Adult Carers Newsletter - Spring 2014

KINGSTON CARERS’ NETWORK Improving the lives of carers in Kingston

Spring 2014

Free Workshop:

Supported by...

Help, advice and support to get you online using a tablet

Young Carers’ at Christmas

Cakes for Carers Launch

Adult Carers’ Trips and Activities Also inside:  KCN News  NEW Mentoring Project for Young Carers  Fundraising News  Meet the new KCN Staff

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Focus on the Asperger’s Support Group National News KCN Support Groups

Kingston Carers’ Network, Noble Centre, 109a Blagdon Road, New Malden, KT3 4BD, 020 3031 2757 Registered Charity No. 1151456 Company No. 8376060

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

A message from our CEO

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Help, advice and support to get you online using a tablet Wednesday 26th March, 11.00am to 12.30pm Noble Centre, 109a Blagdon Road, New Malden, KT3 4BD Community Connected invites you to come to our help, advice and support event so you can find out more about getting on line and whether a tablet might be the answer to your needs.

We’ll cover the basics of the different types of connections you can have to get onto the internet and the different devices you can use to make this connection. We’ll show you how to use an online price comparison site, and we will look at some of the simple changes you can make to a tablet to make it easier to use, if you have issues with sight or mobility.

We will be bringing the following tablets for you to try out - Kindle Fire, iPad mini, Nexus 10 and 7, Breezie and the latest entry into the tablet market the Hudl from Tesco that retails as £119. Our team will be here to show you how to use them and answer any questions you have.

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Why do we think tablets score highly over traditional technology?

3 reasons why we think tablets score highly over traditional technology One: Tablets are light and portable with no moving parts, which make them perfect for using anywhere in the home.

The battery life is great – lasting up to 10 hours.

Two: Using a screen between 7 and 10 inches – you can start your tablet up immediately… no waiting around… and with a couple of swipes with you finger you’re in. Any typing you want to do is done ‘on screen’ and you have the option to add a braille display or separate keyboard.

Three: Tablets use wireless internet (or WiFi), so you can use them out and about, connecting to the wide network of free WiFi hotspots. For an additional cost, you can buy a tablets with a subscription that can connect to the 3G networks that all mobile smartphones use.

So if you are looking for a device that makes it easy for you to read up on information, check facts like train and bus times quickly, or you fancy curling up and listening to an audio book read by one of your favourite actors, then come to our information session. One thing we promise we won’t do is sell to you, we are an outreach training project, part of the UKonline Centres Network and this event is to give you enough information to help you make your own decision.

For more information and to book your place, please contact Jo on 020 3031 2751.

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

News from the Family Support Project Carol Harvey continues to work intensively with a small number of young carers and their families. New funding from Comic Relief means that whole family support can be extended to even more young carers and their families and an exciting new mentoring project for young carers is also underway. Carol will be delivering a Family Links Nurturing Programme with Karen Penny from Homestart targeted at parents of young carers and parents from families supported by Homestart. It is expected that there will also be some places available for carers who are also parents of children under 12. Please see below for more details.

What is the Nurturing Programme? Children are rewarding, stimulating and fun, but looking after them can be stressful and challenging. The Nurturing Programme helps deal with those challenges so you have a calmer, happier family life. A tried and trusted programme, it helps us think about what we do, why we do it and how it makes us feel.

Then we have the answer!

Where? Kingston Carers’ Network, Noble Centre, 109A Blagdon Road, New Malden, KT3 4BD When? Course starts – Wednesday 30th April 2014, 10am to 12noon for 10 weeks finishing Wednesday 9th July 2014 (excluding half-term 28th May) More information? Call Carol Harvey on 020 3031 2753

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News from the Young Carers’ Project What a winter it has been with us at the Young Carers’ Project! Not only have we welcomed two brand new members of staff, Andora and Matt, we have also had a whopping 38 new referrals since September! We are now supporting 308 children and young people in the borough; which is definitely keeping us busy!

Alongside our awareness-raising work in schools and local community groups, our regular drop ins, one-to-one sessions with young carers and our family support interventions, we have been rushed off our feet with activities and outings! Thanks to the generosity of Surbiton Farmers’ Market, at Christmas time we were lucky enough to be able to go ice skating at Hampton Court; two very chilly, exhausting and fantastic evenings! Our under 12s went along to the circus and had lots of laughs and we had two festive Christmas parties (and did much more besides!) These activities, apart from being great fun, allowed the children to spend time with new friends, gain in confidence and a have a well-deserved break from their caring responsibilities.

As always, we couldn’t do the work we do without the help of our fantastic volunteers so all of us at the Young Carers’ Project would like to take this opportunity to say a huge THANK YOU to each and every volunteer.

If you know of anyone who is between the ages of 5-18 years who cares for a family member and who would benefit from our support, please do refer them to the Young Carers’ Project.

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

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

News from the Parental Mental Health Pilot Project Andora, from the Young Carers’ Project, is in the process of developing a training programme and peer support group for any young person aged 8-18 who cares for a parent with a mental health issue.

The first programme is due to begin in March; if you know of anyone who would benefit from this programme please call or email Andora: 020 3031 2756 or youngcarers4@kingstoncarers.org.uk

Adult Social Care Services Local Account The local authority have recently released their Local Account tells you about how Adult Social Care services supported people using their services to live independently, safe and well during 2012/2013.

Simon Pearce, Executive Head of Adult Care, says “2012/13 was another challenging year. Since 2010/11 Government funding to Kingston Council has fallen from over £67 million to just under £45 million. At the same time demand for health and social care services continues to grow.”

“Despite these difficulties we manage to achieve major changes in the way we deliver services so that more people were able to be supported to live at home.”

“We would very much welcome your feedback on our 2012/13 Local Account. This is an opportunity for you to say what you liked or disliked and what you’d like to see covered in next year’s report. You can contact me directly with your feedback or complete our online form.”

“Looking forward, we are very keen to work with the people who use our

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services, their families and friends, our staff, our partner organisations and voluntary sector colleagues to produce our 2013/14 Local Account.

If you’d like to be involved by telling us what you would like to see in our 2013/14 Local Account or what your issues and priorities are, please get in touch.�

You can see a full copy of the report by visiting http://bit.ly/1fnmpkG or calling the RBK Contact Centre on 020 8547 5000.

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NEW Mentoring Project for Young Carers

Could you help a young carer achieve their potential?

KCN are currently looking to recruit volunteer mentors to support our young carers.

Why is a mentoring project needed?

Based on BBC figures there are approx. 2,000 children and young people in the borough of Kingston undertaking caring responsibilities for a parent or sibling.

Through the work of our whole family support service we have identified locally a significant number of young carers who are at risk of harmful/excessive caring. Research has shown that harmful levels of caring negatively impact on relationships, education, mental and physical health.

What are we doing about it?

Consultation with young carers has shown a high demand for more emotional support from our project. As a result of this and funding from Comic Relief we will provide a mentoring programme for 45 young carers over the 3 years of the funding.

What can you do?

If you would like to know more about becoming a mentor then visit www.kingstoncarers.org.uk/mentoring-project or call the office on 020 3031 2757

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Kingston Carers’ Network

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Focus on the Asperger’s Support Group I started attending the group for going through. carers of adults with Asperger I look forward to each monthly Syndrome just over a year ago, session, and the two-hour time slot shortly after my daughter was always flies by. diagnosed.

“It was a huge relief to I would encourage all It felt amazing to be be able to talk… with carers of adults with among people who others who totally AS to go to these were experiencing Sometimes understood what I was groups. exactly the same others can help solve going through.” problems as me. your problems (e.g. if Sympathetic as some they know of a service you have not health professionals, and even other been told about), but even if they family members, can be, they still can't, it is wonderful to be able to get cannot imagine what it is like to live things off your chest that you have with a person with Asperger probably been bottling up at home.

Syndrome day in, day out. It was a You will certainly be made to feel huge relief to be able to talk about welcome. the issues I was facing with others Lesley, Carer who totally understood what I was Eleanor Reed, Carers Support Worker, will be leading on the Asperger’s Carers Support Group. To ensure that we are running it to the best of our ability and that we are running it at the most appropriate times and days for our carers, she has produced a short questionnaire. Please contact Eleanor on 020 3725 3049 for a copy or more information. See page 19 for forthcoming meeting dates.

Fundraising News Cakes for Carers!

Every year Carers Week raises awareness of the important role played by unpaid carers. It aims to improve the lives of carers and those they care for. This year Carers Week runs from 9th-15th June and Kingston Carers’ Network is using it to launch a new fundraiser to raise awareness of our work and crucially money to fund it.

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Focus on …….Staffing Updates at SWLStG Senior Management Team: Sarah Haspel is the new permanent Services’ Director for Kingston & Richmond (K&R) Mental Health Services. Sarah is joined by Iain Richmond as the Operations Manager for the community teams in K&R, Phyllis Prendergast Finn as the Operations Manager for age specific services in K&R and a third post to be permanently filled will be Operations Manager for the acute services (wards and crisis teams) in K&R. Sharon Putt is now working as the Modern Matron covering all K&R wards, including Lilacs & Azaleas. SWLStG has streamlined all senior management teams since September 2013, in order to invest additional resources in frontline services. The cost savings from the management re-structure will be re-invested in developing the services delivered by the Crisis & Home Treatment Teams across SW London.

Other staffing updates: Dr Ed Burns continues to be the Consultant Psychiatrist of the Kingston Home Treatment Team but has relinquished the role of Interim Associate Medical Director (AMD) as a new Clinical Director has been appointed and will shortly be in post. On Lilacs Ward, Dr Javier David Lopez Morinigo is the new Consultant Psychiatrist, a new Ward Manager has recently been appointed and is due to be in post shortly and we welcome Chloe Perkins to Kingston as the new Deputy Ward Manager. Lilacs also has a new Carers’ Lead in Maxine Obeng and in March a new OT will be in post. Dr Alonso has moved from the Assertive Outreach team and is now working in the South Team alongside Dr Earl and Dr Wright.

Carers of People with Mental Health Problems New guidelines for Psychosis Care have been published that describe what the best treatment and care for people with psychosis and schizophrenia should be like.

Although health services do not have to follow these recommendations, they are seen as the ‘gold standard’ of care. The Mental Health Charity, Rethink Mental Illness, has produced a short useful guide which you can find here: https:// www.rethink.org/get-involved/campaigns/new-guidelines-on-psychosis-care.

How to care for someone with an eating disorder: the Eating Disorders Research Unit at Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London is looking for people to take part in a research project to evaluate a new DVD written, produced, and directed by carers, patients, & clinicians with experience of eating disorders to train family and friends to become a recovery mentor. Family and friends who are interested, can complete a short online questionnaire: www.surveymonkey.com/s/recoverymentor1 and a questionnaire for people with an eating disorder is available at www.surveymonkey.com/s/patients1 What next? You’ll be randomly allocated to start the recovery mentor training either now or after a short waiting period. Training involves watching the DVD which they will loan you & working through a workbook

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

with an email coach. Contact Charlotte Rhind (charlotte.c.rhind@kcl.ac.uk/ 020 7848 5963) for help, technical problems or further information. An information sheet is also available; please contact Veronica if you’d like a copy. A youtube clip by Professor Janet Treasure from South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust provides advice about what to do if you are worried that a family member may have an eating disorder and can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=yG2xh87db-E. These Helplines can offer expert advice, whether you're concerned about yourself or someone you know: Rethink Mental Illness, support/advice for people living with mental illness 0300 5000 927 (Mon-Fri, 10am-2pm) • Samaritans, confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair 08457 90 90 90 (24-hour helpline) • Sane, offers support and researches mental illness 0845 767 8000 (daily, 6pm-11pm) & SANEmail: sanemail@org.uk • Mind, promotes the views/needs of people with mental health problems. 0300 123 3393 (Mon-Fri, 9am6pm) • Positive Outcomes for Dissociative Survivors, information/support for people with dissociative identity disorders. 0800 181 4420 (Tuesday 6pm-9pm or by appointment) • Beat, eating disorders support 0845 634 1414 (Mon-Thurs, 1.30pm4.30pm) • OCD Action, support for people with obsessive compulsive disorder 0845 390 6232 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-5pm) • No Panic, support for sufferers of panic attacks and OCD 0800 138 8889 (daily, 10am-10pm) • OCD UK, charity run by people with OCD, for people with OCD 0845 120 3778 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) • Anxiety UK, support with anxiety conditions 08444 775 774 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-5.30pm) • PAPYRUS, prevention of young suicide HOPElineUK 0800 068 4141 (MonFri,10am-5pm & 7pm- 10pm. Weekends 2pm-5pm) Carers of People with Substance Misuse Issues 'Putting it into words': A video to help support families cope with drug misuse - This short video aims to highlight that families of drug users need support. The families of drug users discuss their experiences of having a drug user within the family, how families react when they discover drug use in the family, how families cope and where they access support. You can view this Adfam video on Carers in Hertfordshire’s web page via the following link http://www.carersinherts.org.uk/haveyour-say/drug-and-alcohol/.

Family values: Council services to family and friends who care for others’ children – This report is from the point of view of the Ombudsman, whose role is to independently assess complaints about councils; it judges each case on its merits and can recommend redress including apologies, financial awards and changes to practice. Its headline message is that family and friends carers provide a vital support system for children who can no longer live with their parents, but they are

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being treated unfairly and are not receiving the practical and financial support they are entitled to from Local Authorities. There are 145,000 children being looked after by people who are not their parents, and many of these are cared for by family and friends rather than foster carers; kinship care is also on the rise, according to census data. [… estimates suggest that nearly half of kinship carers are looking after children because of the drug and alcohol problems of their parents.*] The report sets out where things go wrong at Local Authority level: failure to consider that a child should be ‘looked after’; failure to provide sufficient information for kinship carers to make informed decisions about an informal care arrangement; putting a child at risk by failing to adequately assess the suitability of the placement; systemic failure to pay family and friends carers the same rate as foster carers; and an unfair policy on family and friends care. Recommendations include better consideration of the child’s views and publishing a clear policy on family and friends carers, which has been demanded by successive Government Ministers.

Taken from: Adfam policy briefing, 25 November–6 December 2013 *Kinship Carers Project, Mentor UK, 2010

These Helplines can offer expert advice, whether you're concerned about yourself or someone you know: Alcoholics Anonymous 0845 769 7555 (24-hour helpline) • Narcotics Anonymous 0300 999 1212 (daily until midnight) Carers of People with Dementia The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the regulator for health and social care in England. The way services are inspected is changing. In the past, CQC has done surprise visits – that has now changed. CQC now pre-announce where they inspect and when, to get more community feedback, pick up issues and guide their inspection. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) will be inspecting South West London and St Georges Mental Health NHS Trust starting 17th March 2014.

Parkinson’s UK is asking people with Parkinson’s disease dementia or dementia with Lewy bodies about what they would like future research to focus on.

Call 020 7963 9398 or visit www.parkinsons.org.uk/researchquestions.

Alzheimer’s Society is funding one of the world’s largest clinical trials into vascular dementia, which will begin recruiting in the next few months. The trial, funded jointly by the Society and British Heart Foundation, will test whether the existing blood pressure drug amlodipine could be used to treat subcortical ischaemic vascular dementia, the most common form of the condition. It will run for two years with participants either being given the drug or placebo tablets to see if there is a positive effect in people with vascular dementia. Alzheimer’s Society Director of Research and Development, Doug Brown said, ‘There are currently no treatments for vascular dementia so, if successful, this trial could have a massive impact on the lives of those affected by this particular form of dementia. … Our …

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Kingston Carers’ Network

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Drug Discovery programme will look to fund more groundbreaking research in 2014.

It aims to take existing drugs used for other conditions and test them in dementia so that we can discover new treatments in a way that is faster and cheaper.’

Participants will not be recruited for a few months but to register your interest please visit alzheimers.org.uk/vasculartrial.

Taken from: Alzheimer’s Society’s Living with dementia magazine February 2014

These Helplines can offer expert advice, whether you're concerned about yourself or someone you know: Alzheimer's Society National Dementia Helpline, information/support/guidance/signposting 0300 222 1122 What's On? KCN is providing a monthly outreach/drop-in service on the Acacia Unit at Tolworth Hospital for carers and staff on the 1st Monday of the month from 12 noon to 2pm. The next dates are: 7th April, 12th May (due to Bank Holiday closing), 2nd June.

Alzheimer's Society Kingston runs a monthly carers’ support group for carers of people with dementia. The group offers carers a chance to talk about their experiences with others in a similar situation, as well as receiving useful information about dementia and advice on how to cope. Since January 2014, the group now meets on the first Tuesday of every month at the Noble Centre, 109a Blagdon Road, between 10am and 12 noon. The next meetings are: 4th March, 1st April, 8th May, 3rd June. If you would like to find out more or book a place (as places are limited) call Alzheimer’s Society’s Kingston office on 020 3513 5147 or email kingstonoffice@alzheimers.org.uk.

Kingston Bipolar UK Group is open to carers and meets every second Monday of the month from 7:30pm-9pm at the Kingfisher Leisure Centre, Kingston swimming pool. The next meetings are: 10th March, 7th April, 12th May, 10th June.

‘South Place’ Mental Health Carers’ Support Group welcomes all relatives and carers of people with mental health problems. It meets on the 2nd 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 meetings are: 11th March, 8th April, 13th May, 10th June.

KCN’s Lilacs Ward monthly evening drop-in sessions for carers are held on the last Thursday of the month from 6pm-7pm; 27th March, 24th April, 29th May, 26th June. Kingston Mental Health Carers’ Forum (KMHCF) provides additional support on the ward to carers on the 2nd Wednesday of the month from 4pm-5pm; 12th March, 9th April, 14th May, 12th June. For more information contact 07983 063 578 or email info@kmhcf.org.uk.

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This June we are inviting everyone put on their pinnies, seek out their wooden spoons and join in our brand new fundraiser ‘Cakes for Carers’! Whether you are an accomplished baker or a relative beginner we urge you to unleash you inner Mary Berry and get baking for KCN. It couldn’t be simpler, although if you want to push the boat out and come up with some elaborate ideas, please feel free. Here are some ideas to get you started.

At Home Keep it simple and invite the neighbours round for a coffee (and cake!) morning. Add a raffle to boost funds raised. Ring the changes by making puddings for guests to buy and take home.

At Work In our experience every workforce marches on its stomach and can’t resist a sweet treat to go with their morning coffee. Hold a simple cake sale or a bake-off between departments, or your bosses. Some companies will match funds raised by their employees – it is well worth asking.

At School Simply sell cakes at break time or hold a competition, for example guess the number of chocolate beans covering a large cake. Provide plain cakes, bowls of icing and sweets and invite pupils (and staff) to decorate their own – give a prize for the best. Combine with a Mufti Day for added fun and funds!

At your Club or Class Add a fundraising twist to your usual tea and biscuit break. Make a charge for more elaborate refreshments, for example a strawberry tea, and add a guess the weight of the cake competition.

If you cannot take part in Cakes for Carers during Carers Week then you can still get involved at any time. Choose a date to suit you and go for it!

If you would like to hold a Cake for Carers event please contact Jo on 020 3031 2751 or admin@kingstoncarers.org.uk for a fundraising advice leaflet. If you have a favourite family recipe you would like to share, please do send it to us and we will publish it on our website for everyone to enjoy.

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

Meet the new KCN Staff!

Anyone that has recently visited our office in New Malden will have noticed that we have been busy rearranging the office to make way for four new staff.

Read on to find out more about the newest members of the team.

Hi, my name is Eleanor Read and I have recently joined Kingston Carers’ Network as a Generic Carers Support Worker. I am a mum of two and my previous work was with disabled children. I have personal experience of caring and the pressures it can put on people’s lives. I am really looking forward to working with the team and helping to support all the carers that need our support in Kingston.

Hi, my name is Emma and it is a pleasure to be introducing myself as the new Young Adult Carers Support Worker for Kingston Carers Network. I’m fairly new to London, having lived in Bristol before relocating last year. Whilst based in Bristol I completed a degree in Spanish (although I have forgotten far too much of it!) and more recently a Diploma in Counselling. Over the last ten years I have been developing my skills in working with children and young people; mostly within schools, first as a language assistant and more recently as a therapist but also within the voluntary sector. I have been on adventure camps in the Brecon Beacons and volunteered for Bristol Young Carers and the Samaritans. I’m excited by the new project for Young Adult Carers. My aim is to build meaningful relationships, to support and encourage you to discover what you want for your future. By working together we will identify the areas that matter to you – whether developing a new skill, socialising or finding out what training or education options you have. I can’t tell you how much I am looking forward to the start of what has the potential to be an incredible journey.

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Hi, my name is Ruxandra Ratiu and I have been appointed as the Carers’ Outreach Worker to work for 5 years on a project on identifying hidden carers in Kingston. The aim of the project is to engage GP surgeries and hospital discharge teams as well as BME community leaders in identifying and signposting carers from an early stage.

At the moment I am meeting with organisations in Kingston that work within the health sector to map out the services and needs of carers.

The aim this year is to engage with five GP surgeries to come up with a plan on how best carers could be identified and supported appropriately.

More information on this work will come as the project progresses.

Please do contact me for more information.

Hi, my name is Beth Salisbury and I am the new parttime Wellbeing and Inclusion Worker. I recently qualified as a Dramatherapist. I have had a varied career with experience working with children and adults with learning and physical disabilities, adults with mental health difficulties and domestic violence survivors. This has given me some understanding of the demands on carers and the importance of time to relax and have fun.

I joined the team end of January and I’ve been busy setting up some outings for the coming months. These include a trip to the theatre and a visit to Barnes Wetland Centre. For more details, please see pages 16 and 17. I hope to see you on one of these trips soon. If you have any suggestions for activities you would like to do, please do get in touch with me. I’m particularly eager to hear from male carers about what sort of activities would appeal.

Eleanor Emma Ruxandra Beth

020 3725 3049 020 3725 3050 020 3725 3048 020 3375 8226

carers3@kingstoncarers.org.uk yac@kingstoncarers.org.uk outreach@kingstoncarers.org.uk wellbeing@kingstoncarers.org.uk

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Kingston Carers’ Network

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Social Activities and Outings The Sociable

The Sociable Book Club for Carers If you like reading and chatting, this book club, run by carers, for carers is ideal for you!

for Carers

The club meets on the 1st Thursday of the month from 10.30 to 11.30 at the Noble Centre, 109a Blagdon Road.

The Hogsmill Tavern Carvery Lunch Join us for a relaxing carvery lunch (vegetarian options available).

Thursday 13th March, 12.30pm to 3.30pm £5 includes carvery (or vegetarian option) and transport.

Drinks not included Meeting at the Noble Centre

Grey Horse Pub Quiz How good is your general knowledge?

Come along and find out at the Pub Quiz.

We will divide into teams of 6 on the night so the more the merrier.

Monday 24th March, meet at the pub at 7.45pm Quiz starts 8.00pm and is usually done by 10.00pm £1 entry on the door.

The Grey Horse, 46 Richmond Road, Kingston, KT2 5EE

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Zumba Gold Taster Session Zumba is a fun way to get fit and improve flexibility using dance moves. This session will be run by an experienced teacher who will tailor the session to your ability and level of fitness.

Thursday 3rd April, 11.00am to 12.00pm £3, meeting at MEFAS, New Malden Do come wearing loose comfortable clothing and bring a bottle of water.

If it proves popular, there will be an ongoing class starting in May.

Barnes Wetland Centre This trip is a chance to get a closer view of a variety of wetland birds and their habitat.

We will have our own private tour of the centre before heading to the café where you will be able to buy lunch.

Thursday 24th April, 10.00am to 3.30pm £5 includes entrance and transport Meeting at the Noble Centre

“The Play That Goes Wrong” This West End smash hit comedy is about a theatre company that gets everything wrong and promises “to leave you aching with laughter!”

Thursday 8th May, 2:00pm to 4.45pm £10 includes cost of ticket, subsidised by KCN Meeting at the Rose Theatre, 24-26 High Street, Kingston See overleaf for booking details.

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KCN

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

Did you know that you can now book any of the activities from pages 16-17 online? Visit www.kingstoncarers.org.uk/wellbeing-project/ activities to book. You can still book calling Beth on 020 3725 3048 or by sending a letter to “Kingston Carers’ Network, FREEPOST RSET-JATX-UEAS, New Malden, KT3 4BD.”

Disability Matters L.E.A.D Kingston is a community of parents and carers of disabled and young people living in Kingston. They are running a free one-day workshop for parents and carers in Kingston. Presentations and workshops include essential information on education and the law and local and national changes to disability provision and local resources including hands on demonstrations and workshops and local support services, activities and associations.

The session will take place on 15th March at Kingston College. For more information and to register your interest visit www.leadkingston.org.uk.

National News In the coming months there will be new Acts of Parliament that should enhance the rights of many carers, as well as change the way care and support is delivered and funded. The Care Bill will see the introduction of the ‘Dilnot Cap’ – a cap on the level of community care contributions of £72,000. This may be good news for around 10% of those paying care costs, however, the way that this will be implemented conceals a higher level of contribution than £72,000. For more information see www.carers.org/care-bill-carers.

The Care Bill will give all adult carers the right to an assessment of their own needs, although council’s may be able to charge for services to carers.

KCN are currently involved in the Government’s consultation on the Care Bill.

The Children and Families Bill will see stronger rights for young carers to receive assessment and support, protecting them from the impact of harmful caring.

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KCN Support Groups Carers Support Group Merritt Medical Centre, Chessington, 10.00am to 11.30am Wednesdays: 19th March, 16th April, 21st May, 18th June Carers of Adults with Asperger's Noble Centre, New Malden, 10.00am to 12.00pm 5th March, 2nd April, 7th May Carers of Children and Young People with ADHD King’s Oak Primary School, New Malden, 10.00am to 12.00pm 14th March, 25th April, 16th May, 13th June, 11th July Mental Health Carers Group Tolworth Hospital, 6.00pm to 7.15pm 2nd Tuesday of each month Mental Health Drop-in Acacia Unit, Tolworth Hospital, 12.00pm to 2.00pm 1st Monday of each month ***12th May due to Bank Holiday***

The Voice of Carers in Kingston Thursday 20th March, 6.30pm to 8.30pm Tuesday 16th September, 1.00pm to 3.00pm Wednesday 10th December, 1.00pm to 3.00pm 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 represent you at the next meeting.

For more information or to have your say, contact Kate on 020 3031 2752.

Please visit http://bit.ly/1knBzp0 to see minutes from December 2013

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

Complementary Therapies and Beauty Treatments Holistic Therapies with Marina Alternate Mondays, 10.00am to 4.00pm Fridays, 10.00am to 1.00pm £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 with Mitsuko Alternate Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10.00am to 12.30pm £15 for 50 minutes Reflexology is a therapy that treats the feet in order to balance the whole body.

Hairdressing by Gina One Wednesday a month, 10.00am to 2.00pm Free of Charge Manicures and Pedicures One Wednesday a month, 1.00pm to 4.00pm £5 per Treatment For more information or to book an appointment, please contact Jo on admin@kingstoncarers.org.uk or 020 3031 2751