Family Carers Update summer 2015

For people with learning disabilities and their families

Issue 24 Summer 2015

Registered charity no. 299889

Family Carers Update For family carers of adults with a learning disability

CONTENTS p.2: FCRG Recap

p.3: Free Calendar | AGM| Cycle Training p.4: Camden Carer Groups p.5: Henrik Lynggaard’s Leaving Speech| Kew Gardens Trip p.6-7: Carers Week Events p.8: Coach Trips | NEW Website! | Jewellery Appeal p.9: Post-19 Provision Day Recap | Family Fun Day p.10:Notice Board p.11: Become a Garden Volunteer! | Get Fit! p.12: Dates for Your Diary

Carers Week is Coming!

Carers Week is a national annual campaign which aims to improve the lives of carers and the people they care for. It does this by raising the profile of the role of caring in the media as well as celebrating and recognising the contribution the UK’s 6.5 million carers make to the people they care for and their communities.

This year Carers Week is on 8th-12th June, focusing on building Carer Friendly Communities. Communities which support carers to look after their loved ones well, while recognising that they are individuals with needs of their own.

There are over 12,000 events and activities planned throughout the UK during Carers Week 2015 including information events, roadshows, sponsored walks, tea parties and information displays. Centre 404 are involved in several events in the local area over the course of the week. See pages 6 and 7 to see what’s on.

For more information about Carers Week, please visit www.carersweek.org. To see what’s happening in Islington for Carers Week, please visit Islington Carers Hub’s website for a full timetable https:// islingtoncarershub.wordpress.com/carersweek2015/

Produced by Centre 404 404 Camden Road Islington London N7 0SJ 020 7697 1336 www.centre404.org.uk Email: family@ centre404.org.uk

Above, our lovely carers enjoying a day of pampering at last year’s Health and Wellbeing Fair

Views expressed in this newsletter are those of the contributors and may not represent the views of Centre 404, the London Borough of Islington or Camden

The Family Carers Reference Group met on the3rd March. Unfortunately Jim Beale (who will become ILDP Manager towards the end of this year), Laura Gordon (current Senior Service Manager ILDP), and Claudia Thompson (Assistant Director of Assessment & Personalisation- Islington CounciI)were unable to attend; we hope that they will be at our next meeting 5th May. Carers took the opportunity to look at our previous meeting and discuss things which can still be difficult.

Transition: general lack of information, limited preparation and accountability around the new Education, Health and Care Plans (which go up to the age of 25), some carers also spoke about the drop off in support after children leave school. It was also felt that there is a general lack of awareness regarding learning disabilities within the wider community, as it’s not always obvious at first glance that an individual has a disability.

HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE BIG ISSUES FACING PEOPLE WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES AND THEIR FAMILIES IN ISLINGTON The Family carers Reference Group consults every 2 months with Council Officers and Social Service managers.

Family carers represent us on Islington’s Learning Disabilities Partnership Board. * Housing * Healthcare services * Staff training * Fulfilling lives/activities * Personal Budgets * Education and employment * Social services care management Come along to our next meetings Wednesday 8th July, and Tuesday 1st September 10.30am – 1.00pm at Centre 404, 404 Camden Road, London, N7 0SJ. Refreshments from 10.00am, lunch will also be provided.

For further information please contact: We also spoke about housing and some carers felt Isabella Zanre, Supporting Families Team another option should be family accommodation Phone: 020 7697 1336 with an annex. This way family members will be E-mail: isabellaz@centre404.org.uk able to continue to offer round the clock support, while the individual will be able to develop their independence. It was also felt that people with learning disabilities do not always have true freedom when it comes to choosing where they want to live.

Mary Keats - Making It Real Project Manager told us about Making it Real, that this is about making social care better for service users and carers in Islington. Council and Clinical Commissioning group staff; representatives of local community organisations, carers and service users are all involved in this group. It’s a different way of measuring success, by looking at the impact on people’s lives not just statistics.

The 4 main areas Making it Real looks at are: 1.

Integration: joint working across services 2.

Information: where to find it and how accessible is it?

3.

Workforce: do staff have the right skills to do their jobs well?

4.

Active and Supportive Communities: what are the resources already available within local communities?

2

Family carers questioned how people who are non-verbal could relate to ‘I’ Statements and asked if their carers would be listened to? When asked what could be done differently – carers responded saying LISTEN to family carers, this is especially important when a child with a learning disability becomes an adult.

Get on Your Bike!

You are warmly invited to our

AGM & Annual Summer Party

Getting around town on a bicycle can be a healthier and cheaper option than a car or public transport.

With the weather getting warmer, now is a great time to start cycling in the city!

Thursday 9th July 10th July from 5pm at Centre 404

Transport for London have funding for some fantastic cycle training throughout most London boroughs.

Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced cyclist, there’s a cycle course for you.

Drinks on arrival.

Food and refreshments will be served.

You can either use your own bike or borrow one from the trainer. Sessions are held in traffic-free spaces where instructors can help you get your balance and learn to control your bike. You’ll hone your skills so you can cycle with confidence on roads with more traffic or complex layouts.

404 Camden Road London, N7 0SJ

Please RSVP by calling 0207 607 8762 or emailing general@centre404.org.uk

www.centre404.org.uk

Training is either free or subsidised depending on your borough. For more information on how you can get started, www.tfl.gov.uk/roadusers/ cycling/11689.aspx or call 0343 222 1234.

Carers Coffee Mornings If you’re a family carer of an adult with learning disabilities then join us for a relaxed chat over a coffee and sweet treats. It’s a great way to meet other carers and share information and experiences.

3rd Tuesday of every month 10.30am-12pm

(excluding December) At Centre 404 404 Camden Road London N7 0SJ

Grab Your FREE Events Calendar for 2015 Keep up to date with all the events and activities on offer for parents at Centre 404 with our brand new 2015 calendar! It includes dates of every group activity and special events happening throughout the year.

If you would like a calendar then please ask at Centre 404 reception or give us a call on 020 7697 1325 / 1336

3

Camden Carers Camden Carers Voice is a carer-led group for all Camden carers and former carers. We meet five times a year to campaign and lobby for carers’ rights.

We want to raise the profile of carers in the borough and to improve services that are important to carers.

Next meeting: Tuesday 14th July 2015

10am – 1pm at Argenta House, 1 Aspern Grove, Haverstock Hill, London NW3 2AB A light lunch will be provided Camden Carers’ Voice meeting – mental health services Following concerns raised by a number of carers, the February CCV meeting focused on mental health services. We heard from Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, Camden Clinical Commissioning Group, the Council and others, about what support there is in the borough for those with mental health problems. Carers shared their experiences of the services, which gave our speakers an increased understanding of, and insight into, the experiences of carers. If you are a carer of someone with a mental health problem there is a monthly support group run by Camden Carers Service. Please call 020 7428 8950 for details.

Other events: in April we held a hustings at the Town Hall where carers met parliamentary candidates to ask them what they would do for carers and the people they care for, if elected. The CCV meeting on 30th focused on keeping safe and safeguarding, especially in light of the new Care Act.

4

If you would like to find out more about Camden Carers’ Voice, please phone Beth on 020 7697 1336 or email beths@centre404.org.uk – or just come along to one of our meetings.

Camden Family Members Reference Group Next meeting:

Tuesday 3rd June

10am - 12.30pm at Centre 404 We want to grow a strong voice for carers in Camden, a voice that will be listened to by the council when they design and deliver services, and for that we need to hear your ideas and experiences.

• A chance to discuss the issues that are important to you • A unified and powerful voice for carers • Hear about what the Council has been doing and feedback to them about your experiences • An opportunity to influence the planning, development and delivery of services For further information please contact: beths@centre404.org.uk 0207 697 1336

• Campaign for change • Meet and talk with other carers • Be a part of shaping future services in Camden • Find out more about what is available to you • Meet council officers and others responsible for services and share your experiences with them

Henrik Lynggaard’s Leaving Speech Henrik Lynggaard was the Lead Clinical Psychologist at ILDP until April 17th. Here are excerpts from the speech Clare Palmer made when he left: I’m going to speak on behalf of all the people with learning disabilities and their families that you have worked with over seventeen years.

It’s not just that you are a brilliant psychologist.

It’s the quality of relationship and connection you offered. Each time I mentioned your name to family carers or support workers, people’s eyes would light up, they spoke so warmly about you. Here are some of the things they said.

“He offers such respect for my views, he is so interested in what I have to say”.

“He explains things in a way I can understand.”

This one is lovely: “He has such a wonderful way with words. I keep some of his best emails in a drawer and take them out sometimes to read them and cheer myself up.”

You have a balanced understanding of the conflicts that can arise between family carers and the staff providing support for their adult children.

You have a strong sense of justice and an acute awareness of the burden of frustrations and overload that can be experienced by staff and families. At the same time you delight in people’s achievements and believe it is always possible with the right support for their lives to become more fulfilling and rewarding.

The best way I can express the special quality of your work with all of us is to ask Maya Angelou to do it “You don’t feel judged; he values your opinion.” for me. She famously said “I’ve learnt that people “He says he learns from us as much as we learn from will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made him.” them feel”.

“He gives you space to explore and discover ways of coping; he never tells you what to think”.

This will be your lasting gift to many people with learning disabilities and their families. On their behalf, a heartfelt thank you.

Carers go to Kew Gardens!

The Carers 60+ group visited Kew Gardens in April to see the landscapes, iconic glasshouses, historic buildings and a vast range of rare and beautiful plants. Spring was an opportunity to see the carpet of bluebells in the woodland, the flowering cherry trees in the Cherry Walk and the beautiful magnolias which were already starting to bloom.

We also looked for the ‘Old lions’ - these magnificent trees are the oldest trees with known dates in the Gardens, dating back to 1762; this year marks their 250th anniversary.

We are planning our next visit to the London Wetlands Centre on Saturday 1st August, to find out more and book a place please contact Shirley on 0207697 1336.

Carers getting acquainted with the locals in fancy dress at Kew Gardens!

5

Carers Week

Islington Carers Hub Opening Event Monday 8th June 2015 10am – 2pm Town Hall Upper St N1 Islington Carers Hub and our partners are holding events across the borough in Carers Week to celebrate and raise awareness of everyone who cares for a partner, relative, or friend who is frail, sick or disabled, or who has a mental health or substance misuse issue

Join us to find out about the broad range of FREE COURSES, workshops, training and learning opportunities available to local carers

Featuring….  Opening remarks from Cllr Richard Watts and local carers  Dozens of useful information stalls  DIY relaxation and hula hooping workshops  Free raffle  Free lunch For more information contact Islington Carers Hub: 0800 085 1141 / 020 7561 5517 www.islingtoncarershub.org/carersweek

6

Carers UK is a charity registered in England and Wales (246329) and in Scotland (SC039307) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (864097). Registered office: 20 Great Dover Street, London SE1 4LX

FREE y luxur y good bag!

Carers Health and Wellbeing Fair for Camden and Islington

Wednesday, June 10th 10.30am to 3pm at Centre 404 Enjoy a day of pampering, relaxation and a chance to unwind • Makeup artists • Mini facials, hand and arm massage • Mocktails stall serving non-alcoholic drinks • NHS staff carrying out mini health checks • Healthy Eating Café • Laughter yoga sessions

8th-14th June Entry is FREE for Camden or Islington carers

CENTRE 404 404 Camden Road, N7 0SJ tel 020 7697 1336 www.centre404.org.uk NEAREST TUBES Holloway Road and Caledonian Road (Piccadilly Line) BUSES 29, 253 stop right outside 91, 17, 259 and 221 get off first stop in Caledonian Road southbound or last stop in Hillmarton Road northbound 43, 271 and 153 get off next to Waitrose in Holloway Road

77

Supporting Families Coach Trips in 2015!

This year Centre 404 will be taking family carers and their families on fun outings and trips across England to:

Hastings - Saturday 20th June 9am-7.30pm Whitstable - Saturday 18th July 9am-7.30pm £9 a seat for current Centre 404 members (membership will be checked at time of booking) or £15 a seat for non-members and their families. Children under 3 will travel free. For more information on membership please see the notice board on p.10 or call Centre 404 reception on 020 7607 8762 To book tickets please purchase them at the Centre 404 reception. For more information please call 020 7697 1325 or email family@centre404.org.uk

New Website Launch: Get News Quicker!

We’re so excited to have launched a brand new website where you can get all the latest news that we can’t fit into the newsletters!

It’s the quickest way to find out about upcoming events and workshops.

Find the new website at this address: https://supportingfamiliesblog.wordpress. com/

8

Don’t forget to sign up for email updates here: http://eepurl. com/08LmP

Post-19 Provision Day: Recap On Thursday 19th March 87 people attended Centre 404’s Post 19 event. This was a real mix of family carers, Centre 404 staff and stall holders. The event was arranged to provide an opportunity for family carers to get information about what is available to young people with learning disabilities after they leave school.

There was lots of information about, income maximisation, benefits advice, housing options, day service provision, further education and more besides. There were opportunities for family carers to talk to people in a position to answer individual questions about the reality of what happens as your son/daughter with a learning disability moves into adult life.

There were presentations on: 1. Financial Matters: including income maximisation and the various benefits.

2. Managing the finances for your Personal Budget: this covered how Direct Payments and financial assessments work. The new pre-payment card was

also discussed. It also looked at how the Council monitors the service and how this money can be managed: - By the council, in a holding account (this is a complete free service) - By an organization (like Centre 404) - By yourself 3. How to apply for Council housing: The Housing Options Team are working with the Islington Learning Disabilities Partnership (ILDP) to develop a range of housing options including a housing quota to house 15 clients per year into council housing.

They have created a housing options guide especially for people with learning disabilities and their families.

There was positive feedback from carers and stall holders who attended the day. People commented on how helpful it was to be able to get all the information in one place.

We hope to be able to put on more events like this so if there are other areas which you would like us to cover at future events please get in contact with me Isabella at Isabellaz@centre404.org.uk or 020 7697 1336.

www.centre404.org.uk Charity number: 299889

e Fre ry t en

Summer Family Fun Day!

Wednesday 12th August 11am - 3pm at Centre 404, 404 Camden Road, N7 0SJ

Open to Islington family carers who have a child with SEN &/or disabilities & also family carers from Camden & Islington who care for an adult with a learning disability

Games!

BBQ!

Raffle!

Call 020 7697 1325 for more information

9

Notice Board st For all the late ws, updates Centre 404 ne llow us on and top tips fo tre_404 and Twitter @Cen w.facebook.

Facebook ww 04 com/Centre4

Free download - a directory o f services for ca rers in Islingto n

Islington Carers Hub have put to gether a fantastic reso urce showing a ll services availa ble for carers liv ing in islington or cari ng for someon e who does. It ’s availa ble as a free do wnload from www.islin gtoncarershub . wordpress.com

Your Opinion Matters! ng

to providi Centre 404 is committed service to the highest standards of king at ways to carers. We are always loo y to do this is improve and the best wa m the people by asking for feedback fro that matter - YOU!

10

aluations over We regularly carry out ev ur opinions on the phone to find out yo e you may the work we do. Over tim our specially receive a call from one of g you for your trained volunteers askin fety concerns, feedback. If you have sa to hang up you can always ask them l Centre 404 so you can call the usua identity. If you number to confirm their t the way we have any questions abou ll us on collect this feedback, ca 97 1336.

020 7697 1325 or 020 76

Centre 404

Membersh

ip: Don’t forge t to membership renew your as it will be running out March 31 st 2015. Perks of member ship include rece iving the general Cen tre 404 newsletter 4 times a ye ar and money off coach outings (see p.8). Simply ask at the C entre 404 reception fo r more deta ils.

Updates on W heelchair Services in Isli ngton and Camden: Camden and Islington Whe elchair Services have changed. As o f 1st April 2015 AJM Healthcare is the new Approved Re pairer for the se rv AJM Healthca ice. re’s contact d etails are as follows: Tel: 020 3815 6444 Fax: 01323 84 9707

Email: candi@

ajmhealthcare

Address: 62 Su

.org

nningdale Ro ad, Sutton Surrey SM1 2JS

The service h as also been running a drop in clin ic on Wednesd ay ’s 9.30am - 4.3 0pm since Se p te mber 2014. The clin ic is a success and will be continuing to provide this se rvice for the foreseeab le future.

Cu

t ou

t an

dk

Handy numbers:

Could you be a garden volunteer?

For many years the lovely garden at Centre 404 has been maintained by a group of very dedicated volunteers. We plant, weed, water and generally keep the garden looking good. In the spring, summer and autumn we call for more volunteers to come in and spend a couple of hours with us, giving the garden a really good spruce up! If you are interested in helping us out with this please give Lizzie a call on 020 7697 1322. We would love to hear from you.

eep

!

Centre 404 Supporting Families 020 7697 1336 Islington Carers Hub 0800 0851141 Islington Learning Disabilities Partnership 020 7527 6600 Camden Learning Disabilities Service 020 7974 3737 Camden Carers Service 020 7428 8955 BILD (British Institute of Learning Disabilities) 01562 723010 Challenging Behaviour Foundation 01634 838739 National Mencap (learning disability) 0808 808 1111 The Elfrida Society 020 7359 7443 Carers Allowance 0845 608 4321

Our Commitment to Equality and Diversity

As part of our commitment to equality and diversity in the workplace, at the time of going to print Centre 404 is due to be reassessed 29th May for the UKIED (UK Investing in Equality and Diversity) quality mark. We first achieved this externally accredited quality mark in May 2013.

UKIED looks at the following areas: • Organisational commitment to Equality and Diversity • How well staff and service users are aware of and sensitive to equality and diversity issues • What policies and procedures are in place and what systems we use to make sure we are monitoring and meeting good practice in relation to Equality and Diversity • How well we promote and manage Equality and Diversity in our organisation By signing up to this accreditation scheme we hope to demonstrate to all our staff, service users, volunteers, customers and all those involved in our work that we are fully committed to actively promoting equality and diversity in all aspects of our work.

Benefits Advice Line 0800 88 22 00 Islington CAB 020 3475 5080 Islington People’s Rights 020 7561 3685 Islington Income Maximisation Team 0800 731 8081 Mary Ward Centre 020 7269 6000 Motability (car scheme) 0845 456 4566 Shelter (housing advice) 0808 800 4444 Hospitals: Royal Free: 020 7794 0500 Whittington: 020 7272 3070 UCLH: 0845 1555 000

11

Dates For Your Diary 3 June rd

at Centre 404

Open to all carers of adults with learning disabilities living in Camden. See p. 4 for more details.

20 June

Fun outing for all the family. See p.8 for more details.

th

8th July

9th July

18 July th

1st August

12 th August

12

Camden Family Members Reference Group

Hastings Coach Trip

Islington Family Carers Reference Group

Have your say about the big issues facing people with learning difficulties and their families in Islington. Light lunch will be provided.

Centre 404’s AGM See p. 3 for more details

Whitstable Coach Trip

Fun outing for all the family. See p.8 for more details.

Older Carers Wetlands Centre Trip

Free entry for older carers of adults with learning disabilities in Islington. See p.5 for more details.

Family Fun Day!

See p. 9 for more details.

For more information about events, training and workshops, call us on 020 7697 1336