Service offer narrative: The Lancashire Carers Service offers support to Carers through the delivery of:
3 Carers Assessments
3 Peace of Mind 4 Carers Plans
3 One to One and group support
3 Magazines twice a year detailing local groups, activities and courses
3 Access to online and app. based information and support
3 Support to access community and Health and Wellbeing services
3 A 24/7 Volunteer manned Carers Help and Talk (CHAT) Line
3 Volunteer led Sitting-In service
3 Support for former Carers
3 Volunteering opportunities for Carers, including volunteering for the CHAT Line and Sitting-In services
3 Access to training opportunities
3 Access to wellbeing and emotional support therapies
3 Opportunity to join our Carers Community Network Platform
Welcome to the Autumn/Winter edition of the Lancashire Carers Service Magazine. Packed full of the latest news, advice, training courses carers stories, top tips for carers and much more.
There’s a lot going on over the coming months, including Carers Rights Day in November, and of course our Christmas events! Please have a look at everything on offer - we have a lovely selection of events.
Please keep an eye on our social media pages for the most up to date information. You can follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram or visit our website.
Please call us to book your place on any activities or training or if you need extra information about any of the activities in the magazine.
You can always keep up to date with our service offer and new opportunities by visiting our websites www.n-compass.org.uk and www.carerslinklancashire.co.uk
As always, we are here if you need us. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if we can be of any help.
We really welcome and value your feedback, comments and suggestions. There are various ways that you can get in touch with us and these details are included below.
Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm to help with your enquiries. To talk to a Service Access Advisor, please call 0345 688 7113.
Support from a dedicated Carers Assessment and Support Officer
Discuss with a dedicated member of our team about how being a Carer affects you and highlight any support you may need. We can provide you with information and support to access a break and can facilitate access to community health and wellbeing services, activities and much more. We have specialist Assessment and Support Officers in fields such as mental health, dementia, ethnicity and health services.
Carers Assessment
An assessment for you with an Assessment and Support Officer, even if the person you care for is not receiving care and support from Lancashire County Council. The assessment will include information on; the person you care for, your caring role, your
and able to carry on with all parts of your caring role. The assessment can take place over the telephone or face to face. Following your Assessment, you may be eligible for a Carer’s Personal Budget to improve your health and wellbeing.
Carer’s Personal Budgets are subject to an annual review of your Carers Assessment.
Peace of Mind 4 Carers Plan
With an Assessment and Support Officer and the person you care for, put together a plan for the event of an emergency where you are unable to carry out your caring role. The plan will include information on; property access arrangements, medical conditions and disabilities, care, medication routine and the details of people who can be contacted in an emergency. An option for up to 72 hours free replacement care from a care provider may be available for emergencies where you are taken into hospital unexpectedly or are involved in an incident involving emergency services and no support is available from family
Being a Working Carer
I have been a registered carer, and appointee, for 7 years for my step-child, who suffered a breakdown at the age of 14 which triggered a range of mental and cognitive issues.
For the first 3 years, I didn’t refer to myself as such (or even think of myself in this way). I’ve subsequently learnt that apparently, this self-denial isn’t uncommon.
65% of people do not identify themselves as a carer in the first year
Reflecting on this, I think it’s because I didn’t know of any other carers who were ‘like me’ or were caring for/supporting a child who presented with needs like ours does. I think none of us feel we know how to best have these conversations with others.
Being self-employed is definitely a boon in managing the practicalities of being a carer – it’s easier to control when I can try and make myself available for work, but this comes at a literal cost: since becoming a carer I’ve had to reduce and turn down the types of work I used to do, as its now much harder for me to be away from the family home. I’d like to think I’ve become ‘braver’ in publicly identifying myself as a carer since last year. I made it a ‘first date’ disclosure with clients, saying to them “I’d love to work with you, but please be aware that at any moment I may need to cancel meetings, be delayed completing projects etc” – which would mean that they’d immediately look to the next person. Subsequently, I’ve been seeing my earnings steadily fall over the last few years.
Personally, I’m also more isolated from not having the time I used to outside of being self-employed to spend time with friends and other family members; and the falling income from work means I can’t afford to engage with the things I used to enjoy doing.
And as a husband – my wife and I were optimistic and excited about the life we would be able to start to enjoy and look forward together, but with taking on a caring role for our child, we’re now ‘grieving’ that life we thought we would have together, and adjusting to the life we now face.
Know you aren’t the only one
Support services for carers I’ve found to date have all been designed on the assumption that you’re caring full time, and have some form of respite or cover support for yourself in place.
However, I’ve now been able to access and find other carers who are also self-employed like me. Sharing parts of our stories with each other has offered some moral encouragement that “at least I’m not the only one”.
I hope for carers in the future that it will be easier to talk about being one.
There are 2.5 million unpaid carers in employment in England and Wales (Carers UK, 2024)
That it will be easier to understand how to work with one, who’s also an employee or self-employed.
That we’ll be more ‘socially normalised’ –we’ll see more characters in movies and TV shows etc living with caring responsibilities and trying to realistically balance these with paid work of different types; and speakers at business conferences will share stories about how they’re approached trying to balance work and caring.
Hopefully, through my trying to be more open about being a carer, it will see more carers like us being able to identify each other more easily to build better peer support.
- Adrian
If you are happy to share your carers story, please contact your relevant Carers Service.
Each year Carers UK promotes Carers Rights Day where hundreds of organisations and thousands of individuals raise awareness of caring, helping to identify carers and signposting them to information, advice and support. This year, Carers Rights Day is
Thursday 21st November 2024
This year’s theme is ‘recognising your rights’.
You have a right to a healthy life, and we are here to support you in that. We will be hosting an Information Day on the 21st November at our Carers Link facility in Accrington with the following organisations:
STEADY ON! Falls Prevention Team Infection Prevention and Control Team
CHRISTMAS
Christmas Crafts
Join us for a magical craft session making festive cards with Craft Queen Lynn! With a variety of designs, stencils and odds and bobs to stick on, make your own extra special cards this Christmas.
Thursday 12th December 12noon - 4pm / Burnley £5
Thursday 14th November 12.45pm / Burnley
Carers Link Christmas Party!
Get into the holiday spirit and celebrate with festive music from singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Kirsty Newton, a two course sit down meal and entertainment!
Santa’s Grotto!
Various
Bring your little ones to our Santa’s Grotto this winter to meet Santa, tell him all of their Christmas wishes and receive a special gift. We will have festive glitter face painting, Christmas tunes, hot chocolate, mince pies and other festive treats available at our cafe. Stay to watch the Accrington light switch on and fireworks from our cosy community garden!
Thursday 28th November 5 - 7pm / Carers
Carers Activities
Trip to Lancaster Castle
Join us for a day out to Lancaster Castle! With a guided tour, you will have the chance to hear about the castle’s history with Royal visitors, the trials of the Lancashire Witches and law, order, crime and punishment!
Saturday 26th October 2024 9.30am
Cryotherapy at Clitheroe Cryo
Cryotherapy, or “cold therapy,” exposes the body to extremely cold temperatures for several minutes which releases adrenaline and endorphins, and can reduce pain and migraines!
Tuesday 14th January 2025 9.30am
Jewellery Making
Come along and get your creative juices flowing with a jewellery making session. You will have the chance to make a variety of designs with Valentines themed beads to birthstone themed!
Thursday 6th February 2025 11am / Accrington
Trip to Settle Victoria Hall & Hoffman Kiln
Join us for a day out to Settle Victoria Hall and Hoffman Kiln! Settle Victoria Hall is a Grade II listed working Victorian Music Hall, open since 1853 and is the world’s oldest Musical Hall! The Hoffman Kiln is a lime kiln built in 1873 within the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Tues 25th March 2025 9.30am / Pickup from Burnley and Accrington
Please email activities@carerslinklancashire.co.uk to register your interest in any of our activities and we will add you to our waiting list. You will receive confirmation of your place on any of our activities a week before, when we may ask for payment if required.
Carers Workshops
Understanding Dementia Courses
This course is designed to help you develop the skills and confidence to support you in your caring role. We will address key topics of diagnosis and progression of symptoms, treatment, services, and changing relationships.
All course materials are provided including a free buffet lunch.
You can find our Dementia Support Guide and Mental Health Support Guide on our website any time. Head to the ‘Who do you support’ tab along the top, and select the relevant page for you.
CARERS MEETUPS
MONTHLY / 11AM-1PM
Carers and the person you care for can join us for a cuppa and delicious lunch at one of our Carers Cafes across East Lancashire. If you haven’t been to a Carers Cafe before don’t worry as a staff member will be there to greet you with a warm welcome.
4th MONDAY
HYNDBURN BURNLEY
Carers Link Facility, 54-56 Blackburn Road, Accrington, BB5 1LE
4th WEDNESDAY
Down Town, Charter Walk
Shopping Centre Burnley, BB11 1AE
RIBBLE VALLEY PENDLE
Colborne House Cafe, 15 Wellgate, Clitheroe, BB7 2DP
ROSSENDALE
Haslingden
Community Link, Bury Rd, Haslingden, Rossendale, BB4 5PG
3rd FRIDAY
LAST THURSDAY
Lakeside Cafe, Ball Grove Drive, Colne, BB8 7HY
MALE CARERS
10:30am - 12:30pm The Chai Centre
Hurtley St, Burnley BB10 1BY
Carers Support Groups
Former Carers Support Group
We run a former carer and bereavement support group for those who are no longer carers and/or have lost the person they once cared for. Meet our staff members and other former carers, have a chat and get the support you need. “Losing a loved one can leave you feeling adrift, but talking to others can help.”
Third Wednesday of every month 11am - 1pm
Carers Link Facility, Accrington, BB5 1LE
Grief and Loss Course by Community Solutions
This 3-week course will help people with issues of grief and give people skills to support others facing issues of grief. While also helping to support people dealing with the loss of relationships, jobs and finances.
The courses are held regularly at Elmfield Hall from 9:30am til 12:30pm. Contact Community Solutions: 01254 460080 or email info@csnw.co.uk
Dementia Carers Support Group
Are you caring for someone living with dementia? You are both welcome to join us once a month at our friendly cafe for a chat over a nice hot drink. Our staff will be available to offer support, advice & to answer any questions. It is also an opportunity to share your experiences with other carers, similar to yourself and support one another.
First Tuesday of every month 11am - 1pm
Carers Link Facility, Accrington, BB5 1LE
Local Dementia Support Groups (more on our website)
CLITHEROE - Trinity Methodist Church Community Hub, BB7 2JY. 4th Thursday of the month 10am - 12pm. Contact Carol Baird on 07581 187615
LANGHO - Every Wednesday, 11.30am - 1pm. Billington & Langho Community Centre (Off Whalley Road, BB6 8AB). Contact Tricia Beach on 07971 079966
LANGHO - Friends in Nature outdoor group with ‘Outdoors 4 All Together’. Mondays 10.30am - 12noon. Billington & Langho Community Centre, BB6 8AB. Contact O4AtogetheCIC@outlook.com.
** NEW ** Cygnet Autism Training
From October 2024, we will be offering Cygnet Autism Support - a programme for carers of those living with Autism under the age of 18.
The Cygnet programme was developed by Barnardo’s with the support of parents and/or care givers, for parents and care givers!
The course aims to create a supportive environment of carers who may be experiencing similar challenges, and to present information on autism that provides opprtunities for you to consider and adapt and/or reinforce the way you support your child’s needs.
We ask that if you wish to undertake the course, you try to attend all sessions, are open to participating in activities, and remember confidentiality of those sharing within the groups. This will make the course more enjoyable and effective for all!
The courses will be running weekly in Accrington with our dedicated ASD Support Officer, with more dates and locations in 2025 to be announced:
Accrington:
Wednesdays 10am - 1pm
Carers Link Community Facility, Blackburn Road, BB5 1lE
30th October 2024
6th November 2024
13th November 2024
20th November 2024
27th November 2024
4th December 2024
11th December 2024
*FROM JAN 2025
Mental Health Support
Free Monthly Support Group
Every month, Friends of Rhyddings Park host a free support network for carers living with people who experience mental health problems. Come for free advice, tips and support. Refreshments provided.
Meetings are held once a month on a Friday morning 11.30am - 12.30pm. Visit Friends of Rhyddings Facebook page for dates and times of the next meeting. No booking required - just drop in.
Are you looking after someone who lives with a mental health illness?
“Caring for a relative or friends with a mental health condition is hard. The invisibility of the illness can make it feel like you are not a “real” carer. Trust me you are and you are making a huge difference to someone’s life.”
Register as a carer with us today! Scan the QR code to the right, or visit www.carerslinklancashire.co.uk and register as a carer with us to get the held and support you both need.
Mental Health Services
Young Carers Support
A young carer is a person under the age of 18 who is looking after a family member with a long term illness, disability, mental health or substance misuse issue. Young Carers help with shopping, preparing meals, providing emotional support, washing or helping to dress, looking after brothers or sisters, keeping the person you care for company, making sure they are safe and giving medication.
How can we help?
• free and confidential information
• give you time out from your caring role
• 1 to 1 support, including in school
• a chance to make new friends
• fun activities including days out and residentials
• regular support groups
• information and training about illnesses & disabilities
• someone to talk to
• signposting to other services
• free magazine every 3 months
Do you live in Hyndburn or Ribble Valley? Is there a child under the age of 18 in your family caring for another family member? We can help!
There are 700,000 young carers in the UK, which equates to one in twelve secondary school aged pupils. There are likely to be young carers in every school and college. We are looking to identify and support more young carers in the Ribble Valley and Hyndburn. If you work in a school or health organisation and think you may know a young carer, or you know a young carer within your family, chat to our Young Carers Team by heading to our website.
DRIVERS - WE WANT YOU
Our Young Carers Team are seeking volunteers to join us on an ad hoc basis.
Our bi-annual Carers Magazine is an essential part of our services and being able to you inform you, the carer, of events, respite activities, news and other information relevant to you that may help you in your caring role.
However, in a move towards becoming a more environmentally friendly organisation, we are encouraging carers where possible to receive their magazine by email rather than in physical print.
Why move to digital magazines?
By moving from print versions of our bi-annual magazine to digital, you could help Carers Link Lancashire save and put towards practical support for unpaid carers...
OVER £10,000 each year!
This includes the price of envelopes, stamps, franking, and printing.
To help us move towards a greener economy, change your preferences by filling in a short form on our website at the link below, or call us on 01254 387444.
Did you know that as a registered carer you are entitled to discounted cinema tickets when you join The Cinema Society?
There is nothing quite like going to the pictures. That’s why we have joined forces with The Cinema Society to bring discounted tickets to our carers. With The Cinema Society, you have access to purchase voucher codes which are redeemable against cinema tickets on any day of the week, for any movie.
Discount vouchers are available for Cineworld, Odeon, Showcase and Vue cinemas, along with 12 other outlets covering the UK.
Call Angela B on 01254 387444 or email info@carerslinklancashire.co.uk and ask for your unique access code. Then you will be able to use this code to register by visiting www.cinemasocietyclub.com
£10
£20
£50 £75
will pay for a First Aid course for 10 carers which could save a life £5
will pay for a carer to attend an activity to give them a break and the chance to be themselves
will pay for 2 subsidised complementary therapies with a qualified therapist
can provide a carer in need with an emergency plan so someone is there to care if the carer is in an emergency
will pay for a support group for a week including a guest speaker and refreshments
Email info@carerslinklancashire.co.uk or visit www.carerslinklancashire.co.uk/fundraise
Give as you Live Online is a free service that lets you support your favourite charity with your online purchases. With every purchase made through their website or app, they will donate a percentage of your total to our charity at no extra charge to you!
Choose from over 6,000 stores such as Odeon Cinemas, boohoo.com, The Works, Hotel Chocolat, Booking.com, WHSmith, Asda and more!
To set up an account and start shopping and donating, head to www.giveasyoulive.com/charity/carers-link-lancs
OUR COMMUNITY CAFE
Our café at our community facility is the perfect place to arrange a friendly catch-up or to make new friends.
Grab one of our meal deals starting from just £3.00!
or
Present your card at our community cafe and get 10% off.
Does your work bring you into contact with unpaid carers? If so, Carers Link Lancashire offer
Carer Awareness Training
This FREE session can be delivered at your workplace or by video call and varies between 20 minutes to a full hour. The training will:
• Help you understand the needs and rights of carers
• Highlight how you can best support them
• Increase your awareness in identifying and engaging carers
• Understand how important a carers health and wellbeing is For more information, or to book a training session, contact
JOIN OUR VOLUNTEER TEAM
Volunteering has many benefits, and our volunteers play a key role in supporting unpaid carers. Are you...
Looking to get back into work?
Wanting to give back to the community?
Wanting to gain skills and meet new people?
Looking for work experience?
We have a range of roles: Administration Community Outreach Retail Event Support
Cafe Support Counselling
Minibus Driver Trustees
Carers Link Lancashire have launched Carers Voice - designed for us to hear your feedback and receive your input on our services and upcoming plans. Just drop in! Refreshments provided.
Next session: Tues 29th Oct 1-2pm. Trinity Hub, Wesleyan Row, Parson Lane, Clitheroe, BB7 2JY
January 2024: “I would love some outdoor activities, maybe just walking”
April 2024: Soup and a stroll activity in Haslingden and e-biking in Clitheroe!
Our Lake District Carers Caravan
We have a stunning caravan at Lakeland, Grange-over-Sands! We offer our modern caravan for short breaks and respite, with all necessary facilities, and Lake Windermere is only a 30 minute drive away! There are water sports, bike hire, a golf course, aerial adventure course, and swimming pools all within a few minutes walk of the caravan pitch.
