Autumn 2015 Also inside: News from our Chief Executive Forthcoming Support Groups
News from the Young Carers’ Project
Staff Changes Christmas Party Details KCN is on the move
2015 Carers Conference & AGM
NEW Walk and Talk Group Free Personal Training Sessions
Social Activities and Outings
We are excited to announce that our 2nd Annual Carers Conference with AGM will take place on Tuesday 6th October. See page 14 for full details
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It was announced on Friday 17th July 2015 by the Care and Support Minister, Alistair Burt, that the introduction of the cap on care costs would be delayed until April 2020. The Government has said that this has been a difficult decision but that it has listened to concerns about the implementation and calls for more funding for care and support. It has said that the delay will allow time to be taken to ensure that everyone is ready to introduce the new system and to look at what more can be done to support people with the costs of care. If you require further information or support, please do contact us to arrange an appointment with a Carers Support Worker.
The Voice of Carers in Kingston Tuesday 6th October, Carers Conference, See page 14 Wednesday 2nd December, 3.00pm to 5.00pm Join us from 2.30pm for mulled wine and mince pies. Councillor Cathy Roberts will be attending Noble Centre, 109a Blagdon Road, New Malden KT3 4BD We know that not all carers can or want to come along to meetings, but we are keen for as many carers to be a part of the forum as possible. If you have an issue to raise or comment to make, but cannot attend the meetings, please let us know and we will share your views at the next meeting. For more information or to have your say, contact Kate on 020 3031 2752.
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News from the Young Carers’ Project The summer holidays are now over and we were busier than ever at the Young Carers’ Project. Thanks to the hard work of the team in applying for funding and planning activities we were able to offer a jam-packed activity programme to the 445 young carers that we are supporting. We were particularly excited for the camping trips, Thorpe Park and the trip to Marwell Zoo! We managed to see 130 young carers over the four day May half term holiday! We had a fantastic time with a visit to see Basil Brush, a day of horse riding, two lots of quad biking and lots more! Kat has been busy setting up a new project which is focussed on supporting young carers aged 14-25 who are NEET (not in education, employment or training) or at risk of being NEET. This
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has been really successful so far and Kat has been helping with things like CV writing, applications to college and empowering young carers to feel confident about their futures. Unfortunately, this August brought staff changes to the team; we said goodbye to Andora who has left to travel the world for a year or so and we wish her all the best in this. If you know of anyone who is between the ages of 5-18 years, who cares for a family member and who would benefit from our support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch for information about how to refer them to the Young Carers’ Project. Have you seen our new website? If not, check it out: www.kingstonyoungcarers.org.uk and don’t forget that we’re on Twitter; follow us for plenty of updates and info @YCPKingston
Diane, Liz, Chrissy, Kat and Andora Young Carers’ Project 020 3031 2754 youngcarers1@kingstoncarers.org.uk
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Young Carers’ Mentoring Project Volunteers needed Could you spare 4 hours a month to improve the life of a young carer? We have identified a number of young carers who are in need of additional support. The aim of the mentoring project is to provide oneto-one support for these young carers, to support them to raise their aspirations and attainment and to help them build a positive sense of identity outside of the caring role. As a Young Carer Mentor you will be matched with a young carer who you will meet with once a fortnight, for 2 hours, over a period of 6-12 months. You will plan fun activities with the young carer and help them set and work towards their goals. Training will be provided, covering the role of a mentor, listening skills and safeguarding procedures. All out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed. This is a great opportunity to develop new skills whilst giving something back. The next training events will take place on the 1st and 15th October in the evening. For more information please contact Lyndsey at volunteering@kingstoncarers.org.uk or 020 3375 8226.
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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
Could you represent carers? Adult Social Care in Kingston have developed a Finance Working Group to discuss the financial assessment process for adult social care charges/contributions and other process issues affecting social care service users. They are looking for someone to join as a carers representative. If you are interested in sharing your views as part of this working group, please contact Phil Levick, Senior Communications Office, Royal Borough of Kingston on 020 8547 5015.
KCN will be moving On the 11th August 2015 the Council served Kingston Carers' Network our 12 month notice on our license to occupy the Noble Centre. The Council have taken the decision to close Hobkirk House as it moves away from being a residential care home provider. We are currently seeking alternative premises - watch this space!
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KCN Support Groups Carers’ Support Group Merritt Medical Centre, Chessington, 10.00am to 11.30am Third Wednesday of each month
Carers of Adults with Asperger's Syndrome Noble Centre, New Malden, 10.00am to 12.00pm First Wednesday of each month
Parents and Carers of Children and Young People with ADHD Noble Centre, New Malden, 10.00am to 12.00pm Second Friday of each month
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
News from the Outreach Project As well as working in GP surgeries to support carers, KCN now has a regular presence in Kingston Hospital. We are working with Keats (Acute Stroke) and Kennet (Elderly) Wards, providing advice, advocacy and information to carers who are visiting their loved-ones on the wards. Our aim is to improve carer involvement in the discharge planning process so that carers and patients feel confident about leaving hospital. We are in Kingston Hospital every Monday morning and Tuesday afternoon. This new service has proved to be very successful, with a growing number of carers engaging with the service. We are planning to extend the service to other hospital wards, so watch this space for more news.
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Staff changes! We said a very sad farewell to Andora from the Young Carers’ Project as she left us to travel around the world for a year or so. I am sure you will join us in wishing her the very best in her travels. I’m writing to say a very fond farewell to all of the carers and staff at Kingston Carers’ Network. I really enjoyed working in such a caring team but also with such caring people. I will always admire the hard work and dedication that carers offer to those they care for. Keep up the good work! Best of luck in your new job Eleanor!
Hello, my name is Clare and I started my role as a Carer's Support Worker at the beginning of September. For the last three years I have worked in advice in Kingston and have also been active in a number of local campaigns. I previously studied politics and am now also studying law. In my spare time I like to read, run and do yoga! I'm very excited to join Kingston Carer's Network and look forward to working with and supporting carers within our community.
Congratulations! Big congratulations to Lyndsey, KCN’s Volunteer Co-ordinator, who married Leo King on a sunny Saturday in Sutton. We are sure you will join us in wishing them a long and happy life together!
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Walk and Talk With the summer coming to an end and the weather getting cooler, it’s easy to want to retreat indoors however, there is nothing better than a walk outdoors in the fresh air with friendly company to keep your energy and spirits up. It will also be great to visit and explore other parks and we hope to extend our walks to visiting places slightly further afield, like Saville Gardens and Osterley Park. For our first walk, we thought we would keep it local, so a nice 30 minute walk (at a gentle pace) through Bushy Park and then to the Pheasantry café for a nice hot drink. Contact Vanessa on wellbeing@kingstoncarers.org.uk or 020 3757 8464 for more details and to sign up. No cost, refreshments provided. Monday 5th October, 10.30am to 12.00pm
Weekly Wellbeing Classes We were excited to hear that a decision has been made to keep Newent House open for another year. This means that our Zumba, Stretch and Meditation classes will return to Newent House during the week beginning Monday 14th September. The classes are suitable for all ages and abilities and each session costs £3. There is no need to book in advance. Zumba Gold: Tuesdays, 12.15pm to 1.15pm Stretch and Strengthen: Thursdays, 1.00pm to 2.00pm Meditation: Fridays, 9.30am to 10.30am The classes will all be held at Newent House, 8-10 Browns Road, Surbiton, KT5 8SP
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“Kingston is at a crossroads – we need to tackle the big issues together. I am writing to invite you to attend one of a number of Kingston Conversation events that I will be hosting across the borough in September and early October. Local government is changing fast and we must find new ways to secure our future while ensuring the best outcomes for everyone. Doing this will mean that we need to work together. Growth is one challenge we all face. Like the rest of London our borough is growing. We believe that growth provides the key to our future success and prosperity. But managing this growth, so it is right for our borough, will provide challenges for all of us. Our budget is being squeezed so there will be changes to services. While some will continue broadly as they are, there will be less of others and some we will stop doing altogether. What we will do is concentrate on those services that are most important, including looking after those who need our support. If we are to meet these challenges we need a more open relationship between residents and those of us charged with providing local services. I hope as many people as possible can join one of the Kingston Conversation events over the coming months so we can begin working together more effectively on the future of our great borough.” Cllr Kevin Davis Council Leader, Royal Borough Kingston Upon Thames
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Join the conversation convenient to you: Saturday 12 September 10.30am-12.30pm The Kings Centre, Coppard Gardens, Chessington, Surrey, KT9 2GZ Thursday 17 September 7-9pm New Malden Methodist Church, 49 High Street, New Malden, KT3 4BY Saturday 19 September 10.30am-12.30pm The cornerHOUSE , 116 Douglas Road, Surbiton, KT6 7SB
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Carers’ Assessments You have probably heard in the media that the Care Act is bringing in new rights for carers, as well as changes for people with care needs. The new legislation gives carers the same recognition, respect and parity of esteem as those they support. Carers will have the right to an assessment where the carer appears to have a need for support. Previously, a carer needed to be providing a substantial amount of care on a regular basis to be eligible for a Carer’s Assessment and the person being cared for must have been eligible under the Fair Access to Care Services criteria. New assessments must also have regard to the needs of the whole family. Parent carers of disabled children and young carers have similar rights to an assessment under the new Children and Families Act. It is anticipated that the changes in the law may increase the number of carers requesting an assessment of their needs. From April 2015, Kingston Carers’ Network will be working with the local authority to conduct Carers’ Assessments for adults caring for another adult. There are no plans for KCN to carry out any joint assessments or Carers’ Assessments for carers of children under the age of 18.
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Wellbeing Training Programme At KCN we understand how important looking after yourself and feeling more in control is to your wellbeing. With that in mind, we are launching our first ever Wellbeing Training Programme (funded by the Big Lottery) with eight workshops designed to equip you with the skills to help you look after yourself and others but also to make you feel more ready to deal with the ‘knocks’ in life, that can happen along the way. Take a look at the workshops below for details of dates and times. You are welcome to sign up for all or individual ones. Each session will be held at the Noble Centre and a light lunch will be provided to those attending each course. To book a space or for more information, contact Vanessa at wellbeing@kingstoncarers.org.uk or on 020 3757 8464. Please note there is a limited number of spaces for each workshop
Everyday First Aid Course for Carers Wednesday 30th September – 10.30am to 12.30pm British Red Cross Lifting and Handling Monday 5th October Christine from RBK Two Sessions: Moving People Safely – 10.00am to 12.00pm Looking After Your Back – 1.00pm to 3.00pm You are welcome attend one or both Introduction to Dementia Awareness Wednesday 14th October – 10.30am to 12.30pm Joanna from Alzheimer’s UK
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Healthy Eating, Healthy Living Wednesday 21st October – 11.00am to 2.00pm Chris from Don’t Tone Alone Introduction to Mindfulness Monday 26th October – 10.00am to 12.00pm Rhona from Kingston Wellbeing Service Stress Management Monday 2nd November – 12.00pm to 3.00pm Katy from Kingston Wellbeing Service Happier Living – 2 day course Wednesday 11th November – 12.30pm – 3.00pm Wednesday 18th November – 12.30pm – 3.00pm Kate and Carol from Kingston Carers’ Network Know Your Rights/Carers’ Rights Wednesday 25th November – 10.30am – 12.30pm David from Kingston Carers’ Network
Exercise Project Introducing a new Carer’s Exercise project - your chance to improve your fitness by accessing six free one-to-one sessions with a personal trainer! Chris Robertson from ‘Don’t Tone Alone’ has a ream of friendly and approachable Personal Trainers who will help you to build your fitness levels up and incorporate exercise in to your day. The sessions can be held wherever you feel most comfortable - at home or in your garden, a local gym or even a nearby park. Chris has direct experience of caring so not only understands the effects of caring on your physical health but also the difficulties of trying to find the time to fit in exercise. See page 15 for more information.
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2nd Annual Carers Conference and AGM
‘Looking After Yourself’ Join us for a day of wellbeing talks and workshops for carers. There will be practical advice for maintaining and improving your physical health and the findings from the recent JSNA Carers’ Consultation Tuesday 6th October 10.00am to 4.00pm The Kings Centre, Coppard Gardens, Chessington, KT9 2GZ The morning session will include a short Annual General Meeting followed by a ‘Question Time’ session with key local decision makers. We will come together for a rousing singing session before enjoying a buffet lunch. After lunch, you will be invited to pick from a variety of taster sessions designed to improve your wellbeing and encourage you to start a new hobby or make some time for yourself. For more information and to book your space, please contact Jo on admin@kingstoncarers.org.uk or 020 3031 2751
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Social Activities and Outings Chiltern Open Air Museum Whilst the weather is still warm enough, why not come along for a visit to a beautiful open air museum with an outstanding collection of historic buildings and working traditional farm. The museum in Chalfont St Giles rescues and re-erects historic buildings from past to modern, with over 30 historic building on site. Monday 28th September, 10.00am to 3.30pm £10, includes entry, guided tour and transport. Please ring the office for further details.
Royal Albert Hall Friendship Matinee This year marks the return of The Music of Bond. Watch the Orchestra, along with special guest vocalists Alison Jiear (Les Misérables) and Simon Bowman; perform the greatest songs and themes from over fifty years of films about everyone’s favourite Secret Service agent – 007! Enjoy hits from Goldfinger, From Russia with Love, Casino Royale, You Only Live Twice, Diamonds Are Forever and Live and Let Die, to name just a few. Friday 9th October, 1.30pm to 7.00pm £5 includes transport and entry. There are a limited number of tickets available.
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Did you know that you can now book any of the activities online? Visit www.kingstoncarers.org.uk/wellbeingproject/activities to book. You can still book calling Beth on 020 3725 3048 or by sending a letter to “Kingston Carers’ Network, FREEPOST RSET-JATX-UEAS, New Malden, KT3 4BD.”
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Denbies Estate Wine Tour An indoor tour at the Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking, looking at the process of wine making from vine to bottle. The tour will begin with a 20 minute ‘virtual vineyard tour’ at their unique circular cinema, followed by a walk through the working winery and ending in the cellar for some tasting! Thursday 19th November, 1.00pm to 4.30pm £5, includes transport and guided indoor tour lasting approx. one hour
Christmas Lights and Fish and Chips Join us for our annual fish and chip supper in Surbiton and then a drive in to town to see the Christmas lights. Wednesday 9th December, 5.30pm to 10.00pm £5, includes transport and fish and chips
Craft Sessions The monthly craft sessions at Noble Centre continue to be a success thanks to the great tutelage of Karen from Yarn and Thistle. Each session runs from 10.00am to 12.00pm and costs £3 which includes the materials, tea, coffee and biscuits. Friday 2nd October, Felt animals and Minions. Friday 6th November, Pin cushions and needle cases Friday 4th December, Christmas decorations Friday 15th January, Art journals Friday 5th February, Heart jewellery For more details and to book your space, please contact Jo on admin@kingstoncarers.org.uk or 020 3031 2751.
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Christmas Party with Live Entertainment! Friday 4th December, 7.00pm to 10.00pm St. Mark’s Church, St. Marks Hill, Surbiton The holiday season is fast approaching! Get into the festive spirit with KCN at our Christmas party. After the success of last year, we are finalising arrangements with some fantastic live entertainment. Don’t forget to bring your dancing shoes! Food and drink will be provided. Please let us know any dietary requirements when you book. To book your place, please contact the office on 020 3031 2751 or admin@kingstoncarers.org.uk
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YOUR INDEPENDENT SUPPORTER Special Educational Needs & Disability Education Health & Care Plans I am the Independent Supporter for Kingston. I don’t work for the Local Authority, but for you and your child if you want me to. There have been changes in the law about how special educational needs and disability are handled. The biggest and most important change is that the young person is now the most important voice that everyone involved must listen to. Parents will often need to be a voice for their child. My job is to help you get your voices heard so that your child’s needs can be met. A document called an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) puts all the information about your child in one place. I support families who are trying to secure a Plan. I can help if you are hoping to get a new Plan and I can help if you are changing from a Statement or LDA to a Plan. I can help if you are a parent and I can help if you are a young person (16+). I can give as much or as little help with the Plan process as you need. You may just have a question about how it works or you may want me to help write documents and go to meetings with you. Here is how you can find me: jane.ferrier-may@kcil.org.uk 020 8481 1441 or 020 8546 9603 (KCIL) Or 020 8831 6076 (Independent Support Partnership)
Jane Ferrier-May Independent Supporter for Kingston
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Having trouble sleeping? CBT FOR INSOMNIA (CBT-I) 6-WEEK COURSE Starting Wednesday 14th October at 17.45-19.45 The use of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is supported by scientific evidence and NICE Guidelines. Suitable:
Not Suitable
Persistent complaint of: Difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep
Narcolepsy / Epilepsy
Non-restorative sleep
Apnoea
Inability to sleep despite desire and opportunity
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Impaired social and/or occupational functioning
Restless leg syndrome
Significant distress/worry regarding sleep problems
Chronic Pain or other Long Term Condition
Course overview: Week 1 - Sleep Hygiene Week 2 - Sleep efficiency & restriction Week 3 - Stimulus control Week 4 - Relaxation Week 5 - Cognitive techniques Week 6- Maintaining progress Self-referral or GP referral accepted. Telephone: 020
8339 8040 /Fax: 020 8339 4788
The course will be held at our base in Hollyfield House, Hollyfield Road, Surbiton For further information on evidence and policy: 1. Morin et al. Psychological and behavioural treatment of insomnia: Update of the recent evidence (1998-2004) : Prepared by a Task Force of the American Academy of sleep medicine. Sleep 29: 1398-1414, 2006. 2. Espie, C. A., MacMahon, K. M., Kelly, H. L., et al. Randomised clinical effectiveness trial of nurse administered small group CBT for persistent insomnia in general practice. Sleep 30: 574-584, 2007.
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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