Autumn 2016 Also inside: News from our Chief Executive Forthcoming Support Groups Staff News Christmas Party Details Free exercise sessions Try Line Dancing! Could you hold a fundraising breakfast for KCN?
News from the Young Carers’
2016 Carers Social Activities and Conference & AGM Outings
We are excited to announce that our 4th Annual Carers Conference with AGM will take place on Friday 7th October. See page 3 for full details
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Kingston Carers’ Network
www.kingstoncarers.org.uk
News from the Chief Executive
Premises As you may know, the Council are closing the Noble Centre and KCN has been searching for new premises for over a year. We hope to have more news very soon and will keep you informed of where and when we will be moving. RBK’s Contribution Policy Kingston Council has been consulting on changing the amount people contribute towards their non-residential care and support services. They have proposed that people who are assessed as able to contribute towards their care, contribute 100% of their available income from the current level of 75%. Available income is the money available after taking off certain cost of living expenses and other allowances such as Disability Related Expenditure. People with savings over £23,250 already contribute 100% of the care costs. Over half of those contributing towards care and support will be affected and will have to pay more under this proposal. The Council are also proposing to charge self-funders who have asked the council to arrange care on their behalf. Under this proposal, they would be charged an arrangement fee for setting up the care and support and an ongoing management. Adult Social Care are currently compiling a report following the consultations which will include feedback from the workshops together with the results of the survey. The report and recommendations will be submitted to the Adults and Children’s Committee on Thursday 29th September. The meeting is at 7.30 pm in the Council Chambers at the Guildhall and is a public meeting so anyone can attend. The report should be published by 22nd September and this can be found on the Council website. See this link: http://tinyurl.com/gvluxy8
The Voice of Carers in Kingston Thursday 29th September, 10.30am to 12.00pm followed by lunch Steve Hardisty from Healthwatch will attend to discuss ‘The future of carer involvement in Kingston’ Noble Centre, 109a Blagdon Road, New Malden, KT3 4BD For more information or to have your say, contact Kate on 020 3031 2752.
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4th Annual Carers Conference and AGM Friday 7th October 10.00am to 2.30pm Kingston Quaker Centre, Fairfield East, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2PT Join us for a day of wellbeing talks and workshops for carers. There will be a short AGM followed by an informative talk on dealing with memory issues with Dr Trudi Edginton, a Cognitive Neuroscientist and senior lecturer at the University of Westminster. After a buffet lunch, you will have the opportunity to take part in one of our wellbeing sessions. These will include workshops on nutrition with Chris from Don’t Tone Alone and Fatigue Management with Dr Trudi as well as your chance to try out line dancing! For more information and to book your space, please contact Jo on admin@kingstoncarers.org.uk or 020 3031 2751
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Kingston Carers’ Network
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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. We had some fantastic trips and we are very grateful to the funders and volunteers that made such a busy time possible.
The team has seen some changes over the summer with two new staff joining us (see page 6 for details), Chris moving on and Kat giving birth to her gorgeous twins. Don’t forget that we’re on Twitter; follow us for plenty of updates and info @YCPKingston
Diane, Liz, Nicola and Alice Young Carers’ Project 020 3031 2754 youngcarers1@kingstoncarers.org.uk
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Befriending Service “We all need someone to talk to, someone who listens, someone who understands” Would you like to spend time with someone you can talk to, someone who understands about caring? Our new Befriending Service gives you the chance to meet regularly for a drink and a chat with a friendly volunteer. You will be matched with a volunteer who will visit you about once a week at a time that suits you. If you are unable to leave the person you care for, the volunteer can visit you at home or can accompany you and your loved one on a trip out. You can talk about anything you like with your volunteer, whether you fancy a light-hearted chat or a chance to ‘get it all off your chest’ – depending on what kind of week you’ve had! Having someone to talk to can make a real difference. If you are interested in finding out more, please contact Lyndsey at befriending@kingstoncarers.org.uk or 020 3375 8226.
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Meet the new KCN Staff Hello! My name is Alice and I am delighted to be joining KCN as a Young Carers’ Support Worker, with a particular focus on working with schools. I worked extensively with children and young people in my previous role at the Horse Rangers Association in Hampton Court, specifically with their Riding for the Disabled and Outreach programmes. Some of you may even remember me from the Young Carers Horse Riding Days! After graduating (I studied Art History at university) I spent time volunteering for a project working with unaccompanied refugee children living in London. I live in Kingston and I am also a qualified horse riding instructor in my spare time. I still enjoy being around horses - and any other animals too! Hi, my name is Nicola Bleeze and I am delighted to be joining Kingston Carers' Network as a Young Carers' Support Worker. I have previously worked as a Family Support Worker and as a TA in a school for children with additional needs. I also work at a youth club for young people aged 14 to 25. In my spare time I like to read, travel, cook and spend time with my family and friends. I am really looking forward to joining the team and supporting young carers in our community.
Congratulations! Big congratulations to Kat and her husband Michael on the arrival of their twins, Evelyn Rose and Myles Thomas Anthony, on Monday 8th August. We can’t wait to meet them for cuddles!
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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
Parents and Carers of Children and Young People with Additional Needs Tolworth Children’s Centre, School Lane, Surbiton, 9.15am to 11.15pm One Monday a month — call 020 3375 8227 for dates For more information on any of the support groups, please contact the office on 020 3031 2757 or admin@kingstoncarers.org.uk
FREESPORT Fitness Classes Until the end of October, we are running FREE fitness classes for KCN carers on Saturday mornings and Monday evenings at the Star Centre, King Charles Crescent, Surbiton, KT5 8SX. Carers are welcome to attend one or both sessions. See page 15 for more details. These classes have been a great success, there is such a range in the abilities attending and the atmosphere is friendly and supportive. Many of the carers attending have already felt a positive difference to their health with one carer saying “Good to be encouraged to exercise, something we have been neglecting. The trainer encourages you to pace it at your own level. We have seen a definite improvement in our core strength and stamina since we started.”
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Kingston Carers’ Network
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Wellbeing Training Programme Have a look at our upcoming Wellbeing Workshops over the next few months. These workshops are aimed at making you feel more confident in your caring role and boosting your wellbeing. Please see below for details of dates and times. You are welcome to sign up for any of the workshops. 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
Nutritional Management Workshop This month’s Wellbeing Workshop will be held at our annual AGM and be facilitated by Chris Robertson from Don’t Tone Alone. This workshop will help you to eliminate destructive eating habits and gain control over your nutrition leading to a healthier and happier lifestyle. Chris will show you how to make the right decisions so that when faced with eating out for business or pleasure, you enjoy the occasion rather than worry about your waistline. Friday 7th October, 12.45pm to 2.30pm, Kingston Quaker Centre, FREE
Healthy Eating Cooking Class It is not easy preparing a meal that meets all these factors when you have caring responsibilities: healthy, quick, affordable and tasty. This month we are running a Cookery Class with Susan from Sassy Stirrers to help inspire our carers at meal times. This class will be a practical session and you will be fully kitted out with an apron and all the ingredients you need to make a delicious, healthy and speedy meal (including a lovely sweet treat). After the cooking class, we will all eat together and any leftovers will be packed up to take home with you! Tuesday 8th November, 5.00pm to 8.00pm, Southborough High School, £5 Please note this workshop has limited spaces available.
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Autumn 2016
Dementia - Support in the Later Stages The later stages of dementia can be a very 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 7th December, Lunch from 12.30pm Workshop from 1.00pm to 3.00pm at the Noble Centre, FREE To book a place on any of our Wellbeing Workshops, contact Vanessa on wellbeing@kingstoncarers.org.uk or call 020 3757 8464
Back to Work Workshops If returning to work is something you are thinking about now or in the future, take a look at the following workshops… From Caring to Corporate: How to build a work wardrobe on a budget This fun and interactive workshop provides you with essential skills in developing your own quality look on a carer’s budget. It is designed to help build your confidence as you return to the workplace. Topics covered include:
How to develop your own look/brand Body Shape Key wardrobe pieces and how to use your existing wardrobe Make-up Tips Accessories: Mixing expensive items with cheaper brands Fashion Dos and Don’ts in the workplace. Wednesday 28th September, 10.30am to 1.00pm, Noble Centre, FREE Continued overleaf...
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How to apply your carer communication skills in the work place As carers, communicating and ensuring that our loved one receives all the care and support needed, means we often simultaneously co-ordinate with different people and organisations. This workshop is in two parts and will look at building on your skills and preparing you to use your communication skills in the work place. Part 1 – Wednesday 5th October, 12.00pm to 3.00pm, Noble Centre - FREE Part 2 – Wednesday 12th October, 12.00pm to 3.00pm, Noble Centre - FREE About the facilitator Amanda has over sixteen years of experience as a director of her own IT company that she runs with her brother. Amanda has extensive experience in Marketing, Technology, Communicating and Collaborating with business and technical partners in the Corporate and Government sectors. Amanda’s mother suffers from multiple illnesses including Vascular Dementia. While working, Amanda has been her primary carer. Amanda is fully aware of the challenges that carers face while still trying to work. These courses are her practical skills that she applies to herself at this difficult time and is she is passionate about sharing her experience with our carers. To book a place on our Back to Work Workshops, contact Vanessa on wellbeing@kingstoncarers.org.uk or call 020 3757 8464
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Autumn 2016
Walk and Talk This time we’ll be taking our walk and talk group a little further afield and will be visiting the Medicine Garden in Cobham. A gentle-paced walk around the garden followed by a cup of tea or coffee in the café. The Medicine Garden is a beautiful, once derelict walled garden that has been restored around the theme of Wellbeing. Contact Vanessa on wellbeing@kingstoncarers.org.uk or 020 3757 8464 for more details and to sign up. Free of charge. Monday 9th November, 10.30am to 12.00pm Meet at the Noble Centre
Weekly Wellbeing Classes Kingston Adult Education’s new term for the year 2016/17 begins on Monday 12th September and from this week our weekly classes will take place at these days, times and new venues: Zumba Gold: Tuesdays, 12.00pm to 1.00pm, Tolworth United Reformed Church, Elgar Ave, Surbiton, KT5 9JR Stretch and Strengthen: Thursdays, 3.00pm to 4.00pm, King Charles Centre, Hollyfield Road, Surbiton, KT5 9AL Meditation: Fridays, 1.00pm to 2.00pm, King Charles Centre, Hollyfield Road, Surbiton, KT5 9AL
turn up!
The classes are suitable for all ages and abilities and each session costs £3. There is no need to book a place - just
For more information contact Vanessa on 020 3757 8464 or wellbeing@kingstoncarers.org.uk
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Kingston Carers’ Network
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Social Activities and Outings Best of Broadway Friendship Matinee at the Royal Albert Hall Experience glitz and glamour in the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra concert featuring your favourite show tunes and music from some of the finest shows on Broadway and in the West End Hear timeless songs including Cats, The Phantom of the Opera, Evita and Sunset Boulevard as well as music from Les Misérables, Mamma Mia!, Miss Saigon, Caberet and many more. Tuesday 18th October, 1.15pm to approximately 5.00pm £5, includes ticket and transport from Noble Centre
Christmas Lights and Fish and Chips Join us at our annual fish and chip supper at Pisces in Surbiton followed by a drive in to town to see this year’s Christmas lights Tuesday 15th November, 5.00pm at Noble Centre or 5.30pm at Pisces to approximately 10.00pm £5 includes fish and chips, a drink and coach transport. Meeting point at either Pisces Restaurant in Surbiton or the Noble Centre, New Malden. Drop off points will be Surbiton, Chessington (near Hook Centre) and New Malden.
Christmas Party Thursday 1st December, 7.00pm to 12.00am See page 14 for full details
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Autumn 2016
KCN
Did you know that you can now book all of our activities online? Visit www.kingstoncarers.org.uk/wellbeingproject/activities to book. You can still book by calling Vanessa on 020 3757 8464 or by sending a letter to “Kingston Carers’ Network, FREEPOST RSET-JATX-UEAS, New Malden, KT3 4BD”.
You will be able to book a place for our Social Events from Monday 26th September
Transport for most of our social events is from the Noble Centre. If getting to the Noble Centre 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 020 3757 8464 or email wellbeing@kingstoncarers.org.uk to discuss.
Craft Sessions Karen from Yarn and Thistle will be running her usual creative monthly sessions. Each session runs from 10.00am to 12.00pm and costs £3 which includes the resources, tea, coffee and biscuits. Friday 14th October – 3D Wet Felting part 1 - Brooches Friday 4th November – 3D Wet Felting part 2 - Glasses Case Friday 2nd December – Little Books For more details and to book your space, please contact Vanessa on wellbeing@kingstoncarers.org.uk or 020 3757 8464.
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Kingston Carers’ Network
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at Brook Kingston Lodge Hotel Thursday 1st December, 7.00pm to 12.00am We are trying something new this year and will be heading to Brook Kingston Lodge Hotel for their popular Christmas Party Night. You will be greeted with a welcome drink followed by a delicious three course meal with wine. After dinner we will enjoy coffee and mince pies and a disco until midnight. The dress code is smart and this event will be for over 18s only. This event will cost £10 per registered KCN carer. For those wishing to bring a guest with them, the cost will be £30. There is also an inclusive drinks option available to you, if you would like, at an additional cost of £21 per person. Final date for booking for this event will be Friday 28th October and payment must be made in advance. For more information on this event and to book your place, please contact Vanessa on 020 3757 8464 or Jo on 020 3031 2751.
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Kingston Carers’ Network
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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 2016
iCope Online
iCope Online is an interactive online therapy programme which has a catalogue of CBT treatment modules, self-help tools and diaries to help tackle difficult feelings of anxiety, depression and stress. We have modules for topics such as Panic, Depression, Work Stress and Relaxation. Once you have an account you can download the Minddistrict app which allows you to access the programme anytime, anywhere, on any device that has an internet connection e.g. computer, smartphone, tablet. iCope Online is therefore an ideal option for people who may have difficulty attending regular appointments away from home e.g. fulltime workers, parents, carers. It provides a flexible way for you to access support. Each session can be done independently (pure self-help) or with the feedback of a therapist (guided self-help) and even after you have completed treatment you will have access to the programme for an entire year. This allows you the opportunity to recap the sessions which can help maintain progress and prevent setbacks. The pure self-help option can be a particularly good first step before receiving any formal therapy. It is also a stand-alone treatment in its own right that can be accessed with minimal waiting time.
How to access iCope Online If you are interested in this type of treatment, please visit kingstonicopeonline.minddistrict.co.uk/screening where you can start a self test. This will help us to better understand how you are doing. Once you have completed this we can let you know what support may be best for you. You can find out more about this service at kingston.icope.nhs.uk
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Kingston Mencap hold a monthly carers group for those carers with a family member with a learning disability. Meetings First Wednesday of every month, alternating between Sessions House, 17 Ewell Road, Surbiton, KT6 6AQ at 7:30pm and Home Farm Trust (HFT) Springfield Place, New Malden, KT3 3LJ at 1:30pm Families do not stop becoming a carer once a relative moves into 'Supported Living' or a 'Care Home' and often still give a huge amount of emotional and care support over and above what paid support staff can ever give. Taking to medical appointments, keeping in touch with family and friends, support to make decisions, re-assuring if worried. It is important to realise you are still a carer, even though you may not be the main carer. By giving a few hours a week to support your loved one you are filling an important role and one that the government recognises within the new Care Act If you would like to join us or need more information, please call Gill Wood on 0208540 1399 or email peter.kingstonmencap@gmail.com.
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Complementary Therapies and Beauty Treatments Time for You Therapies Alternate Mondays, 10.00am to 3.00pm Fridays, 10.00am to 3.00pm £12 for 30 minutes, £16 for 45 minutes, £20 for 1 hour Therapies include Reiki, Aromatherapy Massage, Holistic Massage, Bach Flower Remedies, Indian Head Massage, Facial Massage, Arm and Hand Massage Complementary Therapies with Mitsuko Alternate 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 by Gina One Thursday every six weeks, 10.00am to 2.00pm £5 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
Focus on: CQC report on SW London & St George's Mental Health Trust On 16th June 2016 the CQC (Care Quality Commission) published its report on the operations of the Trust across all five boroughs. Although the overall rating was ‘requires improvement’, the report rated 7 out the 10 services that were inspected as good. The services requiring improvement were community based mental health services for adults of working age and for older people and the rehabilitation mental health wards for working age adults. “Overall summary The main areas for improvement were as follows: • The trust had not ensured that the wards providing rehabilitation were supporting patients to achieve greater independence. The exception to this was Burntwood Villa where there was a well developed model of rehabilitation. • In the forensic service and the child and adolescent mental health ward the trust was not recognising when they were secluding patients. This meant that the appropriate safeguards in terms of regular observations and medical review were not in place to keep people safe. • Across a number of wards and teams staff were not being supported with regular one to one supervision. This often reflected the workload of the team and because some managers in the community were responsible for supervising too many staff. • The trust had restructured the administrative support to teams in Kingston into a central hub. The implementation of this change was having ongoing negative consequences with patients not receiving appointment letters, delays in information reaching GPs and staff in the trust not being able to access patient information they needed for outpatient appointments. Whilst improvements were underway there
were still more needed to ensure a safe service. • The maintaining of up to date risk assessments across a number of teams needed to be improved. They also had to be stored consistently so they can be located when needed. This meant there was a risk of staff not safely supporting patients with their individual risks. • There were significant challenges in the community services for working age adults, especially the recovery teams where staff morale was lower and staff were worried about meeting the complex needs of the patients on their caseloads. Despite these areas for improvement there was much for the trust to be proud of as follows: • The senior executive team were committed to improving services and providing a high standard of care for patients. • Most staff said how much they enjoyed working for the trust and valued the leadership provided by the senior team. Many specifically mentioned the role played by the chief executive. • Most staff we met were caring, professional and in many cases innovative in their work. • The culture of the trust was largely healthy with patients and staff feeling
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able to raise issues they felt needed to improve without fear of retribution. • The trust board provided effective challenge and helped to ensure the trust met its strategic objectives. • There were robust ward to board governance processes in place that supported managers throughout the trust to identify when improvements needed to take place. • The trust was working with local communities to overcome the stigma of mental illness and make services more accessible.
• There had been significant improvements in the acute care pathway. Whilst demand was still very high and this presented a daily challenge, patients had an improved level of support to access the services they clinically needed. • Staff had access to a wide range of opportunities for learning and development, which was helping many people to make progress with their career whilst also improving the care they delivered.
There were many areas of ongoing work within the trust. This included an active staff recruitment campaign. There were also other developments to improve patient and staff engagement. These will need time to progress but the inspection team agreed that the trust had the necessary leadership in place to take this forward. We will be working with the trust to agree an action plan to address the issues we found during our inspection.” The findings are available on the SWLSTG website at www.swlstg-tr.nhs.uk and the full report can be found at http://www.cqc.org.uk/sites/default/files/new_reports/AAAF5014.pdf. David Bradley, SWLSTG Chief Executive, said: "We are grateful to the inspectors for their root and branch examination of our services and for recognising the excellent work provided by our caring and professional staff. The inspection was tough but fair and gave us the extremely valuable opportunity to examine the services we provide and look at how we can make them better for patients, carers and our staff."
Carers of People with Mental Health Issues Jacqueline Sin, a researcher affiliated to St George’s University of London and well known at SWLSTG NHS Trust, is undertaking a five year research, EFFIP (Esupport for Families and Friends of Individuals affected by Psychosis) - A focus group study with people with lived experience of psychosis and carers. She is calling for ideas and views on how best to design the EFFIP resource from individuals with lived experience of psychosis and family members or friends caring for a loved one affected by psychosis. What is the study about? They are developing an online information and peer support resource for families and friends caring for people affected by psychosis, and would like people with lived experience of psychosis and carers to help them shape and design the resource. What does taking part involve? They would ask you to attend a one-off 2 hour meeting with a few other peers in September, October or November 2016. As a group, they will be 2
asking you to discuss ideas and views about the content and design of the resource you would find helpful for carers. Participants will be paid £10 for their time and have their travelling expenses reimbursed. How do I take part? If you think that you might like to take part or clarify another further query, contact Jacqueline Sin at jasin@sgul.ac.uk or 07817027035 or follow them on @EFFIP_FocusGrps. This study has been approved by London-Surrey Borders Research Ethics Committee (16/LO/1300) and HRA (IRAS Project ID: 210571). Monday 10th October is World Mental Health Day. This year's theme of ‘Dignity in Mental Health-Psychological & Mental Health First Aid for All’ seeks to take mental health out of the shadows so that people in general feel more confident in tackling the stigma, isolation and discrimination that continues to plague people with mental health conditions, their families and carers. A Mental Health First Aid (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. Forthcoming dates: 3rd & 4th November. Email linda.munslow@kingston.gov.uk for more information or to book your place. Youth MHFA is also available, designed specifically for those who teach, work with, live with or care for young people aged 11-18 years old. The forthcoming course dates are: 9th & 10th November. Email linda.munslow@kingston.gov.uk for more information or to book your place. Both courses are free to access. ASSIST Trauma Care is a specialist Not-for-Profit Organisation offering therapeutic help to families, adults, children and individuals affected by a wide range of traumatic occurrences. You can telephone their help line on: 01788 560800 or visit http://assisttraumacare.org.uk/ for more information. Bipolar UK offers a telephone-based peer mentoring service with support being available from a mentor wherever you live in the UK. Mentoring could help if you care for someone with a diagnosis of bipolar and could also help people who are newly diagnosed with bipolar or who are struggling with the condition. You'll be matched with a trained volunteer mentor who can provide one-to-one support over the telephone at an agreed time. Mentors will listen to you, help you find ways to manage and support you to access other helpful services. Mentoring sessions last up to an hour and are usually held once a week or once a fortnight, based on your individual circumstances. You just need to have a quiet space to use for your session so you won’t be disturbed. If you, or someone you know, would benefit from their mentoring service, contact Bipolar UK 0333 323 4458 or email mentoring@bipolaruk.org. If you would like to be a mentor, Bipolar UK is looking for Telephone Mentoring volunteers who are siblings, parents or partners of someone with a diagnosis of bipolar. You’ll have first-hand experience and knowledge of bipolar and an understanding of the challenges and worries that siblings, parents and partners face when supporting their loved one through good and bad times. Volunteer roles are subject to DBS disclosure through Bipolar UK. Full training, support and 3
supervision is provided. For more information, contact Bipolar UK on 0333 323 4458 or mentoring@bipolaruk.org. ‘Stay Alive’ is a suicide prevention app which offers help and support both to people with thoughts of suicide and to people concerned about someone else. The app can be personalised to tailor it to the user. Key features include: Quick access to national crisis support helplines; A mini-safety plan that can be filled out by a person considering suicide; A Life Box to which the user can uploads photos from their phone reminding them of their reasons to stay alive; Strategies for staying safe from suicide; How to help a person thinking about suicide; Suicide myth-busting; Research-based reasons for living; Online support services and other helpful apps; Suicide bereavement resources. The personality disorder organisation, Emergence has unfortunately recently closed and gone into liquidation, due to reduced funding. Last year, due to lack of funding, its carers’ group reformed as the Rethink London BPD Carers Group and is currently seeking and waiting for a decision on Lottery funding. www.emergenceplus.org.uk Current patients of South West London & St George’s Mental Health Trust and their carers who need help at night or on weekends/bank holidays can call its mental health support line, which offers emotional support and advice to patients and their carers on 0800 028 8000. For ideas about preparing for and getting through the forthcoming festive season, contact Veronica on 020 3031 2755 or carers2@kingstoncarers.org.uk for a copy of the ‘Enjoying and coping with major festivities’ factsheet.
Carers of People with Dementia The Dementia Assistance Card provides a clear and concise way for someone to ask for help in shops, restaurants etc. It shows the contact number of a relative or friend in the case of an emergency. Available FREE from www.dementiaassistancecard.com, they are fully editable and available blank. If laminated they can be made into tags for luggage, handbags, key fobs etc. Also available in other languages. More ideas available on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dementiaassistancecard. Care UK’s publication, ‘As Easy as ABC’, is based on their philosophy of Activity Based Care and brings together 100 practical suggestions from specialist teams working in care homes across the country. The guide is perfect for anyone caring for someone in their own home and those who want to make the most of their visits to loved ones who have moved into residential care. You can download a copy via the following link http://www.careuk.com/sites/rcs/files/Care_UK_rcs_Easy_as_ABC.pdf. Active Minds’ Aquapaint is a unique reusable painting activity for people with dementia. Simply paint water onto the sheets and watch the image appear. Each set 4
comes with five different images that have been carefully selected to help start conversation when the painting is complete. As the water dries the image will fade ready to be used time and again. There are 4 collections: Natural World, Everyday, Loves & Days Out which cost £14.99 each. Available from http://www.activeminds.co.uk/shop/dementia-art-activities/aquapaint/. Plymouth City Council became the first of its kind to set up dementia accessible parking spaces, and now Middlesbrough has followed suit. After a consultation event with carers and people living with dementia, they’ve created two car parking spaces at their High Street shopping centre that are wider and been painted with the ForgetMe-Not flower symbol of the Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Friends. People with dementia who drive may struggle with spatial awareness, so more accessible spaces could be of benefit. However, they are also designed to be easier for people who care for someone with dementia, who perhaps need more space to help someone with dementia get out of the car. The spaces in Plymouth … are on the entry level and are close to ticket machines and pedestrian exits, which makes life easier for carers. Staff working at the car park have also received extra training so they have a good understanding of the types of challenges that people with dementia and their carers might experience. Sources: itv.com/news and motoringresearch.com
Unforgettable is a website that aims to improve the lives of those living with memory loss and dementia by bringing together specialised products, practical advice and a supportive community. View it at https://www.unforgettable.org/. For ideas about preparing for and getting through the forthcoming festive season, contact Veronica on 020 3031 2755 or carers2@kingstoncarers.org.uk for a copy of ‘Tips for supporting people with dementia at Christmas’.
Carers of People with Substance Misuse Issues Adfam is working with Sheffield Hallam University to find an answer to the question ‘What does recovery for family members look like?’ They are running workshops in Sheffield and London and would like you to join them to tell your stories and share your expertise. Workshop 1 is in Sheffield. Workshop 2 & official project launch takes place on 25th October at central London venue from 11am-5pm - Lunch and refreshments served. Attendees will be reimbursed for any travel costs. RSVP: Oliver Standing at Adfam as soon as possible as space is limited. If you are not able to attend a workshop, you may be eligible to participate in pilot-testing or final administration of the online survey at a later date let them know if you’re interested. If you have any questions concerning the project or participation, please contact the SHU project coordinator, Dr Catrin Andersson c.andersson@shu.ac.uk, or Adfam's project coordinator, Oliver Standing O.Standing@adfam.org.uk. You may not see yourself as a carer or someone with needs of their own. But caring for someone using or coming off drugs can be demanding. If you have 5
someone in your household who is unable to stop using drugs, it can be very stressful, upsetting and frustrating. Even if your loved one accepts that they have a problem and decides to stop taking drugs, you may need to help them get through the withdrawal and recovery period. There may be some difficult, emotional times during this process. Sometimes the best option for carers is to let their loved one face the consequences of continuing their drug use. This can be tough as it's natural to want to rescue loved ones from the harmful effects of their addiction, such as poverty or ill health. But there are lots of support organisations that can help you care for someone using or coming off drugs. Carers often find that talking to someone who knows what they're going through is really helpful. This could be through workshops, one-to-one sessions with a specially trained counsellor, or simply talking to other carers. Taken from: http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/drugs/Pages/caring-for-a-drug-user.aspx
How to survive someone else’s drug use: Have open and honest communication; Don’t be afraid to talk to people and ask for help; Be clear on boundaries; Look after yourself; Seek help; Don’t put your life on hold and continue to do the things you love. The Sick Doctors Trust was established in 1996 by a group of doctors who were themselves recovering from addictions and were concerned at the lack of effective arrangements for helping others who found themselves in difficulty as a result of alcohol or drug use. They can assist doctors with the practical problems they may face in maintaining their livelihoods and supporting their families during their treatment and recovery. The 24 hour helpline no is 0370 444 5163 or for more information see http://sick-doctors-trust.co.uk/page/the-helpline. Information about the BDDG (British Doctors & Dentists Group) Families Group, and details of their meetings, can be obtained from Catherine D, National Chairperson 07825 107 970/bddg@btinternet.com, or Andrew M, National Secretary 07904 570 729/aonghuis@outlook.com. Turning Point have produced a useful guide that offers insight into New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), Steroids, Cannabis and Alcohol, often chosen for recreational use but with significant risks associated to them. The Myths are: That NPS aren’t as potent as other drugs - They can actually be more potent than cocaine, cannabis and ecstasy. That they’re ‘safe’ - The chemicals NPS contain have often never been used in drugs for human consumption before. So no one has tested them to show they’re safe. That they’re legal - Drugs will no longer be sold or branded as ‘legal’. The Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 came into effect in May 2016 and applies across the UK (see section: The Law in http://www.turningpoint.co.uk/media/1077517/sm_legal_highs_guide_-_may-2016_-_web.pdf). GamCare provides free, specialist counselling for anyone experiencing difficulties resulting from a gambling problem – including gamblers, partners and family members - across the UK. Counselling can be face-to-face or online, and both individual or group sessions are offered. Their specially trained and experienced counsellors can give you the safe, confidential space you need to work 6
through the issues and situations connected to problem gambling in your life, and they will work with you to find the best methods of dealing with these situations going forward. They have an integrative approach to counselling, which means they can help you explore both problem gambling behaviour as well as the thoughts and feelings which may motivate this behaviour. In order for counselling to have an impact for you, you will need to commit to regular sessions. Their counsellors work within a broad range of therapeutic approaches, meaning that GamCare can provide counselling that is tailored to your needs. For more information about their counselling services speak to a specialist adviser on the Netline at http://www.gamcare.org.uk/support-and-counselling/frontline-services/netline or the Helpline on Freephone 0808 8020 133. GamCare’s service is confidential and abides by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy's Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy. Please note their service is not provided by the NHS. Adfam’s annual Carol Concert will be held at 6.45pm on 1st December 2016 at St Bride's church in Fleet Street - designed by Sir Christopher Wren and mentioned in Samuel Pepys' diaries! The winners of Adfam’s Gary Seaman Award and its Family Voices writing competition will be announced and celebrated and there will be a selection of guest readers, with previous attendees including presenter Richard Arnold, actors Tamsin Greig, Christopher Timothy and Gina McKee and broadcasters Eddie Mair, Joan Bakewell, Charlotte Green and Michael Buerk. The event will be hosted by BBC journalist, Fi Glover and ticket details will appear on www.adfam.org.uk shortly. For ideas about preparing for and getting through the forthcoming festive season, contact Veronica on 020 3031 2755 or carers2@kingstoncarers.org.uk for a copy of ‘Coping with addictions during holidays and other celebrations’. Dates for the diary: FA (Families Anonymous) UK 2017 National Convention will be on 25th March 2017 and their AGM on the morning of the 26th March 2017 at the Hilton Metropole Hotel, Birmingham. A number of hotel rooms have been put aside for people attending and can be booked online at http://eventsathilton.com/showV2/573311a194360d4a6d21b1c3 or call 0121 780 4242.
What's On? 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 from 10:30am to 12:30pm. Places are limited so please contact them on 020 3513 5147 or kingstonoffice@alzheimers.org.uk for more information. ‘South Place’ Mental Health Carers’ Support Group welcomes all relatives and carers of adults 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 7
there are guest speakers. Light refreshments are provided. The next meeting dates are: 13th September, 11th October, 8th November, 13th December, 10th January 2017. Support is provided on Lilacs ward and the Acacia Unit to carers by Kingston Mental Health Carers’ Forum (KMHCF). For more information please contact 07983 063 578 or email info@kmhcf.org.uk. ASCA runs a weekly facilitated group for anyone caring for someone with an addiction every Tuesday from 6pm-7:30pm at 233 Lower Mortlake Road, Richmond TW9 2LL. Each group lasts 90 minutes and is strictly confidential. Donations £5. NB: this group is NOT run as a drop in, new members are accepted only following an initial assessment. For more details contact 020 8940 1160. Kingston Wellbeing Service offers a facilitated mutual aid group for parents, carers and significant others of people receiving treatment from them every Tuesday 10am to 11am on a drop in basis at Surbiton Health Centre. NB: The group is available ONLY to carers of people being supported by the Wellbeing Service. Al-Anon hold meetings for anyone who feels that their lives have been deeply affected by another person's drinking every Tuesday from 8pm to 9:30pm at the Methodist Church Hall, Avenue Road, Fairfield South, Kingston upon Thames KT1 2UJ. (It is recommended to attend about six meetings before deciding whether Al-Anon is for you.) Home Instead run a Memory Café in New Malden for people with memory loss and their carers every 2nd 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. Home Instead run a Memory Café for people with memory loss and their carers every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month from 2pm-4pm at the Rose Theatre, 24-26 High Street, Kingston KT1 1HL. Staywell runs a Dementia Saturday Club on the 2nd Saturday of the month from 11am to 2pm at Raleigh House in New Malden offering a social space for clients and carers, lunch and refreshments (£5 per person). To find out more, contact 020 8942 8256. The Kingston Bipolar UK Group is still currently on hold so is NOT running. You can check for updates at https://www.bipolaruk.org/find-a-support-group or call 0333 323 3885: nearest groups are Sutton or Twickenham. The Memory Café at Kingston Hospital has recently stopped so unfortunately no longer runs.
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