Adult Carers Newsletter - Summer 2014

KINGSTON CARERS’ NETWORK Improving the lives of carers in Kingston

Summer 2014

Supported by...

Carers Week Special!

Inheritance Tax

Carers Week Wellbeing Day

What does the Care Bill mean for me?

Carers Week Boat Trip

Carers Week Conference Also inside:  KCN News  Exciting Pilot Project  KCN Support Groups  Mentors Needed

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Focus on BodyTalk Therapy Social Activities Complementary Therapies

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

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

A message from our Chief Executive We were very disappointed to learn that the Kingston Clinical Commissioning Group will not be funding carers’ breaks from the new Better Care Fund. As the voluntary sector carers’ strategic lead, we have been raising awareness among carers and professionals to use the Government’s Carers’ Breaks money to provide much needed respite breaks. Kingston has an ‘allocation’ of £404,000 to be used for carers’ support, including breaks within the Better Care Fund.

The plan shows that £140,000 has been allocated to be used to build on the Carers Strategy. We are hopeful that KCN and Kingston’s carers will be more involved in the planning as we go forward.

In the coming few months, we have some very exciting events planned. Firstly, Carers Week is 9th to 15th June and we be holding our first Carers Conference on Friday 13th June. This will be a mix of consultation about what carers want from local services and information workshops. We really hope that many of you will come along to the conference, whether you can make the whole event, or just the morning or the afternoon. We will be providing a tasty buffet lunch and tempting cakes! Please see page 11 for details of the day. It is important to book your place so that we can cater accordingly.

We are also delighted that Kingston MP, Mr Ed Davey will be holding a question and answer session with carers on 11 th July at 1pm. We will provide a sandwich lunch. If you have a question in mind to ask Ed Davey, please submit it to ceo@kingstoncarers.org.uk or call me on 020 3031 2752. There will also be an opportunity to ask additional questions on the day.

Please contact Jo on admin@kingstoncarers.org.uk or 020 3031 2751 to book your place on either or both events.

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Exciting Pilot Project Public Health to support parents of children with mental health issues.

We are very pleased that Kingston Public Health will be funding KCN to provide a new pilot service to parents of children who have mental health issues, including ADHD and Asperger's Syndrome. We will be setting up a project which will be run by a part-time carer support worker to provide advice, advocacy, information and specialist support groups for parents. We are also planning to develop a new pathway for Carers’ Assessments to ensure that all carers have the opportunity for an assessment of their needs. If you would like to be referred to this project, please contact Kate or Jo.

News from the Outreach Project Kate and I attended a GP Council of Members meeting on the 29th April. This is a monthly meeting of representatives from each GP Surgery in Kingston. It was a good opportunity for KCN to talk about the health professionals engagement project and to recruit more GP surgeries to identify and support carers in their practice.

The presentation was shaped by the views of the carers that I have met and those who have filled in my questionnaire about local services in Kingston. These voices have helped me to pass on the message of how important it is that GPs start engaging in supporting carers in the practice. Following from the meeting and presentation, we had a good response in our quest to engage with five surgeries in the borough to work on the above so watch this space for more information.

We are continuously looking for feedback from carers about the support they get from GPs, positive or negative. If you want to share your views, we would very much appreciate that. I can be contacted on outreach@kingstoncarers.org.uk or 020 3725 3048.

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News from the Young Adult News from Carers Project The Young Adult Carers’ Project is now live and in full swing! The project started at the beginning of March and is working with carers between the ages of 16 and 25 who either live in Kingston or care for someone who does. I have been out and about in the borough meeting YACs in the last few weeks and am starting to get to know what the support needs are, as well as getting to know my way around!

On 15th April I had the pleasure of attending a day for young adult carers at Goldman Sachs in Central London with two of our very own YACs. The day started with speakers from well-known companies such as British Gas, Microsoft and British Telecom who shared what they do to help carers in their workforce balance their caring commitments with their careers. It was inspiring to see that many organisations have set up their own carers’ network and are recognising and valuing the skills that carers bring to their companies. In the afternoon the carers got a chance to work on building a CV as well as some tips on what to do and what not to do when making a presentation. It was a great opportunity to start thinking about planning for the future and how carers can showcase their skills gained through caring, to prospective employers.

As I look ahead to the second half of the year I am excited about meeting more young adult carers. I will be planning activities – I’ve already had some interest in a book group, cooking courses and in doing some walking around the beautiful scenery that’s right on the doorstep. There will be a mixture of group and one to one activities.

The focus is still on what young adult carers themselves want and need – this really can be anything from me providing a listening ear, to helping fill out college or university applications to organising some training on how to do well in a job interview.

Cont.… p5

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Summer 2014

If – You are a Young Adult Carer Or You know someone who might be And You want to get in touch, please do!

Volunteers!

If you are interested in volunteering opportunities with Young Adult Carers please contact Emma or call the main Kingston Carers’ Network telephone number: 020 3031 2757

My name is Emma Bell, I’m the Young Adult Carers’ Support Worker and you can email me: yac@kingstoncarers.org.uk or call/text: 07704 795 923

KCN Support Groups Carers Support Group Merritt Medical Centre, Chessington, 10.00am to 11.30am Wednesdays: 21st May, 18th June, 16th July, 13th August, 17th September, 15th October, 12th November, 17th December Carers of Adults with Asperger's Noble Centre, New Malden, 10.00am to 12.00pm Thursdays: 8th May, 5th June, 3rd July Wednesdays: 6th August, 3rd Sept, 1st Oct, 5th Nov, 3rd Dec Carers of Children and Young People with ADHD Noble Centre, New Malden, Please note new location Fridays: 16th May, 13th June, 18th July 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

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News from the Young Carers’ Project We kicked off spring time in spectacular fashion here at the Young Carers’ Project. Our Easter break was jam-packed with activities including a music workshop, an Easter egg hunt and baking day and a trip to the Science Museum. We were thrilled to see so many of our young carers at these activities and the weather was kind to us (most of the time)! These Easter activities provided a perfect chance for young carers to make new friends, access support from staff, learn new skills and have a welldeserved break from their caring responsibilities.

We’d like to take this opportunity to say an ENORMOUS thank you to all the volunteers who enable us to carry out our work with young carers; we couldn’t do it without you and we really appreciate all you do! Your support is more important than ever as unfortunately we had to say goodbye to Matt at the end of March this year. We will really miss him and we wish him all the best in the future.

Since February of this year, 27 children and young people have been referred to the Project which means we are now supporting around 330 young carers in the borough. We strive to continue to raise awareness of the issues faced by young carers in schools and in the community. Keep an eye out for us!

As always, 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 do refer them to the Young Carers’ Project.

Young Carers’ Project 020 3031 2754 youngcarers1@kingstoncarers.org.uk

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Summer 2014

Mentors Needed Could you help a young carer achieve their potential?

KCN are currently looking to recruit volunteer mentors to support our young carers.

Why is a mentoring project needed?

Based on BBC figures there are approx. 2,000 children and young people in the borough of Kingston undertaking caring responsibilities for a parent or sibling.

Through the work of our whole family support service we have identified locally a significant number of young carers who are at risk of harmful/excessive caring. Research has shown that harmful levels of caring negatively impact on relationships, education, mental and physical health.

What are we doing about it?

Consultation with young carers has shown a high demand for more emotional support from our project. As a result of this and funding from Comic Relief we will provide a mentoring programme for 45 young carers over the 3 years of the funding.

What can you do?

If you would like to know more about becoming a mentor then visit www.kingstoncarers.org.uk/mentoring-project or call the office on 020 3031 2757

Carers Week Special!

9th to 15th June 2014 Carers Week is an annual UK wide campaign which aims to raise improve the lives of carers and the people they care for by: 

Raising the profile of the role of caring in the national, regional and local media and encouraging groups and organisations to take part and organise events and activities.

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Helping the public identify themselves as carers and access the support, advice and information they need.

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Celebrating and recognising the contribution the UK’s 6.5 million carers make to the people they care for and their communities.

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Highlighting the challenges of caring and campaigning for sustainable funding for services and support for carers and the people they care for.

Last year over 12,000 events and activities were planned throughout the UK during Carers Week and national, local and regional interest helped get the message out to millions.

This year Kingston Carers’ Network have once again pledged their support with a full week of events including our very first Carers Conference and the launch of our delicious sounding campaign “Cakes for Carers”. Turn to page 11 for full details of our exciting plans.

There are lots of ways that you can get involved and support Carers Week . Small acts that can make a big difference to carers include:  Make use of your social networks in your community and also online. Help us promote Carers Week by sharing information on Facebook and Twitter and promoting it in your community.  Write to your MP and local councillors about the importance of supporting carers and ask them to support the Carers Week Quest.  Write to your local newspaper about the importance of supporting carers and carers accessing support.  Check how aware the services you use are of carers and the support available locally.

Join in. Help carers.

Sign up at www.carersweek.org to pledge your support for the Carers Week Quest Example pledges include:  I’m pledging to check that my GP practice has up to date information about services and support for carers available in its waiting room.  I’m pledging to update my cover photo on Facebook to promote the Carers Week Quest

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Summer 2014

Carers Week Special!

Cakes for Carers Following on from our Cakes for Carers feature in the Spring edition of our newsletter our young carers put their pinnies on and made these fabulous rainbow cakes. Aren’t they pretty!

We will being having a tasty Cakes for Carers afternoon tea on Tuesday 10th June at 3.00pm at the Noble Centre and we’d love for you to join us but why not hold your own Cakes for Carers event too?

If you would like to hold a Cake for Carers event please contact Jo on 020 3031 2751 or admin@kingstoncarers.org.uk for a fundraising advice leaflet and a copy of the super Rainbow Cakes recipe At Work At School In our experience every workforce Simply sell cakes at break time or marches on its stomach and can’t hold a competition, for example resist a sweet treat to go with their guess the number of chocolate morning coffee. Hold a simple cake beans covering a large cake. Provide sale or a bake-off between plain cakes, bowls of icing and departments, or your bosses. Some sweets and invite pupils (and staff) to companies will match funds raised by decorate their own – give a prize for their employees – it is well worth the best. Combine with a Mufti Day asking. for added fun and funds!

At Home At your Club or Class Keep it simple and invite the Add a fundraising twist to your usual neighbours round for a coffee (and tea and biscuit break. Make a charge cake!) morning. Add a raffle to boost for more elaborate refreshments, for funds raised. Ring the changes by example a strawberry tea, and add a making puddings for guests to buy guess the weight of the cake and take home. competition.

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Kingston Carers’ Network

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Carers Week Special!

Events and Activities Boat Trip along the River Thames Monday 9th June, 10.30am to 2.00pm Join us on our annual boat trip along the River Thames to Hampton Court. It’s a great way for carers to take time out and best of all, both the picnic lunch and boat trip are subsidised by KCN making this trip free!

Entrance to Hampton Court not included.

Priority will be given to cares who haven’t been on the trip before.

Carers Wellbeing Day Tuesday 10th June, 10.00am to 5.00pm We are opening the doors of the Noble Centre for a day of pampering.

Come and indulge in one of the complementary therapies or beauty treatments on offer. The day will start at 10.00am with coffee and pastries followed by a group introduction to BodyTalk where you will learn relaxation techniques you can practice at home.

From 10.30am you can enjoy of the following treatments: Hairstyling, Manicures, Indian Head Massage Holistic Massage Reflexology Body Talk Each treatment will last half an hour. Please contact Jo to book.

We will be providing a sandwich lunch at 1.00pm and a Cakes for Carers afternoon tea at 3.00pm.

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Summer 2014

Carers Week Special!

Conference, Friday 13th June Join us at The Kings Centre, Coppard Gardens, Chessington, KT9 2GZ on Friday 13th June for our very first Carers Week Conference.

The morning session will be dedicated to consulting with carers and looking to the future of KCN whilst the afternoon session will host a range of information workshops.

Each workshop will run twice meaning you can choose two of the workshops below.

How the benefit changes affect carers and their families What does the Care Bill mean for carers Understanding inheritance tax Carer involvement in hospital discharge Designing services to improve wellbeing 10.00 10.30 10.45 11.20 11.40 12.20 13.20 14.10 15.00

Agenda Registration and Coffee Welcome – setting the scene Group discussion Coffee break Feedback and next steps Lunch Workshop session A Workshop session B Close of Conference

For more information or to book your space, please contact Jo or Kate on 020 3031 2757 or info@kingstoncarers.org.uk

Carers Trust are looking for case studies for a national fundraising campaign. If you are willing to chare your experiences of KCN, please contact Kate on 020 3031 2751

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Kingston Carers’ Network

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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.

Zumba Gold Sessions Zumba is a fun way to get fit and improve flexibility. This session will be run by an experienced teacher who will tailor the session to your ability and level of fitness.

Weekly Thursday 1st May to 26th June, 11.00am to 12.00pm No session in half-term week - Thursday 29th May £3, meeting at MEFAS, New Malden Do come wearing loose comfortable clothing and bring water.

Kew Gardens: Plantasia Immerse yourself in nature’s healing sanctuary and experience the stimulating and transformative power of plants.

Wednesday 25th June, 1.30pm to 5.00pm £5 to include afternoon tea, meeting at Noble Centre

Textile Art Class Join Nicole from 'Think Make Do' for a creative workshop in Block Printing. You will be guided through a two hour session printing a range of colourful samples then printing your designs onto a tote bag.

Friday 4th July, 10.00am to 12.00pm £5 includes all materials, meeting at MEFAS, New Malden

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Summer 2014

Summer BBQ Make the most of those long summer evenings and join us for a barbecue. Vegetarian options will be available. Fingers crossed for sunshine!

Thursday 24th July, 6.30pm to 9.30pm No charge. Meeting at the Noble Centre

Kingston Food Trail Prepare to tickle your tastebuds!

Kingston town centre is being transformed into a food treasure hunt.

Following a map, we will sample complimentary tasters of food and drink at participating venues.

Friday 1st August 2.00pm to 5.00 pm £2 to cover transport. Meeting at the Noble Centre

Brighton Day Trip Join us for a day out at the seaside.

Tuesday 19th August, 10.00am to 5:00pm £5 includes transport.

Meeting at the Noble Centre

Garden Tea Party Enjoy the last of the summer sunshine in an award winning garden with homemade afternoon tea.

4th September, 1:30pm to 4.30pm £5 includes transport, entry costs and afternoon tea Meeting at the Noble Centre See overleaf for booking details.

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KCN

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

Did you know that you can now book any of the activities from pages 12-13 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.”

BodyTalk Therapy

NEW !

My name is Mary Strange and I am a fully qualified Reflexologist and Certified BodyTalk Practitioner. I provide individually tailored sessions from my peaceful home practice in New Malden. In my practice I use both Reflexology and BodyTalk together or as standalone treatments.

What benefits might a session bring?

Some of the benefits that clients have reported include: Increased sense of wellbeing Improved quality of sleep Feeling more relaxed and calm More positive outlook and mood Release of stress and tension About BodyTalk The BodyTalk System is a safe, effective and non-invasive energy therapy which stimulates the body’s innate ability to balance and heal itself on all levels. The name, BodyTalk, is derived from the principle that in a healthy body every part in the bodymind is in constant communication with every other part.

However, we all experience stress, be it in the mind, body or spirit. In fact, stress is the number one cause of disease in the world today because it causes the natural communication lines in the body to breakdown. When the body forgets how to communicate with itself, our physical, emotional and/or mental health declines.

BodyTalk helps restore the natural balanced communication in the

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body, which can then go about its business of healing itself.

Two-minute Technique With all my clients I share a simple but powerful two-minute technique from the BodyTalk System to balance brain function. You can use this technique on yourself or on friends and family.

It can help you when you are: Feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or tired Struggling to focus, to learn, or to concentrate Experiencing aches and pains Having difficulty sleeping I am offering the opportunity for members of Kingston Carers’ Network to experience sessions with me from now until the end of August. In exchange I ask you to make a small donation to Kingston Carers’ Network. After August a session will be £25 for 1 hour (normally £50).

For more information visit www.energytherapymatters.com To book an appointment please contact me on 020 8241 2501

The Voice of Carers in Kingston Thursday 5th June, 6.30pm to 8.30pm 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/1kLUpoj to see minutes from March 2014

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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 with Mitsuko Alternate Wednesdays, 1.00pm to 3.30pm and alternate Thursdays, 10.00am to 12.30pm £15 for 50 minutes Reflexology is a therapy that treats the feet in order to balance the whole body.

Hairdressing by Gina One Wednesday a month, 10.00am to 2.00pm Free of Charge Manicures and Pedicures One Wednesday a month, 1.00pm to 4.00pm £5 per Treatment For more information or to book an appointment, please contact Jo on admin@kingstoncarers.org.uk or 020 3031 2751

KINGSTON CARERS’ NETWORK Improving the lives of carers in Kingston

Summer 2014 News for Mental Health and Substance Misuse Carers and Dementia Carers Supported by...

Page 2 Focus on what the Care Bill means for carers of drug and alcohol users Page 3 Carers of People with Mental Health Problems Page 4 Carers of People with Substance Misuse Issues Page 6 Carers of People with Dementia Page 7 What's On?

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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Focus on …….

What the Care Bill means for carers of drug and alcohol users

A recent Adfam briefing explains the proposed changes in legislation brought about by the Care Bill and the Children and Families Bill, as they relate to carers of drug and alcohol users. The Care Bill defines a “carer” as ‘an adult who provides, or intends to provide, care for another adult.’ This therefore implicitly includes family members and friends who care for others with problematic drug or alcohol use. This means carers of people with drug or alcohol problems can fit into the definition of a carer and thus have the right to a needs-assessment. This is important because previously carers of someone with a drug or alcohol problem were not automatically entitled to such an assessment. The Care Bill focusses on the person rather than the service and delegates local authorities to ensure carers receive support if they want it. Local authorities are obliged to provide services to prevent a carer needing more support in the future. Part one places carers and the people for whom they care on the same level, as carers are now entitled to legal support and puts carers in control of their own support. Part two involves care-quality with ‘Ofsted style’ ratings for hospitals and care home to ensure the best care can be given to those who need it.

Part three establishes Health Education England: a non-departmental public body that will nationally lead health and public health education and training. …

The Care Bill marks an important change in the way carers are viewed. There is now a new emphasis on wellbeing and outcomes, and the purpose of the Bill is not just to make sure a safety net is provided, but that wellbeing is actually facilitated. It also means joint assessments can be carried out on a whole-family basis so that the best support for that family-unit can be provided. It argues that needs can be met through advocacy, accommodation and counselling as well as other forms of support. Moreover, assessments must be carried out even if the carer does not need …[support] at the time. If local authorities perceive that someone might need care in the future then an assessment is required. Support can be given … depending on day-to-day needs. It should be stressed that local authorities have the option of charging for these services but most do not elect to utilise this. …[U]nder 18s are not mentioned by the Bill because young carers are covered in the Children and Families Bill where they are entitled to an assessment similar to that substantiated in the Care Bill for adults. The extent to which young carers wish to participate in education or would like to work must also be considered. This is particularly welcome given that 27% of young carers in secondary school either miss school or are experiencing educational

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difficulties; this figure rises to 40% when looking at young carers of someone with substance misuse issues specifically. This briefing concludes that the provisions of the Care Bill are necessary and significant, giving carers of people using drug and alcohol problematically the recognition and support they need. The full briefing is available to download from Adfam's website at http://www.adfam.org.uk/cms/docs/care_bill.pdf, or contact Veronica to request a copy.

The Care Bill has now completed its journey through the House of Commons and Lords and is currently in the ‘ping pong’ stage where both Houses consider amendments. The bill’s eventual entry into UK law will solidify the rights of carers in the UK, which includes carers of those affected by drugs and alcohol. The Children and Families Bill received Royal Assent on 13th March 2014.

Taken from: Adfam policy briefings, 17–28 March 2014 & 31 March-11 April 2014.

Carers of People with Mental Health Problems

SWLStG Staffing Update: Senior Management Team: Dr Martin Humphrey has been in post as Clinical Director for Kingston & Richmond since 1st March 2014 replacing Dr Ed Burns and Dr Mireia Pujol, with the role now encompassing Adult and Older Adult Services. David Bullivent is now in post as Interim Service Director with Sarah Haspel going on secondment to Trust HQ. Iain Richmond has a new role as Assistant Director of Social Work. Tim Chittleburgh is now the interim Operational Manager for Kingston & Richmond Adult Community Services until mid-May, when Sherland Wilson comes into post. Beverley Edwards comes into post as Operational Manager for Acute Services on 1st June 2014. Sharon Spain, former Modern Matron has been promoted to Head of Nursing for Inpatient Services at Trust HQ with the new Modern Matron now being Sharon Putt.

Problem gambling is defined as gambling that disrupts or damages personal, family or recreational pursuits. Across the world it seems to be common, amongst other things, if someone has depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder (manic depression). GamCare provides counselling for anyone - partners and family members included - who is experiencing difficulties resulting from a gambling problem. The service is confidential and abides by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy's “Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy” and is free of charge, but donations are accepted. Your counsellor will help you explore and consider your life and relationships and will help you find the best

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method to deal with the effects your or someone else's gambling has on your life. Their well trained and experienced counsellors work within a broad range of therapeutic approaches allowing them to provide counselling that meets the individual needs of each client. In order for the counselling to have an impact and lead to success, people have to be able to engage on a weekly basis for a certain period of time. The main aims of GamCare’s counselling are: to help stop or reduce the frequency of problem gambling; to help develop ways of coping with problem gambling behaviour; to help understand some of the underlying reasons why gambling has become a problem; to help address related issues that are causing harm or damage; to help develop a productive and healthy life without problem gambling. For more information speak to a specialist adviser on GamCare’s NetLine at (http://secure.gamcare.org.uk/netline/) or HelpLine on 0808 8020 133.

Suicide is the single biggest killer of young men in the UK. In 2012 there were 5,981 suicides in the UK, of which 77% (4,590) were male (ONS, NISRA, NRS). CALM, the Campaign Against Living Miserably, exists to prevent male suicide in the UK. Their helpline 0800 58 58 58 operates every day of the week 5pm to midnight and is free*, confidential and anonymous. http://www.thecalmzone.net/. *Calls are free from landlines, pay phones and EE, O2, 3, Vodafone, Orange, T-Mobile and Virgin networks. Other networks, such as supermarket brand sims, may charge. CALM don’t charge for texts, but your network might.

Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust’s Self Help for iPad app gives access to a range of 23 mental health self-help guides. These guides, three of which have been commended at the British Medical Association Patient Information Award, have been written by NHS clinical psychologists with contributions from service users and healthcare staff.

Covering common mental health issues from anxiety, depression and panic to anger, domestic violence and sleeping problems. The guides contain useful tips and hints as well as self-help techniques. Each guide has an introductory video as well as a choice of male and female recorded audio versions available to stream. Guides can also be downloaded free of charge to your iPad for offline reading and can even be printed directly from your device. An Android version is also available.

Carers of People with Substance Misuse Issues

WHO guidelines on the management of opioid overdose: This World Health Organization survey of the preferences of people affected by the guidelines is aimed at people who use opioids, their friends and families, emergency care services and the health care staff who treat opioid overdose.

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It covers naloxone, an antidote to opioid overdose, and asks opinions on whether this should be made widely available, who should have access to it and what should be done in the event of an overdose. The survey should take five minutes to complete and can be accessed at https:// fr.surveymonkey.com/s/T9TJX7Z. Kingston Council funds Addiction Support and Care Agency (ASCA) to run a weekly support group for carers of people who misuse drugs or alcohol.

Carers will be invited to discuss their situation and needs with the Carers' Drug and Alcohol Support Counsellor and agree the best services and support for them, which could include one or more of: Support Group, Information and Advice, Counselling - up to 12 sessions. For more details contact Donald on 020 8339 9899.

Adfam celebrates its 30th Birthday this year, and will be marking this milestone in a number of ways, with a central goal being to decrease the impact of stigma and shame on families affected by drug and alcohol use and its impact on their ability to find support. They will host an exhibition in the autumn of 30 family faces, highlighting the normality of the families who experience addiction. They need to find 30 family members willing to be photographed for the event and are working with a professional photographer who will be taking a series of portraits showing families' humanity and strength. This is an opportunity to raise public awareness of the shame and stigma faced by families affected by drug and alcohol use and to send a message that they are not alone, there is support out there. Each portrait would be accompanied by the family’s story. Adfam want to end the stigma suffered by families affected by drugs and alcohol, reaching out to those who find themselves feeling alone and helpless, and even blamed for their loved one’s choices. They are often the unseen victims of drug and alcohol use, grappling with the stigma and shame in wider society. Adfam want to break down this stigma by showing this other side of addiction: the stories of ordinary families who find themselves in difficult circumstances. If you, or someone you know, would be interested in helping to raise awareness of this problem and spread the message that the stigmatisation of families affected by drugs and alcohol must end and are willing to have your photograph taken for the exhibition, call 020 7553 7640 or email r.evans@adfam.org.uk.

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Carers of People with Dementia

New memory café launched by Home Instead from 2nd May at the Rose Theatre, Kingston: If you care for someone with any kind of dementia and would like to meet others who are in a similar situation …this is a cafe with a difference. Bring the one you care for with you to a relaxed setting where they can join in with carefully created activities, managed by trained Home Instead staff and you can take some time out to enjoy the atmosphere. The café will be offering the chance to enjoy art, dance, reminiscence, a theatre club and sensory activities but most important of all a cuppa and a chat. For more information contact 020 8942 4137 or email wimbledon@homeinstead.co.uk and see ‘What’s On’ for dates.

The University of Nottingham have developed a new website designed to Improve Dementia Education and Awareness (IDEA), www.idea.nottingham.ac.uk. It is an online learning centre designed to improve the care and quality of life of people with dementia and people with dementia and their carers will be able to find information and resources including online courses and a range of audio-visual materials about dementia, its causes, treatment and the care of people affected.

Alzheimer’s Society is funding one of the world’s largest clinical trials into vascular dementia … The trial, funded jointly by the Society and British Heart Foundation, will test whether the existing blood pressure drug amlodipine could be used to treat subcortical ischaemic vascular dementia, the most common form of the condition. It will run for two years as part of the Society’s Drug Discovery programme, with participants either being given the drug or placebo tablets to see if there is a positive effect in people with vascular dementia. Alzheimer’s Society Director of Research & Development, Doug Brown said, ‘There are currently no treatments for vascular dementia so, if successful, this trial could have a massive impact on the lives of those affected by this particular form of dementia. Our unique Drug Discovery programme will look to fund more groundbreaking research in 2014. It aims to take existing drugs used for other conditions and test them in dementia so that we can discover new treatments in a way that is faster and cheaper.’

Recruitment for this trial will not begin until the end of 2014, when Alzheimer’s Society will release more details of how to register.

People with learning disabilities are more likely to develop dementia than other people and often at a younger age. This is especially true for people with Down syndrome, one in three of whom develops Alzheimer’s disease in their 50s. People with Down syndrome [aged] over 16 years old …, including those with dementia, are wanted to help with research to better

020 3031 2757

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Summer 2014

understand Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease. If you know someone or care for someone that might be interested in taking part in this study, please contact the LonDownS consortium by email at downsyndrome@ucl.ac.uk or phone Tamara on 020 7679 9055. For more information see www.ucl.ac.uk/londowns or call 020 7679 9376.

Alzheimer's Society is developing the Information Programme for South Asian Families (IPSAF) to help carers build their understanding, knowledge and skills. … The risk of developing dementia is higher among people in South Asian communities but their level of participation in … [the] Carer Information and Support Programme (CrISP) has been low. Diabetes and cardiovascular-related conditions - risk factors for vascular dementia - are more prevalent among South Asian people and they tend to be diagnosed with dementia less and later on. South Asian families are often more likely to access services at a time of crisis and take care back into the extended family soon afterwards. …IPSAF is based on similar aims to CrISP and tailored to the specific needs of South Asian families … [and was] piloted … between January and March. IPSAF involves four weekly information sessions on understanding dementia, legal and financial matters, looking after others and looking after yourself … run by specially trained Society staff alongside local representatives, with interpretation services available.

Information will all be verbal and visual rather than in written form. A Bollywood-inspired DVD has been produced in English and Hindi, for example, which people will also be able to take home to share. After the initial pilots IPSAF will be trialled in 15 further areas and evaluated independently. …

For more information … please email diana.barbosa@alzheimers.org.uk or call 020 7423 5148.

What's On?

KCN provides a monthly outreach/information drop-in service onthe Acacia Unit at Tolworth Hospital for carers and staff on the 1st Monday of the month from 12 noon to 2pm. The next dates are: 12th May (due to Bank Holiday closing), 2nd June, 7th July, 4th August.

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. Since January 2014, the group now meets on the 1st Tuesday of every month at the Noble Centre, 109a Blagdon Road, between 10am and 12 noon. The next meetings are: 8th May, 3rd June, 1st July, 5th August. If you would like to find out more or book a place (as places are limited) call Alzheimer’s Society’s

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

Kingston office on 020 3513 5147 or email kingstonoffice@alzheimers.org.uk.

NEW – Starting Friday 2nd May, Home Instead will run a bi-weekly Memory Café for people with memory loss and their carers every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month with a choice of two sessions available on each day, either from 10am-12noon or 2pm-4pm at the Rose Theatre, 24-26 High Street, Kingston KT1 1HL. The dates are: 2nd May & 16th May, 6th June & 20th June, 4th July & 18th July, 1st August & 15th August.

ASCA runs a support group for carers of people who misuse drugs or alcohol every Wednesday from 6pm-7:30pm at 96 Ditton Road, Surbiton, KT6 6RH. For more details contact Donald on 020 8339 9899.

Kingston Bipolar UK Group is open to carers and meets every 2nd Monday of the month from 7:30pm-9pm now at a NEW VENUE; Health Works, 3rd Floor Surrey House, 34 Eden Street, Kingston KT1 1ER (please note that there is no lift access in the evenings). The next meetings are: 12th May, 10th June, 14th July, 11th August.

‘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: 13th May, 10th June, 8th July, 12th August.

KCN’s monthly Lilacs Ward evening drop-in sessions for individual carers are held on the last Thursday of the month from 6pm-7pm; the sessions are an opportunity for carers supporting someone on the ward to have one to one support from Veronica on, 29th May, 26th June, 31st July, 21st August. Additional support is provided on the ward to carers by Kingston Mental Health Carers’ Forum (KMHCF) on the 2nd Wednesday of the month from 4pm-5pm; 14th May, 12th June. 8th July, 12th August. For more information contact 07983 063 578 or email info@kmhcf.org.uk.