Winter 2017 newsletter

Winter 2017 Also inside:  News from our Chief Executive  New Office  Membership  Forthcoming Support Groups and updates  Kingston Quality Awards

The Young Carers’ Project

Working for Carers Project

Social Activities and Outings

Season’s Greetings!

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

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

News from the Chief Executive 2017 has been our busiest year to date with our advice team receiving around 1,000 referrals.

However, we know that there are still so many ‘hidden’ carers within Kingston who could benefit from our advice and support. Next year we hope to support even more carers by extending our outreach work within Kingston Hospital and raising public awareness of KCN. The media have highlighted the extreme challenges facing our health and social care services and how this is impacting on carers. Carers UK State of Caring Survey 2017 found that 73% of carers who responded to their survey, felt that the Government did not understand or value their contribution. This contribution is estimated to be £132bn per year—almost as much as the NHS receives.

National Carers Strategy We had been anticipating that a new National Carers Strategy would be published earlier this year, with an extended consultation ending in July 2016. We were expecting to refresh Kingston’s Carers Strategy and were hoping to align local and national strategies. However, there is still no sign of a new Carers Strategy despite the Government announcing proposals to reform care and support for older people.

Responding to the Government’s announcement which failed to mention the needs of carers, Carers Trust and Carers UK have now secured the Government’s commitment to bring in a crossGovernment action plan in the New Year to improve support for carers informed by evidence from carers. See link for more information: https://carers.org/press-release/carers-trust-welcomes-crossgovernment-action-plan-improve-support-unpaid-carers Staying Well this Winter As we know, the cold temperatures can leave many people at risk of developing a serious illness, particularly those with a long-term health condition, children under 5 and those over 65. NHS Kingston Clinical Commissioning Group is supporting the national 2017/18 Stay Well This Winter campaign.

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Winter 2017

Winter can also increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes for those with a long-term condition or who are over 65.

There are a number of things you can do to prepare against the cold weather: At the first sign of a cough or a cold, get immediate advice from your pharmacist before it gets more serious.

Speak to your pharmacist about medicines you should have in stock over winter.

Pick up prescription medications before the Christmas holidays start as many GPs and pharmacies will close over the holidays.

It is important to keep warm in winter, so heat your home to at least 18°C (65°F), if you can, you might prefer your living room to be slightly warmer.

Make sure you get your flu jab.

If you need help over the holiday period when your GP surgery or pharmacy is closed, call NHS 111 or visit www.nhs.uk And remember that Kingston CCG has increased access to GP appointments in the evening and at weekends. Patients in Kingston will now have access to extended primary care services from Surbiton health centre, Kingston Health Centre and Merritt Health Centre.

Kingston provides access to primary care services 8 to 8, 7 days a week.

This includes – Surbiton Health Centre – extended appointments available between 6:30pm – 8pm Monday to Friday and between 8am – 8pm Saturdays and Sundays Kingston Health Centre - appointments available between 6:30pm – 8pm Monday to Friday and between 8am – 8pm Saturday and 8am – 2pm Sunday Merritt Health Centre - appointments available between 6:30pm – 8pm Monday to Friday and between 8am – 2pm Saturday and Sunday To make an evening appointment you would need to contact your own GP surgery before 5pm to make an appointment.

For a weekend appointment call 020 3841 9942.

Wishing you all the best for the festive season and a very happy New Year

Kate

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

Do you suffer with insomnia?

Kingston residents can access the online Sleep Improvement Programme called Sleepio. This is an evidence based digital sleep improvement programme created by sleep expert Professional Colin Espie. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques have been shown in numerous clinical trials to help overcome even long term insomnia.

For further details, go to: https://www.sleepio.com/cbt-for-insomnia/

WE’VE MOVED!!!

We have now moved to our lovely new office in Tolworth, so make sure you update your address books with our new address: 418 Ewell Road, Tolworth KT6 7HF

Outreach News The Big Lottery funded Outreach project has now been running for 4 years at KCN. The aim of the project was to engage with Kingston GP surgeries and Kingston Hospital in identifying and supporting carers.

We have supported over 1,500 carers just in these settings during this time, via regular outreach advice sessions in a few of the GP surgeries in Kingston and active outreach on 4 of the elderly wards in Kingston Hospital.

The fact that some many new carers have been identified just through this project is a statement once again of how important the work that KCN does is in supporting carers in Kingston. The project will carry on for another year and we are currently applying for more funding to hopefully continue the Outreach work in the borough.

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Winter 2017

Carers’ Consultation What research should be done about unpaid carers aged over 70 years?

Would you like to take part in an informal discussion group with other unpaid, family carers to discuss what you think is important to older carers?

Are you: an unpaid carer currently supporting someone with disability or illness or have you done so sometime over the last five years? aged 70 years or older? able to come to a discussion group near you over lunch time Who are we?

Supported by Kingston Carers Network and Carers Support Merton we are a team of researchers from St George’s University of London and Kingston University. We are carrying out four discussion groups to find out from carers themselves and those working with them what research we need to do in order to support older unpaid carers.

We will provide lunch and pay your transport costs and may also be able to pay sitting costs for the person you support if you need them.

If you want to take part but only available for the discussion groups, that is fine – just let us know when to expect you.

In appreciation of your time on the project, we will also give you a £20 M&S voucher for taking part.

Discussion group dates and venue: KCN Office, 418 Ewell Road, Tolworth, KT6 7HF Tuesday 20th Feb and Wednesday 21 Feb 10.30am-1.30pm If you would like to take part or have any questions please contact: Vanessa at wellbeing@kingstoncarers.org.uk or call 020 3559 2824

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

Become a Member of KCN Kingston Carers’ Network is committed to ensuring that carers are involved in the running of the charity.

We are seeking new members who will be entitled to vote at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and to approve the appointment of Trustees to the Board.

If you apply to become a member, we anticipate this membership to be continuous whilst you are associated with KCN. However, you can resign as a member at any point in the future. There is no fee to join but in the event of KCN’s insolvency, all members might be charged a nominal fee of £1.

Membership entitles you to: A vote at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) Receive the Annual Reports Appoint Trustees to the Board Invitations to special events A KCN membership card

Membership form

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Winter 2017

Staff News Jo Maye has had a beautiful baby girl called Saoirse (pronounced Sear-sha) who all the staff are in love with! Mother and baby are doing well and thank you for all your good wishes.

In case you’re confused, Jo Cocup is the Office Manager while Jo M is on maternity leave.

Hi my name is Sam and I'm very excited to be joining the team on the Young Carers Project as a Support Worker.

For the last year I have been spending time with my baby but I'm looking forward to a new challenge in getting back to work! Before that, I have worked in a school for over 12 years, providing emotional support for many children.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and having lots of fun with my little boy.

Hi I'm Justine, I am really excited about joining the Kingston carers network in the role of Young Adult Carer support worker.

I have worked in various support roles mainly with young adults. I am a counsellor and hypnotherapist and run a part time practice in Surrey. I also own a gym in Surrey and have a role as director.

In my spare time, which is limited as I have two teenage girls I like to go out dancing, love weekends away in my camper, cinema, weight training at the gym and days out with my girls.

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

News from the Young Carers’ Project We have been busy as always here at YCP preparing for an exciting Christmas jam packed with parties and festive treats!

October half term was amazing, with some wonderful activities.

Paintballing, Legoland, Halloween parties, and quad biking…..the fun didn’t stop!

We continue to run out regular youth groups and drop ins during term time, alongside our lunch clubs, targeted workshops, mentoring sessions and Cook And Eat project.

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Winter 2017

If you managed to watch BBC Children In Need’s Appeal Night on Friday 17th November, you may have seen some familiar faces!

Our Young Carers were given the incredible opportunity to film with the BBC and had a truly magical day meeting lots of famous faces and having fun. If you didn’t see it, it really is worth a watch!

If you think you know someone who may be a young carer, please do get in touch and remember to follow us on twitter @YCPKingston Diane, Liz, Nicola and Alice Young Carers’ Project 020 3031 2754

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Kingston Carers’ Network

Wellbeing Workshops and Social Activities

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

Hello,

I am back from maternity leave! A huge thank you to my colleague Lynsdey, who covered my post – thank you! I hope you enjoyed the activities that I had arranged for carers before I went on leave – the feedback has been really positive.

There have been some changes since I have returned – mainly the change in office location from New Malden to Tolworth Broadway.

This will have some impact on arranging transport for some of our activities – we do not have a car park for our transport to wait for us.

I will be looking into this for the social activities next year and will ensure carers booked onto activities are fully informed of where pick -ups and drops offs will be.

Unfortunately the Meditation group that is held in partnership with Kingston Adult Education has not been running since September this year and I have been informed by Kingston Adult Education that these classes are likely to not resume until Easter next year. I will be looking for a venue and a facilitator to cover these sessions until Easter and will keep you updated.

Please look out for our new dancercise class with Don’t Tone Alone, which will cater to all levels and we also have a yoga class for carers beginning in February for 6 weeks I would welcome your feedback on the Wellbeing Workshops we have run this year, such as; Laughter Yoga, Homeopathy Workshops, Introduction to End of Life Planning and our evening Cookery Classes. It would be great to know what you enjoyed, what you would like repeated and maybe some suggestions for next year – email me at wellbeing@kingstoncarers.org.uk I look forward to seeing you soon, Vanessa

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Winter 2017

January B.Y.O.C. (Bring Your Own Crafts) Coffee Morning Our monthly coffee mornings are a chance to take a break, meet new people and make progress on your latest project.

When? The third Friday of the month, 10:00am – 12:00pm, (16th March, 20th April) Where? KCN Office, 418 Ewell Road, Tolworth, KT6 7HF

January Craft Club – Vision Boards Vision boards are a fantastic way of setting intentions/ goals and helping you to stay inspired and keep motivated – useful at this time of the year! In this session you will create your very own vision board with support from Karen.

Friday 12th January, 10:00am – 12:00pm, KCN Office, £3 (including materials, tuition and refreshments)

Kingston Carers Lunch Club We thought we would begin the year by keeping it local and relaxed with a lovely lunch at Ristorante Sorrento’s in Tolworth. Sorrento’s serves delicious Italian food and has come highly recommended.

Tuesday 30th January, 12 midday – 2pm, Ristorante Sorrento’s, £5 towards a 3 course meal

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

Booking for Social Events taking place from JANUARY onwards opens on Monday 15th January

February Craft Club – Velvet hearts- using Bondaweb and foils As it’s Valentine’s month we will be working with hearts and sew into 3D shapes.

In this session bondaweb will be used to stick on foils to velvet and embellish with other bling...sequins and beads and maybe a tassel if time.

Friday 2nd February, 10:00am – 12:00pm, KCN Office, £3 (including materials, tuition and refreshments)

Brewery Tour – Twickenham Fine Ales This month we have organised a guided tour of a microbrewery in Twickenham – Twickenham Fine Ales. The brewery was set up in 2004 and is the oldest of the microbreweries in London.

The tour lasts just under 2 hour and there will be the opportunity to sample the various beers produced here.

Wednesday 14th February, 6pm until 9pm £5 - which includes transport, a guided tour, glass and a pint!

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Winter 2017

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

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

Wednesday 14th February, 10:00am – 12:00pm, followed by lunch, KCN Office 418 Ewell Road KT6 7HF, FREE

March Craft Club – Upcycling with Kantha Embroidery Upcycling is a fabulous way of breathing new life into old items. Come along to this session if you have anything you would like to reinvent using beautiful kantha embroidery. Friday 2nd March, 10:00am – 12:00pm, KCN Office, £3 (including materials, tuition and refreshments)

Kew Gardens It’s the annual Orchid Festival at Kew Gardens this time of the year and the theme will be celebrating Thailand’s vibrant plant life and culture in the ‘tropical paradise of the Princess of Wales Conservatory’.

This trip to Kew will be free, however, there is the option to have a 60 minute organised tour, which will be £2. If you would like to be part of a tour, register your interest when you book a place. This is of course not obligatory – you are free to wander Kew Gardens at your leisure.

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

Evening Cookery Class – Bread making In this hands-on cookery workshop, led by Susan from Sassy Stirrers, you will learn how to make a variety of different breads. We will then sit down together and enjoy what we have made. All equipment and ingredients will be provided and you will be given recipes to take home.

Tuesday 6th March, Southborough School, Hook Road, 5:30pm – 8:00pm, £5 (equipment and ingredients provided

Did you know that you can now book all of our activities online?

Visit www.kingstoncarers.org.uk/wellbeingKCN project/activities to book. You can still book by contacting Vanessa on 020 3375 8226 or wellbeing@kingstoncarers.org.uk or by sending a letter to “Kingston Carers’ Network, FREEPOST RTYH-RCZJ-XZYS 418 Ewell Road,, KT6 7HF.

If getting to the pick up point is difficult for you and you would like to attend one of our social events, we are happy, where possible, to arrange pick-up and drop-off points near you. Contact Vanessa on wellbeing@kingstoncarers.org.uk or call 020 3375 8226

Booking for Social Events taking place from JANUARY onwards opens on Monday15th January

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Winter 2017

Weekly Wellbeing Classes Weekly Wellbeing Classes Our weekly wellbeing classes, run in partnership with Kingston Adult Education and Don’t Tone Alone, are an opportunity to take time out and improve your physical wellbeing.

Kingston Adult Education Please note – you must complete an enrolment form at the King Charles Centre (either in person or over the phone) before you will be able to attend these classes.

Zumba - Tuesdays, 12:00pm - 1:00pm, Tolworth United Reformed Church, KT5 9JR, £3 (Starting Tuesday 19th September) Stretch and Strengthen - Thursdays, 3:00pm - 4:00pm, King Charles Centre, KT5 9AL, £3 (Starting Thursday 21st September) Kingston Adult Education contact details: King Charles Centre, Surbiton, KT5 9AL / 020 8547 6875 Don’t Tone Alone Pilates - Wednesdays, 12:00pm - 1:00pm, Surbiton Racket and Fitness Club, KT5 8JT, FREE Dancercise – Tuesdays, 5:45pm - 6:45pm, Surbiton Racket and Fitness Club, KT5 8JT, FREE Circuit Fitness - Saturdays, 11:00am-12:00pm, Surbiton Racket and Fitness Club, KT5 8JT, FREE No need to book - just turn up and give it a try!

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

Weekly Wellbeing Classes New - Yoga Classes 6 Week Yoga Class Thanks to the Carers Trust, we have secured a grant to enable us to run a yoga class for 6 weeks.

When? Every Wednesday from 7th February until 11th April Time? 11am – 12 midday Where? Surbiton New Life Baptist Church, 6 Langley Road, KT6 4NG Cost? £3 a session For more information and to book a place, contact Vanessa on 020 3559 2824 or email wellbeing@kingstoncarers.org.uk

Working for Carers Project Thinking about getting back into work?

The Working for Carers project supports unpaid carers to return to work.

The programme is available to carers who are aged 25 or over, who have the right to work in the UK and are not in employment.

Working for Carers Project

Carers can access free support, designed to meet their individual needs.

This may include:     

One-to-one support and advice Group activities and training workshops Support with writing CVs and interview techniques Help with job searching Work experience opportunities

The project is led by Carers Trust and delivered by its network of 24 partners across London, and is jointly funded by the Big Lottery Fun and European Social Fund.

If you are interested in finding out more, or would like to be referred to the project, email: wellbeing@kingstoncarers.org.uk or call: 020 3375 8226.

Initial appointments will take place at our offices in Tolworth.

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Winter 2017

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

Ever thought about volunteering?

We are looking for a friendly volunteer to facilitate our monthly Carers Support Group. The group runs on the third Wednesday of every month, 10.00am to 11.30am at Merritt Medical Centre, Chessington. It is a small and supportive group for all carers.

If you’re a chatty, approachable person who would like to give something back, please get in touch. Call 020 3375 8226. or email volunteering@kingstoncarers.org.uk.

On the 4th of October, Kingston Carers’ Network were presented with the Kingston Quality Award for Best Practice in Volunteer Management (KQA) from Go Kingston Volunteering.

The KQA sets out 10 key principles that guide best practice in volunteering including; equality and diversity, expenses, induction, organisational involvement, personal development, recruitment process, resolving difficulties, reward and recognition, safe environment and support.

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Winter 2017

Support Groups Carers’ Support Group Merritt Medical Centre, Chessington, 10.00am to 11.30am Third Wednesday of each month

Carers of Adults with Asperger's Syndrome or Autism Spectrum Disorder KCN Office, Tolworth, 10.00am to 12.00pm First Wednesday of each month

Parents and Carers of Children and Young People with ADHD KCN Office, Tolworth, 10.00am to 12.00pm Second Friday of each month

Mental Health Carers Group Tolworth Hospital, 6.00pm to 7.15pm Second Tuesday of each month

Parents and Carers of Children and Young People with Additional Needs Tolworth Children’s Centre, School Lane, Surbiton, 9.15am to 11.15pm One Monday a month: Please contact Clare for dates this will take place:

For more information on any of the support groups, please contact the office on 020 3031 2757 or admin@kingstoncarers.org.uk

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

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Winter 2017

Public consultation: Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment for Kingston Kingston Health and Wellbeing Board is under a statutory obligation to draft, consult upon and publish a pharmaceutical needs assessment (PNA) in accordance with the National Health Service (Pharmaceutical and Local Pharmaceutical Services) Regulations 2013. The PNA is designed to assess the current provision of pharmaceutical services, have regard to any specified future circumstance where the current position may materially change and identify any current and future gaps in pharmaceutical services. The PNA assists NHS England in determining market entry applications by pharmacists for new, additional or relocated premises, hours or pharmaceutical services.

There may be services commissioned by the Local Authority or Clinical Commissioning Group that, whilst not being statutory pharmaceutical services, inform the conclusions reached in this process and may assist those organisations in considering their commissioning intentions of other local services from pharmacies.

You may remember we undertook a similar consultation in 2014. We are now conducting a public consultation for the 2018 refresh to seek your views on whether you agree with the contents of this draft PNA and whether it addresses issues that you consider relevant to the provision of pharmaceutical services. The feedback gathered in the consultation will be reported and reflected in the final revised PNA report. To facilitate this we have uploaded the draft PNA onto the Kingston Council website and it can be found by accessing http:// www.kingstonconversations.co.uk/pharmaceutical-needs-assessment The consultation will run until 26th January 2018.

Once published the PNA will be a tool for commissioners, providers and users of pharmaceutical services and will be updated at least every three years. We will publish the final PNA by 1st April 2018.

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

The Alzheimer’s Society in Kingston provides a range of support services for people with dementia, their families and carers.

Our Dementia Adviser service supports people living with Dementia in Kingston from the point of diagnosis onwards.

Our Dementia Support Worker provides practical and emotional support to people caring for a family member, friend or partner with dementia; Our Support Group for Carers is held on the first Tuesday of each month and provides the opportunity for carers to share practical information, advice and personal experiences with others who understand what they are going through.

We also offer our Carers Information and Support Programme (CriSP) which is a series of workshops looking at information and support on topics such as: What is Dementia, Support and Care for someone with Dementia, Legal and Money matters and Planning for the Future.

Please contact us for further details of our next workshop.

Singing for the Brain is held every Friday for people in the early to moderate stages of dementia and their carers.

For information on our future sessions or any of our services, please get in touch. We’re here to help.

Alzheimer’s Society Kingston Woodroffe House Tolworth Hospital Red Lion Road Surbiton KT6 7QU Tel. 0203 513 5147.

Dementia Connect, the easy way to find support near you. alzheimers.org.uk/dementiaconnect

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Winter 2017

Kingston Mencap run a monthly group for carers who have a family member with a learning disability.

We hold meetings on the first Wednesday of the month with speakers and information sharing.

We alternate the meet up time and start at 1.30pm one month and the next at 7.30pm so everyone has the opportunity to attend.

Mary Macan and Gill Wood facilitate both meetings and everyone is welcome.

Our next evening meeting will be held at 7.30pm on Wednesday 7th February (there will be no meeting in January) t Kingston Mencap’s new HQ at Searchlight, Kingston Road, New Malden KT3 3RX For more information contact Gill Wood 0208540 1399 gillcwood@blueyonder.co.uk

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Kingston Carers’ Network

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk

Complementary Therapies and Beauty Treatments Complementary Therapies with Mitsuko Mondays, 10.00am to 2.00pm Alternate Thursdays, 10.00am to 12.30pm Aromatherapy Body Massage, 1 hour (including consultation) £20 Facial Massage. 1 hour, £20 Reflexology, 45 minutes, £15 Indian Head Massage, 30 minutes, £12

Hairdressing with Kelly Second Monday of each month, 10.00am to 3.00pm £5 per haircut

Healing Touch Massage with Roman Alternate Thursdays, 10.00am to 12.30pm £12 for 30 minutes, £20 for 1 hour Therapies include full body massage, deep tissue massage, natural lift face massage and back, neck and shoulder massage.

For more information or to book an appointment, please contact Jo on admin@kingstoncarers.org.uk or 020 3031 2751