Autumn 2013

KINGSTON CARERS’ NETWORK

Supporting carers across the Borough

Kingston Carers’ Newsletter Kingston Carers’ Network Young Carers Project needs your vote in the Lloyds Bank Community Fund KCN has been shortlisted for the Lloyds Bank Community Fund 2013 in Kingston upon Thames.

By encouraging the public to vote, KCN has a chance to be awarded a £3,000 grant from Lloyds Bank to enable it to continue doing good work in the community. The money will fund transport for the Young Carers Project and enable them to continue to offer respite activities to nearly 300 young carers.

The Lloyds Bank Community Fund is helping local people across England and Wales to have a positive impact at the hearts of their communities by giving grants to over 1,300 local good causes in villages, towns and cities across England and Wales. There are four local good causes in each community and each will receive an award. Two local good causes from each community will receive £3,000 each, with the other two receiving awards of £300 each.

Voting runs from 9.00am on 23rd September to 11.59pm 1st November and you can cast your vote in Lloyds TSB branches, by visiting the Lloyds Bank Community Fund Website www.lloydsbank.com/communityfund, or by texting VOTE LPLB to 61119. Only one vote per community group, per mobile phone number is allowed so make sure you ask everyone you know to vote for us!

KCN is awarded PQASSO Quality Mark The PQASSO Quality Mark is a nationally recognised award that offers users, commissioners and funders, external verification of the quality and credibility of an organisation.

KCN has worked long and hard to gain this accreditation. 87 quality indicators had to be met and evidenced, coupled with an on-site evaluation. Every business process was examined thoroughly from communications to planning, monitoring and evaluation and the ability of KCN to manage money and resources.

Kate Dudley, CEO, said “We are delighted that the quality of our work has been recognised and we are proud to have been awarded the PQASSO Quality Mark.”

Keep an eye on the local press for some exciting news from KCN!

Autumn 2013

Mindfulness for Carers in partnership with Kingston’s Wellbeing Service Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction is a program for reducing stress and anxiety which has been widely approved by the international medical community. It teaches greater awareness of our thoughts, feelings and sensations through simple techniques like meditation and gentle movement.

In the course you will learn:  to stay in touch with the present moment and be less caught up in negative thought patterns  to develop more helpful responses to stress  to use simple meditation techniques which can transform daily life including sitting meditation exercises The programme will equip carers with the skills to reduce stress, improve attention, reduce emotional reactivity and improve the sense of wellbeing in your life.

Come and join us on the positive journey together.

The course will take place on Mondays starting 2nd December through to 3rd February (excluding 23rd and 30th Dec) and will be held at Mefas Centre, Blagdon Road, New Malden from 10am to 12pm, followed by a light lunch.

Mayor’s Charitable Trust raises £42,000 for local groups Three local groups are each £14,046 better off thanks to donations and fundraising in aid of the last Mayor of Kingston’s chosen charities.

A total of £42,139.99 was raised by the Mayor’s Charitable Trust during Councillor Mary Heathcote’s year in office from May 2012. Kingston Carers' Network, Yorda Adventures and The Community Brain share the proceeds.

Kingston Carers’ Network provides information, advice, advocacy and support to around 300 young carers aged five to 18 and 1,000 adult carers.

Yorda Adventures provide activities and short breaks for children with severe learning disabilities. The Community Brain works to foster a stronger sense of community and place in Surbiton through the arts, education and local history.

Councillor Mary Heathcote said, "The people of Kingston

Kingston Carers’ Network, Noble Centre, 109a Blagdon Road, New Malden, KT3 4BD, 020 3031 2757 Registered Charity No. 1151456 Company No. 8376060

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KINGSTON CARERS’ NETWORK

Supporting carers across the Borough

You are cordially invited to attend the

Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 9th October 2013 11.00am to 1.00pm (including sandwich lunch) at Christ Church Centre 91 Coombe Road New Malden, KT3 4RE Including a digital story showing the impact of the Young Carers’ Project and short talks from Dr. Naz Jivani on the CCG and what it means for carers and Emma Smale, Carers Trust, discussing big policy changes for carers 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 9th October 2013

Name Address

Telephone number Email Address Please email admin@kingstoncarers.org.uk or return to Kingston Carers’ Network, Freepost RSET-JATX-UEAS, New Malden, KT3 4BD Kingston Carers’ Network, Noble Centre, 109a Blagdon Road, New Malden, KT3 4BD, 020 3031 2757 Registered Charity No. 1151456 Company No. 8376060

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KINGSTON CARERS’ NETWORK

Supporting carers across the Borough

never cease to amaze me with their generosity. I am extremely grateful to everyone who contributed during my term as Mayor.”

“Even in these tough financial times local people dug deep not just through their donations but by lending their energy and enthusiasm to fund-raising events. The people of Kingston never cease to amaze me with their generosity and their willingness to help others in the community, and the money raised will be put to good use by three worthy causes.”

Kate Dudley, CEO, stated “We were delighted that Mary chose us as one of her charities and for her ongoing support of carers across the borough. KCN is extremely grateful to receive the donation from the Mayor’s Charitable Trust. This will allow us to provide a range of activities for young and adult carers affording them a much needed break from caring.”

to ensure that they provide high-quality services in line with Care Quality Commission standards. The overall cost of home care services will come down, and the council will ensure that it gets the best out of what it spends.”

The council will ensure that there is no disruption to existing services so that users continue to receive highquality care from existing providers during the transition to the new arrangements. The council will contact service users to let them know the outcome of the review. Anyone whose current provider has been unsuccessful will have the option to apply for a cash personal budget to stay with their existing agency. If service users or their families have any questions they can telephone Jan Jeffcoate or Christina Lee on 020 8547 6296 or 020 8547 6297.

Update on the Care Bill and Children and Families Bill

Manicures and Pedicures

The Care Bill and The Children and Families Bill are both now in the House of Lords.

Gina still has some available appointments for a manicure or pedicure at a reduced rate of £5 per treatment.

Manicures will take approximately 30 minutes and pedicures will take approximately 45 minutes. See pages 9 and 10 for dates. Call Jo on 020 3031 2751 to book.

The Care Bill will be in Report stage when the House of Lords returns from recess in October. The eligibility regulations accompanying the Bill have been drafted and released, these will determine which needs are eligible and therefore who will be entitled to support.

New deal for high quality, affordable home care

The next stage of the Bill will debate social care funding and charging for services. Carers Trust will be telling the Government that carers’ services should not be charged for. Local authorities and clinical commissioning groups will need to draw up plans by April 2014 on how they will spend funding available to implement their new duties in the Care Bill from April 2015.

A review by Kingston Council of agencies providing care and support to people in their homes across the borough, to ensure that services are best quality and value for money, has been completed. New contracts have been awarded to three companies: Alpenbest, Eleanor Nursing and Social Care, and Supreme Care Services. All three providers are well known to the council and have worked for a number of years in the borough.

Sue Todd from RBK states “The change from the previous 23 contractors providing home care across Kingston is designed to make sure the care and support services delivered to people in their homes continues to be the best quality and the most affordable for anyone who needs them.”

Kingston Council spends £3.5million a year on home care services. For people who pay towards the cost of their care, there will be a reduction in the amount that they are charged, benefiting more than 150 people in the borough.

Councillor Trevor Heap, Kingston Council’s Lead Member for Adult Services, said: “The council set the quality bar very high and a number of companies did not meet our standards. Working with a smaller number of providers will allow us to improve the quality of care and to raise standards. We will have stronger working relationships with the companies, and tougher performance monitoring

The Children and Families Bill will next be debated at Committee Stage in the Lords in October and is the opportunity for the Lords to debate and amend every clause in the Bill.

Following the Children’s Ministers commitment to look at changing legislation to help and support young carers, Carers Trust are calling on the Government to say exactly how the law will be changed to protect young carers, strengthen their rights and ensure that support is provided to the whole family. We are continuing to work with the Government and in Parliament to do this.

SCIE launches new resource – Working alongside and supporting carers of people with Dementia SCIE has launched a new additional resource to its Dementia Gateway to explore how health and social care staff can work alongside carers, recognise their expertise and help to provide the best possible support for people living with dementia. http://www.scie.org.uk/publications/ dementia/carers/index.asp

Kingston Carers’ Network, Noble Centre, 109a Blagdon Road, New Malden, KT3 4BD, 020 3031 2757 Registered Charity No. 1151456 Company No. 8376060

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KINGSTON CARERS’ NETWORK

Supporting carers across the Borough

If you know anyone between the ages of 5-18 who cares for a family member, then please do consider referring them to our Project.

Diane, Liz, Carol, Matt and Andora Young Carers’ Project 020 3031 2754 What a summer we have had in the Young Carers’ Project. We have welcomed 34 new young carers since April 2013 and now support 283 children and young people in our Borough. Whilst continuing our holistic whole family approach and offering a wide range of interventions, the past few months have been all about our peer support activities, where the young carers come along to have a break from their caring responsibilities, learn new skills, make new friends and, very importantly, have fun.

We began the summer with a wonderful national Young Carers’ Festival, where we camped, sang, kayaked, listened to music and gave our opinions about anything and everything alongside two and a half thousand other young carers. Our 8-11 year olds had a fantastic camping trip where they stacked crates, went caving, had a campfire and didn’t want to come home! We produced amazing art at a workshop - look into our office to see some of our work, made delicious food at our cooking sessions, picked our own fruit and vegetables at Garsons Farm and had a brilliant day out at Thorpe Park.

One of our favourite activities was our week long drama workshop, ending in the best performance we have ever put on at the CornerHOUSE Theatre. It was such a pleasure to see how the young carers grew in confidence during the week. We are so proud of them.

As always, we are extremely grateful to all of our wonderful volunteers and on behalf of the Project would like to wish them a very BIG THANK YOU. We are extremely sad to have said goodbye to Aidan Hazard and Lizzie Kelly, two of our amazing support workers and who will be truly missed by everyone. We wish them both all the very best in their new roles.

On the other hand, we are delighted to welcome Matt Scanlan and Andora Wild to our team. They are beginning to get to know our young carers and bringing their own skills and personalities to the Project.

Well done Dragon Boat Racers!

A big well done to all of the teams that took part in the Rotary Club Dragon Boat Challenge and a massive thank you for all the hard work that was put in to raise a grand total of £2283.09! Big thanks to London Welsh Dragons, the students and staff of Kingston University, 8th Day Adventure and Rochills Rockitts. We would also like to thank everyone that joined us in raising £567 at the very successful Wine Tasting Night organised by Kingston University.

Focus on Fundraising KCN could not deliver all of its activities and services without the support of some very generous local companies, community groups and educational establishments. As more young people and adults take on a caring role, demand for our services is growing and it is therefore important that we spread the word about the vital role KCN plays in the community and encourage others to lend their support. There are many simple ways in which everyone can get involved and we would like to introduce a few of them here.

Our new fundraiser, Gill Valenti, will be pleased to hear from you if you have any ‘hot leads’ to pass on or if you would like some fundraising ideas and advice. Please contact Gill on 07977 469045 or gill@gillvalenti.co.uk Multi-tasking!

Fundraise while you… …shop Give as you Live® - over 2,500 leading stores, including Amazon, Boots and M&S, will donate up to 5% of the value of your purchases when you shop online. It will cost you nothing, is secure and very easy to get started. Simply go to www.giveasyoulive.com/join/kingston-carersnetwork/1039508 click ‘Get started’ and choose to support KCN. Every time you shop online with a participating store you will be raising funds for KCN! …save the planet If you have an old mobile phone or two lying in a drawer then here is your chance to raise some money for KCN whilst caring for the environment. Simply remove the sim card and drop your old handset into the KCN office or hand to a member of staff; we will pass it on to recycling specialists ShP Ltd who will make a payment dependent upon the condition, age and make of the

Kingston Carers’ Network, Noble Centre, 109a Blagdon Road, New Malden, KT3 4BD, 020 3031 2757 Registered Charity No. 1151456 Company No. 8376060

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KINGSTON CARERS’ NETWORK

Supporting carers across the Borough

phone. It is estimated that there are 28m. unused mobiles in the UK, so please do ask your friends and family to have a rummage too! ShP can also recycle old IT equipment, so if you know of a company or school that is updating its computers and would to donate the old ones, please do let us know. …celebrate!

If you are celebrating a noteworthy anniversary or ‘big birthday’ but would rather friends and family didn’t splash out on presents, then why not set up an online giving page with Localgiving.com (see page 5) and invite them to make a donation to KCN? Business Benefits Many businesses like to support local charities and are often keen to support the causes dear to the hearts of their employees. Some select a new charity each year and direct all of their support to that and others support on an ad hoc basis with one off events such as a dress down day or quiz night. KCN is looking to develop partnerships with local companies and would love to hear from you if you think that your employer (or that of a relative or friend) would consider supporting us. If you can help us in this way please do contact Gill for a chat.

Double the funds with Localgiving.com Online giving has revolutionised charitable giving. KCN has signed up with Localgiving.com which allows supporters to make one off donations, regular gifts and set up their own fundraising page for sponsored events and special occasions. From 15th October under the website’s ‘Grow your Tenner’ scheme, one off donations of up to £10 will be matched and monthly donations of up to £10 will be doubled for six months – this will run until the £500,000 fund has been allocated.

This is a great opportunity for KCN, so if you know a runner without a cause please do try to persuade them to support KCN next time they sign up for an event. If they are looking for seasonal inspiration then direct them to www.santadash.co.uk where they will find some Santa Runs that are open to all.

Christmas is coming!

Actually, it’s still a way off but the season of goodwill brings great opportunities to raise funds and it’s not too early to start planning at… …home - too busy to send cards but afraid of being labelled a ‘Scrooge’? Why not send an e-card and make a donation to KCN from the money you save? A quick search on the internet will reveal a great choice of animated cards many of which are free to use. …work – e-cards work well for businesses too, but check any restrictions for commercial use. In addition the annual office party may provide an opportunity to have an instant fundraiser such as ‘heads and tails’. If this is new to you email Gill for the rules! …clubs – your sports or social club may already have a tradition of holding a raffle or fundraiser at the Christmas party. If so perhaps members would like to support KCN this year. If this is not yet a tradition then what a great time to introduce it.

Train as a Mental Health First Aid Instructor Would you like to train as a Mental Health First Aid Instructor with MHFA England? Kingston Public Health are offering carers the opportunity to attend a full seven days training on the Royal Society for Public Health accredited programme. By training “mental health first aiders” within the community, MHFA aims to tackle the prejudice and stigma traditionally associated with mental health problems and to improve outcomes for their families who are affected.

The course is fully funded and, following the training, there would be an expectation that the instructor would deliver a total of two free courses per year in the Royal Borough of Kingston in the three years following their training.

For more information, please contact Jo Gikuyu, Community Development Worker for Royal Borough of Kingston and NHS Kingston on 020 8547 4683 or josephine.gikuyu@rbk.kingston.gov.uk

Carers of People with Mental Health Problems Carers and families, as well as patients, can give their views about mental health services and care on the wards in real time via easy-to-use touchscreen tablets and kiosks on South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust’s wards. Software developed for the Trust enables people to comment anonymously and directly about their experiences of using Trust services. Responses are fed back immediately to the relevant members of staff, enabling them to provide a much more rapid response to areas of concern. Appropriate changes are made as soon as the information has been reviewed by the ward. Survey areas include: reception to the ward, relationships with staff, safety, physical care, food and cleanliness. It is now possible for people to give real time feedback from home via the following link: https:// feedback.swlstg-tr.nhs.uk.

Rethink Health Champions: over June and July, a group of local people with a personal connection to mental health attended two champion training sessions as part of the Mic (Mental Health in Co-Production) Project and will shortly begin working with representatives from the Royal Borough of Kingston. The group will focus initially on the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment for Mental Health to inform the commissioning of future mental health services. This will include a new approach, which ensures the strengths,

Kingston Carers’ Network, Noble Centre, 109a Blagdon Road, New Malden, KT3 4BD, 020 3031 2757 Registered Charity No. 1151456 Company No. 8376060

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KINGSTON CARERS’ NETWORK

Supporting carers across the Borough

resources and assets within Kingston and the way they can support wellbeing are better understood. As the project develops, m ore information and involvement opportunities will become available. For more information contact polly.howes@rethink.org or Claire.west@rethink.org.

Choose your Medication Mental Health App for use on all smart phones, iPhones, Androids, Blackberrys and tablets is now available to purchase priced £2.50, allowing mental health medication information to be viewed anywhere and not just at a PC. http:// www.chooseyourmedication.org/.

South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust has successfully bid for grants from South West London Academic, Health and Social Care System worth up to £30,000 for three key projects to support service users and carers in south-west London, one of which is to be a Lithium (level monitoring and physical health monitoring) phone app. Lithium is a medicine used to treat mood disorders but requires blood level monitoring as the difference between toxic, effective and ineffective levels is small. Patients currently use paper lithium record books but this cutting edge idea of using a secure app to record lithium usage, physical health checks and due dates will enable professionals to monitor this high risk medicine and involve patients in their medicines management and safety issues. This important patient safety initiative will reduce the likelihood of harm to patients from lithium due to lack of or inadequate physical monitoring and improve communication between community pharmacists and doctors. For more information contact: Carl Hovey, Deputy Chief Pharmacist, Email: carl.hovey@swlstg-tr.nhs.uk

Carers of People with Substance Misuse Issues Family Voices, Adfam’s annual competition allows friends and family members who have lived through someone else’s substance use to express their thoughts and feelings in a creative, constructive and therapeutic way. While it is often difficult to talk about this subject, it can be helpful to write about it and they hope that the creativity goes on to inspire others. There is £150 for the winner and prizes of £100 each for two runners up. The 3 winners will also be invited to Adfam’s Carol Concert, on 5th December 2013 at St. Bride’s Church, Fleet Street, where they will have their work presented by celebrities and guest speakers. All travel and overnight accommodation are included as part of the prize. Please contact Adfam if you have any questions or would like to enter at carols@adfam.org.uk or on 020 7553 7640.

A guide for parents on how to talk to their children about club drugs has been published by Adfam, the Angelus Foundation and Chelsea and Westminster Hospital’s club drugs clinic. ‘The involvement and support of parents and families can make a big difference to someone’s health and how they deal with taking legal highs and club drugs’, it says in Talking to your children about legal highs and club drugs: a parent’s handbook. Available to download at www.angelusfoundation.com.

Phoenix Future’s Re:Cover music project wants to hear from people who have been affected by drug or alcohol addiction – whether their own or someone else’s – and have ‘a passion for making music’. Those selected to take part will get an expenses-paid day in a studio with an industry mentor to record songs offering an insight into addiction, with the final versions posted online for a public vote.

Winners will receive a prize package worth £1,500. Details at www.phoenix-futures.org.uk A report by Voluntary Organisations Network North East shares the experiences and opinions of kinship carers raising the children of relatives or friends due to their parents’ substance misuse. Recent estimates suggest that nearly half of kinship carers are looking after children because of the drug and alcohol problems of their parents. Nobody Was Listening outlines some of the main themes that emerged from the research, including the financial issues and hardship that often become a major cause of concern for kinship carers. It illustrates a lack of support, value and recognition for what kinship carers do and that both they and the children in their care need a whole range of support, from greater general awareness and understanding to opportunities to meet and talk with others in similar situations. The report details a training programme that relevant organisations can use with their employees to ensure that the needs of kinship carers are understood and can be met. It is also recommended that the impact of kinship care upon the dynamics of the family need to be understood more by professionals and the general public.

Kinship foster carers to be paid same benefits as unrelated carers: the Court of Appeal has ruled that relatives looking after family members full time should be entitled to the same benefits and support as unrelated foster carers. In a reserved judgment appeal judges rejected arguments by Tower Hamlets that an aunt looking after three disabled siblings was not eligible for the full fostering allowance, reports Solicitors Journal. Rebecca Chapman, who acted for the aunt, said the East London local authority would have to treat her client equally compared to an unrelated foster carer, pay her the same fees and give her access to the same training. "It will also have an impact on other local authorities, as they will have to make the same fees, rewards and training available to kinship carers," said Chapman. "I am already aware of several local authorities who will have to change their policies in light of this decision."

You can read more at http://www.solicitorsjournal.com/news/public/care/kinship-foster-carers-be-paid-same-benefits-unrelated-carers -court-appeal-rules.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has licensed a prescription naloxone kit that individuals can take home. Prenoxad is the world’s first licensed naloxone product for use by non-healthcare individuals in a community setting and has been granted a license in the UK by the MHRA. GP’s have been able to prescribe Prenoxad to ‘suitably trained’ drug users and non-healthcare workers since 3rd May 2013. More than 1,000 deaths occur each year in the UK as a result of opiate related overdoses and the introduction of Prenoxad Injection marks an important advance in supporting recovery programmes designed to reduce the number of avoidable deaths. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist which can reverse respiratory suppression from heroin

Kingston Carers’ Network, Noble Centre, 109a Blagdon Road, New Malden, KT3 4BD, 020 3031 2757 Registered Charity No. 1151456 Company No. 8376060

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KINGSTON CARERS’ NETWORK

Supporting carers across the Borough

overdoses. Research by Dr. Phillp Coffin and Professor Sea Sullivan has indicated through a mathematical model that for every 164 naloxone kits given out 1 life could be saved and it is a cost-effective way of preventing deaths from overdoses.

Carers of People with Dementia When people develop dementia it may be because of Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease or a variety of other conditions.

As the dementia becomes more severe, many things that an individual used to enjoy become too confusing and challenging. This includes watching TV and reading books, magazines and newspapers. Even the pictures on their living room walls may become meaningless to them and difficult to interpret. Pictures to Share, a Social Enterprise publishing books, pictures for walls and DVDs for people with mid to late stage dementia, has been investigating and researching how the right pictures can benefit people with mid to late stage dementia since 2005. They have shown how the right pictures can help family and carers continue to communicate with those with advanced dementia in an enjoyable and meaningful way. Pictures to Share products feature pictures that are more likely to be understood and enjoyed by people with dementia. They are simple, clear and often colourful, with no confusing backgrounds or content that is difficult to interpret and are chosen because they provide an opportunity for telling stories or for linking in to themes that the person with dementia will recognise. During September, there is 15% off all books via their online shop http://picturestoshare.co.uk/; enter the code 15%SEPT once you are at the checkout.

Being able to tell someone that you are in pain is easy to take for granted, but for people with dementia this can become difficult. Pat Schofield, Professor of Nursing at the University of Greenwich in London, says, 'People with dementia cannot always communicate their pain in a language that we can understand, though they often exhibit pain in other ways.' There is growing awareness that many people with dementia haven't been prescribed the pain medication they need and that this may lie behind changes in their behaviour. Intent on addressing this, Pat and her colleagues have developed a smartphone app to help professionals recognise when a person with dementia is in pain and some ambulance teams have been trying it out in practice. Ambulance teams ‘… sometimes meet people when their relatives are at the end of their tether and are struggling to cope’. If someone is unable to express themselves in words, … it can be challenging for ambulance teams to know how to approach pain assessment, leading to more people being sent to hospital. … The app uses the Abbey Pain Scale, which was developed by researchers to provide an easy but effective way of recognising pain in people with advanced dementia. If a person isn't able to communicate, the app asks questions about their facial expression, body language and other changes to help decide what action to take. … Once the app is installed it doesn't need an internet connection to work. 'With it being on a smartphone it's always with you, whether in a person's house, the first aid room of a supermarket or an ambulance.' … Pat emphasises the importance of considering pain as a possible cause of behavioural changes in someone with dementia. 'Things like being more agitated, more distressed or alternatively very withdrawn and quiet, or protecting an area – for example by holding onto their arm – could all indicate pain.'

She plans for other professionals, including care home staff and district nurses, to use the app and she and her colleagues have created distance learning materials on pain and dementia for hospital staff. They are also developing a website to help all carers recognise and deal with pain, and Pat expects this to be launched in late 2013.

Taken from: Alzheimer’s Society’s Living with dementia magazine August/September 2013

What's On? Alzheimer's Society Kingston runs a monthly carers’ support group for carers of people with dementia. The group offers carers a chance to talk about their experiences with others in a similar situation, as well as receiving useful information about dementia and advice on how to cope. The group meets on the first Monday of every month at the Noble Centre, 109a Blagdon Road, between 10am and 12 noon. The next meetings are: 7th October, 4th November, 2nd December. If you would like to find out more or book a place (as places are limited) call Alzheimer’s Society’s Kingston office on 020 3513 5147 or email kingstonoffice@alzheimers.org.uk.

‘South Place’ Mental Health Carers’ Support Group welcomes all relatives and carers of people 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 there are guest speakers. Light refreshments are provided. The next meetings are: 10th September, 8th October, 12th November, 10th December, 14th January 2014.

Kingston Bipolar UK Group is open to carers and meets every second Monday of the month from 7:30pm-9pm at the Kingfisher Leisure Centre, Kingston swimming pool. The next meetings are: 9th September, 14th October, 11th November, 9th December, 13th January 2014 Lilacs Ward’s monthly evening drop-in sessions for carers are held on the last Thursday of the month from 6pm-7pm; 26th September, 31st October, 28th November, 19th December (due to Christmas holidays), 30th January 2014. Kingston Mental Health Carers’ Forum (KMHCF) provides additional support on the ward to carers on the 2nd Wednesday of the month from 4pm5pm; 11th September, 9th October, 13th November, 11th December, 8th January 2014. For more information contact 07983 063 578 or email info@kmhcf.org.uk.

Find out more about the Recovery College’s range of courses (available to Trust service users, carers & staff) at one of its open days at the King Charles Centre, Surbiton. Meet the facilitators, look around the venue, hear about the courses in a friendly and informal setting and discuss your interests/needs: you can also register for a course there. The next open day is: 19th December from 11am-3pm. For more information contact the Recovery College on 020 3513 5818 or email recoverycollege@swlstg-tr.nhs.uk.

Kingston Carers’ Network, Noble Centre, 109a Blagdon Road, New Malden, KT3 4BD, 020 3031 2757 Registered Charity No. 1151456 Company No. 8376060

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KINGSTON CARERS’ NETWORK

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Meditation Sessions Malden Centre, Cocks Crescent, New Malden, £3 Thursdays, 10.00am - 12.00pm Sept 26th - Relaxation Oct 3rd -Peace of Mind Oct 10th - Our Love for Others Oct 17th - Keeping Balance

Kew Gardens – ‘Autumn Leaves’ Monday 28th October 10.00am to 4.00pm £5 includes entrance and transport Meeting at the Noble Centre

Sophrology Relaxation 1.00pm to 2.00pm £3 includes tea and cakes Thursdays, 7th to 28th November Noble Centre

Westfield Shopping Centre Shepherds Bush Tuesday 19th November 10.00am to 5.00pm, £5

Fish & Chips and Christmas Lights, Wednesday 4th December 5.30pm to 10.30pm, £5 Meeting at the Noble Centre

Christmas Party Friday 20th December 7.00pm to 10.00pm St Marks Church - St. Mark's Hill, Surbiton

For more information or to book any of the trips please email wellbeing@kingstoncarers.org.uk, call 020 3031 2757 or return the form below to: Kingston Carers’ Network, FREEPOST RSET-JTX-UEAS, New Malden, KT3 4BD. Please tick the trips/activities that you would like to attend.

Meditation Sessions Sophrology Fish & Chips

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Kew Gardens Westfield Shopping Centre Christmas Party

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Name:___________________________________________ Address:__________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Tel no:__________________________________________Email:____________________________________________ Signed:___________________________________________ Special Requirements:_______________________________________________________________________________ I am / am not registered with KCN (Please delete as appropriate) Non-attendance There are a limited number of places available on each trip which are allocated on a first come, first served basis. A reminder letter is sent out a week before the trip so that carers can confirm they will be attending. At this stage, any cancelled places are allocated to the first person on the reserve list. Please remember that by not attending a trip other carers are missing out on the opportunity to attend. We fully understand that there are some days when it is just impossible to attend and in this case we would appreciate a telephone call so that we are aware that you will not be attending.

Kingston Carers’ Network, Noble Centre, 109a Blagdon Road, New Malden, KT3 4BD, 020 3031 2757 Registered Charity No. 1151456 Company No. 8376060

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KINGSTON CARERS’ NETWORK

Supporting carers across the Borough

Dates in September

Times

Events and venues

Monday 16th Sept

10.00am – 4.30pm

Holistic Therapies session with Marina – Noble Centre

Wednesday 18th Sept

10.00am – 11.30am

Carers’ Support Group – Merritt Medical Centre, Chessington

Friday 20th Sept

10.00am – 12.15pm

Massage and Aromatherapy with Stella – Noble Centre

Wednesday 25th Sept

1.00pm – 4.00pm

Hairdressing by Gina – Noble Centre

Wednesday 25th Sept

2.00pm – 4.00pm

Support Group for Carers of Adults with Asperger Syndrome – Noble Cntr

Thursday 26th Sept

10.00am – 12.00pm

Meditation (See page 8)

Thursday 26th Sept

6.00pm – 7.00pm

Mental Health In-patient Carers’ drop-in session - Lilacs Ward

Thursday 26th Sept

6.30pm – 8.30pm

Voice of Carers in Kingston Forum – Noble Centre

Friday 27th Sept

10.00am – 12.15pm

Massage and Aromatherapy with Stella – Noble Centre

Dates in October

Times

Events and venues

Tuesday 1st Oct

10.00am – 12.30pm

Reflexology with Mitsuko – Noble Centre, £15 for KCN members

Wednesday 2nd Oct

10.00am – 1.30pm

Hairdressing by Gina – Noble Centre

Thursday 3rd Oct

10.00am – 12.00pm

Meditation (See page 8)

Thursday 3rd Oct

10.30am – 11.30pm

Sociable Book Club – Noble Centre

Friday 4th Oct

10.00am – 12.15pm

Massage and Aromatherapy with Stella – Noble Centre

Tuesday 8th Oct

6.00pm – 7.15pm

Mental Health Carers Support Group – Tolworth Hospital

Wednesday 9th Oct

11.00am – 1.00pm

Annual General Meeting

Thursday 10th Oct

10.00am – 12.00pm

Friday 11th Oct

10.00am – 12.00pm

Friday 11th Oct

10.00am – 12.15pm

Meditation (See page 8) Support Group for Carers of Children and Young People with ADHD – King’s Oak Primary School, Dickerage Lane Massage and Aromatherapy with Stella – Noble Centre

Wednesday 16th Oct

10.00am – 11.30am

Carers’ Support Group – Merritt Medical Centre, Chessington

Thursday 17th Oct

10.00am – 12.30pm

Reflexology with Mitsuko – Noble Centre, £15 for KCN members

Thursday 17th Oct

10.00am – 12.00pm

Meditation (See page 8)

Friday 18th Oct

10.00am – 12.30pm

Reflexology with Mitsuko – Noble Centre, £15 for KCN members

Wednesday 23rd Oct

10.00am – 12.00pm

Support Group for Carers of Adults with Asperger Syndrome – Noble Cntr

Friday 25th Oct

10.00am – 12.15pm

Holistic Massage with Mitsuko – Noble Centre

Monday 28th Oct

10.00am – 4.00pm

Autumn Leaves, Kew Gardens, (See page 8)

Monday 28th Oct

10.00am – 4.30pm

Holistic Therapies session with Marina – Noble Centre

Thursday 31st Oct

10.00am – 12.30pm

Reflexology with Mitsuko – Noble Centre, £15 for KCN members

Thursday 31st Oct

6.00pm – 7.00pm

Mental Health In-patient Carers’ drop-in session - Lilacs Ward

Dates in November

Times

Events and venues

Friday 1st Nov

10.00am – 12.15pm

Holistic Massage with Mitsuko – Noble Centre

Wednesday 6th Nov

10.00am – 1.30pm

Hairdressing by Gina – Noble Centre

Thursday 7th Nov

10.30am – 11.30pm

Sociable Book Club – Noble Centre

Thursday 7th Nov

1.00pm – 2.00pm

Friday 8th Nov

10.00am – 12.00pm

Friday 8th Nov

10.00am – 12.15pm

Sophrology (See page 8) Support Group for Carers of Children and Young People with ADHD – King’s Oak Primary School, Dickerage Lane Holistic Massage with Mitsuko – Noble Centre

Monday 11th Nov

10.00am – 4.30pm

Holistic Therapies session with Marina – Noble Centre

Kingston Carers’ Network, Noble Centre, 109a Blagdon Road, New Malden, KT3 4BD, 020 3031 2757 Registered Charity No. 1151456 Company No. 8376060

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KINGSTON CARERS’ NETWORK

Supporting carers across the Borough

Dates in November

Times

Events and venues

Tuesday 12th Nov

6.00pm – 7.15pm

Mental Health Carers Support Group – Tolworth Hospital

Wednesday 13th Nov

1.00pm – 4.00pm

Manicures and Pedicures with Gina – Noble Centre

Thursday 14th Nov

10.00am – 12.30pm

Reflexology with Mitsuko – Noble Centre, £15 for KCN members

Thursday 14th Nov

1.00pm – 2.00pm

Sophrology (See page 8)

Friday 15th Nov

10.00am – 12.15pm

Holistic Massage with Mitsuko – Noble Centre

Tuesday 19th Nov

10.00am – 5.00pm

Shopping (See page 8)

Wednesday 20th Nov

10.00am – 11.30am

Carers’ Support Group – Merritt Medical Centre, Chessington

Thursday 21st Nov

1.00pm – 2.00pm

Sophrology (See page 8)

Friday 22nd Nov

10.00am – 12.15pm

Holistic Massage with Mitsuko – Noble Centre

Monday 25th Nov

10.00am – 4.30pm

Holistic Therapies session with Marina – Noble Centre

Thursday 28th Nov

10.00am – 12.30pm

Reflexology with Mitsuko – Noble Centre, £15 for KCN members

Thursday 28th Nov

1.00pm – 2.00pm

Sophrology (See page 8)

Thursday 28th Nov

6.00pm – 7.00pm

Mental Health In-patient Carers’ drop-in session - Lilacs Ward

Thursday 28th Nov

6.00pm – 8.00pm

Support Group for Carers of Adults with Asperger Syndrome – Noble Cntr

Friday 29th Nov

10.00am – 12.15pm

Holistic Massage with Mitsuko – Noble Centre

Dates in December

Times

Events and venues

Monday 2nd Dec

10.00am – 1.30pm

Mindfulness (See page1)

Wednesday 4th Dec

10.00am – 1.30pm

Hairdressing by Gina – Noble Centre

Wednesday 4th Dec

5.30pm – 10.60pm

Fish & Chips and Christmas Lights (See page 8)

Thursday 5th Dec

10.30am – 11.30pm

Sociable Book Club – Noble Centre

Friday 6th Dec

10.00am – 12.15pm

Holistic Massage with Mitsuko – Noble Centre

Monday 9th Dec

10.00am – 1.30pm

Mindfulness (See page1)

Monday 9th Dec

10.00am – 4.30pm

Holistic Therapies session with Marina – Noble Centre

Tuesday 10th Dec

6.00pm – 7.15pm

Mental Health Carers Support Group – Tolworth Hospital

Wednesday 11th Dec

1.00pm – 4.00pm

Manicures and Pedicures with Gina – Noble Centre

Thursday 12th Dec

10.00am – 12.30pm

Reflexology with Mitsuko – Noble Centre, £15 for KCN members

Thursday 12th Dec

1.00pm – 3.00pm

Voice of Carers in Kingston Forum – Noble Centre

Friday 13th Dec

10.00am – 12.00pm

Support Group for Carers of Children and Young People with ADHD – King’s Oak Primary School, Dickerage Lane

Friday 13th Dec

10.00am – 12.15pm

Holistic Massage with Mitsuko – Noble Centre

Monday 16th Dec

10.00am – 1.30pm

Mindfulness (See page1)

Wednesday 18th Dec

10.00am – 11.30am

Carers’ Support Group – Merritt Medical Centre, Chessington

Wednesday 18th Dec

2.00pm – 4.00pm

Support Group for Carers of Adults with Asperger Syndrome – Noble Cntr

Friday 20th Dec

10.00am – 12.15pm

Holistic Massage with Mitsuko – Noble Centre

Friday 20th Dec

7.00pm – 10.00pm

Carers Christmas Party (See page 8)

Monday 23rd Dec

10.00am – 4.30pm

Holistic Therapies session with Marina – Noble Centre

Kingston Carers’ Network, Noble Centre, 109a Blagdon Road, New Malden, KT3 4BD, 020 3031 2757 Registered Charity No. 1151456 Company No. 8376060

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KINGSTON CARERS’ NETWORK

Supporting carers across the Borough

The Sociable Book Club for Carers If you like reading and chatting, this Book Club, run by carers, for carers is ideal for you!

The Club meets on the first Thursday of the month at the Noble Centre, 109a Blagdon Road.

To find out more, contact Kingston Carers’ Network on 020 3031 2751 or info@kingstoncarers.org.uk

Support Group for Carers Merritt Medical Centre, Chessington 10.00am to 11.30am Weds: 16th Oct, 20th Nov, 18th Dec Support Group for Carers of Adults with Asperger Syndrome Carers meet monthly at Noble Centre. Contact Kate

Close Cuts Special needs hairdressing in the community Are you a carer who finds it hard to get to the hairdresser or barber?

Do you care for someone who also finds it difficult to get a haircut?

Gina is a qualified and experienced hairdresser who is offering her hairdressing services to carers at the Noble Centre Services available Haircut for ladies or gents, Blow dry or set.

Gina is fully insured and CRB checked.

Please contact Kingston Carers’ Network on 020 3031 2751 to make an appointment. A voluntary donation may be made.

on 020 3031 2752 Mental Health Carers Group

Holistic Therapies for the Wellbeing of Carers

Carers meet monthly on the 2nd Tuesday 6pm to 7.15pm at Tolworth Hospital

There are a range of different therapies to choose from, with members of KCN receiving discount prices.

Contact Veronica on 020 3031 2755

Marina Alkiviades trained privately to become a Holistic

Carers of Children &Young People with ADHD Support Group

Therapist with the School of Natural Therapies and is a registered member of the Guild of Holistic Health Therapists.

Meets 2nd Friday of the month at Norbiton

Vouchers available on request

Childrens Centre Call Julie on 020 8547 4683

All treatments and therapies are available alternate

Holistic Massage Do you know massage is not only good for relaxation?

When the muscle system is massaged, the blood and lymph circulation is improved. The nervous system calms down and a happy hormone is released.

Mitsuko is now offering massage to carers on a Friday morning at the Noble Centre The one hour treatment will cost £20 and can be focused on a problem area if you wish.

For more information or to book, please call 020 3031 2751 or email admin@kingstoncarers.org.uk

Reflexology Reflexology is an ancient Chinese therapy that treats the feet in order to balance the whole body.

Mitsuko offers reflexology to carers on alternate Thursdays at Noble Centre for £15 a session. For more information or to book, please call 020 3031

Mondays at Noble Centre To find out more or to book a treatment, contact Kingston Carers’ Network on 020 3031 2751

The Voice of Carers in Kingston Thursday 26th September, 6.30pm to 8.30pm Thursday 12th 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 represent you at the next meeting.

For more information or to have your say, contact Kate on 020 3031 2752 or Kirstie on 020 8547 6124.

2751 or email info@kingstoncarers.org.uk

Kingston Carers’ Network, Noble Centre, 109a Blagdon Road, New Malden, KT3 4BD, 020 3031 2757 Registered Charity No. 1151456 Company No. 8376060

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KINGSTON CARERS’ NETWORK

Supporting carers across the Borough

Kingston Foodbank

Flu Safe - Get the jab!

Catching flu is the last thing you, or the person you care for, needs.

Carers can have the vaccination.

Ask your GP Practice or Health Centre.

Peer Support Group for Carers If you care for someone with dementia, and would like to talk about your experiences with others in a similar situation, come along to our peer support group. This group is for carers only.

We meet the first Monday morning of every month between 10am and 12pm at the Noble Centre.

Places are limited for both the support group and the Singing for the Brain, so please contact us if you are interested in attending either. Alzheimer's Society offers help and support to people with a diagnosis of any form of dementia and their carers.

Please contact Rita or Rachael at Alzheimer's Society Kingston upon Thames on 020 3513 5147 or email kingstonoffice@alzheimers.org.uk

Kingston Bipolar UK Group

Every day people in the UK go hungry for reasons ranging from redundancy, receiving an unexpected bill or being on a low income.

With donations from local people and support from Waitrose, Foodbanks provide a minimum of 3 days emergency food and support to people experiencing a crisis, that can be collected from different local venues on different days.

If you, or someone you know needs this service, call 020 8391 1100 or email info@kingston.foodbank.org.uk

Don’t miss out on NI Contributions towards your State Pension If you care for more than 20 hours a week, but do not qualify for Carers Allowance or Income Support as a carer, you may still qualify for National Insurance (Carers) Credit to protect your State Pension. To check if you’re eligible, contact the Carers Allowance Unit on 0845 608 4321 or visit www.direct.gov/carerscredit

Admiral Nurse Sybil Sibanda, Sybil provides support to carers of people with dementia. Please contact 020 3513 5273.

For anyone affected by bipolar. Carers welcome. Meets monthly 2nd Monday in Kingston. Contact 020 7931 6480

Free Money Management Sessions

Multiple Sclerosis Carer Support Group Carers meet monthly on the 1st Tuesday in Surbiton.

Contact Ray on 07905 09 90 80

Kingston MENCAP Carers’ Group Carers meet monthly on the 1st Wednesday in New Malden. Contact Gill on 020 8540 1399

Huntingtons Disease Carer Group Carers across South London meet on the 2nd Wednesday of every month in the evening at the Neuro Rehab Hospital at Putney.

Contact Dan on 020 8780 4500 ext. 5201

Saturday Club

These two hour workshops, organised by Kingston Council and the Citizen’s Advice Bureau offer helpful advice to anyone who: 

Is worried about how they will be affected by benefits changes



Has difficultly paying bills or keeping on top of debt



Would simply like to take better control of their finances.

People with dementia meet in New Malden on the 2nd Saturday of the month. Lunch available and carers welcome. Contact Cathy on 020 8949 4244

The sessions are free, friendly and held locally. You may be surprised at how much they offer. If you’re interested in finding out more or would like to come

Parkinsons Disease

along to a local session contact Tony on 020 8547 6053 or email tony.willis@rbk.kingston.gov.uk

Various monthly meetings for people with Parkinsons & their family and friends. Contact Marina 0844 225 3772

Kingston Carers’ Network, Noble Centre, 109a Blagdon Road, New Malden, KT3 4BD, 020 3031 2757 Registered Charity No. 1151456 Company No. 8376060

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