Spring 2016 with Mental Health and Dementia Carers Insert

Spring 2016 Also inside:  Very exciting news from our Chief Executive  Forthcoming Support Groups  Staff Changes  Carers Week events  Walk and Talk Group  Wellbeing activities and programme  Our marathon runner

News from the Young Carers’ Project

Good news!

Social Activities and Outings

Join us as we celebrate our good news on Friday 22nd April. See page 2 for good news and page 13 for party details!

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Kingston Carers’ Network

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Important News from the Chief Executive Last year, RBK Adult Social Care, RBK Public Health, RBK Housing and Kingston Clinical Commissioning Group published a five year strategy called Active & Supportive Communities – this identified the kind of community support people need to help themselves to stay happy, healthy, socially active and able to cope if things get difficult.

This strategy has determined the way that services will now be commissioned, moving away from the previous grant making process.

Within the strategy, 6 high level outcomes were identified and the commissioning priorities have been developed around these Outcomes.

Outcome 4 relates to carers’ services: ‘People caring for others are recognised and valued. Carers have the support they need, tailored to their specific circumstances, to enable them to maintain a balance between their caring responsibilities and a life outside caring’. This was one of the first Outcomes to be commissioned and, in January, KCN submitted a proposal to deliver a range of carers’ services to meet the high level outcome and a range of sub-outcomes.

The tender process involved two presentations and interviews, which included a separate panel of carers and commissioners. This week we were notified that we were the successful bidder! Our service includes a partnership with Alzheimer’s Society to deliver support, training and advice to people caring for someone with dementia. Our new contract is due to start in June 2016.

This good news will mean longer-term security for our adult carers’ services and will enable us to plan for the future. As you may be aware, one of our priorities is to find new premises in the next few months. We are due to leave the Noble Centre in August so we need to find premises soon! We are in discussions with the local authority who are helping us to find alternative premises.

As always, we are keen to hear the views of carers about future premises so please contact me on 020 3031 2752 or email ceo@kingstoncarers.org.uk to discuss any issues, raise concerns or suggest potential premises.

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News from the Young Carers’ Project We have had a jam packed few months at the Young Carers’ Project! Thanks to the team, we have had great Christmas and Half Term holidays, providing activities for our 464 young carers.

Over the Christmas break we saw 196 young carers over 8 days. We had a great time on all of the activities, but we really loved our Christmas parties and our trip to the Harry Potter Studios.

We have just finished a very successful Half Term holiday! We have seen 160 young carers over the week and have had a fantastic time going to the theatre, out for a meal, riding horses with our friends at Horse Rangers and much, much more!

Since the last newsletter we have had some more staff changes. Sadly we have said goodbye to Chrissy who is off to do some more studying and we wish her all the best in this.

However, we are very pleased to welcome Chris who started with us in January!

If you know of anyone who is between the ages of 5-18 years, who cares for a family member and who would

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benefit from our support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch for information about how to refer them to the Young Carers’ Project.

Have you seen our new website? If not, check it out: www.kingstonyoungcarers.org.uk and don’t forget that we’re on Twitter; follow us for plenty of updates and info @YCPKingston

Diane, Liz, Kat and Chris Young Carers’ Project 020 3031 2754 youngcarers1@kingstoncarers.org.uk

News from the Young Adult Carers’ Project Our ‘Thriving, Not Just Surviving’ programme was designed to give our young adult carers ways to improve their physical and mental wellbeing. We saw people move out of their comfort zone at Outdoors In The City, get creative with graffiti, practice self-care at the stress workshop, reflect on eating and exercise habits with a personal trainer, explore roles & identity using dramatherapy and get into the groove with some African drumming.

Our stress workshop helped participants to identify not only what triggers their stress response but why we get stressed in the first place. We looked at what’s going on in our bodies and the importance of keeping stress to a minimum. The highlight of the day was learning how to give a relaxing head massage.

We got practised on too which left us feeling a bit jelly like…

Sadly this project has drawn to a close (see page 5), but if you are a young adult carer and would like some support, please contact the Young Carers’ Project (details above).

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Staff changes!

I am sad to share that I will left Kingston Carers’ Network on Tuesday 1st March, having been the Young Adult Carers Project Worker for two years. Thank you to everyone I have met during that time—your courage to share your needs with me has been humbling and inspiring.

We also said a very sad goodbye to Chrissy who has left her role as Young Carers’ Support Worker. Chrissy has been a fun and energetic part of the team and we are pleased that she is able to continue to work with us at our Barnfield Drop-in.

Hello, My name is Christopher (Chris) Stables and I have recently joined the Young Carers’ Project as a Support Worker. I have been volunteering for many years now, particularly in local mental health charities such as Fircroft Trust, using the arts as a way to help people cope with emotional problems. My education has been in the arts/graphic design area, but I have always leaned towards helping other people. Over the years I have completed courses in Art Therapy, counselling and mentoring, I hope I can empathise with young carers and help them to pursue their own life goals and interests.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Chrissy and Emma for all of their hard work. We’re sure you will both be successful as you take on new challenges. We are also very pleased to welcome Chris to the team especially as he has now doubled the number of men in the office!

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Could you be a KCN Trustee?

To help us in our work with carers, we are looking to strengthen the KCN Trustee Board with new volunteer members.

We particularly welcome applications from individuals with skills and experience in Fundraising, Marketing, Business Development, and HR – but the key thing is your ability to bring energy and empathy for caring to the work of the Board.

If you are interested, please email your name and postal address to volunteering@kingstoncarers.org.uk for an application pack or call Lyndsey on 020 3375 8226

New befriending service KCN are pleased to announce that we have received funding, from Big Lottery, to pilot a befriending service for carers in Kingston. The befriending service will offer supportive relationships through volunteer befrienders to carers who are feeling socially isolated.

Each volunteer befriender will be matched with a carer based on their shared interests and availability. The befriender will visit the carer, at home or in the community, once a week and provide a supportive and listening ear. All volunteers will be trained and vetted before being accepted.

If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a befriender, please contact Lyndsey on 020 3375 8226 or volunteering@kingstoncarers.org.uk.

Once our volunteers have completed their training, we will be looking for carers that feel they would benefit from having a befriender. If you are feeling isolated and would like to be considered for the befriending service, please contact Lyndsey (as above) and we will be in touch which further information.

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KCN Support Groups Carers’ Support Group Merritt Medical Centre, Chessington, 10.00am to 11.30am Third Wednesday of each month

Carers of Adults with Asperger's Syndrome Noble Centre, New Malden, 10.00am to 12.00pm First Wednesday of each month

Parents and Carers of Children and Young People with ADHD Noble Centre, New Malden, 10.00am to 12.00pm Second Friday of each month (No group in April)

Mental Health Carers Group Tolworth Hospital, 6.00pm to 7.15pm Second Tuesday of each month

Parents and Carers of Children and Young People with Additional Needs Tolworth Children’s Centre, School Lane, Surbiton, 9.15am to 11.15am Alternate Mondays For more information on any of the support groups, please contact the office on 020 3031 2757 or admin@kingstoncarers.org.uk

The Voice of Carers in Kingston Dates to be confirmed. Please contact Jo on 020 3031 2757 or admin@kingstoncarers.org.uk to join the Voice of Carers Mailing list Noble Centre, 109a Blagdon Road, New Malden KT3 4BD We know that not all carers can or want to come along to meetings, but we are keen for as many carers to be a part of the forum as possible. If you have an issue to raise or comment to make, but cannot attend the meetings, please let us know and we will share your views at the next meeting. For more information or to have your say, contact Kate on 020 3031 2752.

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Introducing our marathon runner!

I have mixed emotions, I am conflicted! You see, I’ve never been much of a fan of modern running (or cycling) attire. I have always believed that men, being men, shouldn’t be parading about in what is effectively a leotard. I have never understood why this stuff is so necessary for runners. It’s not like they go fast enough for wind resistance to be a concern. Neither is it a sport that requires the use of implements that could catch or tear something. It’s just one foot in front of the other.

Repeat. I assumed it must be a combination of marketing and vanity – “look at me, I’m so fit and fancy”.

So I rebelled. I already had some shorts and t-shirt. My only expense when I started training before Christmas was a decent pair of trainers because I over pronate (whatever that means). Even that seemed a bit soft. What’s wrong with my £10 Dunlops I’ve had since 2001?

Well my rebellion lasted exactly 2 weeks!! Look at all this extra wonderful and completely necessary stuff I must have!!

Here’s me in all my gear looking like a plonker.

I’m already running faster! I am in week 7 of my training, with 10 to go.

I have already discovered that I have bones like biscuits (I’m only 34 for goodness sake!). I have to do a significant amount of stretching after a run, otherwise my knee grates constantly. I thought this was going to be easy! After all, it’s just running

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right? I don’t have to hit, jump, kick or throw things. Just put one foot in front of the other, and repeat. For just over 26 miles. My hardship is nothing in comparison to that of the people supported by the charity I am running for though. I will be doing this in aid of the Kingston Carers' Network (KCN) and their Young Carers' Project (YCP). Unpaid caring and carers feature increasingly in our society, as people live longer and as government-funded healthcare struggles to keep pace with the strains and stresses of individual and family needs, especially amongst the most vulnerable.

KCN works hard to relieve hardship, improve carers’ quality of life and reduce the isolation of carers through a large range of services. Additionally, the Young Carers' Project provides fun and friendship for young carers ensuring that children are thriving and protected from inappropriate caring roles.

Please feel free to sponsor as little or as much as you can, here is a link to my fundraising page: https://localgiving.com/ fundraising/chrisdickinsmarathon. I have a target of £1500 but I hope to raise more. Thank you for your generosity!

News from the Wellbeing Project I have been in my post as Wellbeing and Inclusion Coordinator for almost a year now and I have really enjoyed meeting everyone who has attended some of the social activities and events organised. Since last June, here are some of the places we have visited: 

The Royal Albert Hall for the Bond Matinee

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The British Wildlife Centre, seeing wildlife native to Britain

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Southsea – for a very wet day by the sea

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Denbies Wine Estate, for a tour and sampling wine

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We have already begun this year’s programme of social activities, starting the year with a very cheesy but fun musical starring David Hasselhoff and a lovely, refreshing walk in Richmond Park followed by a cuppa and chat in Pembroke Lodge. We have a Glass Blowing workshop, visit to the fantastic Rural Life Centre and a tour of the Old Vic planned over the next few months too. For more details on our upcoming social activities see pages 13, 15 and 17 We launched our first ever Wellbeing Training Programme in October 2015, featuring workshops designed to equip carers with the skills to help them look after themselves and others. We are planning on running another Programme, featuring some new workshops, (to promote carers’ wellbeing) in April. See page 12 for more details.

Last year saw the start of the Don’t Tone Alone project offering 35 carers, 6 free Personal Training Sessions. The project has been really successful and so far, half have completed their 6 sessions.

The feedback has been positive (see page 14) and for some carers, the project has really made a difference to both their physical and mental health. Chris Robertson from Don’t Tone Alone has developed a handbook featuring exercises that carers can do at home. For a free copy, contact us at the Noble Centre.

Finally, I would love to hear any suggestions about possible places to visit or things to do, so feel free to be in touch to let me know by post (Noble Centre, 109a Blagdon Road, New Malden, KT3 4BD), phone 020 3757 8464 or email at wellbeing@kingtoncarers.org.uk.

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Young Carers’ Mentoring Project Volunteers needed Could you spare 4 hours a month to improve the life of a young carer?

We have identified a number of young carers who are in need of additional support. The aim of the mentoring project is to provide oneto-one support for these young carers, to support them to raise their aspirations and attainment and to help them build a positive sense of identity outside of the caring role.

As a Young Carer Mentor you will be matched with a young carer who you will meet with once a fortnight, for 2 hours, over a period of 6-12 months.

You will plan fun activities with the young carer and help them set and work towards their goals.

Training will be provided, covering the role of a mentor, listening skills and safeguarding procedures. All out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed.

This is a great opportunity to develop new skills whilst giving something back.

The next training events will take place on the 21st and 28th April in the evening. For more information please contact Lyndsey at volunteering@kingstoncarers.org.uk or 020 3375 8226.

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Wellbeing Training Programme At KCN we understand how important looking after yourself and feeling more in control is to your wellbeing. We launched our first ever Wellbeing Training Programme (funded by the Big Lottery) last year and we would now like to run another programme of workshops to enhance the wellbeing of our carers. The workshops are designed to equip you with the skills to help you look after yourself and others but also to make you feel more ready to deal with the ‘knocks’ in life, that can happen along the way.

This is our programme up until June and our next newsletter will have details of the Wellbeing Workshops for the rest of the year.

Each session will be held at the Noble Centre and a light lunch will be provided to those attending each course.

To book a space or for more information, contact Vanessa at wellbeing@kingstoncarers.org.uk or on 020 3757 8464.

Please note there is a limited number of spaces for each workshop

Everyday First Aid for Carers Wednesday 20th April – 10.30am to 1.00pm British Red Cross Happier Living – 2 day course Tuesday 10th May – 12.30pm – 4.00pm Tuesday 17th May – 12.30pm – 4.00pm Kate and Carol from Kingston Carers’ Network Carers’ Rights Workshop Thursday 9th June – 1.00pm – 3.30pm David from Kingston Carers’ Network

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Carers Week 2016

This year Carers Week takes place from 6th to 12th June. There are a range of activities and events taking place right across the country and we’ve put together a week of celebrations.

Friday 3rd – Young Carers’ Project Party Monday 6th – Hampton Court Boat Trip, Leaving Turks Pier Kingston (by John Lewis, riverside) at 12.00pm, returning to Turks Pier Kingston approximately at 3.00pm. Lunch provided but please bring a drink Tuesday 7th – Pamper Event at Arena Hair & Beauty, Kingston College between 4.00 pm and 7.00pm. 30 minute treatments will be available free of charge to our carers. You can choose from a mini pedicure, manicure or facial, a back massage, a hair wash and blow dry or waxing.

Treatments will initially be limited to one per carer as we expect this to be a very popular event.

Wednesday 8th – Afternoon Tea with Kate, 2pm to 4pm, venue TBC Thursday 9th – Carers Rights Workshop with David (see page 12) Booking available from Monday 21st March. Please contact Vanessa on 020 3757 8464. or wellbeing@kingstoncarers.org.uk.

Celebrate with KCN KCN and Healthwatch Kingston are working together to improve the way carers can influence services that affect them and the people they care for. We would also like to strengthen the Voice of Carers Forum to ensure that carers can share their views openly. We are planning a social event as a celebration of our new contract and would like as many carers to come along as possible.

Friday 22nd April 2016 from 6.30pm to 9.30pm at St Mark's Church, St Mark's Hill, Surbiton, Surrey, KT6 4LS Food, drink and dancing with a brief session on carer engagement!

Everyone welcome. Please contact Jo to book a place (for catering purposes) on 020 3031 2751 or email admin@kingstoncarers.org.uk

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Don’t Tone Alone Exercise Project Last year we introduced our Don’t Tone Alone (DTA) carers exercise project and we’ve had some great feedback.

Chris Robertson from DTA has a team of friendly and approachable Personal Trainers who will help to build your fitness levels and incorporate exercise in to your day. Sessions can be held wherever you feel most comfortable - at home or in your garden, a local gym or even a nearby park.

“I just thought I would write to let you know that I really enjoyed my personal training sessions. I have never had personal training before and did not know what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised.

I had trained on my own at home before and had lost the motivation to do it at all. I was bored and feeling low emotionally but thought I would try the personal training sessions offered by Kingston Carers’ Network. Chris was really good to work with and made exercising really good fun and the sessions were flexible which was great for me. We monitored my levels at the beginning and again at the end and it was amazing how much I had improved both physically and emotionally. Chris would really encourage me to do the exercises and train as much as I was able and I managed to achieve so much more than even I knew I could do.

I would really recommend it to everyone and I was so sad when it finished. Feeling motivated, I am now looking at joining clubs nearby and still training at home but much happier.

Thank you Kingston Carers’ Network for this as I would not have had the chance without you.”

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Walk and Talk We’ve had some lovely walks over the last few months and we are looking forward to making the most of the brighter weather soon. Our next walk will be through Bushey Park and then to the Pheasantry Café for a nice hot drink and cake. The walk will be at a gentle pace and no more than 30 minutes long.

Contact Vanessa on wellbeing@kingstoncarers.org.uk or 020 3757 8464 for more details and to sign up. No cost, refreshments provided.

Wednesday 30th March, 10.30am to 12.00pm. Meeting outside the Pheasantry Café. Free Parking.

Weekly Wellbeing Classes We really want to keep these classes running for carersthey are subject to numbers attending so if you have always been interested in any of the classes above do come along and try them. Feedback on these classes is really positive, the tutors are great and the classes are amazing value.

The classes are suitable for all ages and abilities and each session costs £3. There is no need to book in advance.

Zumba Gold: Tuesdays, 12.15pm to 1.15pm Stretch and Strengthen: Thursdays, 1.00pm to 2.00pm Meditation: Fridays, 9.30am to 10.30am The classes will all be held at 8-10 Browns Road, Surbiton, KT5 8SP

Newent

House,

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Social Activities and Outings Kew Gardens Currently at Kew Gardens, there is a fantastic exhibition in the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art highlighting artists influenced by Brazil and its flora. The more energetic can enjoy a lovely ‘Spring Awakening Walk’ highlighting the best of the seasonal blossoms and blooms around Kew Gardens.

Wednesday 30th March, 10.30am from Noble Centre £5 includes transport and entrance into Kew Gardens.

Please note there are limited places on this trip.

Rural Life Centre The rural life centre is a country life museum , pleasantly distributed over ten acres of field, woodland and barns, and comprises of a large number of implements and devices making over 150 years of farming.

Many aspects of village and rural life are also displayed in realistic individual settings. There is so much to explore.

Thursday 14th April, 10.30am from the Noble Centre £5 includes transport and a short tour of the Centre You will be able to book a place for the Social Events including those in Carers Week from Monday 21st March

KCN

Did you know that you can now book any of the activities online?

Visit www.kingstoncarers.org.uk/wellbeingproject/activities to book. You can still book calling Vanessa on 020 3757 8464 or by sending a letter to “Kingston Carers’ Network, FREEPOST RSET-JATX-UEAS, New Malden, KT3 4BD.”

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Drink and Draw Join us for a drink as we try out portrait drawing and painting with trained art therapist, Deborah Cottrell, and award winning artist, Carl P.S. Hoare. All abilities are welcome and a model and materials will be provided along with wine, soft drinks and some lovely nibbles Thursday 19th May, 6.00pm to 8.00pm at Noble Centre, £3.

Transport for most of our social events is from the Noble Centre. If getting to the Noble Centre is difficult for you and you would like to attend one of our social events, we are happy, where possible, to arrange pick up and drop off points near you. Contact Vanessa on 020 3757 8464 or email wellbeing@kingstoncarers.org.uk to discuss.

Craft Sessions The monthly craft sessions at Noble Centre continue to be a success thanks to the great tutelage of Karen from Yarn and Thistle. Each session runs from 10.00am to 12.00pm and costs £3 which includes the resources and refreshments.

4th March – Decorate Folded book (from February’s session) or Handmade hearts 1st April - Beading Embellishment 6th May – Covered Buttons 3rd June – Patchwork Beanbags/lavender bags For more details and to book your space, please contact Jo on admin@kingstoncarers.org.uk or 020 3031 2751.

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Do you have a friend or family member who is blind or partially sighted?

Would you like to have a greater understanding of their eye condition and the techniques to guide them effectively?

We can provide free, bespoke training for friends and family members tailored specifically to your needs. The training is part of the My Guide service provided by Guide Dogs, and consists of a basic introduction to vision impairment awareness, and sighted guiding techniques. It can be carried out in your home, or with a group of other people with sight loss and their friends and family.

The session will make you more confident that you’re providing the best support possible.

To discuss Friends and Family training, or any other ways that the My Guide service can help you or someone you know, please email myguide@guidedogs.org.uk.or call 0845 372 7499. You can also visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/myguide

Activities for carers of people living with dementia to enjoy together All are welcome to come along to the community activities.

Rose Theatre Memory Cafe: 2pm-4pm Friday 18th March dancing display by the Tamil Dancers - a mesmerising feast of vibrant colour and movement Friday 1st April In Mind Art Session. A session with an art educator from the Royal Academy offering the chance to explore a masterpiece through relaxed conversation and practical art activities .

Friday 15th April Spring craft activity - exploring creativity through craft.

Memory Cafe at New Malden Methodist Church: 2pm-4pm Wednesday 9th March Kingston Museum Toy Handling Collection presentation. A rare opportunity to handle objects from Kingston Museums toy collection Wednesday 13th April Soap Carving: The opportunity to learn more about the ancient art of soap carving and a chance to have a try.

Kingston Hospital Memory Cafe: 2pm-4pm Tuesdays: 8th and 22nd March, 12th and 26th April Queensmere Memory Cafe (Wimbledon Synagogue) : 2.30pm4.30pm We are excited to be working with Wimbledon Synagogue to deliver our first Memory Cafe in Wimbledon. The Queensmere Cafe is non denominational, open to all members of the community so please feel free to come along. (Pre-registration and booking is required) Monday 14th March Opening event with Zumba, conversation, board games and discussion Monday 12th April Singing for the Brain Session There is ÂŁ5 per person charge for the Rose Theatre Memory Cafe, the New Malden Memory Cafe and the Queensmere Cafe which includes tea/coffee and cake. The Kingston Hospital Memory Cafe is free to access.

Cream Tea at Warren House: The next Cream Tea will be on Monday 21st March 2pm-4pm. Bookings are now being taken.

For all of our community activities, if you would like to come but need a lift or help with transportation, then please do call the office on 020 8942 4137 and we will do all that we can to assist.

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Mind in Kingston E-Newsletter and Bulletins.

Mind in Kingston is now sending out the above by email to people in Kingston and is ready to welcome more subscribers. If you would like regular updates from Mind in Kingston and information on matters affecting those who access local mental health services please send your email address and interest in subscribing to: Simon Montague Taylor at Mind in Kingston Simon@mindinkingston.org.uk 020 8255 3939

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Kingston Mencap hold a monthly carers group for those carers with a family member with a learning disability.

Meetings take place on 1st Wednesday of the month -

on alternative months 1.30 at Home Farm Trust and Session House at 7.30pm 2nd March - Session House 7.30pm - speaker invited Carmen Gardier Programme to be announced for following months The meetings give carers the opportunity to discuss issues of concern, hear latest news and share experiences over a cup of tea/coffee.

Everyone welcome For information contact Gill Wood 020 8540 1399 or email jenny@kingstonmencap.co.uk

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Complementary Therapies and Beauty Treatments Holistic Therapies with Marina Alternate Mondays, 10.00am to 4.00pm Fridays, 10.00am to 4.00pm £12 for 30 minutes, £20 for 1 hour Therapies include anti-ageing facial therapy, holistic eye therapy, foot and ankle therapy, holistic bowel massage, massage therapy Reflexology and Indian Head Massage with Mitsuko Alternate Wednesdays, 1.00pm to 3.30pm and alternate Thursdays, 10.00am to 12.30pm Reflexology: £15 for 50 minutes Indian Head Massage: £12 for 30 minutes Reflexology is a therapy that treats the feet in order to balance the whole body. Indian Head Massage releases stress that has accumulated in the tissues, muscles and joints of the head, face, neck and shoulders to bring the energy of the whole body back into balance.

Hairdressing by Gina One Thursday every six weeks, 10.00am to 2.00pm £5 per appointment Healing Touch Massage with Roman Alternate Thursdays, 10.00am to 12.30pm £12 for 30 minutes, £20 for 1 hour Therapies include full body massage, deep tissue massage, natural lift face massage and back, neck and shoulder massage.

For more information or to book an appointment, please contact Jo on admin@kingstoncarers.org.uk or 020 3031 2751

Focus on: Chief Inspector of Hospitals’ Inspection of Trust Services The Care Quality Commission (CQC) will return to the Trust to complete a second Chief Inspector of Hospitals’ inspection of the Trust’s services. The inspection is scheduled to begin on 14 March 2016 and the CQC inspectors will be looking at the Trust’s services in respect of them being – safe, effective, caring, responsive and wellled.

The Trust was part of a pilot for the new CQC inspection regime in March 2014. The conclusion of that inspection was positive, summarising Trust services as ‘safe’, ‘compassionate’ and ‘well-led’, but it did not award a formal rating due the pilot nature of the visit. All of the Trusts that went through this pilot inspection are having new inspections over the next few months.

Ahead of the inspection, CQC inspectors attended a mental health carers’ support group meeting. This was so that they could meet with carers to hear about any positive and/or negative feedback they wished to share on the services that they and/or the people they cared for had accessed from the Trust, during the preceding 12 months. Anyone who was not able to attend the meeting but would like to feedback to the CQC on their recent experiences (in the past 12 months) of using Trust services can do so by using the online form on their website at http://www.cqc.org.uk/shareyour-experience-finder, by telephoning 03000 61 61 61 or by emailing enquiries@cqc.org.uk.

Recent communication from David Bradley, Chief Executive of the Trust, advises as follows: … The main inspection at the Trust is scheduled to take place during the week commencing 14 March 2016. During this week, the CQC has identified 12 teams dedicated to reviewing our services, categorised by CQC [as] core services e.g. Acute wards, CAMHS community teams, Forensic services etc. Each team will comprise six people.

We have been advised that 39 of our services can expect an announced inspection during that week. However, there will also be additional unannounced visits. During these team visits, the CQC will speak to staff, patients and carers as well as review processes and procedures, the environment etc. to establish the true quality of care delivered. However, the CQC teams are professionals and the visits will not be intrusive – the care of our patients is the priority.

In addition to the service inspections, there will be 18 staff focus groups, a review of quality governance and several senior manager/ Executive interviews. The inspection is comprehensive and seeks to really understand the patient experience and care pathway.

I want to reassure you that during the inspection, staffing levels and the quality of care will be maintained. By providing us with a forward plan, the CQC are ensuring any additional staffing requirements can be planned in advance.

Beyond the week of the inspection, we expect there will be further unannounced visits by the CQC and they will continue [to] request information.

The conclusion and findings from the visit will be shared at a Quality Summit, jointly hosted by the CQC and NHS Improvement. Although we will not have a timeframe for a while, we anticipate the Quality Summit will be 3-4 months after the visit. This is when our rating will be publicised. …

Carers of People with Mental Health Issues A new campaign to increase investment into the provision of mental health services has been launched and is supported by Ruby Wax, Alastair Campbell and Norman Lamb MP, amongst others. To join them and sign the petition, visit www.equality4mentalhealth.uk, #equality4mentalhealth.

The Five Year Forward View for Mental Health that the independent Mental Health Taskforce (commissioned by NHS England and chaired by Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of Mind) has now been published. This is an important document which calls for greater parity of esteem between physical and mental wellbeing. You can download a copy of it from: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mentalhealth/taskforce/.

Free online video course for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) carers.

There is a free course of videos to watch online showing how family members can cope better with someone diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. The Family Connections Companion Videos - "Open Your Mind Before You Open Your Mouth" are on the American NEABPD National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder website. The videos were made in conjunction with the National Office for Suicide Prevention in Ireland. Mental health professionals take part and actors reenact scenes described by service users and carers. You can click on the Family Connections Companion Videos course link in the scrolling banner at the top of the home page of the NEABPD website or use this link http://www.borderlinepersonalitydisorder.com/bpd-awareness-month/may-bpdawareness-video-series/ Are you supporting a sibling? Do you know a brother or sister of someone who has mental health problems? Sibling carers can have a very distinct and important role and often be overlooked by services. Rethink Mental Illness has a specific resource for siblings recognising their caring role – the Siblings Network. The toolkit on the Sibling Network has help sheets that deal with a number of practical issues: Reflecting on what has happened; Creating your own wellbeing; Managing stress; Planning for the future; How can I best support my sibling?; Who’s who for your sibling? The Network runs events and workshops around the country and you can follow the link to London events. There have been sibling workshops in the past on Communication Skills, for example. There are also stories of siblings sharing their experiences. You are not alone – some of the videos and resources might be helpful for you. The resource is geared to siblings of different ages from young carers to older adult siblings. There is also a research project, the e-siblings project

http://siblingpsychosis.org/, a collaboration between Rethink and Kings College London with the aim of looking into how best to support siblings of young people affected by psychosis. Find out more about the Siblings Network at www.rethink.org/carers-family-friends/brothers-and-sisters-siblings-network.

Beat (in partnership with ASOS) offers an adult carers' online support group for anyone aged 18 or over who is a parent, friend or partner of someone who is affected by an eating disorder. There’s no pressure to attend every time and you can attend as often or as little as you like. Carers' Online Support Groups provide a comfortable and supportive environment where you can share your experiences, thoughts, successes and problems with others in similar situations. Each group is facilitated by a Beat online group facilitator and a staff moderator who provide a safe space for discussion and may signpost you to other sources of support if appropriate. The Carer Online Groups have an open format, providing the chance to raise discussion points. Groups last approximately 1 hour. The groups run on the second Wednesday of each month, 5.30pm to 6.30pm. Register your interest by emailing onlineservices@beat.co.uk. Questions or concerns about Beat’s Online Support Groups can also be emailed to that email address.

LGBT Issues and Mental Health workshop, Thursday 28th April 2016, 10am4.30pm - LGBT people are at significantly higher risk than heterosexual people, of suicidal feelings, self-harm, drug and alcohol misuse and having mental health problems. Findings by the Care Services Improvement Partnership (CSIP) have linked poor mental health to the experience of homophobia and bullying. Workshop participants will increase their awareness of issues experienced (on a personal, community and institutional level) by lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transsexuals.

The workshop is suitable for friends and family as well as anyone working or living with LGBT mental health services users, including: social workers, psychotherapists, counsellors and voluntary sector workers. Topics covered by the workshop include: Statistics, facts and terminology; The effects of discrimination and homophobia on mental health; Use of language; How developing sexuality and related issues around ‘coming out’ affect psychological development and mental wellbeing; Understanding equality and diversity; Developing socially inclusive practices and services. Fees: £12 for unwaged people; £90 per person for waged persons and voluntary organisations; £120 per person for statutory/private organisations. Book online at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lgbt-issues-and-mental-health-tickets-21555169091.

Pharmacy Services at South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust (SWLSTG) have developed a free innovative app to help with the safe prescribing, administering and monitoring of lithium. In the UK, Lithium Carbonate (often referred to as Lithium) is the medication most commonly used to treat bipolar disorder. For lithium to be effective, the dosage must be strictly administered, and patients need to have their lithium blood level checked every 3 months, their kidney and thyroid function checked every 6 months and attend a full annual health check with their healthcare provider. Patients can only receive a supply of lithium from a hospital or community pharmacy if they can show evidence of an up to date blood level result. Research by the Pharmacy team showed that patients wanted the option of recording this information in an electronic format, rather than a paper booklet, as

was traditional. This led the team to develop a phone app with the mobile technology developer Incentivated - who had valuable previous experience and knowledge of the health sector. Although the app is focused on lithium medicine management, the wider aim is to develop a framework which can be adapted for a broad range of medicines.

Pharmacy Services are hoping this will aid patients and health teams administer and monitor additional medicines and be a useful tool for other healthcare Trusts with similar needs or for further development and enhancement. The app was developed with the support of Bipolar UK members and will: Record lithium treatment & levels; Set health check reminders using the calendar function; Record health check results at recommended intervals; Record mood and sleep using the diary function; Email GP or Specialist prescriber test results; Store emergency information & contacts; Have a learning section with frequently asked questions, Dos and Don'ts and a section on side effects. The app is: Free to download, Password protected, Has no in-app purchases, Available for Apple and Android devices for use in the UK. Funding for the development of the app was provided by South West London Academic, Health and Social Care system. Download the Apple IPhone version of the Lithium App at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nhs-physical-health-monitor/id1040946243?mt=8.

Download the Android version of the Lithium App at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.incentivated.nhs.HealthMonitor People who self harm often find it difficult to talk about the way they cope, their feelings and difficulties and it can be helpful to talk things through. Often individuals who self harm face discrimination, shame and isolation and having somewhere they can access support can go a long way towards helping with this. Supporting someone who self harms can also be difficult, and requires patience, understanding and compassion. Harmless is a national voluntary organisation for people who self harm, their friends, families and professionals. They believe that by supporting carers and professionals that care for people who self harm they are ensuring that the person in distress is better supported and will have a greater level of care and service. They also acknowledge that carers and professionals might need to talk about how supporting someone who self harms makes them feel. This could be a range of feelings including fear, guilt, anxiety, anger, frustration and distress. You may suspect that somebody you care about is hurting themselves and not know what to do about it.

This can be a very difficult position to find yourself in and Harmless is there for you to talk through your options including possible ways of approaching the individual about their suspected difficulties and how you can help them. They provide postal and email self harm support through a counsellor and other volunteers that have personal, supportive and/or professional experience of self harm. Contact Harmless at PO Box 10136, Nottingham NG1 9HL or info@harmless.org.uk.

Carers of People with Substance Misuse Issues The Adfam Older Carers’ (55+) project involves:  A monthly peer-led support group (run every 3 months by a trained counsellor) where people affected by similar issues offer one another practical and emotional advice, help and support in a friendly and non-judgemental environment

 Regular information and skills sessions on everything from carer’s rights to mindfulness  Regular trips and excursions – a chance for the group to relax, socialise and take some time for themselves.

The group is completely led by group members. All expenses are covered and lunch is provided by Adfam. th

The next meeting will take place on Thursday 24 March from 11am – 2.30pm.

Meeting place TBC. Find out more by emailing r.evans@adfam.org.uk or calling 020 7553 7640.

If you spend time with people who use drugs, you may have to face the fact that you could witness a life or death situation. In emergencies call 999. If someone is UNCONSCIOUS after an overdose, there is nothing you can do to wake them up. The best hope of saving their life is to CALL AN AMBULANCE. Alateen is for teenage relatives and friends of alcoholics. It is part of Al-Anon.

They believe alcoholism is a family disease that affects everyone in the family. Alateen meetings are attended by 12-17 year olds who meet to share their experiences of having, or having had, a problem drinker in their lives. They help and support each other. By attending meetings, young people gain an understanding of the illness and feel the benefits of realising they are not alone. They learn that they did not cause this problem and that they are not responsible for their relative’s or friend’s drinking or behaviour. By sharing their experiences, they find solutions to their problems and hope for the future. Alateen was started in 1957 by a teenager in California whose father was in AA and whose mother was in Al-Anon. Alateen is not for teenage alcoholics, unless their lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking. Each Alateen meeting is sponsored by two experienced Al-Anon members who are screened and cleared to work with young people by the Criminal Records Bureau.

Alateen have a range of literature for teenagers available from the on-line shop at http://shop.al-anonuk.org.uk/. There are a limited number of Alateen groups in the UK. For information about Alateen meetings, contact the General Service Office on 020 7593 2070.

Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA UK) is an anonymous programme of women and men who grew up in alcoholic or otherwise dysfunctional homes. They discover how childhood affected them in the past and influences them in the present. They meet with each other in a mutually respectful, safe environment and acknowledge their common experiences. If you are unable to get to one of their meetings, or prefer online meetings, you may be interested in their Skype (audio only) meetings, information available at http://www.adultchildrenofalcoholics.co.uk/Skype.php. For general enquiries about ACA UK email info@acoa.uk or call 01590 610 936. They are also on Facebook.

Relationship Realities is a small collection of stories by people who are affected by alcohol and drug use problems. Real stories by real people. Charities OnePlusOne and Adfam have worked together to publish these stories and provide practical relationship advice for couples and families. They hope these stories will also show that, for those struggling with alcohol and drug use problems or have family members and partners that are struggling, you’re not alone. People from all backgrounds deal with alcohol and drug use problems, but their partners and loved ones can find it difficult too. It can be a stressful time for everyone involved and it can put a strain on relationships. But these couple and family relationships are an important part of breaking through and overcoming the challenges that substance use problems can bring.

You can access the stories at http://www.oneplusone.org.uk/professionals/services/addiction/. To read more about the subject of substance use problems, addiction and how relationships are impacted, consider checking out the following articles:  Substance abuse in a relationship  Why does someone become addicted?  How do we move on from addiction as a couple?  What impact can addiction have on a relationship?

You can be entered into a prize draw for £20 of Amazon vouchers by answering a few questions on your thoughts about the short stories and leaving your email address.

OnePlusOne use the information to assist their research.

Carers of People with Dementia The Alzheimer’s Show, Olympia, London Friday 10th - Saturday 11th June 2016: The varied speaker programme offers you the chance to listen to and question dementia experts, carers, organisations and individuals living with dementia. The Alzheimer’s Matters Theatre: in depth talks on key topics from leading professionals.

Talks & Topics Theatre: listen to personal experiences and practical advice from carers and professionals. Exhibitor Workshop: showcases products and services from exhibitors. Practical Activities Workshop: take part in practical sessions including singing, reflexology, aromatherapy and sensory activities. More information from http://alzheimersshow.co.uk/london/about-the-show/ The UK’s largest research trial of support for carers of people with dementia has been launched by Alzheimer’s Society and Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust.

Caring For Me and You is a research trial that will test tailored online cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and support specifically designed to help carers find ways of coping with the pressures of their role. Caring For Me and You will test whether online access to CBT or tailored information and support can help support carers’ mental health. This project aims to find out whether specially-developed online therapy packages can be effective in helping people caring for someone affected by dementia to reduce stress and improve their wellbeing. The people taking part in the trial can work through the course at their own pace and have up to 26 weeks to complete 20 online sessions. Each session will take approximately 20-30 minutes. At the end of the study the researchers will analyse the results and then determine what has been most helpful for carers in improving their wellbeing. If you are a UK resident who is currently

caring for a person affected by dementia and experiencing mild symptoms of anxiety or depression and are not already receiving professional mental health support you are eligible to sign up for the trial. They are looking for 750 people to take part and help them with the study. You will need to have regular access to an internet-enabled computer. To find out more and sign up, visit the study's website at https://www.caringformeandyou.org.uk/?utm_source=ASweb&utm_medium=Web&ut m_content=ASweb&utm_campaign=Careforcarers.

Revitalise is a charity that provides respite holidays for people living with disability and their carers at their 3 fully accessible centres around the country (Jubilee Court at Chigwell in Essex, Netley Waterside House in Southampton and Sandpipers in Southport). Every year they offer a week’s break at the centres specifically for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Breaks are tailored to people’s individual needs and include accessible activities and excursions in a friendly and relaxing atmosphere, offering carers and the people they care for space to re-connect and recharge their batteries. A dedicated care team and trained nurses are on hand th 24 hours a day. Dates for Alzheimer’s and dementia week breaks in 2016/17 are: 5 th st th th st 12 March 2016, 1 - 8 October 2016 and 14 -21 January 2017. Revitalise are keen to ensure that nobody misses out on the opportunity to take a break with them so can offer a helping hand if people need help to fund the break, be that pointing people in the right direction or providing financial support themselves. For more information about Revitalise, call 030 3303 0145 quoting AZOUT, email bookings@revitalise.org.uk or visit their website at www.revitalise.org.uk.

What's On? nd

Kingston Bipolar UK Group is open to carers and meets every 2 Monday of the month from 7:30pm-9pm at Kingston Quaker Centre, Fairfield East, Kingston KT1 2PT. For more information: 020 7931 6480 or groupdevelopment@bipolaruk.org.uk. st

Alzheimer’s Society Kingston holds a carer support group on the 1 Tuesday of each month at the Noble Centre, 109a Blagdon Road, New Malden KT3 4BD between 10:30am and 12:30pm. Places are limited so please contact them on 020 3513 5147 or kingstonoffice@alzheimers.org.uk for more information.

‘South Place’ Mental Health Carers’ Support Group welcomes all relatives and nd carers of adults with mental health problems. It meets on the 2 Tuesday of each month, at Tolworth Hospital, Hughes Room B, Red Lion Road, Tolworth KT6 7QU. Meetings are from 6:00pm-7:15pm but may be extended to 7:45pm when there are guest speakers. Light refreshments are provided. The next meeting dates th th th th are: 15 December, 13 October, 10 November, 15 December.

A bi-weekly Memory Café is held at Kingston Hospital for people with memory loss and their carers on alternate Tuesday afternoons, 2pm-4pm at Kingston Hospital, back of the restaurant, Kingston Surgical Centre. For more information call 020 8934 2800 or email claire.wright@kingstonhospital.nhs.uk

Rethink’s Merton & Sutton branch covers the Kingston area and holds meetings that are open to carers on the last Tuesday of the month from 7.30pm to 9pm at Wimbledon Guild, 30-32 Worple Road, Wimbledon, SW19 4EF. In alternate months the meeting is either a discussion for carers only, or a joint meeting for carers and users to which speakers are invited. For more information call 020 8542 3657 or email mertonandsuttongroup@rethink.org ASCA runs a weekly facilitated group for anyone caring for someone with an addiction every Tuesday from 6pm-7:30pm at 233 Lower Mortlake Road, Richmond TW9 2LL. Each group lasts 90 minutes and is strictly confidential.

Donations £5. NB: this group is NOT run as a drop in, new members are accepted only following an initial assessment. For more details contact 020 8940 1160.

Kingston Wellbeing Service offers a facilitated mutual aid group for parents, carers and significant others of people receiving treatment from them every Tuesday 10am to 11am on a drop in basis at Surbiton Health Centre. NB: The group is available ONLY to carers of people being supported by the Wellbeing Service.

Al-Anon hold meetings for anyone who feels that their lives have been deeply affected by another person's drinking every Tuesday from 8pm to 9:30pm at the Methodist Church Hall, Avenue Road, Fairfield South, Kingston upon Thames KT1 2UJ. (People are recommended to attend about six meetings before deciding whether Al-Anon is for them.)

Home Instead run a monthly Memory Café in New Malden for people with memory nd loss and their carers every 2 Wednesday of the month from 2pm-4pm at the Coffee Bar in the Methodist Church, 49 High Street, New Malden KT3 4BY. Teas and coffees provided but donations welcomed.

Support is provided on Lilacs ward to carers by Kingston Mental Health Carers’ rd Forum (KMHCF) on the fourth Wednesday of the month from 6:30pm-7:30pm; 23 th th nd th March, 27 April, 24 May, 22 June, 27 July. For more information contact 07983 063 578 or email info@kmhcf.org.uk.

Home Instead run a bi-weekly Memory Café for people with memory loss and st rd their carers every 1 and 3 Friday of the month from 2pm-4pm at the Rose Theatre, 24-26 High Street, Kingston KT1 1HL. Staywell (formerly Age Concern Kingston) runs a Dementia Saturday Club on the nd 2 Saturday of the month from 11am to 2pm at Raleigh House in New Malden offering a social space for clients and carers, lunch (£5 per person). To find out more, contact 020 8942 8256.