Carers Week Special 2015

Carers Week Special 2015 Also inside:  Meet our new staff

Fundraising “Quiz with a Difference” Friday 12th June Boat Trip to Hampton Court

 Forthcoming Support Groups  Craft Group  GRAND RAFFLE!

Carers’ Pamper Day

 New project  Care Act information  Mental Health News  Dementia Carers Workshop

Social Activities and Outings

KCN are hosting a fantastic “Quiz with a Difference”, raising money for our young and adult carers. There will also be a raffle and beer and wine for sale so gather up some friends and family and put your brain power to the test!

See page 9 for details

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

News from the Chief Executive There’s so much to tell you about in this edition!

We say a sad farewell to a much-valued colleague and welcome two new staff members as well as having a great programme of events lined up for Carers Week. We hope many of you will be able to join us for one or more of our activities.

Focus on Carers’ Week – Building Carer Friendly Communities Carer Friendly Communities are aware of the part played by unpaid carers within their community. They have some understanding of a carer's daily reality; that they can be under a lot of pressure, and are often hidden from view.

When a community is Carer Friendly, every corner – from the hospital, workplace, primary school, to leisure services and beyond – will be geared towards addressing the needs of carers. This means that if you're caring for someone, local services and systems will remove obstacles and make sure things are done differently so your life is a little bit easier. 'Doing things differently' would include an employer creating Carer Friendly policies by listening to the experiences of their workforce, or a GP practice offering alternative appointment times to carers unable to attend due to their caring responsibilities. Carer Friendly Communities reach out to support carers where they can.

Working together, Carers Week and all the partner organisations are committed to building communities like these.

Carers say they want to live in communities that support them to care well and safely, that respect their caring role, and help them to be involved and consulted about the care and support of the person they care for. Carers also say that they want to be supported to be healthy themselves, to be able to work if they want to, and to have a life of their own outside their caring role. They want to be treated as an individual

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Carers Week Special 2015

with needs of their own, and not only as a carer of someone else.

Three in five of us will be carers in our lifetime. As our population ages and people live longer, often with complex health conditions, more and more of us will be called upon to care for an older, disabled or seriously ill loved one. By 2037, there will be 9 million carers in the UK. Many people will care in their lives, but often do not think of themselves as a carer - they are just a husband or wife, son or daughter, parent or friend, doing what needs to be done. The human cost of our communities failing to support carers is high. People are rarely prepared for the huge impact that caring responsibilities can have on their lives, with three out of four carers saying they were not prepared for caring.

Caring can be a fulfilling and positive experience, but caring without enough support can also have a negative effect on someone's health, career, relationships and ability to live a life of their own outside their caring role. Full-time carers are more than twice as likely to be in bad health than non-carers. One in five UK adults have seen their work negatively affected as a result of caring, including 2.3 million who have quit work and almost 3 million who have reduced their working hours to care at some point in their lives. More than half (54%) of carers are struggling to pay household bills or to make ends meet, and over a third (35%) are cutting back on essentials like food and heating. 40% of carers have had a breakdown in a relationship with a family member, and 60% have found it difficult to maintain friendships.

A lack of support for carers can also have serious consequences for business, the economy and society. Employers lose valuable employees when people feel they can no longer juggle work and care, and health and care services come under pressure when carers are pushed to breaking point. The cost to the economy of carers having to give up work to care is ÂŁ5.3 billion. Six in ten carers have reached breaking point, and a quarter required medical treatment as a result.

It is clear that urgent steps must be taken to ensure that society and our immediate communities work for carers, and they can get the help and support they need. From doctors to shopkeepers, pharmacists to employers, politicians to family members - there is more that we can all do to help the people around us and build Carer Friendly Communities which support carers to lead healthy, safe and fulfilling lives.

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

Monday 8th June Boat Trip to Hampton Court Join us on our ever popular boat trip along the River Thames to Hampton Court.

The boat will depart at 11.15am from Queen’s Promenade, Portsmouth Road in Kingston, a short walk up-river from Kingston Bridge. The 25 minute cruise offers views of Queen’s Promenade, Raven’s Ait, Boyle Farm Island and Thames Ditton Island before taking in the stunning sight of Hampton Court Palace and its Golden Gates.

You will disembark the boat on the south side of Hampton Court Bridge (the opposite side to the palace) and we will wander over the bridge and in to the beautiful gardens of Hampton Court Palace. The historical gardens of Hampton Court Palace include a stunning symmetrical Privy Garden, the 20th Century Garden which creates a haven of peace and tranquillity and, of course, the famous Maze.

KCN will provide a picnic lunch for you to enjoy at your leisure before it’s time to board the boat again in time to depart at 2.15pm.

The trip and lunch is funded by KCN but you will need some money if you would like an ice cream or entry to the Formal Gardens, Maze or Palace. The trip is open to all carers, however priority will be given to carers who haven’t been on the trip before. The boat is wheelchair accessible although there are some steps at Hampton Court Bridge. If you would like to bring a wheelchair, please do call the office to discuss as we may be able to make arrangements for this.

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

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Tuesday 9th June Young Carers’ Party Our wonderful young carers can’t wait for the annual Summer Party. This year is set to be the best yet with a bouncy castle, barbecue, arts and crafts and complementary therapies. What a fabulous way to celebrate Carers Week!

Could you spare 4 hours a month to improve the life of a young carer?

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

As a Young Carer Mentor you will be matched with a young carer who you will meet with once a fortnight, for two hours, over a period of 6-12 months. You will plan fun activities with the young carer and help them set and work towards their goals.

Training will be provided, covering the role of a mentor, listening skills and safeguarding procedures. All out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed. This is a great opportunity to develop new skills whilst giving something back.

For more information please contact Lyndsey volunteering@kingstoncarers.org.uk or 020 3375 8226.

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

Wednesday 10th June Carers’ Pamper Day Once again our fabulous therapists will be offering mini treatments FREE OF CHARGE! To book any of the treatments below, please contact Jo on admin@kingstoncarers.org.uk or 020 3031 2751.

Clarins are generously hosting a pamper session for KCN. See page 21.

Marina is our holistic therapist, offering carers 20 minute anti-stress massages. These massages are a combination of remedial and therapeutic massage, clearing toxins from muscles and tendons. During Marina’s regular Monday and Friday sessions, she also offers facial therapies, eye therapies, holistic bowel massage and therapeutic foot and ankle therapy.

Mitsuko will be offering 20 minute Indian head massages. Indian Head Massage releases stress that has accumulated in the tissues, muscles and joints of the head, face neck and shoulders to bring the energy of the whole body back in balance. During Mitsuko’s regular Wednesday and Thursday sessions, she also offers reflexology which treats the feet in order to balance the whole body.

Roman will be offering 20 minute natural lift facial massages. This facial massage is a unique blend of Japanese and Indian facial massage techniques incorporating acupressure and facial reflexology which results in a natural facelift helping you to look and feel younger. During Roman’s regular Wednesday sessions, he also offers full body massage and one hour natural face lift therapies.

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Thursday 11th June Talk on Benefits David Still, Adult Carers’ Support Manager, will be holding an information session, looking at recent changes in benefits and the introduction of the Care Act 2014 and what this means for you.

We will be providing a sandwich lunch from 1.00pm and the talk will run from 1.30pm to 3.00pm. David’s talks are always extremely popular so please do book your space with Jo on admin@kingstoncarers.org.uk or 020 3031 2751.

Zumba Gold Do you like things a little bit lively? Join our Zumba Gold class! You will be taught a variety of exercise routines to music designed to stretch and strengthen your muscles, improve general fitness and flexibility. Our talented and experienced instructor, Kat, will tailor the session to your fitness level with patience and encouragement. Don’t be put off by the suggestion of liveliness, Kat sets the pace of the class to be accessible to all.

Every Thursday from 12.00pm to 1.00pm at Newent House £3 per session (see page 10 for full location details)

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Kingston Carers’ Network

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Friday 12th June Craft Session We are running a craft session at Noble Centre from 10.00am to 12.00pm. We will be joined by Karen from Yarn and Thistle who recently joined us to teach us how to make Ric-Rac Roses – a great use for an old fashioned trim item.

The last session was a great success and, under Karen’s patient guidance, some beautiful roses were made. At the time of going to press, details were just being finalised for this session but, whatever it is that is made, it will be great fun! The session costs £3 and includes materials, tea, coffee and biscuits!

For more details or to book your space, please contact Jo on admin@kingstoncarers.org.uk or 020 3031 2751.

Meditation The meditation class is taught by an experienced meditation and hypnotherapy practitioner. The sessions start with a brief talk explaining the theory behind the meditation before you are led on a guided meditation designed to help you relax and de-stress. Meditation can have enormous mental and physical benefits.

Every Friday from 9.30am to 10.30am at Newent House (see page 10 for full location details) £3 per session

Stretch and Strengthen This gentle exercise class is more still than yesterday’s Zumba session and focuses on specific areas of the body such as the neck, shoulders and core muscles to improve strength and flexibility. Why not combine this with the meditation class for a full morning of stretching and relaxing?

Every Friday from 11.00am to 12.00pm at Newent House (see page 10 for full location details) £3 per session

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Friday 12th June

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Quiz^ with^ A^ Difference^!

Friday 12th June, 7.00pm for 7.30pm start St. Mark’s Church, St. Mark’s Hill, Surbiton, KT6 4LS Entry £6 per person, maximum 6 people per team Bring your own nibbles, cash bar by KCN You will need to bring a further 5 x £1 coins for ‘fundraiser fines’!

Come along for a fun night of fundraising with an “alternative” quiz. The highly acclaimed Magic Martin is our host for the night and he’ll be challenging you to find the answers that nobody else has!

Contact Jo on admin@kingstoncarers.org.uk or 020 3031 2751 to book

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Kingston Carers’ Network

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Finding Newent House Newent House is a Kingston Adult Education centre in Surbiton. The full address is Newent House, 8-10 Browns Road, Surbiton, KT5 8SP. It is recommended that you travel to the centre by public transport as there is only a small amount of parking. Parking spaces in the surrounding roads are fully used by residents and the area is heavily congested. There are bicycle racks available.

Public transport  bus routes: 281, 406, 418, 265  nearest train station is Surbiton (0.6 mile walk)

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NEW Project!

Are you aged 14-25? Are you worried about your future?

We’ve got a new project that can help!

If you are not studying, working or on a skills course OR you’re not sure what you want to do next, we can help. Our new project will offer 1:1 support to help you identify where you want to be, as well as things that might be stopping you getting there. Support will include advice, advocacy and skills training.

Our aim is to help you get on track for achieving your life and career goals.

If you are interested in this support, please contact Kat on schoolslink@kingstoncarers.org.uk, 020 3757 8430 or 07756 593 456

ADHD Carers’ Pub Socials Our friends at ADHD Richmond (www.adhdrichmond.org) have invited us to join them for a relaxed and informal chat over a drink at the Slug and Lettuce in Kingston. It will be an opportunity for parents/carers to support each other by sharing experiences, challenges and successes.

The quarterly socials will be at Slug and Lettuce, 22-28 High Street, Unit 6 Charter Quay, Kingston, KT1 1HL, from 7.00pm to 9.00pm on Tuesday 21st July Tuesday 20th October Tuesday 15th December For more information, please contact info@adhdrichmond.org The socials will be in addition to the KCN support group for parents and carers of children and young people with ADHD which is held at the Noble Centre on the 2nd Friday of each month from 10.00am to 12.00pm.

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

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Andora, from the Young Carers’ Project, is still taking referrals for the Parental Mental Health project where children and young people aged 818 can access information and advice, support and advocacy around their worries about a parent with mental ill health.

If you know of anyone who would benefit from this programme, please call or email Andora 020 3031 2756 or youngcarers4@kingstoncarers.org.uk

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

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

Parents and Carers of Children and Young People with ADHD Noble Centre, New Malden, 10.00am to 12.00pm Second Friday of each month

Parents and Carers of Children with additional needs Tolworth Children’s Centre, 9.15am to 11.15am Mondays: 18th May, 29th June, 13th July

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

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

Could you help us help carers?

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

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

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

Prizes wanted for

GRAND RAFFLE! Do you have any unwanted gifts or other good quality items that you would like to donate? We are particularly looking for items to raffle at our “Quiz with a Difference” (see page 9). All donations would be gratefully received.

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

Goodbye from Pat I am leaving KCN in mid May after five enjoyable years. I started here as the Volunteer Coordinator, job juggling with Go Kingston Volunteering. During my time with KCN, I have had the opportunity to pilot the GP outreach project which was supported by volunteers and also to start off the YCP mentoring project. The last 6 months I have been part of the team developing our new website www.kingstoncarers.org.uk – I hope you like it!

It has been rewarding to see how much KCN has developed and also the fantastic support we receive from a great team of dedicated volunteers.

5 years on and I am still job juggling, but now with Volunteer Centre Sutton, and that is the main reason I have decided that it is time to leave. It’s tiring doing two jobs and I want a bit more rest time. My role at Sutton is Volunteering Development Manager and it promises to be a challenging post on 3 days a week!

I will miss my colleagues (and volunteers) at KCN but it has been a privilege to be part of such a dedicated team. Two things I will not miss is the drone from the Server and the heat in the office!

I doubt you have seen the last of me and who knows I may become a volunteer in the future.

I know that you will all join me in wishing Pat all the very best for her future. It has been a delight having Pat as part of the KCN team and we very much hope to benefit from her involvement in the future. She should be extremely proud of her work on the new website and I know I speak for all of the KCN team when I say that we really will miss Pat.

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Meet the new KCN staff!

Hi, my name is Lily Bath and I am delighted to be joining Kingston Carers’ Network as the new carers' support worker. I am originally from Hounslow where I grew up but have lived in different areas of London. I studied at Warwick University and also spent some time working and living abroad.

I have previously worked in a number of voluntary sector organisations as an adviser and I have direct experience of working with carers as well as being a carer myself in the past. I currently live with my family in Hounslow, where I also serve as a local councillor.

I am really excited about joining the team and I know together we can make a real difference to the lives of carers in Kingston. I look forward to meeting you all shortly.

We are also delighted to welcome Vanessa Mooneeapen who will join us during Carers’ Week as our Carers’ Wellbeing Coordinator. Vanessa will be organising a brand new programme of activities, events and training for carers with the aim of improving the emotional and physical wellbeing of carers. Vanessa will also be available to provide one to one support to help carers that would like to access employment, volunteering, training or education opportunities.

Congratulations!

Big congratulations to Christina, Young Carers’ Support Worker, who recently graduated from her Ba (Hons) Childhood, Youth and Community Studies. We can’t wait to see that graduation picture!

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Kingston Carers’ Network

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Session 1: Tuesday 7th July Session 2: Tuesday 14th July Both sessions will run for carers from 9.45am (10.00am start) to 12.00pm

Venue to be confirmed Please contact Jo on admin@kingstoncarers.org.uk or 020 3031 2751 for more details

Carers can access a two-session course, developed by Action for Happiness, based on the very latest wellbeing research. It includes lots of practical ideas that can help each of us, and our loved ones, get more out of life.

If you are interested in this course please contact Jo on admin@kingstoncarers.org.uk or 020 3031 2751 for more details and to book your space

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Help direct health and social services Are you supporting someone who couldn’t manage without your help?

Are you aged between 18 and 65?

If the answer to these questions is “yes” then KCN would like to hear from you.

Kingston Carers’ Network are currently consulting with carers to help inform local health and social care services. We are very keen to hear about your experience of local services and your caring role.

You will receive a £20 gift voucher for your time and contribution to the consultation.

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

The Voice of Carers in Kingston Thursday 2nd July, 6.00pm for light refreshments Meeting to run from 6.30pm to 8.30pm Noble Centre, 109a Blagdon Road, New Malden KT3 4BD Agenda will include updates on the Care Act, Carers Assessment pilot and the working age carers consultation. Please contact Kate if you would like to add something to the agenda.

We know that not all carers can or want to come along to meetings, but we are keen for as many carers to be a part of the forum as possible. If you have an issue to raise or comment to make, but cannot attend the meetings, please let us know and we will share your views at the next meeting.

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

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

Social Activities and Outings The Sculpture Park This sculpture exhibition is possibly the most extensive display of sculpture in the world. Set within an enchanting arboretum and wildlife inhabited water garden, it is the perfect haven.

Friday 22nd May, 10.00am to 2.30pm £5 includes transport and subsidised entry

British Wildlife Centre The British Wildlife Centre is the best place to see and learn all about Britain’s own wonderful wildlife, with over 40 different species living in large natural enclosures. We will have the centre to ourselves with our own private tour guide. Don’t forget your camera!

Monday 22nd June, 1.30pm to 5.00pm £10 includes transport and subsidised entry

Afternoon Tea with Vintage Dotty Meet us at this brand new tea room in the heart of Kingston for a wonderful selection of sandwiches, scones and homemade cakes washed down with tea and coffee!

This beautiful tea-room has a charming 1940s “home from home” feel and we can’t wait to try the cakes!

Wednesday 22nd July, 1.00pm to 3.00pm £6 includes subsidised afternoon tea

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Clarins Skin Spa, based in John Lewis, Kingston, will be hosting a special session for carers on Thursday 25th June between 6.00pm and 8.00pm.

Therapists will be on hand to provide facials, make-up consultations and “red chair” massages with prosecco and other refreshments to aid your relaxation, all free of charge.

Carers will each receive a goodie bag and there will be a fantastic raffle on the night as well, raising money for KCN. For more information and to book a place, please contact Jo on admin@kingstoncarers.org.uk or 020 3031 2751

Monthly Craft Group 10.00am to 12.00pm Please call Jo for dates Come along and enjoy being creative in our monthly craft sessions at the Noble Centre. These sessions are run by the wonderful Karen from Yarn and Thistle. There is a charge of £3 and all materials and tea, coffee and biscuits are supplied.

KCN

Did you know that you can now book any of the activities from pages 20-21 online? Visit www.kingstoncarers.org.uk/forms/activitiesbooking-form to book. You can still book calling Jo on 020 3031 2751 or by sending a letter to “Kingston Carers’ Network, FREEPOST RSET-JATX-UEAS, New Malden, KT3 4BD.”

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

Dementia Carers Information Session Join us on Tuesday 19th May from 10.30am to 1.30am at Noble Centre, 109a Blagdon Road, New Malden, KT3 4BD for an information session and workshop for dementia carers.

The morning will start will tea and coffee and the chance to browse information about Alzheimer’s Society and KCN as well as other local organisations. The workshop will start at 11.30am, led by Melanie from Alzheimer’s Society who will talk about dementia awareness. This will be followed by discussion on supporting a person with dementia, communication, understanding unusual behaviour as well as tips and strategies.

Following this, KCN will discuss looking after yourself as a carer, the support that is available and how to access support.

There will be time to talk about legal and welfare matters as well as the Care Act and Carers Assessment before the session draws to a close with a question and answer session.

This workshop and information session will be an invaluable resource for carers of people with dementia. If you aren’t able to attend the whole session, you are welcome to attend the information session between 10.30am and 11.30am OR the workshop from 11.30am to 1.30pm.

For more information and to book your space, please contact Melanie on melanie.cressey@alzheimers.org or 020 3513 5147.

Noble Centre, Monday 24th November to Friday 28th November from 9 am to 5 pm

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Focus on: Public Consultation about the future location for mental health inpatient facilities in south west London: 29 Sept - 21 December Following the end of consultation and the decision made by NHS England and the five Clinical Commissioning Groups governing bodies (CCGs) in Kingston, Merton, Richmond, Sutton and Wandsworth at public meetings throughout February and March 2015, Dr Phil Moore, South West London Clinical Lead for Mental Health, Kingston Clinical Commissioning Group advised: Taking into account the feedback from public consultation and the clinical case for change, I am delighted to announce that the plans for a £160 million modernisation of mental health services in south west London have been approved.

These modernisation plans will completely transform mental health services in south west London. They will create two state of the art centres of excellence for mental health services in Springfield University Hospital and Tolworth Hospital, ensuring that vulnerable people in the area have access to some of the best services in the country.

These two centres will be completely paid for with a £160 million investment from the sale of surplus land mainly on the current Springfield University Hospital site. This investment will add to the CCG commitment to invest a further £20 million into community mental health services in the area.

As a direct result of feedback from the consultation, some of the improvements to the proposals the governing bodies have agreed include:  Keeping adult deaf services on the Springfield site due to the deaf community that has built up in this area around services.  A CCG commitment to increasing overall mental health spending by £20 million to £157.2 million over the next five years.  Working with service users and families via two travel steering groups to improve travel plans and access issues.  Improving facilities for families and carers by providing visitor rooms on every ward and overnight accommodation at Tolworth for people visiting children.  Adding in flexibility around bed numbers with contingency for a seventh adult mental health ward.  Ensuring excellent education provision is in place prior to the opening of children’s inpatients services in Tolworth.  Working on plans to use part of Barnes Hospital for outpatient clinical services.

This is a monumental decision and a once in a lifetime opportunity to change mental health services for the people of south west London for generations to come. The CCG's commitment to invest further in community mental health services means we will help people get better, closer to home. This will make a very real and lasting difference to the lives of all the people who use our services, and a lasting legacy for the area.

On behalf of the Trust, I would like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation and made this possible.

For more information and the full report go to www.kingstonccg.nhs.uk.

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Kingston Carers’ Network

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Carers of people with Mental Health Issues Mental Health Awareness Week is from 11th to 17th May 2015 and the theme this year is Mindfulness. South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust (the Trust) is supporting Mental Health Awareness Week with a week-long series of events in May around the theme of mindfulness. Mindfulness - which teaches people to focus on the present moment – can help us enjoy the world more and understand ourselves better.

Mindfulness is known to be successful in helping people with mental and physical health problems, from stress, depression and anxiety to chronic pain, eating disorders and concentration. It can also boost our productivity at work, and give us a greater enjoyment of life. There are two open events: Tolworth Hospital – Wednesday 13th May - An open morning with a Mindfulness workshop will be held at Tolworth Hospital on Wednesday 13 May. It will be held in Hughes Room A and B. The morning will start at 10.00am and end at 1.00pm. There will be information stalls in the morning followed by the mindfulness workshop which will be between 12pm to 1pm. Refreshments will be provided. Directions to Tolworth Hospital: http://www.swlstg-tr.nhs.uk/contact-us/find_us/tolworth_hospital/ .

Springfield University Hospital - Friday 15th May - An open day with a Mindfulness lunch will be held at Springfield University Hospital on Friday 15 May. It will be held in Conference Room A & B. The open day will start at 10.00am and end at 5.00pm. The exercise therapy team will hold activities in the morning, and the Mindfulness lunch will be between 1.30 - 2.30pm. A light lunch will be provided, or you can bring your own. There will also be information stalls all day and the Book People will be holding a book sale in the canteen. Details of all their events for that week can be found at www.swlstg-tr.nhs.uk.

Feedback to the Trust from service users, their families and carers over a number of years about the former Crisis Line showed that more than half of those calling it did not feel that they got the help they needed. The Trust now feels that they have listened to that feedback and some of the recommendations made have been implemented, with the launch on 23rd February of the new Mental Health Support Line: 0800 028 8000. This support line now has dedicated staff who are trained to provide out of hours support and advice to Trust service users, their family members, carers and friends from 5pm to 9am Monday to Friday, with support available 24 hours a day at weekends or on Bank Holidays on that number.

Registrations are open for the fourth Eating Disorders International Conference (EDIC), taking place 16-19 March 2016 at The Institute of Education, London. EDIC 2016 promises an engaging programme highlighting the latest developments in eating disorder treatment. Tickets at early bird rates are available on the EDIC 2016 website at http:// www.edic.org.uk/Book-Your-Tickets/ . Early bird tickets are available until 31 October 2015. Registration price (£309 for carers/students until 31.10.15) includes: access to all the relevant sessions*, entry to the exhibition area, morning & afternoon coffee/tea, lunch. *A three day pass allows access to all sessions from Thursday 17 March to Saturday 19 March: a one day pass (available from 1.11.15 for £131) allows access to all sessions on that day. Prices are VAT exempt.

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Carers of people with Substance Misuse Issues DrugFAM’s Central London Family Support group has moved and will be held for the foreseeable future at 29 St Charles Square, London W10 6EF. The nearest tube station is Ladbrooke Grove, on the Hammersmith and City & Circle Lines. The support group meets weekly on Mondays from 6:30pm-8:30pm. For more information contact office@drugfam.co.uk or 01494 442 777.

Carers of people with Dementia Dementia Awareness Week is from 17th to 23rd May with a range of local organisations holding events to mark it. The Dementia Aware Kingston website http:// www.dementiaawarekingston.org.uk/findanevent/view?view=week&date=2015-05-17 provides full details of all events being held.

Admiral Nursing DIRECT have increased their helpline hours to cope with the rising demand for dementia care advice. As the only nurse-led dementia helpline in the country, it has witnessed a 78% increase in the number of help requests since January 2013. They have increased the number of available phone lines and extended the hours of opening to include two evenings (Wednesday and Thursday, 6.00-9.00pm). Data from the helpline has revealed that 76% of callers are female, and 56% … have been the daughter of the person living with dementia. The son is the next most likely to contact the helpline (16%), followed by the wife (13%), husband (6%), Daughter-in-law (5%), and then friend (4%). Nearly seven in ten people (67%) will call the DIRECT helpline versus emailing it, showing that people would like to hear a voice when they are seeking help and to answer their questions. Nearly one fifth (19%) of cases are re-opened, as people seek further advice on dementia care.

For one in three people (32%), the main reason for contacting the helpline is for general information, and over one quarter (27%) of people seeking advice would like the support of an Admiral Nurse Service. Other reasons for contacting the helpline include: getting home care information (16%), managing behavioural problems (13%), and getting a diagnosis (11%). Hilda Hayo, Chief Admiral Nurse and Chief Executive, said: “The Dementia UK DIRECT helpline is staffed by Admiral Nurses who specialise in dementia care. Their help is invaluable to families who are living with the effects of dementia, and the demand for the service they provide has been steadily growing over the last year. By extending the helpline service hours, we will be able to better accommodate people who are seeking dementia care advice, but who work all day and can only contact the helpline in the evening.” Contact the Admiral Nursing DIRECT helpline on 0845 257 9406 or email direct@dementiauk.org.

The helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9.15am-4.45pm and on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, 6.0pm-9.00pm.

Taken from: http://www.dementiauk.org/news/view/id/32/we-extend-our-direct-helpline-hours

An NHS trust in London has introduced a ‘carer’s passport’ in its hospitals that enables carers to see people with dementia on the wards outside of visiting hours. Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust provides carers of patients who have dementia at St Mary’s and other hospitals with a business card-style passport. At a tea party for people with dementia

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at St Mary’s Hospital last month, patients and staff welcomed increased access for carers.

Nurses say that greater involvement from carers benefits everyone, since they know the person with dementia best. Julia Jones, one of the founders of John’s Campaign which is securing political support on this issue, says the role of carers must not be overlooked.

Taken from: Alzheimer’s Society magazine ‘Living with Dementia’, p21.

What’s On Amy Woodgate Day Care and Residential Centre will hold an Open Day & Tour on 21st May from 10am to 3pm, as part of Dementia Awareness Week. Visitors are invited to drop by for a chance to see the facilities and to get answers to any questions they might have from staff. Teas and coffees will be served.

Kingston Bipolar UK Group is open to carers and meets every 2nd Monday of the month from 7:30pm-9pm at Health Works, 3rd Floor Surrey House, 34 Eden Street, Kingston KT1 1ER (please note that there is no lift access in the evenings). The next meetings are: 11th May, 8th June, 13th July, 10th August.

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. (Al-Anon recommend people attend about six meetings before deciding whether Al-Anon is for them.)

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.

Alzheimer’s Society Kingston holds a carer support group on the 1st Tuesday of each month at the Noble Centre, 109a Blagdon Road, New Malden KT3 4BD between 10:30am and 12:30pm. The next meeting dates are: 5th May, 2nd June, 7th July, 3rd August. 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 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 meeting dates are: 1th May, 9th June (during Carers’ Week), 14th July, 11th August.

NEW bi-weekly Memory Café at Kingston Hospital for people with memory loss and their carers on alternate Tuesday afternoons, 2pm-4pm at Kingston Hospital, back of the restaurant, Kingston Surgical Centre. For more information call 020 8934 2800 or email claire.wright@kingstonhospital.nhs.uk ASCA a support group carers oftopeople drugsfrom or alcohol Noble runs Centre, Monday 24thfor November Fridaywho 28thmisuse November 9 am toevery 5 pm

Carers Week Special 2015

27 Wednesday from 6pm-7:30pm at 96 Ditton Road, Surbiton, KT6 6RH. For more details contact Donald on 020 8339 9899.

020 3031 2757

Support is provided on Lilacs ward to carers by Kingston Mental Health Carers’ Forum (KMHCF) on the 2nd Wednesday of the month from 6pm-7pm; 13th May, 10th June, 8th July, 12th August. For more information contact 07983 063 578 or email info@kmhcf.org.uk.

Home Instead run a bi-weekly Memory Café for people with memory loss and their carers every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month with a choice of two sessions available on each day, either from 10am-12noon or 2pm-4pm at the Rose Theatre, 24-26 High Street, Kingston KT1 1HL. The next dates are: 1st May & 15th May, 5th June & 19th June, 3rd July & 17th July, 7th August & 21st August.

Staywell (formerly Age Concern Kingston) runs a Dementia Saturday Club on the 2nd Saturday of the month from 11am to 2pm at the Raleigh House Centre in New Malden offering a social space for clients and carers, lunch (£5 per person). To find out more, contact 020 8942 8256.

Surbiton Library invites you to a Dementia Awareness Drop-in Monday 18th May 10am-12 noon Groups and services will be there to help you find out about what they offer, including the Alzheimer’s Society, Healthier Communities Team Kingston and Healthwatch Information leaflets will be available from other providers as well You can also browse the Reading Well Books on Prescription for dementia collection which has books you might find helpful if you have dementia, are caring for someone with dementia, or just want to find out more about the condition Surbiton Library, Ewell Road, KT6 6AG For further information please contact the library on 020 8547 5006, or e-mail surbiton.library@kingston.gov.uk

Enjoy a free 10 minute chair massage!

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Kingston Carers’ Network

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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 and Indian Head Massage with Mitsuko Alternate Wednesdays, 1.00pm to 3.30pm and alternate Thursdays, 10.00am to 12.30pm Reflexology: £15 for 50 minutes Indian Head Massage: £12 for 30 minutes Reflexology is a therapy that treats the feet in order to balance the whole body. Indian Head Massage releases stress that has accumulated in the tissues, muscles and joints of the head, face, neck and shoulders to bring the energy of the whole body back into balance.

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

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