Autumn 2017

Autumn 2017

Also inside:  News from our Chief Executive

We are moving

 Become a member of KCN  “Working for Carers” Project  Forthcoming Support Groups and updates  AGM date  Free computer or tablet training News from the Young Carers’ Project

AGM and dinner 4th October

Social Activities and Outings

We are moving!

Our service will experience some disruption between 1st and 8th September. See page 3 for full details.

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

News from the Chief Executive New Lottery Funding secured!

We were delighted to hear that we were successful in a bid to the Big Lottery Reaching Communities programme. We have secured just over £425k over the next three years to support young carers aged 5 to 18. This grant will cover the salaries and overheads of the Young Carers Project Manager, the Mentoring Coordinator and the Family Support Worker. This was brilliant news, particularly as we are now supporting almost 600 young carers.

Increase in demand for services We have seen a doubling in the number of referrals this year and this may result in longer waiting times for appointments with our advisers.

We continue to seek new sources of funding to expand the services as demand grows.

We were also thrilled to be chosen as the Kingston Chamber of Commerce Charity of the Year.

The Chamber will be raising funds for KCN over the year and fundraising events will include a pub quiz, President’s Ball and the Dragon Boat Race (see photo).

Fingers crossed for KCN We have been shortlisted for the Kingston Business Excellence Awards (Best Charity or Social Enterprise). The winner will be announced in October.

Finally, we are looking forward to moving to our new premises in Tolworth after a very lengthy process of finding and refurbishing the offices.

020 3031 2757

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Autumn 2017

We are moving Our new address is 418 EWELL ROAD TOLWORTH KT6 7HF We are very excited to announce that our new premises are almost ready for us to move in to! Our service will experience some disruption between Friday 1st September and Friday 8th September whilst we pack up the Noble Centre and settle in to our new home.

If you have an appointment during this time, we will contact you if the location has changed.

All appointments from Monday 11th September will take place at our new office in Tolworth (see map overleaf).

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

Kingston Carers’ Network 418 Ewell Road, Tolworth, KT6 7HF Travelling here by car: There are a small number of parking bays outside the office (free for 30 minutes or 70p per hour, maximum stay is 2 hours).

You must display a ticket for free parking. M&S Car Park in Tolworth Tower is a short walk away (free for 1 hour, £1 for 2 hours or £3 for 3 hours) and you must display a ticket for free parking. You may also be able to park in the surrounding residential streets.

Travelling here by bus: There is a bus stop just outside the office and another on the opposite side of the road. The bus stop is called Princes Avenue and is served by the 265, 281, 406, 418, 965, K1 and K2.

Travelling here by train: Tolworth Train Station is located half a mile away. Leave the station and turn left, walking towards the large roundabout. Take the underpass straight across the roundabout, coming out by Poundland. Continue straight and you will find the office on your left.

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Autumn 2017

Be part of what we do Kingston Carers’ Network 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 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and to approve the appointment of Trustees to the Board.

Over the years it has been customary for all the attendees at the AGM to be considered as members and allowed to vote. The Board has decided that we need to formally appoint members, who can then vote at the AGM and can approve the appointment of trustees.

We are inviting you to become a member of KCN. This will give you voting rights at the AGM and any special general meeting that may be held. If you would like to become a member, please fill in the (very short!) form overleaf and return to Jo Maye, preferably by 21st September.

At the Board meeting on 21st September, members will be formally adopted (all of the Board and chief executive will also be members).

If you 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 you to: A vote at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) Receive the Annual Reports Appoint Trustees to the Board Invitations to special events A KCN membership card We have enclosed a membership form for you to complete and return to: Kingston Carers’ Network, FREEPOST RSET-JATX-UEAS, New Malden, KT3 4BD

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

Annual General Meeting 2017 You are invited to our Annual General Meeting!

Wednesday 4th October 7.00pm to 9.00pm Doubletree by Hilton, 1 Skerne Rd, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 5FJ Following the popularity of Dr Trudi Edginton’s informative sessions last year, we have invited her back to give another talk on memory. Dr Trudi is a Cognitive Neuroscientist and senior lecturer at the University of Westminster We will also enjoy a buffet dinner.

Please contact Jo on admin@kingstoncarers.org.uk or 020 3031 2751 to book your space.

Please note that you are required to become a member in order to vote at the AGM. Membership is free. Please see page 5 for full details.

Membership form The liability of the members is limited to a sum not exceeding £1, being the amount that each member undertakes to contribute to the assets of the charity in the event of it’s being wound up while he, she or it is a member or within one year of ceasing to be a member.

Name _______________________________________________________ Address______________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ Signature _________________________________ Date ______________ Please return form to Kingston Carers’ Network, FREEPOST RSET-JATX-UEAS, New Malden, KT3 4BD

020 3031 2757

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Autumn 2017

Staff News If you have visited our offices recently, you might have noticed that Jo is expecting a baby! Her maternity leave is due to start on Friday 13th October. We are sure you will join us in wishing her a safe and healthy journey into motherhood.

Hello, my name is Linda and I am thrilled to be joining Kingston Carers’ Network in the role of Finance Officer at the end of September.

I have a varied financial background, working for charities and also in the private sector.

In my spare time I am a qualified volunteer Kingston Tour Guide and I try to participate in and support anything local wherever possible. I love the river and have been part of a Dragon Boat Team for the past four years. This year my team was raising money for Kingston Carers.

Hi, my name's Jo, and I'll be starting at KCN at the end of September to take care of the office while Jo Maye is on maternity leave.

I was previously Operations Manager for a lingerie retail business, looking after nine stores and the head office, making sure that everything ran smoothly and efficiently. I have also been a volunteer for Oxfam Bookshop where I live in Balham, and used to teach karate to both children and adults, so I'm really looking forward to working at KCN with such a great group of people.

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

News from the Young Carers’ Project We are as busy as ever in the Young Carers’ Project and we have had a few changes!

Kat has re-joined the team after maternity leave and Carol has had a change of job role. She is now our Young Carers’ Wellbeing Worker and one of the things she has been working on is a Friday Fit Club, as keeping active is one of the 5 Ways to Wellbeing.

We have also had a change of venue for our drop-ins. We now use the lovely space at Searchlight Youth Centre for our under 12s and our weekly youth group will be making it their home as of September. As usual we have also been running our lunch clubs and managed to reach 266 people through our awareness raising.

Our Jack Petchey Achievement Awards Evening took place at the Guildhall on 11th July and was attended by the

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Autumn 2017

Mayor. We were able to award our first Leadership Award, as well as recognise our amazing young carers.

We have also had a jam packed start to the summer holidays! With only two weeks left we have already run 33 activities and have another 14 still to go! We are hoping to see 230 young carers over the course of the summer and we have had an amazing time so far.

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

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

Voice of Carers We have tried very hard to relaunch the forum but there has been little interest in this. If you have any ideas for how to engage carers in sharing their views, please contact Kate on 020 3031 2752 or ceo@kingstoncarers.org.uk

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

Wellbeing Workshops and Social Activities My name is Lyndsey and I have been covering the role of Wellbeing Coordinator whilst Vanessa is on maternity leave. Vanessa will be returning to her post in early September (welcome back, Vanessa!). I will be continuing at KCN in my usual role as Volunteering and Mentoring Coordinator. It has been a pleasure getting to know you all, please do come and say hello when you’re next in the office.

It’s been a fun-filled summer here at KCN. We’ve sipped bubbly at Denbies Vineyard, combined art with mindfulness at the National Gallery and had a brilliant (if a little rainy!) day out in Brighton. We’ve got loads of outings and workshops coming up in the run-up to Christmas. Special highlights include: Symphonic Queen at the Royal Albert Hall, a fish & chip supper and tour of the Christmas lights and, of course, our annual Christmas party.

To book your place on any of our activities, give us a call on 020 3375 8226 or email wellbeing@kingstoncarers.org.uk. Remember to book early to avoid disappointment.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

B.Y.O.C. (Bring Your Own Crafts) Coffee Morning Our monthly coffee mornings are a chance to take a break, meet new people and make progress on your latest project.

When? Monthly, 10:00am – 12:00pm, (15th September, 20th October, 17th November, 15th December) Where? KCN Office, 418 Ewell Road, Tolworth, KT6 7HF £FREE – tea, coffee and cake will be provided

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Autumn 2017

September Craft Club – Fun with Bondaweb Part 1 You’ll be surprised what you can create with Bondaweb and some scrap fabric!

Friday 1st September , 10.00am to 12.00pm, Noble Centre, 109a Blagdon Road, KT3 4BD, £3 (including materials, tuition and refreshments) WAITING LIST ONLY Behind-the-Scenes of The Old Vic Theatre Explore behind-the-scenes of The Old Vic and discover nearly 200 years of theatrical history. Acting legends from Laurence Olivier to Judi Dench have performed on its stage. Join us as we walk in their footsteps, learn about The Old Vic’s fascinating past and see the theatre in a new light.

Tuesday 12th September, 10.45am to 12.15pm, The Old Vic, Waterloo, SE1 8NB, £5 WAITING LIST ONLY - Dementia Carers – Carer Information and Support Programme The ‘Carer Information and Support Programme’ is aimed at people who are caring for someone in the early stages of dementia. Trained staff from the Alzheimer’s Society will deliver a series of sessions which will provide you with the opportunity to share your experiences in a friendly and confidential environment, with people who truly understand. The programme will increase your knowledge about dementia, provide you with practical information on coping with dementia day-to-day and enable you to plan for the person you care for, now and in the future.

Wednesdays: 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th September, 10.30am to 1.00pm, Tolworth Hospital, £FREE

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

Booking for Social Events taking place from OCTOBER onwards opens on Monday 18th September

October One-to-One IT Training Philippa Leary from Superhighways ICT Support Project will be offering 5 one-to-one IT training sessions for carers. The sessions will last one hour and will be tailored to your needs. Call 020 3375 8226 for details and to book. (Full details on page 17) Monday 2nd October, appointments available between 10:30am and 5:30pm, KCN Office, 418 Ewell Road, Tolworth, KT6 7HF, £FREE

Craft Club – Fun with Bondaweb - Part 2 You’ll be amazed at what you can create with Bondaweb and some scrap fabric!

Friday 6th October, 10:00am – 12:00pm, KCN Office, 418 Ewell Road, Tolworth, KT6 7HF, £3 (including materials, tuition and refreshments) Symphonic Queen at the Royal Albert Hall Join the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for an epic afternoon as they present a tribute to great British rock band Queen. Featuring magnificent and unforgettable anthems that will truly rock you, all performed by the amplified Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and rhythm section.

Friday 6th October, coach departs Tolworth Broadway at 12:45pm, returning for ~6:00pm, £5

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Autumn 2017

Mindfulness & Acupressure for Stress and Pain Relief Acupressure is a form of alternative therapy in which manual pressure is used to stimulate specific points on the body. It is believed to reduce stress and anxiety, promote grounding and relaxation and release emotional and physical tension. During this 2-hour workshop a professional osteopath and acupressurist will guide you through mindful bodywork and acupressure techniques that can be practised at home.

Wednesday 11th October, 10:15am – 12:15pm, King Charles Centre, Hollyfield Road, Surbiton, KT5 9AL, £5

November Craft Club – Needle Felted Animals Create your own little creature using felt fibres.

Friday 3rd November, 10:00am – 12:00pm, KCN Office, 418 Ewell Road, £3 (including materials, tuition and refreshments)

Fish, Chips and Christmas Lights Join us for a delicious fish and chip supper followed by a coach tour of the Christmas lights on Bond Street, Regents Street, Piccadilly and Knightsbridge. You are welcome to bring the person you care for; simply let us know when you book.

Thursday 16th November, dinner at Superfish, Tolworth, at 5:00pm, coach departs Tolworth Broadway at 6:15pm, returning for ~9:00pm, £10 (including dinner and coach tour)

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

Dementia – Support in the Later Stages The later stages of dementia can be a difficult time for carers. This workshop, delivered by the Alzheimer’s Society, will look at what to expect in the later stages of this illness and how best to be prepared for not only supporting the person you care for but also yourself.

Wednesday 29th November, 10:30am – 12:00pm, followed by lunch, KCN Office, 418 Ewell Road, Tolworth, KT6 7HF, £FREE

December Craft Club – Screen Printed Christmas Cards Add a personal touch this Christmas by creating your own beautiful cards.

Friday 1st December, 10:00am – 12:00pm, KCN Office, 418 Ewell Road, £3 (including materials, tuition and refreshments)

Evening Cookery Class In this hands-on cookery workshop you’ll learn to make a simple, tasty meal. We’ll then sit down together and enjoy what we have made. All equipment and ingredients will be provided and you will be given recipes to take home.

Tuesday 5th December, Southborough School, Hook Road, 5:30pm – 8:00pm, £FREE (equipment and ingredients provided)

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Autumn 2017

Carers’ Christmas Party It’s time to get into the festive spirit with our annual Christmas party! This year we’ll be returning to the beautiful Brook Kingston Lodge Hotel. You’ll be treated to a welcome drink and a 3-course meal, topped off with hot drinks & mince pies. Finish the night on the dance floor with a disco until midnight. The dress code is smart and the event will be for over 18s only.

The event will cost £10 per registered KCN carer. For those wishing to bring a guest with them, the cost for the guest will be £30.

Final date for booking for this event will be Friday 3rd November and payment must be made in advance.

Thursday 7th December, Brook Kingston Lodge Hotel, 7:00pm – midnight

KCN

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

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

If getting to the pick up point is difficult for you and you would like to attend one of our social events, we are happy, where possible, to arrange pick-up and drop-off points near you. Contact Vanessa on wellbeing@kingstoncarers.org.uk or call 020 3375 8226

Booking for Social Events taking place from OCTOBER onwards opens on Monday 18th September

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

Weekly Wellbeing Classes Our weekly wellbeing classes, run in partnership with Kingston Adult Education and Don’t Tone Alone, are an opportunity to take time out and improve your physical wellbeing.

Kingston Adult Education Please note – you must complete an enrolment form at the King Charles Centre (either in person or over the phone) before you will be able to attend these classes.

Zumba Gold: Tuesdays, 12:00pm-1:00pm, Tolworth United Reformed Church, Elgar Avenue, Surbiton, KT5 9JR (from Tuesday 19th September) Stretch and Strengthen: Thursdays, 3:00pm – 4:00pm, King Charles Centre, Hollyfield Road, Surbiton, KT5 9AL (from Thursday 21st September) Kingston Adult Education contact details: King Charles Centre, Surbiton, KT5 9AL, 020 8547 6875

Don’t Tone Alone Pilates - Wednesdays, 12:00pm - 1:00pm, Surbiton Racket and Fitness Club, KT5 8JT, £3 Circuit Fitness - Saturdays, 11:15am-12:15pm, Surbiton Racket and Fitness Club, KT5 8JT, £FREE No need to book - just turn up and give it a try!

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Autumn 2017

Working for Carers Project Thinking about getting back into work?

The Working for Carers project supports unpaid carers to return to work. The programme is available to carers who are aged 25 or over, who have the right to work in the UK and are not in employment.

Carers can access free support, designed to meet their individual needs. This may include: One-to-one support and advice Group activities and training workshops Support with writing CVs and interview techniques Help with job searching Work experience opportunities The project is led by Carers Trust and delivered by its network of 24 partners across London, and is jointly funded by the Big Lottery Fund and European Social Fund.

If you are interested in finding out more, or would like to be referred to the project, email: wellbeing@kingstoncarers.org.uk or call 020 3375 8226. Initial appointments will take place at our offices in Tolworth.

Free Computer/Tablet Training Monday 2nd October at Kingston Carers’ Network Book a 1-hour session with Philippa Leary if you want to try one thing on the internet, but don't know where to start.

What you learn is up to you - Philippa will get you started and you will leave with a list of support/training to help you get to grips with other things online.

To help you narrow down what that one thing might be, here are three suggestions, but remember, it's what YOU want to learn that is going to

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

make your life easier as a carer.

Suggestion 1: Time-saving with the GP or Hospital Get help with signing-up and using your GP's online services - including booking your appointments online and changing hospital appointments to a time that suits you Suggestion 2: Learn to use email If you have not mastered email yet - then here is your chance to go right back to the beginning with a patient, experienced tutor Suggestion 3: Finding recipes and doing your food shopping online Philippa can teach you where to find healthy recipes and recipes for specialist diets (e.g. diabetic or gluten-free) online She can also show you how to make sure you’re getting the best deal on your supermarket shop and how to order a ‘click and collect’ or ‘home delivery’ service Contact Vanessa at Kingston Carers’ Network to book your 1-hour slot.

When you make your booking, please let us know the one new thing you would like to learn so we can tailor the session to your needs.

About the trainer Philippa works for local Kingston charity Superhighways as a trainer who specialises in helping people get online. Philippa has run a number of events for KCN including how to use tablets to improve your health and wellbeing in addition to training 20 carers with basic digital skills.

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Autumn 2017

FREE Christmas Concert The Malden Centre would like to invite you to their annual Christmas Concert, performed by their Orchestra & Choir.

The concert will take place on Thursday 7th December at 11.00am – 12.00pm in the ground floor Main Hall of the Malden Centre (Blagdon Road, New Malden). Tickets are free from Malden Centre reception or the Salvation Army shop and Suttles on New Malden High Street.

Following the performance there will be complimentary mince pies and mulled wine. A collection will be made on behalf of the Salvation Army.

Carers’ Support Group Merritt Medical Centre, Chessington, 10.00am to 11.30am Third Wednesday of each month - see page 21 for more info.

Carers of Adults with Asperger's Syndrome or Autism Spectrum Disorder KCN Office, Tolworth, 10.00am to 12.00pm First Wednesday of each month

Parents and Carers of Children and Young People with ADHD KCN Office, Tolworth, 10.00am to 12.00pm Second Friday of each month

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

Parents and Carers of Children and Young People with Additional Needs Tolworth Children’s Centre, School Lane, Surbiton, 9.15am to 11.15pm One Monday a month: 18th September, 30th October, 20th November and 11th December 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

020 3031 2757

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Autumn 2017

Support group for carers Hello, my name is Naomi and I am a volunteer with Kingston Carers’ Network. I will be facilitating the Carers’ Support Group held at the Merritt Medical Centre in Chessington.

The aim of the support group is to create a safe place for carers to come on a monthly basis and to be able to speak confidentially within our group. The support group is not judgmental. We are here to listen and support each other within our caring roles.

Caring for our loved ones can be both physically and emotionally challenging, therefore it is highly important that we learn to look after ourselves and one way to do this is to ensure you have people around you to whom you can talk. You may have someone at home you can talk to, but sometimes it is nice to have someone outside the ‘circle’ to be there for you with a listening ear.

So do come along and see if the group is for you and join us for a cup of tea. It is better to try something once than never at all.

You never know, you may make a new friend.

A little about me…

I am mum and carer to my two autistic daughters, aged 17 and 13. I have many experiences within caring and care work, some of which was many years ago when I worked with the elderly in their homes and in nursing homes.

I am currently a law, psychology and counselling student. I have just passed my CACPB level two counselling skills and am preparing for my level three.

My future ambitions are to run Helping Sessions using counselling skills over the next two years, up until I pass my CPCAB Level four, when I will be a qualified counsellor.

I am very much looking forward to meeting you all and would love to invite new carers to join us once a month for a chat over a nice cup of tea.

Merritt Medical Centre, Chessington, 10.00am to 11.30am Third Wednesday of each month

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

The Alzheimer’s Society in Kingston provides a range of support services for people with dementia, their families and carers.

Our Dementia Adviser service supports people living with Dementia in Kingston from the point of diagnosis onwards.

Our Dementia Support Worker provides practical and emotional support to people caring for a family member, friend or partner with dementia; Our Support Group for Carers is held on the first Tuesday of each month and provides the opportunity for carers to share practical information, advice and personal experiences with others who understand what they are going through.

We also offer our Carers Information and Support Programme (CriSP) which is a series of workshops looking at information and support on topics such as: What is Dementia, Support and Care for someone with Dementia, Legal and Money matters and Planning for the Future.

Please contact us for further details of our next workshop.

Singing for the Brain is held every Friday for people in the early to moderate stages of dementia and their carers.

For information on our future sessions or any of our services, please get in touch. We’re here to help.

Alzheimer’s Society Kingston Woodroffe House Tolworth Hospital Red Lion Road Surbiton KT6 7QU Tel. 0203 513 5147.

Dementia Connect, the easy way to find support near you. alzheimers.org.uk/dementiaconnect

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Autumn 2017

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

Complementary Therapies and Beauty Treatments Complementary Therapies with Mitsuko Mondays, 10.00am to 2.00pm Alternate Wednesdays, 1.00pm to 3.30pm and alternate Thursdays, 10.00am to 12.30pm Aromatherapy Body Massage, 1 hour (including consultation) £20 Facial Massage. 1 hour, £20 Reflexology, 45 minutes, £15 Indian Head Massage, 30 minutes, £12

Hairdressing with Kelly Second Monday of each month, 10.00am to 3.00pm £5 per haircut

Healing Touch Massage with Roman Alternate Wednesdays, 1.00pm to 3.30pm and alternate Thursdays, 10.00am to 12.30pm £12 for 30 minutes, £20 for 1 hour Therapies include full body massage, deep tissue massage, natural lift face massage and back, neck and shoulder massage.

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

Focus on: Adfam’s Dual Diagnosis Focus Groups for Families & Carers

Funded by the Sir Halley Stewart Trust, Adfam is researching families' experiences of “dual diagnosis”. They know that Dual Diagnosis is a common issue and that there are many additional challenges for family members of those with both drug and alcohol problems and mental health problems, especially in supporting their loved one to access services, navigating the system, and their loved ones falling through the cracks in service provision, leaving them to deal with often very challenging situations themselves. Adfam are therefore looking for families with a loved one who has a dual diagnosis to take part in the focus groups they are organising across the UK, so they can gain first-hand accounts of their experiences and understand how support can be improved. Please note that the diagnosis does not have to be a formal one.

Who is Adfam? Adfam is the national charity working to improve life for families affected by drugs and alcohol. Their work is empowered by what they are told by both family members and practitioners.

What is dual diagnosis? Dual diagnosis is the term used to describe people affected by both mental health and drug or alcohol problems.

What do they already know? People affected by dual diagnosis often fall through the cracks of public services, and so do their families. Those cracks are widening as statutory services are having to deal with increasing pressure and reduced resources.

With mental health and substance misuse services facing an uphill struggle to combat the growing demands, the weight placed on family members is increasing, whilst the already scarce support is fading.

What are they researching? They are carrying out a detailed consultation with families whose loved one is affected by dual diagnosis, to explore their experiences and identify the most needed, and most appropriate, forms of support. They feel that by speaking with the people who have lived experience of the issues, they can build an accurate picture of what needs to be done differently.

What’s the purpose of the research? They will use the valuable insights from focus groups to better understand what life’s really like for this group of family members and what needs to happen to improve support. It will also provide them with valuable evidence for arguing the case for improved support. They will use the information provided by family members at focus groups and interviews to put together a report, outlining how support can be better provided. They then hope to utilise the findings from this report to work with organisations and deliver a pilot intervention.

What are they going to ask about in the focus group? During the focus group sessions they are looking to cover the following areas: The particular pressures of living with/being in a relationship with someone with dual diagnosis; The barriers you face in getting support; Which organisations and individuals you turn to for support;

Availability of services; Coping strategies; The tipping point for families; Recovery process.

How big will the group be? In addition to two members of staff from Adfam facilitating the group, they would like the group to consist of 8-12 family members.

Will what I say be ‘on the record’? They will be recording and taking notes during the group sessions, as what you say will be used as their evidence to argue for better support. However, all quotes will be recorded anonymously and everything said in the group would be treated confidentially. You are welcome to share as much or little as you feel comfortable with.

How long will it last? Focus group sessions are expected to last around two hours, including a short break in the middle.

I’m interested in taking part – how do I get involved? Speak to Robert Stebbings at r.stebbings@adfam.org.uk or call 020 3817 9410.

Carers of People with Substance Misuse Issues

Your relative's alcohol or drugs misuse is not your fault. Family members, especially parents, often experience feelings of guilt and failure - believing that they are somehow to blame. Harbouring these feelings can lead family members to behave as though they are responsible for the substance user and their actions. There are many reasons why people use, and may go on to become dependent on, alcohol or drugs. However, it is the person misusing substances who is always responsible for their own behaviour. Their decision to stop using alcohol or drugs is their choice and their responsibility. Feelings of guilt and responsibility can be overwhelming and difficult to let go of. Talking about negative feelings with your support network can help you to understand that it is not your fault. It can also be useful to join a family support group to get support from others in similar circumstances. As soon as you recognise you need support in own your own right, you will be able to set boundaries, talk to your loved one about their alcohol or drug use, and support yourself.

Adfam is now proud to be able to provide families affected by substance use with heavily subsided respite breaks - thanks to The Royal Borough of Greenwich and Public Health England. Supporting a loved one with a drug or alcohol problem can be immensely tiring and stressful and breaks are therefore essential. Some family members find they don’t look after their own wellbeing, with much of their time and energy spent supporting their loved one. Adfam have purchased a static caravan in Combe Haven, an attractive site near Hastings in Sussex! The caravan is very modern, sleeps up to eight and the site has lots of amenities for both adults and children. It is now available at a heavily discounted price for families affected by substance use. The purpose of the project is to enable families affected by drug or alcohol use to “get away from things” and have a break, without the person who has a drug or alcohol problem. Due to the source of the funding the prices are lowest for residents of Greenwich – however a heavily subsided rate is available for all families.

To find out more and book, visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfwrlTiHZHBxtGdYJFOCEdb9iHZ7-

WT8uvget3xax1X3BMptw/viewform to read the FAQs and to access the booking form.

If you have further questions, you can email Omar Amin at o.amin@adfam.org.uk. You can view the Combe Haven website at https://www.haven.com/parks/sussex/combehaven/. st

International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is a global event held on 31 August each year and aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. It also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have met with death or permanent injury as a result of drug overdose. Overdose Day spreads the message that the tragedy of overdose death is preventable. You can wear silver to show your support.

Dual Diagnosis Anonymous (DDA) is a peer support group for people who experience the effects of drug or alcohol problems, as well as mental health issues.

Their groups follow a ‘12 Step + 5’ Programme, which addresses substance misuse and mental health at the same time. They know that Dual Diagnosis is a big issue and that there is not a lot of support for it out there. So DDA is there to offer hope, support, fellowship and recovery to those with a Dual Diagnosis. Family members and professionals are also welcomed to meetings, which currently take place in Shepherds Bush, Kensington & Chelsea and in Ealing. For more information, contact 07702 510110 or email info@ddauk.org.

Some Useful Contacts: ASCA Surbiton: 020 8339 9899 - ASCA Richmond: 020 8940 1160 Kingston Wellbeing Service - drug and alcohol support: 020 3317 7900 Kingston Wellbeing Service - depression and anxiety support: 020 8339 8040 Medicines advice: 020 3513 6829 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm), Medinfo@swlstgtr.nhs.uk or www.choiceandmedication.org/swlstg-tr DrugFAM helpline: 0300 888 3853 (7 days a week 9am-9pm) or office@drugfam.co.uk Al-Anon helpline: 020 7403 0888 (10am-10pm/365 days a year) FRANK: 0300 123 6600 (24 hours a day/365 days a year) or SMS 82111 or http://www.talktofrank.com/contact Samaritans: 116 123 (24 hours a day/365 days a year) or jo@samaritans.org Concerns for the immediate safety of yourself or others: 999 or go to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department Non-emergency NHS concerns: 111

Carers of People with Dementia

Alzheimer’s Society's FREE 4 week course for carers of people with dementia starts on Wednesday, 6 September at Tolworth Hospital. For more information on the Carers Information and Support Programme (CRiSP) or to book your place, please contact Jo Newton on 020 3513 5147 or 07714 920629, or email Joanna.newton@alzheimers.org.uk Sensory Palaces is a health and wellbeing learning programme for people living with early ‘mild’ dementia and their carers. Each session provides a chance for participants to explore stories from the palaces, participate in fun, sensory activities and build social connections. Spaces are available for upcoming sessions at Hampton

Court Palace and Kew Palace. Sessions are free, spaces are limited! Interested people can email sensorypalaces@hrp.org.uk to book a space on a session. Their team will arrange to speak with people over the phone to assess their requirements and answer any queries. Please note sessions are suitable for people with mild/early stage dementia (as defined by the Alzheimer's Society) and their carers. Visit their website for more details about sessions: https://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/explore/sensory-palaces/#gs.qb6aNPE An accurate and timely diagnosis is an essential part of living as well as possible with dementia. A diagnosis is an important first step towards accessing treatment, support, information and advice to help families adjust to life with dementia. However, in 2016 it took twice as long for younger people to be diagnosed as it did older people.

Younger people tend to have rarer types of dementia and they may not experience memory loss. Signs and symptoms can include behaviour, personality or mood changes which can be mistaken for other conditions such as stress, anxiety, depression or relationship problems. The Young Dementia Network, of which Dementia UK is an active member, has worked with GPs to create a tool that is designed to support GPs in the recognition and understanding of young onset and rarer forms of dementia. The pilot version of this GP decision making tool [has been] available for GPs to use and comment on since April 2017, with the aim of making the final version available to all GPs across the UK later in the year. Dr Hilda Hayo, Chief Admiral Nurse at Dementia UK says, “Diagnosing dementia in young people is not always easy and it can take months, or in some cases years, before an accurate diagnosis is given. This can lead to pressures on the family and can result in breakdowns of relationships, employment and social networks. This new decisionmaking tool will help support GPs so they are better equipped to identify the signs which suggest that a referral to a specialist diagnostic service is required.”. For further information and to view the tool, visit https://www.youngdementiauk.org/gp-decisionmaking-tool. Feedback is welcome from GPs, people living with young onset dementia, their family and other professionals who have an interest in the document.

Taken from: https://www.dementiauk.org/pilot-decision-making-tool-for-gps-to-aiddementia-diagnosis-in-younger-people/

Some Useful Contacts: Alzheimer’s Society Kingston: 020 3513 5147 or kingstonoffice@alzheimers.org.uk Medicines advice: 020 3513 6829 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm), Medinfo@swlstgtr.nhs.uk or www.choiceandmedication.org/swlstg-tr Kingston Wellbeing Service - depression and anxiety support: 020 8339 8040 Admiral Nurse dementia helpline: 0800 888 6678 (Monday-Friday 9am-9pm & Saturday-Sunday 9am-5pm) or helpline@dementiauk.org Samaritans: 116 123 (24 hours a day, 365 days a year) or jo@samaritans.org Concerns for the immediate safety of yourself or others: 999 or go to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department Non-emergency NHS concerns: 111

Carers of People with Mental Health Issues

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Rethink’s new campaign, Rethink Schizophrenia, will launch on 18 September 2017, to improve people’s understanding of what schizophrenia is and what it means

to live with the illness. Rethink Schizophrenia is a refreshed version of Schizophrenia Awareness Week, which they've run annually since 2013. When it comes to schizophrenia, understanding is nowhere near what it should be. This year they’re aiming to reach people with little or no knowledge of schizophrenia to raise more and better awareness.

FREE Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training - Mental health problems can affect anyone at any time of their life. Early intervention can help slow down (or stop) these problems as well as promote faster recovery. However, most of us don’t often spot the signs that others – or even we - are struggling until very late. An MHFA course will teach you to recognise early signs of mental health problems and give you the confidence, knowledge and skills you need to help yourself and others more effectively. Participants will receive a certificate of attendance from MHFA England upon successful completion of the 2-day course. Please be aware that no in depth clinical information or training is given. There is no pre-reading. The next training th th dates are: Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 September 2017. For more information or to book your FREE place (if you live or work in Kingston upon Thames), please contact Linda Munslow by emailing linda.munslow@kingston.gov.uk, nd calling 020 8547 6803 or by writing to Linda Munslow, Public Health Team, 2 Floor, Guildhall 1, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1EU. This course is for those in contact/working with adults living with or at risk of mental health problems.

There is a separate course running for anyone in contact/working with young people – please contact the Public Health Team for details.

SWLSTG Mental Health Trust management - In April 2017, the Trust moved from borough based management to service line management and now operates in five service lines, or teams: Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service; Forensic Service; Specialist and National Service; Community Service; Cognition and Mental Health in Ageing Service; Acute and Urgent Care Service.

From October 2017, the Trust will be a completely smokefree Trust. This means that smoking will not be allowed in any Trust premises or grounds, including outside the wards and hostels e.g. enclosed garden areas and designated smoking areas will be removed from any area inside the hospital. Patients and service users will have to go outside the Trust if they want to smoke. This will also apply to visitors and staff. The Trust want to help reduce this inequality by creating a smokefree environment across all of its sites in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance which recommends that all hospital sites, including mental health hospitals, should be 100 per cent smokefree. The Trust will offer short or long staying inpatient service users support to temporarily abstain, to cut down or quit smoking when they arrive at wards. This includes: One-to-one with their Smokefree Ward Advisor; Friendly advice and support to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms; Nicotine Replacement Therapy (i.e. nicotine patches, lozenges, inhalator and etc.). Smoking cessation support and free anti-smoking aids will be available to patients during their time as an inpatient. Unfortunately, exceptions are not permitted in these or any other circumstances. E-cigarettes have not been yet licensed but they have been found to be less harmful than smoking cigarettes. For that reason, the Trust has considered the use of e-cigarettes by inpatient service users as they may benefit from using e-

cigarettes whilst in hospital. However, for health and safety reasons only disposable and non-rechargeable devices will be allowed in the Trust. Service users will be responsible for purchasing their own e-cigarettes. If you are a patient or carer please speak to any clinical staff member for support or contact your local stop smoking service. Support is also available through the national smokefree service online at www.nhs.uk/smokefree or by phoning 0300 123 1044 (free) to speak to an expert adviser. If you have any questions about smokefree please contact the Trust via smokefree@swlstg-tr.nhs.uk.

Three new trustees have joined the management committee to expand Kingston Mental Health Carers Forum's services to members. More information on the range of services is available at www.kmhcf.org.uk, info@kmhcf.org.uk or by calling 07983 063578.

Transport for London … [(TfL) have] released a new tube map. But instead of helping passengers find the most direct route from A to B, or even the cheapest, this map is designed to help passengers with anxiety or claustrophobia to travel on the tube whilst avoiding tunnels. Only two London Underground lines are actually entirely underground, but without knowing how to get around the network whilst avoiding long sections of tunnels, many people who find confined spaces difficult avoid tube travel altogether. The map is essentially very simple, just the existing tube map with tunnels shaded in grey …. Yet for someone living in or visiting London who has struggled to use the underground due to anxiety or claustrophobia, this simple diagram could genuinely be life changing. It could open up a range of new transport possibilities, allowing people to travel with their friends and colleagues for the first time, or to save hours each week that would previously be spent on slower forms of transport. This new map joins the TfL map designed to help passengers who struggle with steps, the map that identifies toilet facilities on the underground and the maps in large print – each of which aims to help passengers with particular access needs or physical disabilities to be able to use the transport network. What’s radical about the latest addition to the collection is that, rather than thinking about accessibility from a physical health perspective, TfL have considered what it’s like to travel on the tube with a mental health problem, something 1 in 4 underground passengers will experience every day. You can view the map at http://content.tfl.gov.uk/tube-map-with-tunnels.pdf.

Taken from: http://www.moneyandmentalhealth.org/mind-gap-accessibility-supportphysical-mental-health/

Rethink Mental Illness siblings’ support group in South London: This group is open to anyone who has a brother or sister with a mental illness. It is open to people aged 18 and over and takes place once a month in Vauxhall. For more information, contact Eleanor Murphy on 07596 743085 or email rethinklondonsibs@gmail.com.

Anyone who has ever had a mental health condition, or who has been worried about the mental health of someone else, knows the value of reliable, up-to-date information. South West London and St George’s Mental Health Trust (the Trust) know that it can be scary trying to navigate your way through all the information available.

The Trust is accredited as a provider of high quality health information by NHS England's Information Standard scheme, which assesses organisations on the way

they develop and produce patient information. As an accredited organisation, patients and carers can trust that the information they provide is balanced, up-to-date and based on the latest evidence. As part of this process they regularly review their core patient information leaflets and they would be interested to hear your thoughts on whether they tell you what you want to know, whether they are easy to understand or if you think there is information that needs to be included. Please take some time to look at these leaflets and let the Trust know if they are useful and informative and if you think they are easy to understand. You can complete a quick survey for each leaflet (four questions) or you can email your thoughts to communications@swlstg-tr.nhs.uk don't forget to let them know which leaflet you are referring to if you email. You can view the Trust’s patient information library at http://www.swlstgtr.nhs.uk/publications/patient-information/leaflets to see the leaflets and can then complete the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/YL2TK9J for each leaflet you review – you can review as many as you want. All feedback that they receive will help them to improve their patient information leaflets.

Some Useful Contacts: Mental health support line for existing Trust service users & their carers: 0800 028 8000 (Monday-Friday 5pm-9am, Saturday-Sunday 24 hours) Medicines advice: 020 3513 6829 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm), Medinfo@swlstgtr.nhs.uk or www.choiceandmedication.org/swlstg-tr Kingston Wellbeing Service - depression and anxiety support: 020 8339 8040 Rethink Advice & Information Service: 0300 5000 927 (Monday-Friday 9:30am-4pm) Mind Infoline: 0300 123 3393 (Monday-Friday 9am-6pm), SMS 86463 or info@mind.org.uk Samaritans: 116 123 (24 hours a day, 365 days a year) or jo@samaritans.org Concerns for the immediate safety of yourself or others: 999 or go to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department Non-emergency NHS concerns: 111 Alzheimer’s Society Kingston hold a monthly carer support group.

Please contact them on 020 3513 5147 or kingstonoffice@alzheimers.org.uk for more information about where and when this is held.

‘South Place’ Mental Health Carers’ Support Group welcomes all relatives and nd carers of adults with mental health problems. It meets on the 2 Tuesday of each month, at Tolworth Hospital, Hughes Room B, Red Lion Road, Tolworth KT6 7QU. Meetings are from 6:00pm-7:15pm but may be extended to 7:45pm when there are guest speakers. Light refreshments are provided. The next meeting dates th th th th are: 8 August, 12 September, 10 October (World Mental Health Day), 14 th November, 12 December.

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

ASCA run a weekly facilitated group in RICHMOND for anyone caring for someone with an addiction every Tuesday from 6:30pm-8pm at 233 Lower Mortlake Road,

Richmond TW9 2LL. Each group lasts 90 minutes and is strictly confidential.

Donations £5. NB: this group is NOT run as a drop in, new members are accepted only following an initial assessment. For more details contact 020 8940 1160.

Kingston Wellbeing Service offers a facilitated mutual aid group for parents, carers and significant others of people receiving treatment from them every Tuesday 10am to 11am on a drop in basis at Surbiton Health Centre. NB: The group is ONLY available to carers of people being supported by the Wellbeing Service.

Al-Anon hold meetings for anyone who feels that their lives have been deeply affected by another person's drinking every Tuesday from 8pm to 9:30pm at the Methodist Church Hall, Avenue Road, Fairfield South, Kingston upon Thames KT1 2UJ. (It is recommended to attend about six meetings before deciding whether AlAnon is for you.)

Home Instead run a Memory Café in New Malden for people with memory loss and nd their carers every 2 Wednesday of the month from 2pm-4pm at the Coffee Bar in the Methodist Church, 49 High Street, New Malden KT3 4BY. Teas and coffees provided but donations welcomed.

ASCA run a weekly facilitated group in SURBITON for anyone caring for someone with an addiction every Thursday from 6:30pm-8pm at 96 Ditton Road, Surbiton, KT6 6RH. Each group lasts 90 minutes and is strictly confidential. Donations £5. NB: this group is NOT run as a drop in, new members are accepted only following an initial assessment. For more details contact 020 8339 9899.

The London BPD Carers’ Group is for those caring for people living with borderline personality disorder. It provides mutual support and meets on the third Thursday of each month between 5:30pm and 7:30pm in Vauxhall. The group does NOT run as a drop in. Contact Marisa Broadhurst on 07955 097121 or email londonbpdcarers@rethink.org for more information.

Home Instead run a Memory Café for people with memory loss and their carers st rd every 1 and 3 Friday of the month from 2pm-4pm at the Rose Theatre, 24-26 High Street, Kingston KT1 1HL. Staywell run a Dementia Saturday Club for people living with dementia, their nd families and supporters on the 2 Saturday of the month from 11am to 2pm at Raleigh House in New Malden with a light lunch served at 12 noon. It provides an opportunity to socialise in a supportive environment as well as access to specialist information and advice. Cost £5. To find out more, contact 020 8949 4244.

The nearest Bipolar UK support groups are now in Sutton or Twickenham. You can check for updates about if/when the Kingston group might re-start at https://www.bipolaruk.org/find-a-support-group or call 0333 323 3885.