Winter 2016 Newsletter with MH and Dementia Supplement

Winter 2016

Also inside:  Forthcoming Support Groups  Staff News  Young Carers’ Project Update  Wellbeing Training Programme

News from the Young Carers’ Project

2016 Carers’ Conference & AGM

Social Activities and Outings

Very best wishes from all of us at Kingston Carers’ Network for a lovely festive season!

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

News from the Young Carers’ Project It’s busy as ever here at the Young Carers’ Project!

We enjoyed lots of fantastic activities over the October half-term, including making beautiful butterfly necklaces, having fun on the Ringo’s at Sandown and enjoying a delicious lunch after a play session at Kidz Rock!

Thank you to all of the hard working staff and volunteers who make these amazing activities happen, we are now working hard to make the Christmas Holidays as much fun as ever and can’t wait for the activities to start!

If you know of anyone who is between the ages of 5-18 years, who cares for a family member and who would benefit from our support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch for information about how to refer them to the Young Carers’ Project.

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

020 3031 2757

Winter 2016

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Conference and AGM We held our annual conference on Friday 7th October at the Quaker Centre. Our Chair of Trustees, John Mays, welcomed everyone to the conference and AGM and in particular, Deputy Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, Councillor Rowena Bass.

The business was quickly dealt with and John announced that this was to be his penultimate AGM as Chair as he intends to step down following next year’s AGM. If you are interested in discovering more about the role of the Trustees and, in particular, the Chair please contact Lyndsey de Valmency-King, Volunteer Co-ordinator, on volunteering@kingstoncarers.org.uk.

The year ahead will see KCN relocating to more suitable premises, looking to secure additional funding for the Young Carers’ Project to meet increasing demand and identifying more carers in a health setting.

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

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.

To book a space or for more information, contact Lyndsey on wellbeing@kingstoncarers.org.uk or call 020 3375 8226 Please note there is a limited number of spaces for each workshop

Homeopathy for Winter Ailments This workshop provides a brief introduction to homeopathy. 10 remedies will be discussed in the workshop and how they can address winter ailments ranging from colds and ‘flu to sore throats, coughs, fevers and gastric ‘flu plus more.

Participants will have an opportunity to discuss specific acute conditions if they wish to as part of the group and Candice actively encourages discussion and input from people attending her workshops. This is a fantastic workshop for getting helpful tips in immune system boosting, naturally, as well as providing some useful advice on remedies that can address acute winter ailments effectively.

Wednesday 25th January, 11.00am until 1.00pm FREE (lunch will be provided during the session), Noble Centre

Everyday First Aid for Carers The British Red Cross will be running a first aid course, tailored to the needs of carers, here at Kingston Carers’ Network.

This will be a practical session that focuses on skills most relevant to carers and help you feel more confident in your caring responsibilities.

Wednesday 15th February, 10.30am until 12.30pm, FREE – this workshop will take place at the British Red Cross Wimbledon Office and transport shall be organised for Carers attending from our KCN premises.

020 3031 2757

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Winter 2016

Mindful Movement – ‘Connecting mind and body in movement We have Sam Weerasinghe, from SamMantra, running this fantastic session that looks at gentle yoga poses and breath work. This workshop is designed to equip you with practices you can use in your everyday life to heal the mind and body, enhancing your wellbeing and reducing the stresses and challenges in our everyday life.

Sam runs a number of mindfulness workshops at the Medicine Garden and is looking forward to meeting KCN Carers Thursday 23rd March, 10:30am until 12 midday, lunch afterwards FREE. Location tbc

Laughter Yoga Stressed out? Uptight? Worked-up? Laughter is the best natural medicine so you are guaranteed to leave with a feel good factor.

Laughter can relieve stress, improve immunity, promote cardiovascular health and relax tension in muscles and as the body cannot differentiate between fake and real laughter, each session will produce endorphins; feel good hormones.

This workshop will be facilitated by Nargis Ahmad, a Cranial Osteopath, who is a great advocate in treatments and practices to help enhance positive wellbeing.

Monday 24th April, 10:30am until 12pm, FREE, KCN Office

To book a place on any of our Wellbeing Workshops, contact Lyndsey on wellbeing@kingstoncarers.org.uk or call 020 3375 8226

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Kingston Carers’ Network

KCN Support Groups

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

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 Thanks to funding from Freesport, we have been running free fitness classes for KCN carers on Saturday mornings and Monday evenings.

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.”

We hope to continue to run these in the New Year, subject to funding.

Please call 020 3031 2757 for more details.

020 3031 2757

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Winter 2016

Cheese and Wine Evening An informal opportunity to have your say about local services. It is a revival of the Voice of Carers Forum but much more fun!

Thursday 26th January, 7.00pm to 9.00pm Noble Centre, 109a Blagdon Road, New Malden, KT3 4BD For more information or to have your say, contact Kate on 020 3031 2752.

New hairdressing service We are very pleased to welcome our new hairdresser, Kelly, who joined us after Gina sadly stepped down following a move to the seaside. Kelly comes to us as a recommendation from Gina and has already completed one successful session. We look forward to welcoming her back on Monday 9th January between 10.00am and 3.00pm.

Each haircut costs ÂŁ5 and sessions take place on the second Monday of each month.

We still have some spaces available on Monday 9th January so please contact Jo on admin@kingstoncarers.org.uk or 020 3031 2751 if you would like to book a space.

Staff Changes We will be giving Vanessa a big wave as she starts her maternity leave in the middle of December. I’m sure you will join us in wishing her the very best for the birth of her second child.

Whilst Vanessa is on maternity leave, the role of Wellbeing Co-ordinator will be covered by Lyndsey de Valmency-King whom some of you will know from her role as Volunteering and Befriending Co-ordinator.

There are some great activities coming up and Lyndsey is looking forward to meeting you all soon!

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

Social Activities and Outings Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat at the New Wimbledon Theatre We have tickets for the Joseph musical – a fun musical to cheer us up during the colder months!

Here’s the write up… “Having enjoyed sensational reviews, Bill Kenwright’s “Amazing”, “Superb”, “Wonderful” and “Brilliant” production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sparkling family musical continues to enjoy huge success across the country with standing ovations at every performance.”

Retelling the Biblical story of Joseph, his eleven brothers and the coat of many colours, this magical musical is full of unforgettable songs including Any Dream Will Do and Close Every Door To Me. Wednesday 1st February, Matinee begins at 2.30pm.

Performance is approximately two hours. £5 ticket only. Transport not included but if a problem, please contact us. Meeting points: New Malden Train Station, Wimbledon Station or New Wimbledon Theatre

Kew Gardens Orchid Festival Our usual trip to Kew Gardens coincides with the lovely Orchid Festival this year!

Inspired by the vibrant colours, culture and magnificent plant life of India, this year’s festival will feature giant floral displays created using exotic orchids, decorative rickshaws, Indian soundscapes, films and much more.

This will be Kew’s 22nd annual Orchid Festival and the first themed around India.

Thursday 2nd March, departing KCN at 10.30am, departing Kew at 3.00pm £3 including transport and entry to Kew

020 3031 2757

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Winter 2016

Chiltern Open Air Museum This month we shall be visiting the fantastic Chiltern Open Air Museum.

The Chiltern Open Air Museum is a 45 acre museum in Chalfont St Giles set within the beautiful Chilterns countryside. The Museum is home to over 30 rescued historic buildings including a 1940s Prefab, Victorian Toll House, Blacksmith’s Forge, Iron Age roundhouse and working historic farm.

The Museum is a popular venue for filming and has been used for Downton Abbey, Call the Midwife, Horrible Histories, Midsummer Murders, The Suspicions of Mr Whicher, Boomers, Grantchester, Drunk Histories and many more. If you enjoyed the Rural Life Centre last year, you will definitely enjoy this trip!

Wednesday 26th April, departing KCN at 10.15am, returning approx. 2.30pm £5 include entry, transport and guided tour

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 Lyndsey 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”.

You will be able to book a place for our Social Events from Tuesday 3rd January 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 Lyndsey on wellbeing@kingstoncarers.org.uk or call 020 3375 8226

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

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 20th January - Knitting - Beginners or revisiting knit and purl Friday 3rd February - Pin tuck hearts - sew by hand or machine Friday 3rd March - Origami for mindfulness - create small gift boxes that can be coloured in For more details and to book your space, please contact Lyndsey on wellbeing@kingstoncarers.org.uk or call 020 3375 8226

Weekly Wellbeing Classes Kingston Adult Education’s spring term runs from Monday 9th January to Friday 31st March with half term from 11th to 19th February. The weekly classes continue to take place as below: 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 Lyndsey on wellbeing@kingstoncarers.org.uk or call 020 3375 8226

020 3031 2757

Winter 2016

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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

020 3031 2757

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Winter 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 Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

020 3031 2757

Winter 2016

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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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

Complementary Therapies and Beauty Treatments Time for You Therapies 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, Arm and Hand Massage 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: Alzheimer’s Society’s Carer Information and Support Programme (CrISP) The Alzheimer’s Society’s Carer Information and Support Programme (CrISP) provides support and up-to-date, relevant information in a group environment, where carers can share experiences and find out about local and national services that can offer support.

The programme is run in a series of sessions which offers carers the opportunity to share experiences in a confidential and friendly environment with others in a similar situation.

Trained staff and volunteers run the sessions to ensure carers get the most out of the programme and can provide further information and support.

The key benefits of the programme include:     

Enabling carers to have increased knowledge of dementia.

Providing carers with practical information that they can use in coping with living with dementia day-to-day.

Help carers to feel better informed and less isolated.

Empowering carers to access support services and financial benefits and entitlements.

Enabling carers to plan with and for the person they care for, now and in the future.

Carers who attended CrISP said: 'All the sessions have provided me with so much more knowledge and just what is out there. It is very easy to feel isolated when you are a carer. I have now seen there is support out there, and it is not necessary to feel like that.'

‘I feel I can cope better now and although I have learnt the journey of dementia is different for each individual, I feel more prepared for what I may have to face in the future. I found the programme helped in many ways and particularly in gaining a better understanding of dementia and how to cope on a day-to-day basis. I have learnt not to be afraid to ask for help and that it is important to take care of myself in order to manage the care of my husband.’

Details of the next local CrISP dates can be obtained by calling the Alzheimer’s Society office at Tolworth Hospital on 020 3513 5147.

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Carers of People with Dementia Free online course - Dementia Care: Staying Connected and Living Well (date to be advised). If you are a carer for a person living with dementia then this is a course for you. When it comes to understanding and supporting a person living with dementia, family carers are very often the most skilled and knowledgeable. Yet, you will know that carers can face a number of really stressful situations that can be difficult to deal with. This course will provide you with knowledge and advice that can help you connect with and care for someone living with dementia. It will focus on everyday experiences that are seen as particularly challenging and stressful. Newcastle University has great expertise in ageing and dementia research. They specialise in understanding dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), so this course will shine a light on some of the stressful symptoms and communication problems associated with this condition, as well as covering the challenges of other types of dementia including Alzheimer’s disease. Over the four weeks, you will meet other carers and academic experts who have developed strategies and practical steps that can improve communication - something which is crucially important for building and maintaining relationships, and for effectively negotiating daily life. By the end of the course, you will develop a new understanding of: the brain and different types of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB); what a person with dementia is experiencing; challenging situations and behaviours that can cause carer stress; strategies for improving verbal and non-verbal communication; and some of the latest innovations for better communication. This course is designed for the family, friends and carers of people with dementia. For more information or to register visit https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/dementia-care.

Free online course - Dementia: Understanding and Managing Challenging Behaviour (date to be advised). If you are a carer looking after a family member with dementia in your own home or a professional working with people with dementia, this free online course will help you better understand the person and develop the skills needed to manage their challenging behaviour. The symptoms of dementia vary (depending on the cause and the individual), but often include memory loss, mood changes, communication and motivation problems, a reduced ability to plan and problems with controlling their own behaviour. Some symptoms, such as restlessness, agitation and communication difficulties, can be challenging for you as a carer, and this can cause you high levels of stress and burden. Dr Alison Coates is a dual-trained adult and mental health nurse and has experience of working in a range of different clinical environments. She is the author of the textbook ‘Nursing Older People’ and currently works at the University of Birmingham teaching mental health nursing with a focus on older adults. Dr Chris Wagstaff has experience of working in a variety of different clinical environments over the past 25 years and

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has taught widely about a number of different mental health issues. Nutmeg Hallett has a background in forensic nursing, is currently undertaking PhD research investigating violence prevention in clinical settings and is a lecturer in mental health nursing. In this course, they will use case studies to explore these challenging behaviours and find out how other carers manage them both at home and in a residential care setting. You will explore how using a personcentred approach can reduce challenging behaviours. They will cover specific interventions that can help you, particularly focusing on de-escalation skills. This course is relevant for carers of people with dementia and healthcare professionals working with people with dementia. For more information or to register, visit https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/dementia.

Care UK’s ‘Look, talk, connect’ guide is specifically for carers, relatives and friends, to help people to communicate with people living with dementia. The guide has been put together by their dementia specialists and carers in their care homes. It features real life experiences of carers and relatives of people living with dementia. You can download a copy via the following link http://www.careuk.com/sites/rcs/files/Care_UK_rcs_LTC.pdf.

Carers of People with Mental Health Issues Carer or family member of a service user?; Interested in medicines and how they are used?; Able to assimilate complex information, both in writing and verbally?; Able to contribute a carer’s perspective to the Trust approach to medicines optimisation for service users? The Trust is looking for carers who are interested in becoming members of the Drugs and Therapeutic Committee (DTC). There are six meetings per year. Each meeting is two hours long. In accordance with Trust policy, carers/service users who have registered and have 'Involvement and Trust Membership' and are Foundation Trust members prior to participating in any Trust involvement activity will be paid £10 an hour for pre-meeting preparation, travel time and meeting attendance. For information about medicines, in particular the medicines optimisation strategy, visit http://www.swlstg-tr.nhs.uk/patients-carers/types-oftreatment. Contact Dianne Adams, Chief Pharmacist and Secretary to the DTC by emailing Dianne.adams@swlstg-tr.nhs.uk or calling 020 3513 6203 with any queries.

Free online course - Psychology and mental health: beyond nature and nurture (date to be advised). Psychological therapies and the work of clinical psychologists are now very popular. This free online course provides an introduction to how psychologists understand emotions, behaviours and thinking patterns, and how this helps clinical psychologists make sense of their clients’ problems. Over six weeks, you will explore some of the current challenges and

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debates in the area of diagnosis and treatment, and discover new ways of thinking psychologically about mental health.

You will gain new perspectives on the “nature vs nurture” debate, and understand how we are affected by life experiences. You will also discuss new research, which promises to help us improve our own mental health and wellbeing. You will learn with Peter Kinderman, Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Liverpool. This course is aimed at anyone who wishes to understand more about psychology, about mental health or who wishes to maintain their own mental health and well-being. For more information or to register visit https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/mental-health-and-wellbeing.

The #DearDistressed project that was launched on the Connecting with th People website to mark 2016 World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September.

Information about it can be found here http://connectingwithpeople.org/wspd16.

The project invites bloggers with lived experience to write and publish a letter to themselves that would have helped them in their darkest moments. Sharing the personal experience of recovery is an incredibly personal and powerful way to reach and help others, and #DearDistressed has real potential to provide someone struggling with some much needed hope. The project has two main objectives: To send a clear message to anyone emotionally struggling that “suicidal thoughts are a sign to change something in your life, not to end your life, and that it IS possible to recover, with the right support.”; To send a clear message to everyone that “anyone can find themselves thinking that life isn’t worth living and it’s essential to seek support”. #DearDistressed was launched with the posting of letters written by a number individuals with lived experience and active within suicide prevention circles, each describing the importance of support to their survival and recovery. These were posted alongside an open invitation for other bloggers to join in. Anyone who is interested in writing a blog or letter will be sent further instructions which include suggestions on how to write safely and follow Samaritans and MindFrame best practice media guidelines when writing about suicide and self-harm. For further information, please contact claire@connectingwithpeople.org.

Have you ever thought that gardening could change the way you feel? Ask any gardener why they enjoy gardening and time and time again they will say it "makes them feel good". … research shows that: gardening can help people through a specific period of difficulty in their lives; gardening can help you get back on top of things and restore balance when it feels like your life is veering out of control; gardening can help you feel happier, more confident and healthier. Thrive's leaflet, ‘Gardening: The feel good factor’ has information and ideas to show how gardening can help. You can download a pdf of the leaflet via the following link http://www.thrive.org.uk/Files/Documents/Feel%20good%20factor%206pp%20A 5%20single%20pages%20LR2.pdf and find out how gardening can improve

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your mental and emotional wellbeing. Alternatively, you can request a printed copy via http://www.carryongardening.org.uk/forms/cogenquiry.aspx, by calling 0118 988 5688, or by writing to: Thrive, The Geoffrey Udall Centre, Beech Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 2AT. Rethink’s Mental Health SOS Guide - If you think you, or someone you know, might be affected by a mental illness, help is at hand. This guide offers practical advice on recognising the distress signals. It will help you know how and when to act. The handy guide covers such topics as: Talking about suicide; Talking to someone who is depressed; How to help when someone is hearing voices; How to help someone who is self-harming; Helping someone who is bipolar; Coping with panic attacks. The guide can be downloaded via the following link https://www.rethink.org/media/885021/sos_guide.pdf. Remember, the guide is there as a basic tool, if you are concerned then please contact a doctor or go to A&E. Do you have a brother or sister affected by mental illness? Find out how you can support your sibling and look after your own wellbeing through Rethink’s Siblings Network. The Siblings Network is for anyone whose brother, sister, half-brother, half-sister, stepbrother or stepsister has had, or is living with mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and clinical depression. The sibling relationship can be one of the longest lasting relationships of our lives, so the Siblings Network is for brothers and sisters of any age, with some information tailored to the issues you may face when you are younger and as you get older. It can also help parents who wish to find out information to help support their other children in understanding and coping with their sibling’s mental illness. You may also find this information helpful if you have a friend or close relative experiencing mental illness. Visit Rethink’s webpages for more information at https://www.rethink.org/carers-familyfriends/brothers-and-sisters-siblings-network/about-being-a-sibling.

Save the date! Time to Talk Day 2017 will be on Thursday 2 February 2017.

One in four of us will experience a mental health problem every year - that means that, right now, one of your friends, colleagues or loved ones is going through it. But too many people with mental health problems are made to feel worthless or isolated. The way you act towards someone with a mental illness can change their life: by opening up to mental health you can make a real difference. Save the date and look out for more information soon on all the different ways you can get involved with Time to Talk Day 2017 and start the conversation about mental health. Visit the Time to Change website on http://www.time-to-change.org.uk/.

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Carers of People with Substance Misuse Issues A recovery centre for people who overindulge during the Christmas celebrations will return to Kingston town centre this year. The Safe and Sound th th Alcohol Recovery centre will open once again on 16 December, 17 rd December, 23 December and New Year’s Eve. The scheme allows local ambulance staff to treat people ill with the effects of too much alcohol. It saves ambulance call outs, allows paramedics to attend other patients and frees up beds at Kingston Hospital A&E. Free online course - Understanding drugs and addiction (date to be advised). We are all touched by addiction - personally, within our circle of family and friends, and within our community. Addiction and its related harms can be crippling for those affected and the people around them. But how does addiction develop? What can we do to treat it? And what can we do to prevent it? In this free online course, you’ll explore how addiction develops, looking at the environmental, genetic and personal risks involved. You’ll examine what happens when a drug enters your body and your brain, how your brain changes, and how this process can make recovering from addiction such a challenge.

You’ll learn how we can best treat addiction, and how national and international policies help limit the harms from addiction. King’s College London is a world leader in the science and treatment of addiction. Educators on this course are drawn from a variety of disciplines throughout the university, and work together to understand and respond to addiction. Each week, you’ll be joined by some of the world’s leading scientists, who will present cutting edge neuroscientific research - research that will lead to a greater understanding of how addiction develops and how we can treat it most effectively. By understanding addiction, we can shed light on the greater issues of self-control and choice. Indeed, we will develop a greater understanding of ourselves. No specialist knowledge or previous experience is required. For more information or to register, visit https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/understanding-drugs-and-addiction.

Royal Borough of Kingston’s Public Health Team have teamed up with Alcohol Health Network to develop an alcohol awareness website for Kingston residents, workers and students. The website – www.e-drinkcheck.kingston.gov.uk – allows people to check their drinking levels, see if this poses a risk to their health and find out where to go for more support. Users who wish to cut down can create a log-in account to use a drink diary, drinks calculator and CBT-based self-help exercises designed by University College London. E-Drink-Check is available for anyone living or working in Kingston, it provides users with: Detailed advice about drinking, advice about drinking guidelines and links to further online resources; An overall health

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assessment, including smoking, diet, exercise and BMI; An online self-help manual to support drinkers to reduce to low-risk levels or stop drinking altogether, which can be used alongside face-to-face treatment; Signposting to local services and call back/contact option, for selected services to get in touch.

Kingston students can access a customized dedicated version of E-Drink-Check at http://kingston-students.e-drink-check.org.uk/.

Addiction Helper have relaunched their website www.addictionhelper.com Addiction Helper is the largest addictions treatment organisation in the UK and has access to the largest selection of addiction rehab and detox clinics in the UK and worldwide. They also provide bespoke services such as home detox, individualised counselling programs and aftercare treatment. Addiction Helper is not just about getting you help quickly. It’s about getting the right sort of help for your circumstances. It’s about providing continued support for you and those around you during and after your treatment. They provide ongoing support for the family and loved ones whilst either the family member or friend is in a drug and alcohol rehab centre.

Adfam is partnering the Icarus Trust (a charity dedicated to providing support to families affected by a loved one's addiction or addictive behaviour) to deliver e-mail support to any family member in need. Icarus can provide something Adfam cannot - a 'Family Friend' who you can share your problems with. Family Friends, via email, act as a supportive and understanding voice and look for sources of local or national support for you. A proportion of family members can also speak, without cost, to an accredited counsellor. If you'd like to access this support please email Icarus via help@icarustrust.org.

What's On? st

Alzheimer’s Society Kingston holds a carer support group on the 1 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 nd and 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. th th th The next meeting dates are: 13 December, 10 January 2017, 8 February th th 2017, 13 March 2017, 10 April 2017.

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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 nd loss and 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.

Home Instead run a Memory Café for people with memory loss and their st rd carers every 1 and 3 Friday of the month from 2pm-4pm at the Rose Theatre, 24-26 High Street, Kingston KT1 1HL. nd

Staywell runs a Dementia Saturday Club on the 2 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-supportgroup or call 0333 323 3885: nearest groups are Sutton or Twickenham.

With very best wishes to you all for the festive season and the New Year!

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