Also inside: • A message from our CEO • Carers’ Rights Day • Staff News • Poem of the Month • Social Activities • YCP Conference • AGM Save the date Autumn/Winter 2022 ***NEW*** Men’s Group A new group for male carers to get together to enjoy and share hobbies and other activities. Find out more on page 10. KCN carers enjoying a residential trip to Glastonbury
Kingston Carers’ Network www.kingstoncarers.org.uk2
Wellbeing Co-ordinator, Layla Brokenbrow wellbeing@kingstoncarers.org.uk
Young Carers’ Project Team Leader, Liz Grimwood ycpteamleader@kingstoncarers.org.uk
Funding Manager, Brendan Tarring brendan.tarring@kingstoncarers.org.uk
Volunteer Coordinator, Aisha Antwi volunteering@kingstoncarers.org.uk
Men’s Group Co-ordinator, Ian Bellinger mensgroup@kingstoncarers.org.uk
Communications Officer, Joanne Maye commsofficer@kingstoncarers.org.uk
Benefits and Tribunal Support Worker, Anna Moore benefits@kingstoncarers.org.uk
Counselling Administrator, Helen Brunskill counselling@kingstoncarers.org.uk
020 3031 2757
Contacting KCN
Office Operations Manager/Company Secretary, Jo Cocup admin@kingstoncarers.org.uk
Chief Executive, Diane White ceo@kingstoncarers.org.uk
Adult Carers’ Team Leader, Carole Whatnall carole.whatnall@kingstoncarers.org.uk
Deputy Chief Executive, David Still carers1@kingstoncarers.org.uk
Mentoring Coordinator, Jess Burrows mentoring@kingstoncarers.org.uk
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Best wishes, Diane
It has been very nice to meet quite a few carers in recent weeks and hear about your lived experiences. This helps me and everyone at KCN to inform decision makers, to campaign and to try to make a real difference to the lives of carers and those they care for. You may have heard of the new Integrated Care Systems (ICSs), partnerships of organisations that come together to plan and deliver joined up health and care services, and to improve the lives of people who live and work in their area. They began on July 1st, 2022. There are several layers to the ICS coming down to place-based partnerships (effectively our borough) which lead the detailed design and delivery of local integrated services. The partnerships include the NHS, local councils, community and voluntary organisations, local residents, people who use services, their carers and other community partners with a role in supporting the health and wellbeing of the population. There is a very clear duty that carers must be consulted and involved at all levels of the ICS. Kingston Carers’ Network has a seat on this partnership and we take our responsibility to represent your views and make sure the carer voice is heard very seriously. Enjoy the newsletter. I hope you will find it interesting and helpful. Do get in touch with us if you would benefit from any support.
Update from CEO Diane White Hello to all our wonderful carers and welcome to our latest newsletter.
Ian Bellinger - Men’s Group Facilitator
Ian is a retired solicitor who has volunteered with KCN for several years. He now facilitates the KCN Men’s Group which has recently been established and aims to
Lyndsey, Leo and Emmeline, were joined by a beautiful little boy weighing 8lb 11oz. Mum and baby and both doing well and enjoying plenty of snuggles.
Big congratulations to Lyndsey, Volunteer Manager, on the latest addition to the family.
Kingston Carers’ Network4
Staff News
Huge congratulations and sad goodbyes to Linda, Finance Officer (pictured), who recently retired. Carole, Adult Carers’ Support Worker has effectively retired but we are delighted that she is staying with us in the short term as the Adult Carers also taken on a volunteer role so you might see her if you attend one of the lunches for carers of people with (see page 12). We have also been extremely sorry to say goodbye to Laura, Adult Carers Young Carers’ Support Worker and wish them both luck for the future.
organise activities for our male adult carers. Ian is married, has a teenage daughter and lives in Kingston.
Priya Lewis - Finance Officer
I am very excited to join KCN as Finance Officer and I’m looking forward to supporting the team. I’ve always wanted to work for a charitable organisation and now I’ve been given an opportunity, I only hope to contribute.
Hello, my name is Aisha and I joined KCN at the end of August. I am covering Lyndsey as a Volunteer Coordinator while she is on maternity leave. My role involves recruiting and training our amazing team of KCN volunteers, prospective, new, current and future. A former KCN volunteer myself, I previously supported the organisation with admin from 2016 to 2018. Lyndsey inspired me to move into working in voluntary recruitment and I
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Hello everyone. My name is Priya and I have been living and working in Surrey for almost 15 years. My husband has worked for the London Ambulance Service since 2002 and I have a 15 year old son studying at Tiffin School, Kingston.
Aisha Antwi - Volunteer Co-ordinator
It is early days, but there has been plenty of enthusiasm for the new group and Ian looks forward to bringing many of our male carers together to take some time out from their caring roles and to take part in various hobbies and activities. See page 10 to find out more.
previously worked as a Volunteer Team Administrator at Princess Alice Hospice. I hope to inspire and motivate applicants to volunteer whether they are looking to gain experience, give their spare time or give back to the community.
I volunteer for a community radio station doing arts reporting in my spare time. I am also learning how to DJ and love attending music gigs and festivals.
KCN Newsletter
Heidi White - Young Carers’ Project Worker
Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter. The next edition will be published in March. If you are receiving this newsletter through the post but would be happy to receive it by email please email commsofficer@kingstoncarers.org.uk.
Hello - my name is Heidi and I've recently joined the Young Carers' Project team in the Curiosity Project Lead role! I've been a part of KCN for a few years, having volunteered previously, and have been on some activities with YCP so you may have seen me around. I'm enjoying getting to know our carers and their families at our activities and organising science and naturebased sessions for the young carers. I graduated from university last year and am enjoying being back in Kingston and working locally. I've also signed up to run the London Landmarks Half Marathon next year, fundraising for KCN page 13).
Kingston Carers’ Network www.kingstoncarers.org.uk6
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In 2021, mental health carer Jo Lambert noticed that the language she was using to comfort and reassure sounded like poems. It seemed natural to write these down and Jo launched her first book, Stay, on 14th May 2022. The book of poems and artwork for mental health survivors has sold out of two print runs and, along with Joy Hibbins’ Suicide Prevention Pocket Guidebook, it has raised £620 for Suicide InspiredCrisis.byDiane
For information on purchasing Stay and Alliance, priced at £8.99, please contact Jo Maye on 020 3375 8226 or commsofficer@kingstoncarers.org.uk.
In addition, the launch of Stay and Alliance in clinical and therapeutic settings will take place in Autumn 2022. It is hoped that Stay will be effective as a communication tool to bridge the clinical distance between patient and professional as well as smashing stigma and opening up conversations around mental illness. Alliance offers comfort, solidarity and recognition for mental health carers who can suffer from a sense of powerlessness and invisibility and may assist in supporting the Triangle of Care.
Poetry by Jo Lambert
White, CEO of KCN, Jo’s second book, Alliance, a book of poems for mental health carers, was launched at the KCN poetry reading at the Rose Theatre on 9th June 2022. Alliance is part of a Mental Health Recognition Project set up by Jo and another carer, Zoe Hannam. The first print run quickly sold out with £260 raised for Kingston Carers’ Network. More print runs of both books are planned so that fundraising can continue.
Kingston Carers’ Network www.kingstoncarers.org.uk8
Darkness and Light
The key is turned, he comes into the hall. “How was your day?” I say, “Was travelling OK?”....A pause.. and then “Yes, thank you!” and he goes up to his room. No sound...
The days pass by, and nothing changes much. How will he be today? A busy day, with happy thoughts, and many things to do? Or will it be a silent one? No words to say and shut off from the Theworld.sky is dark and all the world’s asleep.. BUT he’s awake, and dressed, and making tea. He talks a lot... A good day lies ahead!
We were absolutely delighted with the support shown to our carers at the poetry reading event following the HeArt of Care Poetry Workshops. The quality of poems that came from the workshops was tremendous and we are pleased to be able to share them with you over the following months.
Until a phone call from a friend. “I’ll let him know” I say. He’s heard the phone.. he comes and says: “Hello! Yes, thanks,” and not much more. The phone’s Put down and off he goes:to stare at walls and think of all his cares.
©Patricia Maskell 2022
You want to be equal partners in this work and to be respected as experts The action plan will be written and monitored with carers and carers’ support organisations.
We are always here
you to treat us with the same respect we afford you.
You told us what the gaps in carers support are and what our priorities for action should be. We have included these into each of the themes.
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help you every way we can and we
From RBK: Thank you to all of those who gave their feedback and inputted into the work of the All Age Kingston Carers Strategy 2022- 2027.
How we used the feedback received:
This is now in its final stages and will be fully approved by mid September. The next very important stage has begun, creating the action plan and making sure it is implemented. Carers will lead on this, through the Carers’ Board.
You chose the 5 main priorities for young/young adult carers and adult carers. We have used these as the central themes for our strategy, and included the experiences you have shared with us under each theme.
You told us what the impact of the pandemic has been on carers. We have included this in the strategy and will use it to inform the action plan that will be co-written with carers, carer support organisations.
Carers’ Strategy Update to ask
Men’s Group
Kingston Carers’ Network www.kingstoncarers.org.uk10
07305 099 303
Many of our male carers have said that they felt they would benefit from access to an all-male support group. We have started KCN Men’s Group: a group for male carers to get together to enjoy and share hobbies and other activities. We are surveying our male carers to find out what sort of activities and hobbies they would like to participate in. Some suggestions are things like snooker, table tennis, tennis, bowling, 5-a-side football, board games, chess, quizzes and cooking. Maybe watching a football match or visiting a brewery or visiting a historic place, or walking in nature. Possibly also informative information/advice sessions, talks on nutrition, health or cooking, or on computers/IT. For more information , please contact Ian Bellinger, our Men’s Group Facilitator, on mensgroup@kingstoncarers.org.uk or on
Do you have a passion for design?
When we talk about KCN, one topic that comes up more often than you might think is our logo. The logo has been around for a long time and KCN has grown hugely since our early days in Siddeley House. We often hear that the logo doesn’t mean anything; it doesn’t tell people who we are or what we do and the red is too… red!
As KCN continues to evolve, we think it’s time our logo evolved with us. We are looking for a volunteer to put together some designs for a new logo and then test these with a group of carers. If this is something you, or someone you know, might be interested in, please contact Jo Maye on 020 3375 8226 or commsofficer@kingstoncarers.org.uk.
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Parents and of Children and Young People with or and Additional Needs
ADHD
Carers of Adults with Asperger’s/High Functioning Autism
For more information on any of the above support groups, please email supportgroups@kingstoncarers.org.uk or call the office on 020 3031 2757.
Lunch Club for carers of People with Dementia First Wednesday of each month 12.00pm to 2.00pm, usually Kingston All lunches cost £5 which includes a meal and a drink Please book by emailing carole.whatnall@kingstoncarers.org.uk or calling
Young Adult Carers’ Peer Support Group For 16-21 year olds. First and third Friday of each month. Get in touch with Liz on 07551 647 448 if you would like more information or think you would like to come! Support Groups
KCN runs monthly groups to give carers the chance to chat with others who may be in a similar situation to themselves. It is a friendly opportunity to share stories and tips in a safe, nonjudgemental space.
Kingston Carers’ Network www.kingstoncarers.org.uk12
Carers
Carers of People with a Mental Health Condition
Second Tuesday of each month, 6.00pm to 7.15pm Surbiton. No need to book.
First Wednesday of each month, 10.30am to 12.30pm, Surbiton. No need to book.
Autism
Second Friday of each month, 10.30am to 11.30am via Zoom Please book by emailing supportgroups@kingstoncarers.org.uk 020 3725 3048.
Heidi “I've decided to run the LLHM to raise money and awareness for a positive cause and challenge myself to get back into running at the same time. As I work at the Young Carers' Project, I have seen first-hand how much this project means to the families we support and how every little bit we raise can go a long way. I'm excited to train and push myself and can't wait to take part on the day with all the other runners and spectators.” Alex “I ran a half marathon almost two years ago and it went okay-ish but I sort of fell out of running afterwards. I want to run LLHM because it's a really fun way to push myself to get to that level again whilst also feeling good about raising money/awareness of KCN and doing it with a community!
We have one space left to fill! There is a registration fee of £30 and we are asking for a fundraising commitment of £300. To find out more, please contact Jo Maye on commsofficer@kingstoncarers.org.uk or 020 3375 8226.
”
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Join our team for the London Landmarks’ Half Marathon on 2nd April 2023 and raise money to support carers in Kingston. This fantastic race winds through the closed roads of London, taking in views of London’s most iconic landmarks including Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Shard, the Gherkin, Tower of London and the London Eye.
London Landmarks’ Half Marathon
Monday 2nd January 2023
If you need urgent support over Christmas, you should contact Adult Social Care at Kingston Council on 020 8547 5005. If you think someone is in immediate danger, you should call 999. The Samaritans offer confidential, nonjudgemental, emotional support, 24 hours a day, for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide. You can call their free helpline number: 116 123.
Klaire “During lockdown, I developed an interest in running because it was a great way to keep active and get out of the house. I continued this hobby, and this led me to take part in the 31 miles in July challenge for Cancer Research UK in 2021. In total, all participants raised £55,526 for Cancer Research UK, and this overwhelming sum along with the support and generosity from the entire community, motivated me to complete the challenge. I hope to challenge myself even further by achieving something as big as the LLHM, and I believe that the support of others will motivate me to prepare for this.”
Christmas Opening Hours
Kingston Carers’ Network www.kingstoncarers.org.uk14
There will be limited staff availability between 21st December and 3rd January. We will endeavour to keep the office open over this period, but please call the office on 020 3031 2757 before visiting in person.
KCN will be closed on the following dates: Monday 26th to Tuesday 27th December 2022
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Carers need to know their rights wherever they are in their caring journey: whether they are in the workplace, in a healthcare setting, when interacting with professionals or at home. This Carers’ Rights Day, we want to empower carers with information and support, so they can feel confident asking for what they need. We also want carers to know how to challenge things when their rights are not being met.
Whether you are a new carer or have been caring for someone for a while, we believe that it’s important that you understand your rights and are able to access the support that is available to you as soon as you need it. Many people are taking on more caring responsibilities for their relatives and friends who are disabled, ill or older and who need support.
• ensure carers are aware of their rights
• raise awareness of the needs of carers.
The theme for this year’s Carers’ Rights Day has not yet been announced but David Still will be giving one of his popular talks focussing on the rights of carers.
Carers’ Rights Day
Each year, Carers Rights’ Day helps us:
• let carers know where to get help and support
The talk will be held on Thursday 24th November 2022 from 2.00pm to 3.30pm at Guildhall, Kingston. To book your space please contact Jo Cocup on 020 3031 2757 or admin@kingstoncarers.org.uk.
At the end of the day you will have learnt about the impact of being a young carer, what YCP offers these incredible young people and what you can do to support us to ensure young carers in our community reach their full potential.
If you are a young person open to sharing your experience being a young carer, please get in contact with us at Inycpconference@kingstoncarers.org.uk.addition,weareaskinganyone with connections to businesses who would be interested in sponsoring this event, or if anyone knows any influencers or local celebrities who would be willing to attend to get in contact. Please save the date and help us spread the word.
There are approximately 900 young carers registered with YCP in the Kingston borough and we hope to have as many as possible attend for a fun, engaging and informative day.
The Young Carers’ Project (YCP) is excited to announce that we are hosting our first annual conference.
The day will have a winter festival vibe with entertainment, special guests and workshops.
Inspiring Young Carers
Kingston Carers’ Network www.kingstoncarers.org.uk16
To raise awareness and promote the Young Carers’ Project we would like to extend our invite to small businesses, community groups, council and school representatives to join us for a special day celebrating our amazing young carers.
SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, 4th February 2023
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Update from Liz, YCP Team Leader
Our YCP team is ready for a rest following another wonderful (and packed) programme of events and activities for our young carers over the summer holidays!
Thanks to Jack Petchey, and excellent planning by Klaire, we had lots of laughs at Lee Valley White Water Centre tackling their Water Wipeout - a fun sized inflatable obstacle course on water. We also took a group of young carers to Gravity in Wandsworth super cool immersive experience where we competed in a variety of e-sports. We enjoyed a Mexican Night and Klaire had us all up on our feet when she led us in a dance workshop. For our younger carers, we took a trip to Chessington World of Adventures Zoo and Sealife Centre, where we loved watching the penguins and the gorillas. We also took a trip on two wheels when we went bike riding in Battersea Park. All these activities were hungry work so we ran a twice
Kingston Carers’ Network www.kingstoncarers.org.uk18
We were delighted to be awarded a Jack Petchey Reignite grant to re-engage young people, reach more young carers and provide a year of opportunities. The grant has enabled us to run some brand new trips this year - very exciting!
News from the Young Carers’ Project
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weekly cooking class for four weeks. The course was funded by Kingston Voluntary Action’s Community Cooking Fund and it was great to see our cooks grow in confidence as they learnt to prepare healthy and delicious meals from scratch. Sam led the course and thoroughly enjoyed tasting all the lovely meals!
We are especially excited about our new Choir Club that starts on 12th September. This is funded and run by Kingston Music Service and benefits to our young carers include enhanced feelings of togetherness, growing confidence, and the release of endorphins and oxytocin which reduce stress and anxiety levels and contribute to a positive mental state. We can't wait to showcase our young carers singing! We were delighted to be invited back to the Natural History Museum and Heidi took a group of fascinated young carers on a very exciting behind the scenes tour as part of our Curiosity Club - sessions aimed at developing a curiosity into the sciences in a fun and engaging way. We are also very grateful to Kew Gardens and Hampton Court for lots of free tickets which enabled our young carers to enjoy a day out with their families. Julie, our Targeted Support Worker, took a group of young
Kingston Carers’ Network www.kingstoncarers.org.uk20
The mentor programme was paused during lockdown and started again in October 2021. As of August 2022, there were 25 volunteer mentors who have been trained and each matched with a young carer aged 10 – 18. Over this 10 month period more than 200 one to one mentor outings have taken place equating to over 600 mentor hours!
News from the Mentoring Project
We are looking for a local business to sponsor some hi-vis vests for our staff, volunteers and young carers when they are out on trips and activities. The vests would be an additional safety measure, ensuring the group is easily identifiable and would improve visibility of the staff and volunteers to young carers who may not have met them before. We are looking to raise £500 and could include “sponsored by…” on the vests. If you could help, please contact Jo Maye on commsofficer@kingstoncarers.org.uk.
Could you sponsor YCP safety vests?
carers who have recently finished primary school to Walton Firs Activity Centre. The trip was hugely beneficial to those making the transition to secondary school. Julie has also been helping with travel training and Zip Oyster photocard applications so our YCs are ready for the next step into secondary school. If you think you may know someone who is a young carer, or would like more information on the support our Young Carers’ Project can offer, please contact Liz on 020 3031 2753 or YCPteamleader@kingstoncarers.org.uk or
I recently asked a 13 year old young carer on the programme what it is like to have a mentor and they said “I would recommend it – it is really fun. It can seem scary at first but then normal – little things come up each session that we didn’t know about each other beforehand and I am enjoying learning from my mentor.”
A few recent mentor activities have included: Dino Golf, horse riding, ice-skating, a boat cruise, tennis, football, sky gardens, bike-riding, escape rooms, walks, meeting up for a drink and chat, bowling, pottery, visiting nail salons, the driving range, markets and ice cream parlours.
Mentors are positive role models who spend one-to-one time supporting a young carer to achieve personal goals. They meet their young carer in a public space (outside the home environment) every two weeks for 6 to 12 months. Everyone on the programme has a budget of £40 per month to spend and together mentors and young carers plan activities and have fun getting to know one another.
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When asked what advice they would give to someone who has not had a mentor they replied, “Just do it!”
Photo above: young carer and mentor enjoy a horse-riding lesson. If you are a young carer or would like to put a young carer forward for mentoring or someone who would like to know more about becoming a mentor, then contact Jess, Mentoring Coordinator, at mentoring@kingstoncarers.org.uk or 07458 305 353.
Counselling Services
KCN offers free one-to-one counselling which is provided by both fully BACP qualified counsellors, and trainee counsellors, who are independently supervised.
The video call counselling list is much shorter than usual. We are also able to provide details of experienced BACP qualified counsellors offering low-cost counselling for Forcarers.more information, please contact Helen on 020 3031 2757 or counselling@kingstoncarers.org.uk.
Kingston Carers’ Network www.kingstoncarers.org.uk22
Counselling is sometimes called a 'talking therapy'. A counsellor aims to provide you with a safe, independent and confidential space in which you can talk about your concerns, feel listened to, respected, understood and not feel judged.
People of all ages and walks of life seek counselling and find it can help them to cope or to deal with difficult emotions or situations. Carers may have particular concerns or difficulties associated with their caring role and our counselling team are skilled in working with carers to maintain their health and wellbeing while addressing these Fordifficulties.thelast two years, due to Covid restrictions, therapy sessions with our counsellors have been held via telephone or video calls (e.g. zoom). These will remain available for those who would prefer them, but we have reintroduced some “in-person” appointments.
tips to improve wellbeing and manage stress
mental health challenges. This is a Recovery College partnership with Kingston Adult Education (KAE) College and our Mental Health’s Trust Involvement Team. • Ongoing Recovery College courses for families friends and carers - you will learn practical skills to actively cope and better understand mental health, recovery and the mental health system in a way that is helpful for both you and the person you support. For further information, including dates, or if you have any questions, contact Ana Maria Corredor, Recovery College Trainer on AnaMaria.CorredorCollazos@swlstg.nhs.uk or 020 3513 5000. Recovery
A
• course designed with and and anxiety Trainers caring and/or College
better.
• A newly developed course for family and carers of people using Early Interventions Services EIS (whose loved one is going through psychosis), to cope better with the uncertainty and learn communication skills for responding. This course will be facilitated by a clinician from the Early Intervention Service and a Peer Trainer with lived experience of managing mental health challenges day to day.
the charity Action for Happiness, offering practical ideas
Courses
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-
The Recovery College has two new courses for family, friends and carers as well as their long standing sessions:
will have lived experience of
Kingston Carers’ Network www.kingstoncarers.org.uk24
Onambitions.joining the Working for Carers Project, carers are allocated an Employment and Training Personal Advisor who supports them to explore their options, and to set and achieve their goals. Alongside our one-to-one appointments, we run a variety of workshops on job search skills, business start-ups, interview skills, using LinkedIn and more. If you are interested in hearing more about the Working for Carers Project, please contact wfc@camdencarers.org.uk or 020 7428 8950.
Working for Carers is a London-wide project that supports unpaid carers, aged 25 or over, to move closer to employment, training and volunteering. Our aim is to support carers to pursue their employment goals through confidence building and skills development. We offer a flexible service that considers individual needs and
News from Working for Carers Kingston and For more please Dave Whitehead, or david.whitehead2@barclays.com
Free advice from Barclays Bank KCN is delighted to be working with Barclays Bank who are offering support in a range of areas including budgeting, living with less income, debt and credit awareness
more.
contact
Help with the Cost of Living
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Customer Care Leader, Surbiton Branch, on 07788 358 443
information or to book a session,
Mayor of London’s Warmer Homes Scheme
The eligibility requirements for this scheme have now been updated to include those who rent their home, not just those who own their home. Applicants may be entitled to a free boiler, insulation, double glazing or other improvements to help heat the home more affordably. For more information contact enquiries@warmerhomeslondon.com or freephone 0800 029 3576.
Kingston Carers’ Network www.kingstoncarers.org.uk26
Energy UK’s Vulnerability Commitment
Many of the largest suppliers have agreed to the Vulnerability Commitment. This includes never knowingly disconnecting a vulnerable customer at any time of year and having a strategy and effective arrangements in place for signposting and referring customers to relevant third-party support, including debt advice agencies. They have also committed to only using High Court Enforcement Officers to recover debts where appropriate for a vulnerable customer taking consideration of any wider vulnerabilities that may be exacerbated by Court enforcement action.
Kingston Food Services The Good Food Group is a partnership of voluntary and community organisations seeking to provide both emergency response and a strategic approach to food insecurity in Kingston through making healthy food accessible, running community cooking classes, lunches and educational projects. They have collated some of the best services available to those in the borough of Kingston including emergency food, free and low cost community lunches and educational programmes and cooking courses. For a copy of this guide please contact Jo Maye on 020 3031 2757 or commsofficer@kingstoncarers.org.uk.
27020 3031 2757 Autumn/Winter 2022 We are pleased to let you know that Legal & General have offered Carers Trust Network partners free access to their ‘Care Guidance Service’. The benefit provides online and 1:1 telephone support to any carers of the Carers Trust network. Legal & General can provide emotional and practical support at a time of need. What do KCN’s carers get access to? • 30-minute telephone session with a care expert. • State funding assessment to evaluate if you are eligible for government support. • An understanding of what kind of care is needed and how to arrange this care. • Guidance on typical care costs and the ways of paying for your care. • Email summarising everything discussed, care guides tailored to your situation, and list of relevant services. You can access the service via a dedicated telephone line 0800 086 9071 (simply say you received the number from Carers Trust) or their website www.legalandgeneral.com/care Carers Trust and Legal & General held an online session to explain the service. If you would like the recording emailed to you or a copy of the slides to be sent to you, please contact Jo Maye on commsofficer@kingstoncarers.org.uk or 020 3031 5757. Free Care Guidance Service
Art Wednesdays (formerly Chatty Wednesdays) is a brilliant opportunity to socialise, engage creatively and learn new art techniques in a friendly online video workshop via Zoom.
Art Wednesdays
Sensory Palaces
Art Wednesdays is an online group run by Arts 4 Dementia for people with early-stage dementia and their companions, held every Wednesday on Zoom from 2.00pm to 3.00pm.
Kingston Carers’ Network www.kingstoncarers.org.uk28
Hampton Court Palace invite people living with dementia and their family, friends and companions to join them as part of their Sensory Palaces programme where they bring the history of Hampton Court Palace to life through sensory Therestorytelling.will be the opportunity to explore stories from the palace, participate in fun activities and meet new people. Each
Twice a month brilliant resident artist, Celia Pickering, hosts a practical art session for the group, encouraging participants to get creative from the comfort of their own home. These friendly sessions are fun and relaxed and enable people to share ideas and creations – it is all about giving it a go!
They are lucky enough to have some brilliant guest hosts join the sessions, such as dance, singing and craft facilitators as well as guest talks from some top museums such as the Museum of London and the Wallace Collection. They are thrilled to welcome new members to the online sessions. For more information and to join the sessions, please contact Emily on emily@arts4dementia.org.uk or 020 3633 9954.
Mobilise Carers Support
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Sessions are free and take place either online or in the historic spaces and gardens of Hampton Court Palace. If you would like to know more about the programme, please contact Hampton Court Palace on sarah.fairbairn@hrp.org.uk or 020 3166 6568.
Mobilise is a movement with a mission: to make sure nobody has to figure out a caring role on their own. They are an online service that harnesses the collective knowledge, wisdom and expertise of unpaid carers. Mobilise also offer one to one calls, podcasts and regular support emails as well as a very comprehensive series of guides covering a huge range of topics including financial support, emergency planning, respite care and your legal rights. You can find out more by visiting www.mobiliseonline.co.uk.
session is different and led by freelancers skilled and experienced in supporting people living with dementia. The Sensory Palaces programme has been running for over five years now, and they have seen first-hand how beneficial the sessions can be for participant mental health and wellbeing.
Kingston Carers’ Network www.kingstoncarers.org.uk30 If you like receiving our newsletters, why not sign up to our email bulletins for regular updates and follow us on our social media pages! Our monthly ebulletins will keep you up-to-date with exciting news and details for forthcoming events. As well as regular updates from us, you’ll get useful information, activities, and announcements from other organisations across the borough. Plus, follow our social media to see photos from our activities, updates on what we’re up to and a chance to engage with us and other carers. Sign up for the ebulletin: www.tinyurl.com/kcnebulletin Follow us: Twitter – @KingstonCarers & @YCPKingston Instagram – @KingstonCarersNetwork Facebook – Kingston Carers Network & Kingston Young Carers’ Project Would you like to hear more from us? KCN is committed to ensuring that carers are involved in the running of the charity. We are seeking new members who will be entitled to vote at the AGM and to approve the appointment of Trustees to the Board. Being a member of KCN is different to being registered with KCN as a carer. There is no requirement for you to be a member but you will not be able to vote at the AGM (see page 32) unless you are both a member and Becoming a member of KCN
registered with us.
become a member,
If you wish to apply to become a member, we anticipate this membership to be continuous whilst you are associated with KCN however, you can resign as a member at any point in the future. There is no fee to join, but in the event of KCN’s insolvency, all members might be charged a nominal fee of £1.
Membership entitles
If you wish to please complete and return below.
31020 3031 2757 Autumn/Winter 2022
the form
you to: A vote at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) Receive the Annual Reports Appoint Trustees to the Board A KCN membership card
Discounted Massage Therapy for Carers
We will be holding our Annual General Meeting on the afternoon of Tuesday 4th October 2022. Formal invites will be sent to members (see page 31) in due course. Register your interest with Jo Cocup on 020 3031 2751 or admin@kingstoncarers.org.uk.
AGM Save the Date
Each client will be asked to confirm that they, and other members of their household, are not showing any symptoms of COVID-19. If you are unable to attend appointment please give as much notice as possible. Last minute cancellations will require a deposit of £10 to be paid in advance of booking to re-book appointments. For more information, or to book an appointment, please call the office on 020 3031 2757 or email Helen Brunskill on counselling@kingstoncarers.org.uk.
We are delighted to once again offer carers discounted massage and reflexology appointments with Meera at our office in TreatmentsTolworth. will take place on the first Monday of the month with 6 x 45 minute slots available: 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm. All treatments cost £20 for 45 minutes (cash only). Each treatment must end at 45 minutes past the hour to allow sufficient time to disinfect the room. If you arrive late, time cannot be made up.
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33020 3031 2757 Autumn/Winter 2022 Booking is essential for all events, including events that are free of charge. Please return the booking form on page 40, call 07818 878 931 or Forwellbeing@kingstoncarers.org.ukemail.activitiestakingplacebetween January and March, places will be confirmed four weeks prior to the event. If oversubscribed, names will be drawn out of a hat. Activity fees are payable in cash on the day of event where applicable. Wellbeing Activities and Events Mindfulness Workshops Friday 4th November 2022 and Friday 10th February 2023, 10.00am to 11.30am St. Mark’s Church, Surbiton, Free Two 90 minute workshops, each covering a different mindfulness topic followed by guided meditations in a variety of styles. You will leave feeling relaxed and refreshed! Wellbeing Programme Mindfulness for Carers - 4 week course Fridays: 3rd March, 10th March, 17th March, 24th March 2023 10.00am to 11.00am St Mark’s Church, Surbiton, Free
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You
This is a friendly mindfulness course for beginners. You will learn a range of techniques to help manage the challenges of life with a peaceful, more calm mind. The course has been developed especially for carers and covers an introduction to mindfulness, coping with challenging emotions, developing a positive mindset, breathing techniques for managing anxiety, gratitude and loving kindness. Each class includes guided meditations in a variety of styles. will leave feeling relaxed and refreshed!
Meditation Course - 4 week course Fridays: 3rd March, 10th March, 17th March, 24th March 2023 11.15am to 12.00pm St. Mark’s Church, Surbiton Feel free to join our friendly meditation group. Each 45 minute session will offer one or two meditations in a range of styles including guided visualisations, relaxation, gratitude, loving kindness and self-compassion practices. Twickenham Brewery Wednesday 12th October 2022, 6.00pm to 9.30pm Coach departing from and returning to KCN Tolworth Office Activity£5 includes a guided tour, souvenir glass and 3 pints! (Potential for drop offs between Brewery and KCN office). Activities Programme
Festive Crafting
Tower Bridge Experience
Tenpin at the Rotunda, Kingston, £3
Friday 18th November 2022, 10.00am
Bridge will transport you to Victorian London, telling the story of the city’s defining landmark from the very beginning. Immerse yourself in the architecture and engineering and watch city life unfold in panorama from its high-level walkways and glass floor.
Note: This event requires walking between London Bridge station and north end of Tower Bridge in both directions.
Thursday 1st December 2022, 10.30am to 12.15pm
Meet at New Malden train station or make your own way to Waterloo Station. Travel card provided for zones 1-4, Tower£5
All Saints Church, Kingston, Free
Make your own festive decoration in the beautiful surroundings of All Saints Church in Kingston before enjoying a hot drink and slice of cake in the church café.
Tuesday 22nd November 2022, 6.00pm to 8.00pm
Ten Pin Bowling
35020 3031 2757 Autumn/Winter 2022
Join us for a relaxed night with two fun games of bowling.
Strawberry
Wednesday 18th January 2023, 9.30am to 12.30pm (This trip has been rescheduled from Summer 2022)
Ice Skating at Hampton Court Palace
Coach travel provided from KCN office to venue, £4 90 minute tour of house and garden, followed by refreshments Strawberry Hill House is internationally famous as Britain’s finest example of Georgian Gothic Revival architecture. It was created by Horace Walpole in 1747. He created a ‘little Gothic castle’ with pinnacles, battlements and a round tower. He also
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Carers’ Christmas Party
Friday 16th December 2022, 7.30pm to 11.00pm St Mark s Church Hall, Surbiton. £5 per carer, £10 per guest drinks and festive fun! Hill House and Garden
Wednesday 7th December 2022 - Date to be confirmed, depending on ticket availability, 10.00am to 1.00pm Coach travel provided, departing from and returning to KCN Office, Tolworth or you can meet the group at the venue. outdoor, open-air ice rink offers you the chance to glide across the ice under the winter sky, surrounded by spectacular views of the historic Tudor palace.
This£7.50beautiful,
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Snacks,
Watts Gallery
37020 3031 2757 Autumn/Winter 2022
romantic five-acre garden which has been, as far as possible, restored to its original appearance. It is Grade II listed and of national importance as a reminder of a fascinating period in garden history.
Coach travel provided, departing from and returning to KCN office, Tolworth. Free
This is a guided five mile circular walk exploring the wild pine and birch slopes of Wisley and Ockham Commons in nearby
Guided Walk: Ockham and Wisley Commons
Thursday 9th March 2023, 1.00pm to 3.00pm
Watts Gallery Artists’ Village is the Arts & Crafts home, gallery, studios and chapel of Victorian artists, George Frederick Watts and Mary Watts. Visit their historic galleries to see remarkable paintings and sculpture by G F Watts, wander to the Grade I listed Watts Chapel, take in the beautiful surroundings of the gardens and find out more about the lives of G F and Mary Watts.
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Coach departing from and returning to KCN Office, Tolworth. £5
Friday 24th February 2023, 10.30am to 1.30pm
Kingston Carers’ Network www.kingstoncarers.org.uk38 Easter Crafting Thursday 30th March 2023, 10.30am All Saints Church, Kingston. Free Easter craft workshop for adult carers. The craft session will be followed by a hot drink and cake in the church café. Join us for some great food and friendly relaxed company at our monthly lunch club. All carers welcome, particularly people coming for the first time! One main meal and a drink included. Lunches start at 12.00pm. £5. Venues to be Fridayconfirmed.7thOctober 2022 - Megans, Surbiton Wednesday 9th November - Pizza Express, New Malden Thursday 12th January 2023- Dosa Company, Tolworth Thursday 9th February - Al Forno’s, New Malden Wednesday 22nd March - restaurant tbc, Kingston BOOKING ESSENTIAL Places are limited and we try to ensure each carer who applies can attend at least one lunch. To register for a place at one or more lunch socials please email Layla Brokenbrow. wellbeing@kingstoncarers.org.uk Final places are allocated three weeks before each lunch. We also run a lunch club for carers of people with dementia. See page 16 for more details. Lunch Socials
39020 3031 2757 Autumn/Winter 2022 Come and exercise outside with Kat at the Surbiton Racket and Fitness Club! Kat runs two of her popular classes under a marquee while also live streaming via Zoom, so you can join in however you feel most comfortable. Carers attending in person classes are welcome to use the club’s changing facilities and café. Mon 10.00am to 10.45am - Stretch and Tone In person and via Zoom Wed 9.30am to 10.15 am - Total Body & Abs workout Zoom only Fri 11.00am to 11.45am - Resistance and Core In person and via Zoom Prices and Booking Exercise passes can be purchased by emailing 4wellbeing@kingstoncarers.org.ukclasses - £14, 8 classes - £28, 12 classes - £42 Drop in/one off sessions - £5 per person NB: Classes may be subject to change Fitness Classes All our events are very popular and booking is essential. To book, please contact Layla on 07818 878 931 or 020 3559 2824 or wellbeing@kingstoncarers.org.uk or return the booking form on page 40.
Kingston Carers’ Network www.kingstoncarers.org.uk40 BOOKING FORM: Mr / Mrs / Ms / Miss / Other: Full name: ____________________________________________ Postcode: _______________ Phone Number: Email:_______________________________________________________________ Please mark the diamond(s) if you are: Aged over 65 Dementia carer Parent carer A volunteer None of the above Please state your ethnicity:___________________________
For activities taking place between January - March, places will be confirmed four weeks prior to the event taking place. If oversubscribed, names will be drawn out of a hat at this point.
Please return this form to “FREEPOST Kingston Carers’ Network”. You do not need to write anything else on the envelope or use a stamp.
If booking multiple events please indicate your preference by writing a number on the line provided (1 = 1st choice, 2 = 2nd choice etc). If events are oversubscribed,