Spring 2017 Newsletter with Mental Health and Dementia Supplement

Spring 2017

Also inside:  News from our Chief Executive  Forthcoming Support Groups  How to help KCN win £50,000  Exciting new partnership with Kingstonian Football Club  Focus on KCN Support Groups  Mental Health News

News from the Young Carers’ Project

Don’t forget to vote for KCN!

Social Activities and Outings

 Carers Week 2017

We’re going to be on television!

Watch our film on ITV London News on Tuesday 21st March at 6pm and don’t forget to VOTE!

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

News from the Chief Executive As we have previously mentioned, our lease at Noble Centre has expired and we need to find new premises. This has proved quite challenging and at times, disappointing. However, we are hopeful that we have found suitable accommodation in Tolworth. It may take a few weeks to sort out the new offices as we need to do some refurbishment. We will make sure that we keep you updated on where and when we plan to move. Our phone numbers will stay the same so we expect a smooth transition.

We have more exciting news, having been shortlisted for the Big Lottery People’s Projects competition. We have a chance to win £50,000 to fund a programme to improve the health and fitness of carers across the borough.

There will be a public vote starting at 9am on Monday 20th March and ending at noon on Monday 3rd April. Please see details opposite for how to vote online and don’t forget to post the enclosed postcard vote (no stamp required). The competition will be fierce so please do vote for us and please urge family and friends to vote for us too.

You can watch our campaign film on ITV London News on Tuesday 21st March at 6pm.

KCN are excited to announce an exciting new partnership with Kingstonian Football Club. We have teamed up to facilitate better carer awareness in the community and there are a range of benefits available to members of Kingston Carers' Network.

Kingstonian are offering:

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Concessionary entrance for adult carers. There is already a concession for when carers accompany a disabled person but the club will also now allow a concessionary entrance to adult carers in their own right. This will be for carers in receipt of Carers Allowance and members of Kingston Carers’ Network or a "carers centre" in the area that the match opponents come from.

Contact Jo on 020 3031 2751 for your membership card.

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"Kids for Free" under 16 season tickets for young carers.

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To circulate information about young carers support to youth team members.

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Occasional collections at matches for KCN.

In addition, a Young Carers Day will be held on the 18th March at the match against Billericay Town.

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Spring 2017

Vote for us to win ÂŁ50,000 to help unpaid carers in Kingston get fitter and healthier

Voting is quick and simple but we really need your votes. Remember we are competing with four other charities and community groups and every vote counts!

Vote online from Monday 20th March at 9am at www.thepeoplesprojects.org.uk Remember you will need to verify your email so please check your inbox folder after voting.

See our campaign film on the ITV News on Tuesday 21st March at 6pm.

Please ask your family, friends and colleagues to vote for us too.

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

Focus on KCN’s Support Groups Supporting all carers This small and supportive group is for all carers . We will be relocating the group to Tolworth but will be sure to let you know when.

Supporting carers of adults with Asperger’s or Autism Spectrum Disorder This group is for carers, friends and family members looking after adults with Asperger’s or Autism Spectrum Disorder. Each month we meet on the first Wednesday to have a cup of tea (or three!) and share stories, experiences and advice. There is a great deal of emotional support offered in this group but the atmosphere is relaxed, friendly and welcoming. Details of interesting events or news is also shared via a mailing list and we have had professionals from Balance join some of our groups to answer questions and provide local information.

Supporting carers of children with ADHD This small, friendly support group that meets on the 2 nd Friday of each month for a chat over a cup of coffee/tea and biscuits. We provide an opportunity for parents and carers to support each other by sharing experiences, challenges and successes. We are also able to provide support and advice on carers’ issues.

Supporting carers of adults with a mental health condition The group welcomes all relatives and carers of adults with mental health problems for peer support, light refreshments and occasional guest speakers. It meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at Tolworth Hospital, Hughes Room B, Red Lion Road, Tolworth KT6 7QU. Meetings are from 6pm-7:15pm but may be extended to 7:45pm when there are speakers.

For more information on any of the support groups, please contact the office on 020 3031 2757 or admin@kingstoncarers.org.uk

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Spring 2017

Supporting carers of children with additional needs This is a group for parent carers of children with additional needs. We meet one Monday morning a month (dates are announced in advance) at Tolworth Children’s Centre and talk over a cup of tea and some biscuits.

Parents who attend are caring for children with a range of different needs, including learning disabilities, physical health conditions and mental health difficulties. This is an informal and laid-back group but support is also on offer from a KCN support worker and the Children and Families Coordinator at Tolworth Infant and Nursery School.

Voice of Carers We have tried very hard to relaunch the forum but there has been little interest in this. We will plan something more social in the summer.

However, if you have any ideas for how to engage carers in sharing their views, please contact Kate on 020 3031 2752 or ceo@kingstoncarers.org.uk

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

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 11.15pm One Monday a month — call 020 3375 8227 for dates

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

Wellbeing Workshops and Social Activities Hello, My name is Lyndsey and I am covering the role of Wellbeing Coordinator while Vanessa is on maternity leave. It’s my job to make sure KCN has a packed programme of outings, socials and workshops to help you feel healthier and happier in your caring role.

We’ve had a busy start to the year so far. A personal highlight for me was taking 20 carers to see ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicoloured Dreamcoat’ at the New Wimbledon Theatre. It was a fantastic performance and I’ve had the songs stuck in my head ever since!

We’ve got loads of exciting outings, workshops and socials coming up over the next few months. To book your place, give me a call on 020 3375 8226 or email wellbeing@kingstoncarers.org.uk.

If you have any suggestions for events/training you’d like to see in the future, please do get in touch.

I look forward to meeting you all soon!

***NEW*** B.Y.O.C. (Bring Your Own Crafts) Coffee Morning Fancy card-making with your coffee? A natter with your knitting? Come along, meet new people and make progress on your latest project.

When? The 3rd Friday of every month, 10.00am to 12.00pm Where? Noble Centre, 109a Blagdon Road, KT3 4BD £FREE – tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided

To book a place on any of our workshops, clubs or activities, contact Lyndsey on wellbeing@kingstoncarers.org.uk or call 020 3375 8226

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Spring 2017

You will be able to book a place for our Social Events from Monday 27th March

April Craft Club - Crochet a Floral Square Take some time out to get creative and learn to make a beautiful floral square.

Tea, coffee and biscuits provided.

Friday 7th April, 10.00am to 12.00pm, Noble Centre, 109a Blagdon Road, KT3 4BD, £3 (including materials, tuition and refreshments)

Laughter Yoga

Stressed out? Uptight? Worked-up? Laughter is the best natural medicine so you are guaranteed to leave with a feel good factor.

This workshop will be facilitated by Cranial Osteopath, Nargis Ahmad.

Monday 24th April, 10.30am to 12.00pm followed by lunch, Noble Centre, 109a Blagdon Road, KT3 4BD, £FREE

Practical Ideas for Happier Living Would you like to deal with everyday stress better? Join our free six week course to improve your mental health and physical wellbeing.

You will meet new people and develop new skills.

Wednesdays, 19th April to 24th May, 10.00am to 12.30p, Noble Centre, 109a Blagdon Road, New Malden, KT3 4BD, £FREE

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

May The Poppy Factory Join us for a guided tour of the Poppy Factory in Richmond. We’ll enjoy a fascinating presentation and introductory film about the factory and its history and then visit the ‘shop floor’ to see how poppies and wreaths are made. A selection of souvenirs, including Poppy Factory china, will be available to purchase from the shop at the end of the tour.

Tuesday 2nd May, departing from the Noble Centre at 10.00am, returning for 1.00pm. £3 (plus an optional donation to the Poppy Factory on the day)

Craft Club – Mixed Media Art Experiment with a variety of materials to create your own artwork.

Tea, coffee and biscuits provided.

Friday 5th May, 10.00am to12.00pm, Noble Centre, 109a Blagdon Road, KT3 4BD, £3 (including materials, tuition and refreshments)

Cookery Class – Springtime Baking In this hands-on cookery workshop you’ll learn to make delicious springtime dishes including; Swiss rolls, lemon cookies and savoury rolls.

Tuesday 16th May, Southborough School, Hook Road, KT6 5AS, 5.45pm to 7.30pm, £5 (including tuition, equipment and ingredients) Due to the popularity of this class, and limited availability, priority will be given to carers who have not attended the cookery class before. Please register your interest by Monday 1st May

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Spring 2017

Introduction to Planning End of Life Care At KCN, we understand how difficult it can be to talk about ‘end of life’, especially in relation to the person you care for. Feedback from our carers indicates this is an area they would very much like support with; to ensure the wishes and dignity of the person they care for are maintained, while reducing stress for the carer at what can be a very sad and challenging time.

We are going to be joined by facilitators from Gentle Dusk, who are highly experienced at delivering this training and believe that early preparation is key to supporting carers. If you would like more information about this workshop, please do not hesitate to contact the KCN Office to discuss.

Tuesday 23rd May, 10.30am -to1.00pm followed by lunch, Noble Centre, 109a Blagdon Road, KT3 4BD, £FREE

June

Craft Club – Art Journaling Create your own beautiful art journal, starting with a wash of colour and layering with found objects such as: cogs, magazine images and fabric scraps.

Tea, coffee and biscuits provided Friday 2nd June, 10.00am to 12.00pm, Noble Centre, 109a Blagdon Road, KT3 4BD, £3 (including materials, tuition and refreshments)

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. To celebrate Carers Week, we have a packed diary of workshops and outings:

Tuesday 13th June Denbies Vineyard Train Tour Join us for a wonderful outdoor train tour of Denbies Vineyard. This 50-minute tour will take us at a leisurely pace to some of the most beautiful viewing points in the vineyard. A recorded commentary will enhance the trip, making this an informative and comfortable way to experience the magnificent panoramic views of the Denbies Estate and North Downs.

Departing from the KCN office at 10.15am and returning for approximately 1.00pm, £5 (including transport and tour) Wednesday 14th June Wellbeing Workshop Special On Wednesday we will have two workshops with lunch in between; you may join us for all or part of the day (please specify when booking).

Workshop #1: Homeopathy for Sleep Tired of feeling tired? This workshop will explore natural, homeopathic remedies to improve quality of sleep and tackle sleep issues. You’ll leave with plenty of information and remedies that you can safely try at home.

11.00am to 1.00pm followed by lunch, £FREE, location TBC

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Spring 2017

Wednesday 14th June Workshop #2: Carers’ Rights Talk Do you know your rights? It’s important not to overlook your needs as a carer – making time for yourself is crucial to your health and wellbeing and also benefits the person you care for. Our own David Still (Adult Carers’ Support Manager) will be discussing carers’ rights, highlighting the support that is available to you, and answering your questions.

1.00pm for lunch. 2.00pm to 3.00pm, £FREE, location TBC

Thursday 15th June Art Class – Shading Skills A chance to discover your inner Picasso! Lucy from Kingston Adult Education will be joining us to provide a 2-hour beginners’ art workshop. Come along and try something new.

10.30am to 12.30pm, £5 (including materials and tuition), location TBC

Friday 16th June ‘Bring a dish’ Celebration We’ll be topping off Carers’ Week this year with a celebratory ‘bring a dish’ lunch. Come along and share good food with friends. You are very welcome to bring the person you care for; simply let us know when you make your booking.

1.00pm to 3.00pm, Canbury Pavilion, Lower Ham Road, KT2 5AW, £FREE Please bring a dish to share

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

Weekly Classes Kingston Adult Education’s summer term runs from Monday 24 th April until Friday 14th July. Half term will take place from Saturday 27th May until Sunday 4th June.

All classes are £3. There is no need to book – simply turn up and give it a go!

Zumba Gold: Tuesdays, 12:00pm-1:00pm, Tolworth United Reformed Church, Elgar Avenue, Surbiton, KT5 9JR Stretch and Strengthen: Thursdays, 3:00pm – 4:00pm, King Charles Centre, Hollyfield Road, Surbiton, KT5 9AL Meditation: Fridays, 1:00pm – 2:00pm, King Charles Centre, Hollyfield Road, Surbiton, KT5 9AL Circuit Fitness with Chris: Saturdays, 11:00am – 12:00pm, The Star Centre, King Charles Crescent, Surbiton, KT5 8SU

KCN

Did you know that you can now book all of our activities online?

Visit www.kingstoncarers.org.uk/wellbeing-project/ activities to book. You can still book by contacting Lyndsey on 020 3375 8226 or wellbeing@kingstoncarers.org.uk or by sending a letter to “Kingston Carers’ Network, FREEPOST RSET-JATX-UEAS, New Malden, KT3 4BD”.

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Spring 2017

Congratulations!

Lots of congratulations to Vanessa and her husband Andrew on the arrival of their second baby, Tara, in the early hours of Christmas Eve. We’ve had little visit from her already and mum and baby are doing well.

Welcome back!

We are delighted to welcome back Kat, who will be returning to the Young Carers’ Project in May following her maternity leave. Kat is one of the Young Carers’ Support Workers and I know the whole team are pleased to have her back.

Could you help in the KCN office?

Looking for office experience or to ease back into the work environment?

We are looking for Administrative Support Volunteers to lend a hand ‘behind the scenes’ at the KCN office. If you are confident with computers and could spare a couple of hours a week, please contact Lyndsey on volunteering@kingstoncarers.org.uk or 020 3375 8226 for full details.

We are also looking for ‘ad hoc’ volunteers to help us stuff envelopes when we have a large mail out (about once every couple of months). If you would like to help, please contact Lyndsey as above.

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

News from the Young Carers’ Project What an exciting and busy few months we have had at the Young Carers’ Project, continuing to offer weekly youth group, regular drop ins, healthy Cook and Eat sessions, mentoring, targeted workshops, school lunch clubs and LOTS of exciting and fun activities, including an amazing trip to see Frozen on Ice during the Christmas Holidays, thanks to Surbiton Farmers’ Market and an energetic taekwondo morning run by Kingston University in half term.

National Young Carers’ Awareness Day took place on January 26th. We went into Coombe Girls’ School for the day and spoke to 210 students. Then we had a tea party and were thrilled that James Berry MP joined us in a workshop about creating our own communication methods. You can see his letter to us on the next page.

If you think you know someone who may be a young carer, please do get in touch and remember to follow us on twitter @YCPKingston

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

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Spring 2017

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

020 3031 2757

Spring 2017

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Alzheimer’s Society unveils engaging new brand in move to make dementia impossible to ignore Alzheimer’s Society has launched its new brand to give a stronger voice to every single person affected by dementia.

Dementia is the biggest health and social care challenge faced by society – deaths from dementia are rising year on year and more than one million people will have dementia by 2021. Alzheimer’s Society wants everyone to rise to this challenge and act now.

Research showed that Alzheimer’s Society’s old brand, although respected, was deemed passive, clinical and cold – it was clear a radical overhaul was needed. Working with London-based creative agency Heavenly, the charity set out to create a new brand positioning that is both inspiring and accessible.

Today the charity unveils a new Alzheimer’s Society brand is one that everyone can participate in - and will underpin their ambition to reach every single person affected by dementia.

The charity’s new visual identity precedes the launch of its new strategy, New Deal on Dementia 2017-2022, and is underpinned by a new set of values which marks the charity’s new direction. The strapline – “United Against Dementia” – reflects the growing dementia movement that has already begun with nearly two million Dementia Friends and over 200 Dementia Friendly Communities.

Commenting on the new brand positioning and identity, Vivienne Francis, Director of Marketing and External Affairs, said: “While awareness of dementia is growing, it doesn’t always the attention it deserves. The scale of the issue is heart-breaking and there is a real sense of injustice for people affected by dementia that urgently needs to be addressed.

“We know that people affected by dementia want us to shout louder with them - they want a seat at the table and to see that society is with them.

Our new brand will make dementia impossible to ignore and act as a rallying call for people from all walks of society to join us in uniting against dementia. It will also act as a vehicle to fund more research, improve care and support and enable us to reach every single person a affected by dementia.”

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

iCope Online

iCope Online is an interactive online therapy programme which has a catalogue of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy treatment modules, self-help tools and diaries to help tackle difficult feelings of anxiety, depression and stress. We have modules for topics such as Panic, Depression, Work Stress and Relaxation.

Once you have an account you can download the Minddistrict app which allows you to access the programme anytime, anywhere, on any device that has an internet connection e.g. computer, smartphone, tablet. iCope Online is therefore an ideal option for people who may have difficulty attending regular appointments away from home e.g. fulltime workers, parents, carers. It provides a flexible way for you to access support.

Each session can be done independently (pure self-help) or with the feedback of a therapist (guided self-help) and even after you have completed treatment you will have access to the programme for an entire year. This allows you the opportunity to recap the sessions which can help maintain progress and prevent setbacks. The pure self-help option can be a particularly good first step before receiving any formal therapy. It is also a stand-alone treatment in its own right that can be accessed with minimal waiting time.

How to access iCope Online If you are interested in this type of treatment, please visit kingstonicopeonline.minddistrict.co.uk/screening where you can start a self test. This will help us to better understand how you are doing. Once you have completed this we can let you know what support may be best for you.

You can find out more about this service at kingston.icope.nhs.uk

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Spring 2017

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

Complementary Therapies and Beauty Treatments Time for You Therapies Fridays, 10.00am to 3.00pm £12 for 30 minutes, £16 for 45 minutes, £20 for 1 hour Therapies include Reiki, Aromatherapy Massage, Holistic Massage, Bach Flower Remedies, Arm and Hand Massage Complementary Therapies with Mitsuko Mondays, 10.00am to 2.00pm Alternate Wednesdays, 1.00pm to 3.30pm and alternate Thursdays, 10.00am to 12.30pm Aromatherapy Body Massage, 1 hour (including consultation) £20 Facial Massage. 1 hour, £20 Reflexology, 45 minutes, £15 Indian Head Massage, 30 minutes, £12 Hairdressing with Kelly Second Monday of each month, 10.00am to 3.00pm £5 per haircut Healing Touch Massage with Roman Alternate Wednesdays, 1.00pm to 3.30pm and 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: An Opportunity to meet with the Trust’s Carers’ Lead, the Director of Nursing and Quality Standards Vanessa Ford, the Trust’s Director of Nursing and Quality Standards, is also its Carers’ Lead. She will be visiting the mental th health carers’ support group at their May meeting on Tuesday, 9 May 2017. In addition to her NHS experience, Vanessa is one of two National Professional Advisors to the CQC for Mental Health Nursing, and is also a Honorary Lecturer at Kings College in London. She is a Registered Mental Health Nurse and member of the Royal College of Nursing. This will be an opportunity for all carers of people who receive services from South West London & St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust to get an update on the changes that are taking place, particularly at Tolworth Hospital, with a chance to ask questions and receive answers from Vanessa about these. However, please be aware that Vanessa will not be able to discuss individual cases at this event. The meeting will be held at Tolworth Hospital, Hughes Room B, Red Lion Road, Tolworth KT6 7QU between 6pm and 7:15pm. Refreshments will be provided, so for catering purposes please confirm your attendance with Veronica on 020 3031 2755 or email carers2@kingstoncarers.org.uk.

Carers of People with Substance Misuse Issues

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Free 6 week online course - Understanding Drugs and Addiction (date 27 March 2017): We are all touched by addiction – personally, within our circle of family and friends, and within our community. Addiction and its related harms can be crippling for those affected and the people around them. In this free online course, you’ll explore how addiction develops, looking at the environmental, genetic and personal risks involved. You’ll examine what happens when a drug enters your body and your brain, how your brain changes, and how this process can make recovering from addiction such a challenge. You’ll learn how we can best treat addiction, and how national and international policies help limit the harms from addiction. King’s College London is a world leader in the science and treatment of addiction.

Each week, you’ll be joined by some of the world’s leading scientists, who will present cutting edge neuroscientific research - research that will lead to a greater understanding of how addiction develops and how we can treat it most effectively. By understanding addiction, we can shed light on the greater issues of self-control and choice. Indeed, we will develop a greater understanding of ourselves. No specialist knowledge or previous experience is required. For more information or to register, visit https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/understanding-drugs-and-addiction.

On Tuesday 9th May Westminster Abbey will open its doors to 2,000 guests for a service of Celebration and Hope, ‘Lives Worth Talking About’. The service is a first in the history of this national institution and is intended to be a unifying event which will inspire national conversations to challenge the prejudice and stigma of addiction. It will also provide an opportunity for families to proudly and publicly remember the lives of those lost to addiction, and to acknowledge the strength and courage of all those who are affected by someone else’s drug or alcohol misuse. These are all ‘Lives Worth Talking About’. This momentous occasion will be endorsed by the presence of senior government ministers and officials, partner agencies, respected academics in the field and other high profile guests including Keith Humphreys (Former Obama White House

Drug Policy Advisor), Russell Brand (Author and Actor), David Lidington MP (Leader of the House of Commons), Sara Thornton (Chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council) and Sir Anthony Seldon (Patron of DrugFAM).

Gordon Moody Association announces a new intensive treatment programme to meet the needs of women who are struggling to overcome their problem gambling.

This new service combines two short term residential retreats with 12 weekly therapy sessions delivered either online or face to face and concludes with a 2 night residential series of therapeutic workshops in a retreat style setting in the Herefordshire countryside. During this time people are able to look at what they have learned, discuss any problems they have experienced during treatment, and create a personal plan that will enable a gambling free future. Contact Amy on 01384 241292 for an application form or complete an online application at https://tinyurl.com/jpv4fc5, a telephone interview will be arranged and details of accommodation and precise dates discussed for successful applications. There is currently no cost for this treatment other than the cost of travel to the venue. Gordon Moody Association accepts individuals who refer themselves, or who are referred by their friends, family, probation, social or health workers.... in fact by anyone as long as the person being referred agrees.

Carers of People with Mental Health Issues

Beat has produced a leaflet designed to be taken to a GP appointment, to help people get a quick referral from their GP to an eating disorders specialist. It has sections giving guidance for the person who has an eating disorder, for people supporting someone with an eating disorder, and for the GP, as well as a space for notes. It can be downloaded at https://tinyurl.com/gwdjlax PACE offers a free, confidential and independent LGBT advocacy service to clients who: live in or close to London; are aged 16+; identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender and are accessing mental health services or need support to access mental health services.

Discrimination, homophobia, transphobia and heterosexism mean that lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender people are more likely to have mental health issues than heterosexual people. Many LGBT people are reluctant to access mainstream services or are unwilling to disclose their orientation in case they experience discrimination or are misunderstood. This can reduce the effectiveness of the support that they receive or lead to less positive outcomes. PACE's mental health advocacy service aims to counterbalance these inequalities. It provides practical support enabling individuals with mental health issues or in emotional distress to make informed choices, to represent themselves and to obtain services they may need. It can support clients with issues such as: housing, health needs, care & treatment issues, Mental Health Act tribunals, making complaints, obtaining services, support on ward rounds, combating homophobic and transphobic discrimination. The service can help people to write letters, make phone calls, attend meetings and find appropriate support organisations. Appointments with the PACE advocate are an opportunity for people to talk about the issues that concern them and get support in prioritising and making practical, informed decisions. Contact the advocacy service on 020 7700 1323 or karen.lewis@pacehealth.org.uk for more information: appointments are only

available Thursdays and Fridays. Professionals can also make a referral on someone’s behalf but only with their permission.

We all have mental health, just as we have physical health and that means it’s just as important that we look after it. Mental and physical health impact on each other; the Lesbian & Gay Foundation’s guide shares some useful tips to help you to look after yourself day-to-day, as well as some things you can do when you’re not feeling your best. Mental health can be affected by lots of different things and for lesbian, gay and bisexual people, issues such as homophobia, isolation and discrimination can really start to take their toll. It’s thought that lesbian, gay and bisexual people are at significantly higher risk of mental health problems, suicidal thoughts and deliberate self harm than heterosexual people. So it’s never been more important to get to know your mental health, learn how to take care of it and don’t be afraid to ask for support, no matter what it is you’re going through, you’re not alone. You can download the guide at http://lgbt.foundation/get-support/downloads/detail/?downloadid=169.

Harmless is a national voluntary organisation for people who self harm, their friends, families and professionals. A factsheet giving advice to friends and families is available via https://tinyurl.com/gphu3xk.

Carers of People with Dementia Tickets are on sale for the Alzheimer’s Show, which this year takes place at two locations; London’s Olympia on 9-10 June and Event City in Manchester on 23-24 June 2017. The two-day event will provide help, support, news, information and the latest products and services on all aspects of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia for carers, families, members of the public and those living with a diagnosis. The show offers the chance to: Improve your knowledge and understanding of dementia, so you’re better placed to manage the disease and the impact it has on you and your family; Hear from other carers and those working in the sector on their experiences, including what they’ve learned and how they have improved their relationships and interactions with those affected by dementia; Learn about the latest research and thinking into dementia and possible future treatments for the disease; Share your experiences with other carers; Attend a variety of talks from leading dementia experts, medical professionals and those in the know; Explore products and services that may help you manage the disease more effectively, as well as the needs of a loved one living with a diagnosis. For more information on the show and to book tickets, visit alzheimersshow.co.uk.

‘Making your home a better place to live with dementia’ - this brochure from Care and Repair England considers what someone with dementia can do to their home to manage changes better. View or download a copy at https://tinyurl.com/gr9p2bl Whether you’re a shy singer or a capable crafter, the Creative Activity Workbook is designed to encourage creativity in everyday settings, for carers of people living with dementia and the people themselves. Inside you’ll find an activity for every week of the year, in an easy to follow recipe format. Some activities are quick and spontaneous, others require a bit of planning, but they are all just starting points for you to explore your own creativity. It can be downloaded via https://tinyurl.com/h54dl6d with the

accompanying music to the workbook available via the Creative Activity Workbook music online link: https://soundcloud.com/create-connect.

What's On?

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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 from 10:30am to 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: 11 April, 9 May, 13 June, 11 July.

Support is provided on Lilacs ward and the Acacia Unit to carers by Kingston Mental Health Carers’ Forum (KMHCF). For more information please contact 07983 063 578 or email info@kmhcf.org.uk.

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. (It is recommended to attend about six meetings before deciding whether AlAnon is for you.)

Home Instead run a Memory Café in New Malden for people with memory loss and nd 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 st rd provided but donations welcomed. They also run every 1 and 3 Friday of the month from 2pm-4pm at the Rose Theatre, 24-26 High Street, Kingston KT1 1HL. nd

Staywell runs a Dementia Saturday Club on the 2 Saturday of the month from 11am to 2pm at Raleigh House in New Malden with a light lunch served at 12 noon.

It provides an opportunity to socialise in a supportive environment as well as access to specialist information and advice. Cost £5. To find out more, contact 020 8949 4244.

The Kingston Bipolar UK Group is still currently on hold so is NOT running.