate those problems. In the South West we are linked to the Bristol and Avon MS clinical centre at Southmead Hospital where we are currently supporting research and offering specialist treatments for MS related problems like mobility and fatigue. We also support research at Bristol University to help find better ways of managing MS symptoms. As well as funding vital research we aim to ensure that information about new developments in MS research and treatment is shared and used for the benefit of those with MS and the professionals who treat and research MS. Our MS Meeting Point in Bristol provides both actual space and a virtual platform for information sharing, occasional meetings to discuss important research findings and ways of supporting those who have MS to find the resources they need to help themselves.
Registered Charity: CRN 1043280
Help and back up services Enabling Autism is a joint project between the ‘Taunton Citizens Advice Bureau’, ‘MIND TWS’ and the Somerset Branch of the ‘National Autistic Society’. The project is designed to improve access to help and advice on all topics for people on the Autistic Spectrum and of course, their families. The advice available is based around these subjects: • Money and debt • Education • Autism related issues. • Advocacy • Benefits • Social care • Employment, • Tax • Housing • Healthcare • Relationships • Mental/emotional distress • Law and rights • Consumer problems • Discrimination Advice is free, independent, fully confidential and impartial. Please note that a formal diagnosis is NOT required to take part in this project. To get this support please contact us and we will advise, signpost or refer on to other organisations that can help. We provide Autism friendly support to make the process as easy as possible.
Contact us to start getting the help you need, or to find out more:
Helen Brown tel: 07769 935445 email: helenbrown@brookdene.fsworld.co.uk Do you live with an Autism Spectrum Condition? Would you like more Help and Advice? We are most grateful to the Glastonbury & Street Lions Club, for purchasing and supplying a large quantity of ‘Message in a Bottle’ bottles for use by our members. The ‘Message in a Bottle’ scheme is a simple idea designed to encourage vulnerable people, living on their own, to keep their basic personal and medical details on a standard form and in a common location where they can be easily found in an Emergency, normally the fridge. Why the fridge? Most homes have a fridge, usually in the kitchen. It enables the Emergency Services to find the details quickly and easily, in a COMMON PLACE. In the event of fire, the contents of the fridge are protected longer. Glastonbury & Street Lions Club meet on the 1st Wednesday of the Month at 19.30 hrs, at the Bear Inn, High Street, Street, Somerset, BA16 0EF. Telephone: 01458 442021
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www.compasscarers.org.uk
Associate members
FREE ENERGY ADVICE FOR SOMERSET HOUSEHOLDS At the height of summer, it can be tricky to remember how uncomfortable it is when temperatures drop and houses become colder and damper. We are offering free support for Somerset residents to winter-proof their homes now, ready for the chillier months ahead. Warmer Improved Somerset Homes, or WISH for short, is a Big Lottery funded project to support low-income households in Somerset living in under-heated homes and struggling with fuel bills. Paying for gas and electricity is a financial burden for householders, especially for those on low and fixed incomes. Energy prices have increased by over 137% in the last 11 years and unfortunately incomes haven’t kept up with this.Somerset has a high proportion of properties that are not connected to mains gas and therefore rely on either electricity or oil to heat their homes. These methods of heating are far more expensive than mains gas, so energy efficiency improvements to homes are especially valuable. We will be offering people advice on how
to manage their energy use and reduce their fuel bills, as well as letting them know about any available grants for insulation or heating system improvements. In particular we want to offer help to households with young children and older people, since these age groups are most at risk of illness as a result of living in a cold home. WISH can support Somerset residents on the following v Understanding and better management of their energy use v Information about energy efficiency and heating controls v Advice on dealing with fuel debt v Checking that households are claiming the benefits they're entitled to v Help registering for the Warm Home Discount [# 1] and for the Priority Services Register [# 2]
If you would like more information on WISH, please visit www.cse.org.uk/wish, email us at wish@cse.org.uk or speak to a trained energy advisor on 0800 082 2234 or 0771 934 1957
www.compassdisability.org.uk
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[# 1] Those claiming certain benefits are entitled to the Warm Home Discount which is a one-off discount on the household electricity bill; ÂŁ140 for the winter of 2014-15. [# 2] The Priority Service Register (PSR) is for those with a disability or long term health issue that means they rely in a constant electricity supply. A District Network Operator (Western Power Distribution, for Somerset) can place customers on the PSR for emergency help, in the event of a power cut.
www.bridgwater.ac.uk
DO YOU RECEIVE DIRECT PAYMENTS TOWARDS YOUR HEALTHCARE NEEDS AT HOME? You can now access FREE training for your carer/personal assistant Are you an independent person who employs a personal carer/personal assistant at home to meet your individual needs? Do they have little in the way of formal training? If so, you can now access FREE professional training for your carer/personal assistant in a number of subjects, enabling your care to be carried out more effectively. These short training programmes are EPP REXMSREPP] VIGSKRMWIH UYEPM½GEXMSRW delivered by Bridgwater College, either in the home or at the College, with no cost to you or your carer. There are a wide variety of subjects available, including: • • •
HABC Safe Moving and Handling/ HABC Moving People Safely Emergency First Aid at Work RSPH Food Safety in Catering Level 2
• • • •
• • •
• •
CIEH Fire Warden/Fire Safety Level 2 2'*) 'IVXM½GEXI MR XLI 7EJI Handling of Medicines Level 2 2'*) 'IVXM½GEXI MR 4VMRGMTPIW SJ Dementia Care Level 2 2'*) 'IVXM½GEXI MR Understanding End of Life Care Level 2 NCFE Award in the Prevention and Control of Infection Level 2 Introduction to Duty of Care in a Health and Social Care Setting 'IVXM½GEXI MR 4VITEVMRK XS ;SVO in the Adult Health and Social Care Sector Understanding in Working in Mental Health Level 2 'IVXM½GEXI MR XLI 6SPI SJ the Health and Social Care Professional.
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INVITATION to the launch of Somerset’s Commitment to Carers An introduction to the draft outline of “Somerset’s Commitment to Carers” and opportunities to be involved in its development.
July 8th 2015, 10.00am to 3.00pm The Williams Hall Dark Lane Stoke St Gregory TA3 6EU Light refreshments will be provided Places are limited, please reply by 17th June 2015 deborah.demornaypenny@rethink.org Mobile: 07818 523487
Yo u r l o c a l s u p p l i e r o f quality continence care products with discreet, reliable service. F or advice and your f r ee m ail or der br ochur e c a l l A r e l l e F R E E o n 0 8 0 0 3 8 9 3 5 9 7 o r v i s i t w w w. a r e l l e . c o m BED PROT ECT IO N
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Arelle is a small, family-run business based near The Quantock Hills in Somerset. We have been working with incontinence products for 23 years and we take pride in ourhelpful, personal and confidential service. Our business has grown because we supply products that really work. Our customers appreciate that quality products save time and money. That is why they return to Arelle.
Evaluate this! Each year we ask you lovely (very lovely) readers what you think of the publication. This year the evaluation is exclusively “on-line�. Why? I hear you call. Well as you know the magazine gets to you free of charge. It costs a lot of money to produce, but we want to keep the magazine free and available, so we are watching our postal budget. If you are the sort of person that hates all that internet stuff, do not fear; give us a call on 01823 282823 and we will arrange for somebody to take your comments and complete the questions with you, over the phone. Our clever person (we actually have more than one), has designed 7 questions for you to answer, with a bit more detail requested for some of them. Please have a go at this for us. Your feedback will guide the direction of the magazine for the next few editions. You are welcome to make general comments, as they will all be read. These are the questions you will be asked on-line Question 1 : On a scale of 1 to 10, how useful is our magazine to you? Question 2 :
We currently publish our magazine every quarter, how often would you like to see us publish it?
Question 3 :
We try in each edition to mix content for different ages and needs, on a scale of 1 to 10, do we always print something relevant to you? If there is something that you would like us to cover, please include your comments in the comments box at the end of this survey. Question 4 : Have you used the useful number section of the magazine? If 'No', please leave details in the comments at the end of the survey. Question 5 : Do we have too much advertising? If 'Yes' how else would you prefer us to fund its publication? Please leave details in the comments at the end of this survey. Question 6 :
Would you pass the magazine on to anybody else once you have read it?
Question 7 : Would you prefer to read our magazine, being available via: Printed, On-line, Mobile Phone, Tablet, Laptop Computer, Desktop Computer Please leave your comments here:
The on-line evaluation survey for the magazine can be found here:
https://www.snapsurveys.com/wh/s.asp?k=143271863833 Please spare a few minutes of your valuable time to answer these questions and give us your feedback regarding our magazine, so that we can continue to tailor it to suit your needs. Clive Rymer - Editor 22
www.compasscarers.org.uk
Services for readers 0800 023 4561
Your details here for ÂŁ35 For full details telephone 01823 282823 email: clive@compassdisability.org.uk
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Helping people make the most of their lives 01278 439177 www.brunelcare.org.uk somersetenquiries@brunelcare.org.uk
0300 500 5000
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...therre for you
Networking Networking Networking
Useful Numbers for Readers
Compass Carers Compass Disability Services Compass Disability Network Compass Independent Living Personal Health Budgets in Somerset Disability Somerset Exhibition Funding for Training
All Services contact on: Tel: 01823 282823 Tel: 03303 330089 Minicom: 01823 255919 Text: 07568 109960 Fax: 01823 351790
Adult Social Care Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Somerset Direct
0300 123 2224 01278 432000 0300 123 2224
ABUSE (Safeguarding) Domestic Abuse 0800 6949999 Hate Crime 101 Mankind Initiative 01823 334244 Somerset Direct 0300 123 2224 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support 01823 324944 / 0117 929 9556 Womankind 08454 582914 ADVOCACY Advocacy in Mind 01823 334906 Advocacy in Somerset 01458 253053 SEAP 03003 435717 Swan Advocacy 03333 447928 AUTISM Autism Somerset 01278 788776 Autism Wessex 01202 703193 BIBIC 01458 253344 NAS Adult & Community Services 01179 748413 Taunton Aspergers Group 01823 368396 BENEFITS Turn 2 Us 0808 8022000 CARERS Breaks for Carers 0300 123 2224 Carers UK 0808 808 7777 Compass Carers 01823 255911 Text Phone 07568 109960 Compass Disability 01823 282823 Minicom 01823 255919 Emergency Social Care Team 01458 253241 Emergency Social Care Team 01823 257185 (6pm - 8am) Social Care Team (Sat 10am-4pm) 0300 123 2224 LOCAL AUTHORITIES Mendip District Council 01749 648999 Sedgemoor District Council 0845 408 2540 South Somerset District Council 01935 462462 Taunton Deane Borough Council 01823 356356 West Somerset District Council 01643 703704 Wellington Community Office 01823 667279
www.compasscarers.org.uk
01749 836606
Text Phone 08457 909192
The following links will take readers to websites, that aim to assist disabled people, with their sexuality. If you are likely to be offended please do not choose to use them. The content is designed for adults only. www.COSRT.org.uk www.outsiders.org.uk www.TLC-Trust.org.uk This list is for information only and while each number was checked prior to publication, errors may sneak in. If you are aware of any error or believe a useful number should be added, we will endeavour to update our list each edition with “not for profit” contacts. We also have a “Services for Readers” section, currently on pages 23 and 26, where an organisation or service provider can apply to be added for a very small fee. Additions and updates please, by email to clive@compassdisability.org.uk
www.compassdisability.org.uk
Networking
Text Phone
Networking
0845 606 46 47
Networking
Text Phone
Useful Numbers for Readers
HEALTH Age UK 0845 643 4621 Alzheimers Society 0300 2221122 Dementia Somerset 01935 473597 Dental Helpline 08457 697691 Healthwatch (BANES & NE Som.) 01225 232 401 Healthwatch (Somerset) 01823 751 403 Musgrove Hospital 01823 333444 Musgrove Hospital - Info Line 01823 342253 NHS Direct 111 PALS (Patient Advice & Liaison) 0800 0851067 Patient & Practitioner Services 01823 333491 Patient (Hospital) Transport 01278 432025 Red Cross Medical Loan 01823 273746 Yeovil Hospital 01935 475122 LEGAL ADVICE Somerset Community Care Matters 01823 334906 MENTAL HEALTH Advocacy in Somerset 01458 253053 Alzheimers Society 0300 222 1122 Carers Services -Mental Health 01749 836633 CRUSE 01278 426808 Mindline 01823 276892 Mind Infoline 0845 7660163 Rethink 0300 5000927 The Samaritans 01823 288998 TRANSPORT (ASSISTED) Blue Badge Scheme 0300 123 2224 British Red Cross Somerset 01823 273707 Concessionary Bus Pass 0845 3459155 Disabled Coach Card 08717 818178 Disabled Persons Railcard 0845 6050525 Mendip Community Transport 01749-344141 Patient Transport Advice Centre 01278 727444
Services for readers Taunton: 01823 324944 Bristol: 0117 929 9556
Challenging Disability Through Outdoor Adventure www.calvert-trust.org.uk/exmoor
Yo u r l o c a l s u p p l i e r o f quality continence care products with discreet, reliable service. F or advice and your f r ee m ail or der br ochur e
Taunton & District Citizens Advice Bureau St Mary’s House, Magdalene St, TA1 1SB. 01823 282235
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Carers Support Groups Details of these groups are checked before publication, but errors may sneak in. Please check dates and times before making special arrangements or travelling. If in doubt call our Helpline on 01823 255911, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
www.compassdisability.org.uk
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Bridgwater ** New Group Forget Me Knot, Befriending Group. Sydenham Community Hall Do craft and have guest speakers on various subjects Monday mornings 9am -11.45am Ladies group, all welcome. Contact Compass Carers on 01823 255911 Bridgwater Upstairs Gallery (venue has accessible lift), Bridgwater Library, Binford Place, Bridgwater, TA6 3LF. Refreshments available. Every 4th Thursday of the month. 10am - 12pm Contact Compass Carers on 01823 255911 Bruton Bruton Community Hall, Silver Street, Bruton, BA10 0EB Every 3rd Wednesday of each month 10.30am - 12pm More information from Sandra Consalvey (Compass Carers) 01823 255911 Burnham on Sea Burnham Community Centre, Berrow Road, Burnham-on-Sea, TA8 2ET Last Tuesday of each month, 10am to 12pm Contact Compass Carers on 01823 255911 Chard The English Martyrs Church Hall, 2 East Street, Chard, TA20 1EP Second Monday of each month, 10.30am to 12pm Pat Galpin 01460 220026 / 07708866717 Cheddar Cheddar Carer Support Group. Meeting on the first Tuesday of each month at Hannah Moore Cottage, Lower North Street, Cheddar, BS27 3HQ. Meeting 10am until 12 noon. The building is fully accessible. More information from Mike Fitzgerald (Compass Carers) 01823 255911 Crewkerne The Henhayes Centre, South Street Car Park, Crewkerne First Tuesday of each month, 10.30am to 12.30pm. More information from Gill Charnock 01460 271776
Carers Support Groups
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Dulverton Exmoor Medical Centre meeting room, Dulverton TA22 9EN. Held on first Tuesday of each month from 2.30pm to 4.00pm. Contact Surgery Carers Champion, Karen Hunt, on 01398 323333 to reserve a place (as spaces are limited to 12) More information from Anna Statham (Compass Carers) 01823 255911 Frome Frome Cricket Ground, The Showground, Fromefield, BA11 2AH First Wednesday of each month, 10.30am to 12.00pm More information from Joan Paynter 01373 302128 or Sheila Nicholson 01373 461940 Glastonbury See entry for Street & Glastonbury ‘HenTempMil’ Carers Group (for Henstridge, Templecombe and Milborne Port) Henstridge Village Hall Ash Walk Henstridge BA8 0QB Held on last Tuesday of the month from 10.30am to 12.00pm. More information from Sandra Consalvey, Compass Carers 01823 255911 Langport and Somerton ‘Rumours’, Somerton Road, Langport, TA10 9SZ Fourth Wednesday of each month, 11am to 12.30pm More information from Sue Cockle 07508 744292, email scockle.1@btinternet.com Minehead Quaker Meeting House, 9 Bancks Street, Minehead, TA24 5DJ Last Monday of each month, 10.30am to 12.00pm. More information from Anna Statham (Compass Carers) 01823 255911 Porlock Porlock Medical Centre TA24 8PJ 01643 862575 Last Wednesday of every month, 10.30am to 12.00pm More information from Anna Statham (Compass Carers) 01823 255911 Shepton Mallet Fire Station Community Room, Board Cross, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5DX 2nd Thursday of every month, 10.30 to 12.00 More information from Compass Carers 01823 255911 Street & Glastonbury Street Parish Rooms, 6 Leigh Road, Street 01458 440588 Second Monday of each month between 10.30am and 12.30pm up, More information from Debbie Hall, (Compass Carers) 01823 255911 p a gro u t e s o Taunton Deane group d like t g l n u i t o s i w x Robin Close, Community Hall, Bishops Hull, Taunton If you port for an e all the t a h p w u ow get s Third Friday of each month, 1.30pm to 4.30pm nt to kn ase contact a w t s or ju More information from Liz Pooley 07523 350772 out, ple e: b a s i fuss lplin our He 23 255911 e: 018 n o h p e 255919 te l 3 2 8 1 0 m: minico 109960 8 uk 6 5 7 0 rs.org. e r te x t: a c s s compa @ o f n i : email
Carers Support Groups
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Taunton Priorswood Priorswood Community Centre, Priorswood, Taunton First Thursday of every month, 2pm to 3.30pm More information from Vidette Quinnell (Compass Carers) 01823 255911 Wells Wells Fire Station Community Room Burcott Road,WELLS, BA5 2EF 1st Tuesday of each month between 10.30am and 12.00pm More information from Debbie Hall, (Compass Carers) 01823 255911 Wellington Wellington Medical Centre, Mantle Street, Wellington, TA21 8BD 01823 663551 First Monday of every month between 2pm and 3.30pm More information from Maria or Anna, (Compass Carers) 01823 255911 Westonzoyland Ups and Downs "Littlies" The Old School', Westonzoyland, Bridgwater, TA7 0LN Group dates vary - please phone. Ups and Downs Southwest 01278 691100 Williton Williton Childrens Centre, Killick Way , Williton, TA4 4QA Second Monday of the month, from 2pm until 3.30 pm. Supported by Compass Carers. More information from Ann Hope 01984 633058 Wincanton Wincanton Memorial Hall, High Street, Wincanton, BA9 9JF Second Monday of each month,10.30am to 12pm More information from Sandra Consalvey (Compass Carers) 01823 255911 Woolavington ** New Group Group will be held on the second Tuesday of the month from 10am until 12 noon at The Surgery, Woolavington Rd, Woolavington, TA7 8ED. For up to date information please call Mike Fitzgerald (Compass Carers) 01823 255911. Yeovil - Birchfield Birchfield Hall,Birchfield Road,Yeovil Second Thursday of each month, 10.30am to 12pm. More information from Joan Wilcox on 01935 706466 Yeovil - Old Barn The Old Barn Club, Old Barn Way, Yeovil, BA20 2NX Second Monday of each month, 10.30am until lunchtime. For carers of people with learning disabilities. More information from Malcolm Campbell (Chair) 01935 478032 Yeovil Ups and Downs Ups and Downs - "Littlies" Birchfield Children's Centre, Yeovil BA21 5RL Please contact the number below for information about future dates Ups and Downs Southwest, 01278 691100
Somerset Carers Partnership
Somerset’s Commitment to Carers We need to communicate the needs of carers better, give recognition for the work that they do, effectively plan what is needed and gain results that truly improve their lives. We are moving into a new era and improving the lives of carers will be an ongoing priority. We will be evaluating what we already have, exploring what is working well, what could be improved and what else might be needed. “Somerset’s Commitment to Carers” which replaces the “Carers Strategy for Somerset” is more than just a document, it is about a shared value, a clear vision, a way of thinking, communicating and acting. Carers from our Board are currently working with Somerset County Council and the key stakeholders who include representatives from the Clinical Commissioning Group, Somerset Partnership NHS Trust, Compass Carers, and Young Carers Services, to help to develop “Somerset’s Commitment to Carer’s”. The launch of “Somerset’s Commitment to Carers” draft proposal takes place in June and after a period of consultation it will be adopted in December 2015. We need more carers to have their say. If you are a carer or past carer we need your views, ideas and suggestions, all of which can help us to create happier, brighter lives and futures for those who give so much.
For an initial chat, please contact: Deborah de Mornay Penny - Support Officer Somerset Carers Partnership Board Mobile: 07818 523487 Email: deborah.demornaypenny@rethink.org
Caroline Toll, Carers UK Ambassador writes, “It is 50 years ago since Mary Webster founded the National Council for the Single Woman and Her Dependants. How we have moved on! Through various titles this has become Carers UK who now campaign and support carers in all situations. To celebrate the anniversary the Chief Executive of Carers UK, Helena Herklots, is doing 50 climbs throughout the country. On Friday 31st July Helena will be climbing Glastonbury Tor with the Membership Secretary of Carers UK, Janice Brown and Caroline Toll, Carers UK Ambassador for East Somerset. Mary Webster was a Congregational minister who, in the early 1960s was looking after her elderly
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parents and realized there were many others like her. Through sheer determination she raised a lot of publicity and gained support from people who had influence in the right places. She based her campaigning on research and was clearly a remarkable woman. Indeed the word “carer” did not exist in earlier dictionaries. One of Mary Webster’s surviving cousins lives in Frome. She has helped a lot with archive material about Mary and Helena visited her last year. She will be seeing off the climbers at Glastonbury Tor. If you, or anyone you know, would like to join us in this fun (depending on the weather!) outing, which will be raising funds to carry on Carers UK campaigns for carers, please contact Caroline on 01373 836438 or caroline@carolinetoll.co.uk for an official sponsorship form. Details of where and when to meet will be available later.
www.compasscarers.org.uk
Carers getting busy
Chard Carers Support Group Chard CSG, has been operating for eight years. The current leader, Pat Galpin has been involved since it started. The group meets on the second Monday of each month in the Parish Hall of the Church of the English Martyrs and is a lively, well attended, active group and one which a Compass Carers Support Worker (CSW) has attended for the last 2 years. The group offers the opportunity for carers to meet other carers in a relaxed atmosphere, get support, advice and a listening ear and provides a forum for the exchange of information about specific problems and conditions. It provides information about national and local resources and a means of getting voices heard. Speakers occasionally attend the meetings but time is also maintained for
socialising with existing and new carers (who Pat welcomes into the group) and also practical contact with the Compass Carers CSW. Recent speakers have included a Somerset Road Safety Talk, Somerset Carers Partnership Talk and a talk by the Mayor and Town Crier. The outgoing Mayor of Chard, Jenny Fenton, spoke very warmly of the Group and announced that Chard CSG had been chosen by her as one of 5 local organisations to receive funding from the Mayors Fund before she retired. Pat herself received an outstanding service award from the Mayor last year.
Coffee Morning at Thurloxton
Network, I thought it would be an ideal local choice. CEO Richard Pitman lives nearby and offered to attend the event which went really well and more folk than usual called in. It was a pleasant relaxed way of introducing Compass to new people, a number of whom were genuinely interested in the services it offers. I was delighted to find we were able to hand a cheque over for ÂŁ108 to Compass from the donations made and thoroughly recommend a good coffee morning as a money raiser. Caroline Brown
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Thurloxton is quite a small village situated between Taunton and Bridgwater, and it has an established reputation as a good place for coffee mornings. St Giles Church has been running these monthly on Saturday mornings for a wide variety of charities with excellent results – the secret is Fair Trade coffee and cake! When I was asked if I could take a turn in organising one, as a member of Compass Disability
For more information about the group or to obtain a copy of the latest program of monthly meetings for 2015 please contact Pat Galpin on 01460 220026
Carer Support Groups, get together South Somerset GP Carers’ Champion Event Otter Nurseries, Wincanton
Carers help and advice. The Alzheimer’s UK, Carers Action representing East Somerset (CARES) , Warmer Improved Homes (WISH) , Debbie de Mornay Penny from the Somerset Carers Partnership Board and the carer ambassador Susan Hartnell-Beavis were also on hand to offer information. The Compass Team attending included Debbie Domoney; Carer Support Worker for South Somerset and Mendip and Sandra Consalvey; the Group facilitator for the South Somerset area. Mandy Goodland, our Talk and Support Once again, Compass Carer Volunteer, based in Bruton, was also on representatives were invited to attend the hand to answer any questions regarding bi-annual information event organised by the befriending scheme. All in all, it was a the South Somerset Healthcare very productive day and we spoke with Federation. The staff at the garden centre over 30 customers offering help, advice, were very accommodating, as we took and signposting and handing out carer over their summer outdoor furniture advice leaflets. It was a very busy day. As section and set up shop amid the parasols always, new relationships were forged and colourful cushions. GP Carer with partner agencies and contact made Champions from several surgeries with new and old carers alike. Thank you including Milborne Port, Castle Cary, once again, to all participants and to Julie Bruton and Yeovil, were on hand to offer Woan (SSHF) for organising the event.
Parkinson’s UK Support for Partners & Carers Parkinson’s UK are offering a new support programme for partners and adult carers of people with Parkinson’s in Taunton. Delivered over six weeks (2.5 hours per week) the ‘Path through Parkinson’s for Carers’ groups are led by partners, carers and people with Parkinson’s as trained volunteer facilitators. Our experience of running similar group is that people really value the chance to meet others and talk through some of the bigger questions about caring, Parkinson’s and the future. It’s free to attend and there will be 8-12 people present. The first Path through Parkinson’s for Carers group in Taunton will meet Fridays, 5 June; 12 June; 19 June; 26 June; 3 July; and 10 July, 1.00pm - 3.30pm at Compass Disability Services, Unit 11-12 Belvedere Trading Estate, Taunton, TA1 1BH
For more information email: selfmanagement@parkinsons.org.uk or call 020 7963 3924. Information is also available at www.parkinsons.org.uk/carerspath
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Buy a Bubble! Buy a Bubble and together with Compass Disability Services you will help to create Taunton’s first ever Wellbeing Centre and Community Café with hydrotherapy pool, sensory room, community garden and space to run activities from, such as a dementia café, young carers groups, disabled kids club, gardening club, craft sessions and much more!
’ e l b b u B a y n u g i B a ‘ p Cam
Perhaps you’d like to get involved by hosting your own fundraising event or maybe you have a fundraising idea that could help us get those sensory tubes and pool filled with bubbles! To help you get your thinking caps on some of the ways in which others are getting involved include doing a sponsored walk, running a marathon, organising a cream tea and even collecting scrap metal to sell in aid of the project. So if you would like to help us make a difference and turn a dream into reality all you need to do is go to the ‘mydonate’ page set up specifically for this project, which can be found at:
https://mydonate.bt.com/events/compassbuyabubble# Or phone Rachel or Michelle on 01823 282823 Or email info@compassdisability.org.uk
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n we are o s a e r n e e nfores If for any u ith this w d a e h a o g lus funds, p unable to r u s e r a e ther support o t s project, or n io t a the don s we will use of Compas k r o w r e the wid hich is to w , s e ic v r e carers, d n a Disability S le p o isabled pe of life. support d y t li a u q r e bett to have a
Please note th at due to issue s wi t h packag i n g and posting all bub bles purcha sed are virtual.
Compass Disability Services have taken over the management of Shopmobility in Taunton Town centre. Shopmobility is based on the first floor of ‘The Orchard Car Park’, Taunton. Shopmobility is a ‘Hire Service’, providing both manual wheelchairs and electric scooters to people with limited mobility. This gives users a freedom that might otherwise be very difficult, enabling them to shop and use many other facilities in and around Taunton. The shop is open Monday to Saturday and hire of the transport can be short or long term. Currently the average number of hires is 390 per month and we have capacity for many more. Taunton Deane Borough Council were considering closing the Shopmobility facility as of April 2015. Knowing how important this service is and the potential for many new users, Compass approached the Council with a proposal to secure the long term future of Shopmobility. This involves Compass Disability Services receiving reduced funding over the next three years, at which point Shopmobility will have to become a sustainable project in its own right. To this end we are introducing a yearly membership fee alongside hire charges for scooters and wheelchairs. This year we are able to offer a discounted annual membership from lst July 2015 until 31st March 2016. In the long term, to sustain the future of Shopmobility, we are exploring a range of other services and sponsorships that can raise funds, to keep the service running and subsidised. Shopmobility will be celebrating 21 years of customer service in conjunction with the ‘International Day of Persons with Disabilities’ on 3rd December 2015.
Shopmobility ‘Shop’
Colin in control 34
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Back in May, as the scheme was settling in to the new Compass way of working I popped down to meet with Colin who Manages the shop and keeps everything literally rolling. Colin transfered to Compass with the new scheme and brings two decades of experience. There is a real comradery in the office and a real desire to help people get mobile. Colin is responsible for the day-to-day running of the scheme and carries out the training that everyone gets, before their first hire. Also being hands on with the maintenance of the machinery Colin has a real grasp of which device is best for each user, with some users having a favourite scooter. Colin gently Press Ganged Mrs Jean Dalzell into talking to me. Jean is this editions cover model. The day I met with Jean was not her best health wise. She was on the limit of her medication with her next round of injections due that week. She was
suffering with very severe arthritic pain and I was mindful that even too hard a handshake could be intolerable. Jean was delightful and so grateful to be able to use the Shopmobility scooter. Jean has her own scooter at home, but for her its impossible to get it to the town herself. Using Shopmobility she could drive her car to the Orchard Car Park, hire a scooter for a couple of hours, get her jobs done and meet up with friends. I walked with Jean for a while and learned that without Shopmobility, she would probably have had very little social interaction in the last three years. As if on cue, as we were testing the scooter Jean spotted a friend. I left them chatting, realising the value of this scheme, helping people get out and about, not just for shopping but sharing every part of their lives. So much better than being trapped at home or limited to the big out of town stores.
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If you would like more information on membership, volunteering to help at Shopmobility, or sponsoring an electric scooter please contact Su Saunders on 01823 282823, email su@compassdisability.org.uk
Good Mental Health
Pathway for Adults Mental Health Service In Somerset What is the Pathway for Adults (P4A) Mental Health Service? The Pathway for Adults (P4A) Mental Health Service provides support for people in Somerset to live more independent lives. We want to support you to get on the right path to living the sort of life that you want to live. Who can use the service? You can use the service if you live in Somerset; and are experiencing poor mental health. The service is particularly for people who might be at risk of losing their home, or who are living in (or in need of) supported accommodation. What services do we provide? We provide the support that you need, wherever you need it. € Information and advice € Mental Health support € Support to develop independent living skills € Group/ Peer support € Crisis Support € Self Harm Support
€ Employment support € Volunteer opportunities: training and support € Coping techniques for those experiencing anxiety € We can direct you to other agencies and groups
(We do not offer counselling, advocacy or personal care, but if you need these services, we can help you find them.) How can I use the service? You can either be referred to our service € for example, by your Care-Coordinator € or you can refer yourself. A referral will need to be completed by you or by someone on your behalf. Once we have received the Referral Form and assessed your needs to find out what you need and want to help you on your journey to recovery and to independent living. We will then put together a Support and Goals Plan, and start to put the support in place that you need. Contact us You can contact the us between 9 am € 5 pm every weekday. P4A East Keward House, Jocelyn Drive Wells, Somerset BA5 1QH
P4A West Eastleigh Court, Trinity Road Taunton, Somerset TA1 3JJ
Email: P4A.East@rethink.org Tel: 01749 676148
Email: P4A.West@rethink.org Tel: 01823 276075
Registered in England Number 1227970. Registered Charity Number 271028. Registered Office 89 Albert Embankment, London, SE1 7TP. Rethink Mental Illness is the operating name of National Schizophrenia Fellowship, a company limited by guarantee. • Rethink Mental Illness 2015
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Mind in Somerset Mind TWS has been running Mindline Somerset for nearly 15 years. During this time the service has supported many thousands of callers, and has over 6000 contacts per year. Funding challenges and keeping on top of new technology have been some of the things to overcome. We have seen many friends come and go. It was a great sadness when our sister helpline WAND based in North Devon was going to have to close due to funding cuts. This has meant that our 7 day a week service has been temporarily dropped back to 5 evenings Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 2000-2300h on 01823 276 892. This is while we recruit and train more volunteers. If anyone is looking for an opportunity to practice listening skills and being part of a team that make a real difference to people’s lives please get in touch via mindline@mindtws.org.uk. But out of difficult times also come opportunities and it is with great delight that from May we will be offering Mindline South Devon & Torbay opening Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 2000-2300h on 0300 330 5464. We are hoping that by the end of the year we will have both services 7 evenings a week. So the helpline sector is thriving, you can find details of Mindline and other helplines through the Helplines Partnership’s, ‘Find a helpline service’ at https://helplines.org/helplines . Mind TWS also run a Suicide Bereavement Support Service helpline on 0300 330 5463, and deliver Mental Health First Aid (www.mhfaengland.org ) training giving people the confidence to support someone in distress. For more information visit www.mindtws.org.uk or call 01823 334 906 or email mail@mindtws.org.uk. TWS offices are located at Sussex Lodge, 44 Station Road, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1NS and are available there to provide information to anyone in the community.
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your own food year round, and ‘Get Set Cook’, a free course providing advice on cooking healthy, quick and simple meals to fit your budget. Get Set Mind in Sedgemoor works to promote good mental Cook takes place on Wednesdays from 3 June. We also run Computers for Beginners courses, a health, with a focus on pre-empting mental health Craft Corner and a Culture Club, an opportunity to problems through social inclusion. We do this by meet people and experience different cultures. helping individuals to: We host counselling and listening services, as well • Reduce their isolation and distress as courses on Stress Management and Positive • Increase self-confidence and self-esteem Thinking, a weekly Job Club run by Homes in • Develop their skills for self-help and Sedgemoor and a weekly Credit Union meeting. mutual support New for this summer is a needle felt course, which • Increase awareness and understanding of takes place on Monday afternoons starting 8 June. mental health • Influence the way mental health services are Or you can just drop into the Sunny Side Up Café for a cup of tea or coffee, to meet some new people planned and delivered and have a chat! We are based at Sunny Side Up, a well-being The Sunny Side Up Wellbeing Centre and Café is centre in Bridgwater that incorporates a café, fully accessible and is at 2-3 Grenville House, training room, activity centre and counselling Rhode Lane, Bridgwater, TA6 6JE. facilities. We run a wide range of activities and courses, the vast majority of which are free. Earlier You can find out more from our website at www.mindinsedgemoor.org.uk or you can contact this year we launched a Growing Health Project in partnership with Somerset Community Food, which Steve or Heather on 01278 446935 or included sessions on our allotment on how to grow by email: mindinsedgemoor@hotmail.co.uk
‘RADAR’ keys are available from Compass Disability Services Providers of accessible toilets fit ‘RADAR’ locks to ensure the facilities are in good condition. Over 25 years, the scheme has been adopted by over 400 local authorities and many transport, retail and leisure providers. RADAR Keys are available to all disabled people and/or their carers. Even if you are a “casual” carer it may be handy to have one of these keys, to access the locked toilets, set aside for disabled people. There is no restriction on who can hold one of these keys, however the scheme exists to specifically assist disabled people. The Radar National Key Scheme key offers disabled people independent access to over 9,000 accessible locked toilets around the country. The availability of appropriately designed lavatories in public places is essential if disabled people are to be able to engage in their communities and take part in everyday activities.
RADAR keys are available in standard size or with an easy turn/larger head from Compass Disability Services. Orders can be placed by calling 01823 282823 with payment made by credit or debit card (£4.25 each) or collected in person (£3.25 each).
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Accessible Day Out
SS Great Britain, which was launched in 1843 is considered the first modern ship; being built of metal rather than wood, powered by an engine rather than wind or oars and driven by propeller rather than paddle wheel. She was the first iron-hulled, propeller-driven ship to cross the Atlantic Ocean. Her maiden voyage was made in August and September 1845, from Liverpool to New York. In 1846, she was run aground at Dundrum, County Down. She was subsequently salvaged and employed in the Australian service. Today she is fully preserved and open to the public in Bristol, UK.
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SS Great Britain The SS Great Britain was brought back home to Bristol in 1970 after 37 years sitting on the seabed in the Falklands. When the vessel returned on 5 July 1970 100,000 people lined the banks of the River Avon in Bristol to welcome home one of the jewels of Britain's maritime history. The dock where she was built, was still there, untouched, after all that time. The ship has now become a museum, with over 150,000 people visiting it each year. The SS Great Britain was the world's first iron-hulled screw-driven ocean liner, propelled by a combination of steam and sail power and launched from Bristol in 1843. She criss-crossed the Atlantic, made 32 runs to Australia with emigrants, served as a troop ship in the Crimean war and the Indian Mutiny and later became a cargo ship. The ship was eventually scuttled in the Falkland Islands in 1937 after 50 years as a storage hulk. A sad end for a great ship. Today SS Great Britain is a premier tourist attraction for the South West and prides itself on being an excellent day out, educational and as accessible as possible. The lovely folk at the visitor centre for SS Great Britain have given me TWO tickets to give away to lucky readers in exchange for an answer to a simple question below. Each ticket is for a person with a disability, who can then be accompanied free of charge by a carer. The tickets are valid until May 2016. Naturally we wouldn’t turn away an able bodied winner, but I trust you understand the point is to highlight that carers go free, which is great, I’m sure you’ll agree.
Win a Day Pass! Answer this simple question: What is the name of the river spanned by Brunels Clifton Suspension Bridge? Answer by email please, to: clive@compassdisability.org.uk, by 20th July 2015. Winners (2) will be drawn randomly from all entrants.
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As there is Free Entry to an Assistant or Carer, the prize is to win one of two tickets for a disabled person, so that the couple can be admitted free.
The Love Lives of People in your Care
Unless you are also the lover of the person you care for, I am sure that this subject has more than likely gone hazily through your mind on occasion. But, I guess it is rarely discussed. Their sex lives are most likely quite different to yours. They don't know about yours but probably you know at least bit about theirs. Or don't you? It could be that they are having a steamy affair whilst you go home to an empty house. However, most situations are quite the opposite, and we are accustomed to accepting that disabled people can't expect a rampant sex life. This article will, I hope change this assumption, and perhaps encourage you to support those you care to enjoy their lives to the full, in ways that they may only dream of now. The first step, of course is to ask them if they would like to discuss their personal lives and any difficulties they may be experiencing. Those in intimate relationships may be struggling to keep their sex lives active, and perhaps need the support of a sex therapist. They can find one locally on the College of Sex and Relationships Therapists website. Single people may be struggling to find a sexual partner, and need to discuss their options, considering their own particular sexual preferences. If they say they don't want to discuss this with you, ask if anybody else might help, and invite them to bring up the subject later, at any stage.
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Most single people will shyly agree, so sit and listen to what they would like to happen and if they fancy anyone. If they say someone like Beyonce or Bradley Simpson, mention that might be most people's dream, but unrealistic. It's OK to have a laugh because that lessens the gravity of the conversation. If heterosexual males say they have always felt rejected and unloved, quote these beautiful lines told to me by a severely impaired Columbian man (now married, his wife expecting his baby): “Finding a woman is all about maximising circumstance: • make her laugh • be very polite, and • figure out what she wants and give it to her. A wheelchair does not come into the equation. Few girls say they want someone to climb Everest with them. Usually, they want respect,appreciation, someone to listen, but overall the best aphrodisiac is laughter. Make her feel like the centre of the universe.”Hetero women can usually be pointed in the right direction by telling them to become more proactive: they can approach and make advances to men, who are often too shy to express their feelings if they fancy a woman. LGBTQ people may need specific help - they may have been struggling with their sexual identity, especially if parents and people around them disapprove. A wonderful book Health Care without Shame - a handbook for the sexually diverse and
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From our own ‘Sex Therapist’, Tuppy Owens how they feel, to remove sexual blocks and inhibitions. Tantric practitioners provide experiential education in goal-free sexual enjoyment and self discovery. All these people exist in the West Country and can be found on the TLC website or their own sites. Of course, also suggest they join my club, Outsiders which is designed especially for disabled people to find partners. It is another safe place for many disabled people to move forward. In the Clubhouse, they can make new friends, enjoy peer support and send private messages. Outsiders runs a regular monthly lunch gathering in the West Country. One little game we sometimes play at Outsiders lunches is ask members what they think is the most attractive thing about themselves and what they think puts people off. It's incredible listening to what they say and how differently you see them. Just telling them your version can enlighten and inspire them to become more sociable and adventurous. Many health professionals and carers fear that going down this route will be opening a can of worms but actually, you will be caring for a much more cheerful lassie or chappie which will, in turn, make your own working life more joyful. Give it a try
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their carers, explains how some gay and other diverse people avoid care, especially medical care completely as they fear the stigma and discrimination which they suspect will be involved! Disabled ones feel doubly stigmatised. Other kinds of sexual diversity include kinky sex, swinging, and polyamory. Disabled people may share these tastes, even if they have never had the chance to try them out in real life. Another amazing book Playing with Disabilities describes some truly incredible things that some disabled do involving BDSM involving their impairments. A good way to start a relationship is to suggest to the person they fancy that they accompany them to something they have to go to but would rather not go alone – this can serve two purposes: they get to spend time together to see how they get along, and others will assume they are an item, which itself can make it all happen. Confidence, especially body and sexual confidence is often sadly lacking. Some disabled people have never had a positive experience of their bodies (just having it operated on, poked or made to feel an embarrassment), so taking them on a positive, sexy journey can be life changing. There are several ways to help them do this. Our partners, including artists, photographers and costumiers, are listed on the Outsiders website, and specialise in supporting disabled people in their self esteem. Ashley, the photographer, for example, photographs them looking sexy, so they realise this is actually possible – see photos here! You can ask your client if they would like to use any sexual services to help them gain confidence and experience. A sex worker can help them fully understand what pleasures their bodies are capable of experiencing and how they will be able to please a partner. If they decide to go down that route, do remind them to tell the service provider that this is what they want to happen, and best use the TLC website where they will be safe. There are a wide range of services: escorts sell a complete sexual experience; sexological bodyworkers work on their bodies while discussing
Associate member
Healthwatch Somerset has a statutory place on the Health and Wellbeing Board, sharing evidence and feedback on what people think about their health and social care services to ensure that these services meet the needs of and are shaped by local communities. Healthwatch works on behalf of the whole of the community; children, young people Contact Healthwatch Somerset c/o Somerset Rural Youth Project Unit 2 Suprema Estate, Edington, TA7 9LF
and adults and needs people to tell it what’s going on in the health and social care services in their area. Healthwatch can tell services about patient experiences of care and hold them to account; it can also enter and view services such as care homes and hospitals,observe what is happening and report back to commissioners. Email: info@healthwatchsomerset.co.uk Telephone: 01823 751 403
What is Healthwatch Enter and View? Under the Healthwatch regulations, local Healthwatch organisations have the power to Enter and View service providers so that our authorised representatives can observe matters relating to health and social care services.
Purpose The purpose of the visit will be to identify good practice that can be celebrated and shared with others, and to identify any issues about which service users feel concerned.
What happens? A member of the Healthwatch team will contact the provider in advance and let them know about the intended visit. A small team of Healthwatch volunteers will come to observe the service. They will all have received training and will all have had a DBS check. They will ask staff, service users, and family members if present, some questions in a friendly and informal style about their experiences of the service. Some questions may relate to experiences of health and social care services more generally. After an ‘Enter and View’ visit, a short report will be written up and shared with the provider of the service. Recommendations may be made in order to help make services better for the people who use them. The report may also be shared with relevant commissioners and be put up on our website.
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Our readers write, right! Dear Compass, I am a carer and am in touch with Compass Carers. In April this year I took my annual trip to Pathos Cyprus to a hotel that I feel really looks after their guests. This year I felt I would like to go with somebody else who was a carer like myself. Unfortunately I could find nobody via Compass or Cross Roads carers organisations. I did however put an advert on line and found somebody to come with me. Whilst I was at the hotel I chatted to the hotels guest co-ordination scheme. I explained that I was a carer and she wondered whether I would like to bring a group of carers to the hotel. To enable me to do this she offered a very good deal for next year for one week during the period 16 - 27 April 2016. I wondered if any of your readers would be interested in considering this. (If you would be interested, please contact Clive (Editor) in the usual way) Dear Compass, my ‘Blue Badge’ expired on 28th May so I sent my renewal form in during the last week of April. I rang them a few weeks later, to ask how long the replacement would take to arrive and was told EIGHT WEEKS from application!! The delay is apparently due to so many people misusing the Blue Badge facility and more thorough checks being carried out.
Even though mine was a renewal and all the correct paperwork was sent in with the form, the process cannot be speeded up. They normally send out renewal forms about a month before the expiry of the existing badge so it looks as if there will be a lot more people without this facility during the renewal process. Could you please pass this on, so that more people are aware. V
email your letters and comments to, clive@compassdisability.org.uk
Dear Editor, “. . . . . would you kindly put an apology and correction on my behalf into the next Networker/ Compass Carers magazine for using an incorrect date in my article on page 21 of the last edition (March 2015) within the section headed ‘Provision of Residential and Community Care’. The second paragraph under this heading begins ‘ From April 2015….’ , on checking the Government’s own fact-sheets (Factsheet 6), it should have read ‘From April 2016…’. It refers to changes to the lower and upper asset capital limit for residential and community care”. Kind Regards, Gareth.
Each edition, the Editor asks Staff for their input into the magazine. This edition I asked specifically for nice crisp pictures to make the magazine more attractive and interesting. I would like to thank Scott Fletcher (Office Support) for this contribution. Seriously, if you have nice pictures regarding the world of disability and caring, we would love to see them and possibly print them in the magazine on on-line. You can send images to the email address above.
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A glitch in the system and an apology from a colleague
Could you be a Trustee? We are recruiting new Trustees, with a range of skills, to join the existing board. Compass Disability Services is looking for people who are committed to its mission, values, aims and objectives and are passionate about the work it does. As a Trustee you would be expected to ensure that the organisation complies with its governing documents, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations. Trustees use their specific skills, experience and knowledge to help the board reach sound decisions.
Becoming a Trustee will involve: • • • • • •
Scrutinising board papers Focusing on key issues Providing special expertise Leading discussions Promoting the organisation whilst enhancing and protecting its reputation Being a good ambassador for the organisation
For more information, please contact Paula Ingrey on 0330 333 0089 or email: paula@compassdisability.org.uk
Current Board of Trustees
Chair Val Palmer
Treasurer Mark Oldershaw
Trustee Denise Hole
Vice Chair Karen Attwell
Trustee Pauline Tilley
Tracy Oldershaw
Trustee
Help at Home ...there ...ther e for you
Sometimes you might need a bit of help to do the things you want. Tell us your story story.. Help us to understand you and your needs, what you find dif difficult ficult and what you’d like to do. We can then tailor our service, so we can help you do the things you want. Here are some things we could help you with: • • • • • •
Shopping Writing a letter or reading and dealing with post Getting out and about Arranging appointments, getting there and back Cleaning and light housework De- cluttering your home.
He gave us a call and we now drive Brian wher where e he wants to go. He can do his shopping, get to his appointments and enjoy trips to the garden centre. He can now spend time looking round and going for a cup of coffee. Brian said: “Everything “Everything I need is done, cleaning, shopping, doctors appointments, hospital appointments, day trips, anything.” T hi s i s n’t all we do. Fro m orga can n a hol i d ay to m ising ak a c up o f tea, w ing a lw a y s e’ll try to he l p.
Contact us Call: 0333 400 8299 Email: info@asterliving.co.uk Or visit our website: www.asterliving.co.uk where wher e you can hear some of our customers telling their stories. Please quote DR 1305 when you contact us. @
All our friendly and professional team has DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks so you know you can trust us. This is how we helped Brian… Brian’ss health was making it increasingly Brian’ difficult for him toget out and about.
If you struggle to read this, please call us on 0333 400 8299. We can produce pr oduce a version in Braille, large print, on audio, in other languages or in ‘Easy Read’ using symbols and short sentences.