Autumn 2014
Also inside: News from our Chief Exec Forthcoming Support Groups
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News from the Young Carers’ Project
New KCN Staff Raise a Toast to Britain’s Carers!
Crafty Christmas Session
YCP News Young Adult Carers News Outreach Project Update New Wellbeing Trips
See pages 11 and 15 for details
Christmas Party with ABBA Tribute!
Don’t forget… Voice of Carers Forum, 16th September (page 10) AGM, 8th October (page 3)
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Kingston Carers’ Network
www.kingstoncarers.org.uk
News from the Chief Executive Firstly, thank you very much to everyone who completed a questionnaire. We are still collating them so if you haven’t yet sent it back you can still access the online version at www.surveymonkey.com/s/9WFSBP2 In the summer newsletter I focused on the Better Care Fund (BCF) and the need to support carers with the Carers’ Breaks money within that funding stream. The BCF has been established to push forward the integration of health and social care. Local plans must show how much resource is dedicated to carer-specific support and they must indicate how the Clinical Commissioning Groups are engaging with the voluntary and community sector to ensure the needs of local people are being met. £130m has been allocated nationally within this fund in recognition of the rights of carers to assessment and support within the new duties of the Care Act. We have been meeting with key professionals who are making decisions about how this money will be spent and we feel that we have had the chance to raise our concerns. We still need to continue to promote the needs of carers across the borough. The carers’ breaks funding was one of the main issues raised at the questions time event with Ed Davey MP held on 11th July. Ed has followed this up, writing to the Chief Executive of the CCG to ask what is happening with the Carers Breaks’ money. The Voice of Carers Forum is meeting on 16th September at 1pm to 3pm with a sandwich lunch at 12.45pm. The views of carers from this forum are fed directly to the Carers’ Board so it is very important that we are hearing from as many carers as possible. If you can’t make the meeting but would like to feed into the forum please contact me by email on ceo@kingstoncarers.org.uk or by phone on 020 3031 2752. Please also look out for the Kingston borough’s ‘All in One Survey’ which is being sent to all residents in the borough. It is your chance to feedback to the council about services that affect you. This is due out some time in October.
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Date for your diary
23rd Annual General Meeting Wednesday 8th October 2014 11.00am to 1.00pm Christ Church Centre, 91 Coombe Road, New Malden Sandwich lunch provided 1.
Welcome – John Mays, Chair
2.
Apologies for Absence
3.
Minutes of the 2013 AGM
4.
Presentation & Adoption of the Annual Accounts for Financial Year 2013 -2014
5.
Appointment of the Independent Examiner
6.
Re-election of Existing Directors of the Board 2014-2015
7.
Election of Officers of the Board 2014-2015
8.
Report by the Chair – John Mays
9.
Presentation by the Chief Executive – Kate Dudley
10. Project Report – Young Carers’ Project 11. Guest Speaker – Dr Naz Jivani, Kingston Clinical Commissioning Group and GP 12. Any Other Business To help us with our arrangements, please RSVP by email to admin@kingstoncarers.org.uk or return the reply slip below
I will will not be able to attend the AGM on Wednesday 8th October 2014 Name Please email admin@kingstoncarers.org.uk or return to Kingston Carers’ Network, Freepost RSET-JATX-UEAS, New Malden, KT3 4BD
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Kingston Carers’ Network
www.kingstoncarers.org.uk
News from the Young Carers’ Project What a summer we’ve had at the YCP; arguably one of the best yet! We’ve been lucky enough to take part in lots of trips and activities including a day out in London, the dragon boat race, two camping trips and a residential with the YMCA. We wouldn’t have been able to provide our young carers with these chances to take a break from caring, have fun and make new friends without the support of our fantastic, dedicated volunteers. Thank you for all your hard work, sensitivity and commitment to the project! We continue to provide a range of support to children and young people caring for someone at home and are now supporting 355 children and young people in the borough. If you know of a young carer who is between the ages of 5 and 18 and who might benefit from our support please do get in touch. Some great news now! We’d like to introduce two brand new members of staff; Kat Law and Chrissy Brouwer. Kat is our Schools’ Link Worker and Chrissy is a new Young Carers’ Support Worker (see page 8 for more details). Please do drop in and say hello to them!
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Autumn is upon us and we have plenty more planned for the coming months; including our regular drop ins, 1:1 support, promotion of young carers’ support needs in schools and plenty of activities! Follow us on twitter for more photos and updates @YCPKingston
Diane, Liz, Chrissy, Kat and Andora Young Carers’ Project 020 3031 2754 youngcarers1@kingstoncarers.org.uk
Young Adult Carers Project August was a busy month for the Young Adult Carers’ Project with 2 workshops hosted by Create. The Visual Arts project focussed on the theme of identity and used photography to create a stunning visual publication. Over three days, participants were involved in discussions about the self and emotions, had a tour of Eden Walk shopping centre including the basement which is normally a restricted area, carried out staged photography and edited from a vast array of material to create a final publication they could share with friends and family. It was fantastic to see such great team work and growing confidence in photography.
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Kingston Carers’ Network
www.kingstoncarers.org.uk
We were also delighted to take part in a week long cookery project which was held in conjunction with Mosimann’s cooking academy and Create. The project saw the carers services of Kingston, Richmond and Merton come together with a total of eight young adult carers taking part. Over the week participants decided on a three course menu, did some tasting (did you know you can taste with your nose? Try pinching your nose and eating something – it tastes a lot different!), created a pop up restaurant and finally cooked and presented lunch to ten hungry guests! The food was amazing and all our aspiring chefs proudly displayed their newly honed skills. In September I will be kicking off our first Cook & Eat course. This involves six 2 hour sessions where participants cook according to the theme of the session, discuss healthy (and not so healthy!) eating and enjoy their own creation in a social setting. Watch this space for more delicious food pics! If you are between the ages of 15 and 25 and think you’d like to meet Emma for some support or just a chat give her a call or email:
Emma Bell 020 3725 3050 yac@kingstoncarers.org.uk
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Andora, from the Young Carers’ Project, is still taking referrals for the PMH project where children and young people aged 8-18 can access information and advice, support and advocacy around their worries about a parent with mental ill health. If you know of anyone who would benefit from this programme, please call or email Andora 020 3031 2756 or youngcarers4@kingstoncarers.org.uk
KCN Support Groups Carers’ Support Group Merritt Medical Centre, Chessington, 10.00am to 11.30am Wednesdays: 17th September, 15th October, 12th November, 17th December
Carers of Adults with Asperger's Syndrome Noble Centre, New Malden, 10.00am to 12.00pm Wednesdays: 1st October, 5th November, 3rd December
Parents and Carers of Children and Young People with ADHD Noble Centre, New Malden, 10.00am to 12.00pm Fridays: 12th September, 10th October, 14th November, 12th December
Parents and Carers of Children with Mental Health Problems Tolworth Children’s Centre, 9.15am to 11.15am Last Monday of each month, starting 29th September
Mental Health Carers Group Tolworth Hospital, 6.00pm to 7.15pm 2nd Tuesday of each month For more information on any of the support groups, please contact the office on 020 3031 2757 or admin@kingstoncarers.org.uk
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Kingston Carers’ Network
www.kingstoncarers.org.uk
Meet the new KCN staff! Once again the KCN team has expanded and we have welcomed three new members of staff. Read on to find out more about the newest members of the team. Hi my name is Kat Law and I am the new Schools’ Link Worker for Kingston Carers' Network. I have recently moved to London from Northern Ireland, although I am originally from the small town of Rugby! Whilst living in NI I worked with young people and families affected by the troubles, as well as volunteering for ChildLine. I am really looking forward to starting the project and getting out to visit some schools in September.
Hi, my name is Lyndsey and I have recently joined Kingston Carers’ Network as the Volunteering and Mentoring Coordinator. In my spare time I volunteer as a Bird Keeper at London Zoo. I previously worked in an admin role at Sutton Carers Centre (one of our Carers Trust Network Partners), so I am very familiar with carers’ issues. I am really enjoying getting to know the 41 volunteers who contribute to the work of KCN. I am currently in the process of training 15+ new volunteer mentors who will be providing one-to-one support to our young carers. I am looking forward to supporting our fantastic volunteers and recruiting even more to join the team!
Hi, my name is Christina Brouwer and I am a new Young Carers’ Support Worker. I have been studying Ba (Hons) Childhood, Youth and Community studies for the past three years, and will graduate next May. I have had a varied experience of working with children and young people, including working as a classroom assistant, and am now a brownie leader in training. I will be working closely with the other support workers in the YCP to provide support and care for our young carers and coming from a young
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carers background myself, I feel that I will be able to empathise with them. I am fully committed to the YCP’s ethos of aiming to improve the life outcomes of young carers in a supportive and fun way and am looking forward to using my skills and getting to know our young carers, particularly at the Wednesday youth group and in the small targeted groups.
News from the Outreach Project Our new GP outreach service has been running since July and we are working with five GP surgeries, offering face-to-face advice sessions with carers identified by practice staff. So far, we have seen 25 new carers and given advice on a wide range of issues including community care services, Carer’s Assessments and employment and welfare benefits. Carers are offered ongoing casework support to ensure that these issues are addressed. Of course, carers will also have access to all of our other services. We are delighted with the response from GPs and other practice staff who are now recognising carers and the importance of supporting carers better. This month, we will be extending our service to Merritt Medical Centre to include the Chessington Park and Hook surgeries. If you would like more information on the outreach surgeries, I can be contacted on outreach@kingstoncarers.org.uk or 020 3725 3048.
Congratulations! Big congratulations to Jo, KCN’s Office Administrator, who married Cillian Maye on a sunny Saturday in Southend, Essex. We are sure you will join us in wishing them a long and happy life together!
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Kingston Carers’ Network
www.kingstoncarers.org.uk
The Voice of Carers in Kingston Tuesday 16th September, 1.00pm to 3.00pm Wednesday 10th December, 1.00pm to 3.00pm Noble Centre, 109a Blagdon Road, New Malden KT3 4BD We know that not all carers can or want to come along to meetings, but we are keen for as many carers to be a part of the forum as possible. If you have an issue to raise or comment to make, but cannot attend the meetings, please let us know and we will share your views at the next meeting. For more information or to have your say, contact Kate on 020 3031 2752. Please visit http://bit.ly/1ru77LC to see previous minutes
Adverts Connect provides support and advice for young people with learning difficulties, Autism and Asperger’s regarding relationships, safer sex, pregnancy testing, testing and treatment for STI and HIV, emergency contraception and a range of routine and long term contraception options. This service isn’t only to help the young people as we also offer help, guidance and support to parents, carers and health professionals. Please take a look at our website www.ConnectMoorLane.nhs.uk Connect takes place on the last Friday of the month and patients, parents or carers are welcome to contact the Wolverton Clinic on 020 8934 3399 or khn-tr.wolvertonappointments@nhs.net Filmmaker seeks carers who can discuss their experiences I'm a filmmaker writing a screenplay about a man in his 30s who becomes a full-time carer for his wife. I'm based in Putney, and would love to be connected with a carer in Kingston who would be interested in sharing his or her experiences about being a carer. To tell you a little bit more about myself -- my wife Eleanor Burke and I are a filmmaking team, and we've directed many documentary and fiction projects, including a film called Stranger Things which won Raindance's Best UK Feature award. You can learn more about that project at our websitewww.strangerthingsfilm.com. If you would be interested in sharing your experiences with me, please contact me on ron@eyal.net or 07964 893 550. Many Thanks, Ron Eyal
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News from the Wellbeing Project It’s been a fun-filled summer for the Wellbeing Project. Back in July, we had a creative workshop where we learnt blockprinting techniques and created some unique designs which we printed onto canvas bags. The sun shone on our summer BBQ and we enjoyed lots of food and conversation in the garden. We have ventured far and near, with a day trip to Brighton to see the seaside in August and then to a private garden viewing in Esher. Through the National Garden Scheme, we were able to arrange to visit the garden of an award-winning garden designer. The designer gave us a brief but informative talk about her garden before treating us to homemade cake and tea. Check out pages 12-14 to find out about our upcoming outings. We are continuing to offer weekly Zumba classes as well as introducing a monthly stretches class that will work on posture, flexibility and core strength. Kat is a very encouraging and supportive teacher and all fitness levels are welcome. Also on offer are monthly craft sessions where you can unleash your creative side. See page 12 for more details on all of these.
Raise a toast to Britain’s carers! KCN are very excited about the national campaign called Britain’s Best Breakfast which aims to raise awareness and funds for carers. We are inviting carers to a buffet brunch at the Noble Centre at 10am on Monday 20th October. Please book as there are limited spaces. There is no set charge just a small, voluntary donation, if you feel inclined. Please email Jo at admin@kingstoncarers.org.uk or phone the office on 020 3031 2757 to book your space. See page 15 for details of the national campaign.
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Kingston Carers’ Network
www.kingstoncarers.org.uk
Social Activities and Outings The Sociable
The Sociable Book Club for Carers If you like reading and chatting, this book club, run by carers, for carers is ideal for you!
for Carers
The club meets on the 1st Thursday of the month from 10.30 to 11.30 at the Noble Centre, 109a Blagdon Road.
Get fit this autumn! Zumba Thursdays, 11.00am to 12.00pm (No class on 25/09/14 and 02/10/14) A weekly class of movement to music to improve general fitness
Stretch and Strengthen Friday 17th October and 21st November 11.00am to 12.00pm A monthly class to work on your flexibility and core strength. £3 each, meeting at MEFAS, New Malden. Come wearing loose comfortable clothing and bring water. All fitness levels welcome.
Get crafty this autumn! Come along and enjoy being creative in our new craft sessions at the Noble Centre. All materials supplied. £3 Friday 3rd October, 10.00am to 12.00pm, Pop-up Pictures An artist will be coming in to teach us the basics of creating pop-up paper pictures. Friday 7th November, 10.00am to 12.00pm, Christmas cards Add the personal touch to the festivities with handmade cards for friends and family.
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Tribute to John Williams by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra The celebration of this iconic composer will unleash the power of the film score in his internationally renowned blockbuster classics with instantly recognisable theme tunes Friday 10th October, 1.30pm to 6.00pm £5 includes transport and ticket. Meeting at the Noble Centre
Shopping at Bicester Village Join us at the chic outlet shopping village and browse the prestigious boutiques for great value buys! Monday 10th November, 10.00am to 5.00pm £5 includes transport. Meeting at the Noble Centre
Christmas Lights Our annual trip to see the Christmas lights returns! We will start with a fish and chip supper before heading into central London to witness it transformed by the festive lights. Thursday 11th December, 5.30pm £5 includes meal and transport. Meeting at the Noble Centre
KCN
Did you know that you can now book any of the activities from pages 12-14 online? Visit www.kingstoncarers.org.uk/wellbeing-project/ activities to book. You can still book calling Beth on 020 3725 3048 or by sending a letter to “Kingston Carers’ Network, FREEPOST RSET-JATX-UEAS, New Malden, KT3 4BD.”
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Kingston Carers’ Network
www.kingstoncarers.org.uk
Christmas Party with Abba tribute! Friday 5th December, 7.00pm St. Mark’s Church, St. Marks Hill, Surbiton The holiday season is fast approaching! Get into the festive spirit with KCN at our Christmas party. To make it extra special this year, we have an Abba tribute band performing a selection of their greatest hits. Don’t forget to bring your dancing shoes! Food and drink will be provided. Please let us know any dietary requirements when you book. To book your place, please contact the office on 020 3031 2751 or admin@kingstoncarers.org.uk
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Britain’s Best Breakfast
The 'Britain's Best Breakfast' campaign will encourage people to raise money for Carers Trust or their local carers centre (i.e. Kingston Carers' Network!) by hosting a breakfast event for friends and family in October 2014. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but a survey commissioned by Carers Trust shows that 56% of Britons who have a weekday breakfast spend 10 minutes or less preparing and eating the meal, and two in ten (19%) men and 11% women skip breakfast altogether during the week. The 'Britain's Best Breakfast' campaign aims to raise money to help support more unpaid carers and give them a break from their caring role and to encourage people to wake up to the issue of caring.
If you would like to host a breakfast to raise awareness and much needed funds for Kingston Carers' Network, please contact Jo on 020 3031 2751 or admin@kingstoncarers.org.uk
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Kingston Carers’ Network
www.kingstoncarers.org.uk
Complementary Therapies and Beauty Treatments Holistic Therapies with Marina Alternate Mondays, 10.00am to 4.00pm Fridays, 10.00am to 1.00pm £12 for 30 minutes, £20 for 1 hour Therapies include anti-ageing facial therapy, holistic eye therapy, foot and ankle therapy, holistic bowel massage, massage therapy Reflexology and Indian Head Massage with Mitsuko Alternate Wednesdays, 1.00pm to 3.30pm and alternate Thursdays, 10.00am to 12.30pm Reflexology: £15 for 50 minutes Indian Head Massage: £12 for 30 minutes Reflexology is a therapy that treats the feet in order to balance the whole body. Indian Head Massage releases stress that has accumulated in the tissues, muscles and joints of the head, face, neck and shoulders to bring the energy of the whole body back into balance. Hairdressing by Gina One Wednesday a month, 10.00am to 2.00pm Free of Charge BodyTalk Free of charge until 31st August!! BodyTalk is a safe, effective and non invasive energy therapy which stimulates the body’s innate ability to balance and heal itself on all levels. Please book direct with Mary: 020 8241 2501 For more information or to book an appointment, please contact Jo on admin@kingstoncarers.org.uk or 020 3031 2751