Carers' Connection - October 2022

Welcome to the latest edition of Carers’ Connection.

I am looking at how we have evolved through co-production with yourselves. After we opened in December 2020, we ran a Path session looking at what you wanted from the service. We had great input and adapted our service delivery in line with what you said. However, as new carers join us all the time, we welcome ongoing suggestions. We recently invited you to send any feedback or ideas you wanted us to consider. I have answered some questions below, because I feel it’s important when asking for information and consulting with you that we also feed back on the results.

One carer thought it would be nice to know when they could apply for a treat or break. This is where our Respitality Bureau comes in. Just give Lauren or Anna a call on 01224 914035 to have a chat about any funding that you might be able to access.

Another carer said it would be nice to meet their Carer Advisor in person now that Covid cases have dropped. We are offering a blended mix of in-person and online groups, but you can also ask for a one-to-one with your support worker if you would prefer.

Someone got in touch to say their cared for is now in a nursing home and that they are trying to adjust to them not being at home. Changes in your situation can be a very hard time for you and we wish the carer who submitted this feedback all the best during this difficult period. We also want to let you know that we are looking at starting a group for carers facing changes in their caring role. If you feel this would be helpful, please mention it to your support worker.

A carer said that they were sorry to have missed the Creative Paths programme. Our first Creative Paths programme has indeed ended; however, we do have a small pot of funding to enable any carers who were interested in trying this project to undertake some short taster sessions. If interested, please give us a call. I am also in the process of submitting a new funding application which, if successful, will allow us Carers’2022

to offer another creative art project. Fingers crossed!

One carer was initially reluctant to contact us but wish they’d done it sooner, saying if it hadn’t been for our input, they would still be struggling to get care for their loved one. We hope that anyone caring for someone in Aberdeen feels they can join the service. All you need to do is either self-refer by calling or emailing us, or by asking your social care manager to send in a referral on your

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carer felt that the Doorstep Breaks funding should have had child-friendly options, as they would have liked to take their children with them. This is very helpful feedback and something we will look at when applying for future funding of this type. We were restricted for our pilot-funded project due to the pandemic but hope to look at lots more options in the future, especially through the Respitality route.

We have been so touched by the feedback received in support of your Carer Advisors, Family Wellbeing Workers, and the service, all of which we have fed back to the team. Covid and lockdown meant that we had to adapt the way we offer support, but together we have all managed to stay in touch and work through these strange times.

McPherson, Service Coordinator

Meet the team

Joanna McPherson

Elaine Dukes

Parent Carer Advisor

Tel: 07917 521852

Email: quarriers.org.ukelaine.dukes@

Natalia Beaton

Family Wellbeing Worker (Health and Wellbeing)

Tel: 07917 052551

Email:

Klaudia Szafran

Family Wellbeing Worker (Enhanced Carer Support)

Tel: 07796 966107

Email:

Lauren Gardiner

Family Wellbeing Worker

Teresa Massie Carer (EnhancedAdvisorCarer Support)

Tel: 07917 521853

Email:

Anna FamilySchmittWellbeing

Helen

Family Wellbeing

Tel 07917

Email:

Vicki FamilyJohnstoneWellbeing

Tel 07551 018643

Email:

Sharon Thom

Family Wellbeing Worker (Triage)

Tel 07939 173970

Email:

Welcome to the team

Sharon Thom

I am pleased to be joining Aberdeen Carers Support Service as a Family Wellbeing Worker (Triage). I am looking forward to being part of the team and to welcoming and supporting the carers who use our service.

In my previous roles, I supported adults with learning disabilities, older adults, and older adults with dementia in a range of settings including day care, residential, and one-to-one.

Away from work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, walking, swimming, cinema, reading, and going to see shows.

Our Carers’ Catch-Up group, for unpaid carers supporting someone living with dementia to share information and knowledge and support each other, is changing its format. As of the November group, the meetings will take place inperson and over Zoom alternately.

The November group will be face to face, December’s one will take place over Zoom, January’s will be face-to-face, and so on. The time of the group will also change from November onwards, starting at 1pm and running until 3pm. Thereafter, the group will run on the third Thursday of each month.

You can find the details of all our groups, along andoncontactwithdetails,pages1112.Dementiagroup

The findings will help inform Carers Trust Scotland’s influencing work to improve the future support available to older adult unpaid carers from governments. The survey will be live until December 2022. It should take around 10 minutes to complete, and two participants will have the chance to win a £25 Amazon voucher each. If you would like the opportunity to win a voucher, please leave your email address at the end of the agedSurveycom/r/PKPB23Bhttps://carerstrust.surveymonkey.survey.forcarers65+

Would you prefer to receive this newsletter by email? Let us know by getting in touch via the contact details on page launched

a survey for unpaid carers aged 65+ in Scotland to find out about the support older adult unpaid carers need from governments. The survey asks about the challenges facing unpaid carers regarding finances, physical and mental wellbeing, and barriers to taking a break.

Peter Vardy Foundation

We would like to say a huge thank you to the Peter Vardy Foundation for their Back to School Backpack project, which resulted in the donation of over 700 school bags to Quarriers. The bags contained pens, pads, water bottles, and other goodies for both primary and academy-aged

Living Well Cafés

In addition to their Newhills Café, which opened again in April this year, the Living Well Project were delighted to reopen their Ferryhill Café on 18 August for the first time since the pandemic. The café provides a welcoming, safe, and supportive place for anyone with memory problems, with carers and family members also welcome to attend.

Run by staff and supported by a team of committed volunteers, the café offers a warm and welcoming environment and a range of activities such as themed reminiscing, musical activities, games, and the opportunity for carers to network with others.

They can also offer information and signposting to organisations that may be able to provide a service, information, or help in other practical ways.

Why not pop along for an afternoon of chat and fun with a fly cup and a fine piece? There is no charge, but donations are welcome to cover the cost of the refreshments.

children and were distributed throughout Scotland, from Moray to the Borders!

Here in Aberdeen, we distributed over 100 backpacks to the children of parent carers we support. We would like to thank everyone who made this happen, especially Natalie Bryce and Shirley Berry from the Foundation.

Carers Rights Day 2022

Each year, Carers Rights Day helps to:

• ensure carers are aware of their rights

• let carers know where to get help and support

• raise awareness of the needs of carers

This year’s Carers Rights Day takes place on Thursday 24 November and, on the day, we are running three online events over Zoom.

Amy Richert of Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership will talk about the Carers’ Strategy, and you will have

Can you help?

We have been in discussion about using Viewpoint to adjust our registration forms and Adult Carer Support Plans to enable them to be used through a mobile phone app, as we feel this will help carers who don’t have access to laptops or WePCs.are

now looking for a small group of carers who will help us test the app to see if it works, and to gather feedback on any required changes. If you could spare a little time to assess this with us and feed back on it, we would love to hear from you! Please get in touch via the contact details on page 12.

a chance to ask questions and give your views in order to help improve and develop it.

Diane Alexander of Home Energy Scotland will provide information around saving energy and reducing fuel

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Taylor from the Mental Welfare Commission will give information and advice on subjects such as Power of Attorney and Guardianship.

You can find the times and contact details for these sessions on page 11.

Calling male carers

Come along to our Monday Men’s Group for a chance to meet with other male carers for a chat and a cuppa, to ask questions and gain advice and support, but most of all to have a bit of you time away from your demanding unpaid carer role.

The group is held monthly on Mondays from 11am - 1pm at 37 Albert Street. You can find further information and contact details on pages 11 and 12.

Feeling anxious or struggling to cope?

Visit www.clearyourhead.scotscot/mindtomindwww.nhsinform.and

The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free UK-wide service which provides extra help during power cuts or when there’s an interruption to your electricity, gas, or water

Joiningsupply.thePSR

helps your utility companies to provide adapted services, adjust communications, and make amendments to keep you safe, such as setting up a password scheme and providing advance warning of planned interruptions to electricity, gas, or water

Energysupplies.suppliers

must ensure that vulnerable customers on the PSR have access to an energy supply over the winter months (October to March). This can be interpreted that the energy suppliers should not forcibly install prepayment meters over the winter months for vulnerable customers on the

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eligible for free PSR Services if

•you:Use medical equipment reliant on electricity or water

• Are blind or partially sighted

• Are deaf or hard of hearing

• Have a chronic illness

• Have anxiety, depression, or any other mental health condition

• Have a disability

• Are over 60 years of age

• Live with children under five

• Temporarily need extra support

• Need documents translated into another format or language

The benefits of joining the PSR, depending which supplier you are with, may include:

• Priority Treatment during a power, gas, or water supply interruption

• Communication tailored to your needs, e.g., Large Print, Braille, or audio

• Emergency power or water if you use medical equipment/aids which require these

• Help with emergency electrical heating and cooking appliances if your gas supply is interrupted for a prolonged Forperiodmore information, including how to sign up, visit https://psrscotland.com/

For more information, Costwww.carersnet.org/cost-of-living/visitofliving£

The rapid increase in the cost of living is putting huge pressure on carers across the country. The Coalition of Carers in Scotland will be updating their webpage regularly with links to information, advice, and support to help carers and their families with the cost of living.

You can use their handy online tool to search for funding and support –give it a try and see what help you may be entitled to: Homefreeinternetuk/fundingfinder/homeenergyscotland-advice.est.org.https://.Ifyoudon’thaveaccessyoucancallthemon08088082282.EnergyScotland

Making your home more efficient can help lower your energy bills, but the upfront cost of improvements like insulation or heating often puts people off. The good news is, Home Energy Scotland can help with that. They’ll let you know what funding is available to you – you might be able to spread the cost with an interestfree loan or get a grant to cover much-needed home improvements.

Kingswood Day Centre

Kingswood Day Centre, located next to Kingswood Very Sheltered Housing Complex in the Mastrick area of Aberdeen, has a planned programme of activities designed to promote well-being through social and health-related services. The benefits are two-fold:

• To provide older adults an opportunity to get out of the house and receive both mental and social stimulation

• To give carers a much-needed break in which to deal with personal needs, or simply rest and relax The team specialises in supporting those with dementia, and the service is available on weekdays, although at present Thursdays are just for outreach visits to service users’ homes.

Daily activities at the centre include chair-based exercises, tin can bingo, putting, boccia, quizzes, music, and games such as Play Your Cards Right.

If you feel that you or your cared for would benefit from this service, please contact the Care Management team at Aberdeen

Home Library Service

Aberdeen City Libraries’ Home Library service is a free personal service for people of all ages who live in Aberdeen and are unable to visit their local library due to disability, illness, or because they are caring for someone. The service is available on a permanent or temporary basis, for example while recovering from an operation or illness.

If applying to join the service, library staff will visit you at home to discuss your application and find out about your reading or listening tastes. They will then visit once every four weeks to drop off and collect items. Although use of the home library service is free, there is a charge for borrowing CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs.

City Council on 01224 264004. They will conduct an assessment, and referral will be based on whether the person’s needs are met at the centre.

If you feel that you or someone you know may benefit from this service, please contact them on 01224 498930 / HomeLibrary@aberdeencity.gov.uk

Calling creative carers!

We are running a fun competition to find two pieces of welcoming and relaxing carer-created art to go on the wall of our meeting room here at Albert Street. If you like art, textiles or photography, why not give it a go?

Email photos of your creations (maximum of two per carer) to susan.middler@ quarriers.org.uk by 31 October 2022. We will share the images on our Facebook page and ask our followers to vote for their favourite two. We will then collaborate with the winners to have their artwork put on canvas – one for our meeting room and one for each winner. We can’t wait to see your entries! up to date with all the latest news on our Facebook page: Scotland’s

ScotSpirit Holiday Voucher Scheme

Carer Evelyn, along with her husband Stuart and their son Bradley enjoyed a trip to Edinburgh Zoo in August, with tickets for a special Keeper Experience. They had a lovely day. Evelyn told us they saw many animals, including a variety of small ones, and then went for dinner nearby. “We really enjoyed this experience and seeing all the animals. We had a great wee break and would recommend this. These small breaks keep the family together to enjoy time away from the stresses of everyday life. Thank you. It is very much appreciated.”

Melanie enjoyed a three-night break to Inverness and sent us this lovely feedback: “I just wanted to send a note to say a massive thank you for organising our short break to Inverness. We had a wonderful time. It was so nice to have a break from the usual routine. We visited the Black Isle, went to the Highland Wildlife Park, and tried to spot the Loch Ness Monster. Lots of lovely food, ice cream, and coffee for three days too. We really appreciate the support and recognition we’ve received from you. It’s been very important for us.”

Doorstep Breaks

At the end of July, Grampian Escapes and Tours took several carers on a relaxing bus trip around Royal Deeside. Carers enjoyed travelling through the glorious Aberdeenshire countryside and seeing sights such as the Cambus O’ May bridge, which spans the River Dee, and the Falls of Feugh, near Banchory. This was followed by a delicious afternoon tea in a cosy lounge at Ballater’s Balmoral Arms Hotel. Margaret, one of the carers who benefitted from this break, said “We all had a lovely time and enjoyed one another’s company. I want to go back at some point and stay for a few days. The views were stunning, and it was so peaceful. I felt in a happy place. Jacqueline, our tour guide, was lovely and very knowledgeable about the area’s heritage. The afternoon tea was delicious with plenty of food, and staff at the hotel were very attentive. Thank you to everyone who was involved in organising the trip. You all do a tremendous job looking after us unpaid carers. I am so grateful for all the help and support I have received.”

Carers’ groups

We are running a variety of groups for carers – details below. Some of the groups will be face-to-face and others will be via Microsoft Teams or Zoom. If you are interested in joining any of the sessions, please let us know. If you have any questions about joining or accessing the online ones, please just get in touch and we can support you.

Date and time Session

11amNovemberMondayNovember7-12.30pm

Tuesday 10–11amNovember8

Wednesday 9 2-4pmNovember

Thursday 1-3pmNovember17

Wednesday 23 11amNovember-1pm

Thursday 10.30-11.30amNovember24

Thursday 2-3pmNovember24

Thursday 3-4pmNovember24

Friday 2November25–2.45pm

Monday Men’s Group – A group for those in an unpaid caring role who might wish to meet others in a similar situation. In person. Contact Teresa Massie on 07917 521853 / teresa.massie@quarriers.org.uk if you wish to attend.

Parent Carer Café – For parents supporting a child with additional needs to share information, skills and knowledge and support each other online. Over Zoom. Contact Elaine Dukes on 07917 521852 if you wish to attend.

Health and Wellbeing Book Group - Pop in between 2-4pm for a cuppa, browse our selection of books, and borrow any that will help you in your caring role. Contact Natalia Beaton on 07917 052551 if you wish to attend.

Carers’ Catch Up – A group for unpaid carers supporting someone living with dementia to share knowledge and support each other. In person. Contact Helen Summers on 07917 521862 / helen.summers@ quarriers.org.uk if you wish to attend.

Connexions – A closed group for women in need of mental health support. In person or over Zoom. If you wish to attend, please contact Teresa Massie on 07917 521853 / teresa.massie@quarriers.org.uk to discuss the criteria.

Carers Rights Day Zoom session – Join Amy Richert of Aberdeen City Health & Social Care Partnership to learn about their Carers’ Strategy and give your views in order to help improve and develop it. Contact Louisa Donaldson on 07917 521885 / louisa.donaldson@quarriers.org.uk if you wish to attend.

Carers Rights Day Zoom session – Diane Alexander of Home Energy Scotland will provide information around saving energy and reducing fuel bills. Contact Elaine Dukes on 07917 521852 / elaine.dukes@ quarriers.org.uk if you wish to attend.

Carers Rights Day Zoom session– Kathleen Taylor from the Mental Welfare Commission will give information and advice on subjects such as Power of Attorney and Guardianship. Contact Teresa Massie on 07917 521853 / teresa.massie@quarriers.org.uk if you wish to attend.

Adult Carers’ Mindfulness - Explore relaxation and de-stress tools to assist you in your daily life and beyond. Via Microsoft Teams. To be sent the link, please contact aberdeencarers@quarriers.org.uk

Date and time Session

11amDecemberMondayDecember5-1pm

Tuesday 10December6–11am

Wednesday 14 2-4pmDecember

Thursday 1-3pmDecember15

Friday 2December16-2.45pm

Wednesday 21 11amDecember-1pm

MondayJanuary 9 11amJanuary-1pm

Tuesday 10 10–11amJanuary

Wednesday 11 2-4pmJanuary

Thursday 19 1January–3pm

Wednesday 25 11amJanuary-1pm

Friday 27 January 2-2.45pm

Monday Men’s Group – A group for those in an unpaid caring role who might wish to meet others in a similar situation. In person. Contact Teresa Massie on 07917 521853 / teresa.massie@quarriers.org.uk if you wish to attend.

Parent Carer Café – For parents supporting a child with additional needs to share information, skills and knowledge and support each other. Over Zoom. Contact Elaine Dukes on 07917 521852 if you wish to attend.

Health and Wellbeing Book Group – Pop in between 2-4pm for a cuppa, browse our selection of books, and borrow any that will help you in your caring role. Contact Natalia Beaton on 07917 052551 if you wish to attend.

Carers’ Catch Up – A group for unpaid carers supporting someone living with dementia to share knowledge and support each other. Over Zoom. Contact Helen Summers on 07917 521862 / helen.summers@quarriers.org.uk if you wish to attend.

Adult Carers’ Mindfulness - Explore relaxation and de-stress tools to assist you in your daily life and beyond. Via Microsoft Teams. To be sent the link, please contact aberdeencarers@quarriers.org.uk

Connexions - A closed group for women in need of mental health support. In person or over Zoom. If you wish to attend, please contact Teresa Massie on 07917 521853 / teresa.massie@quarriers.org.uk to discuss the criteria.

Monday Men’s Group – A group for those in an unpaid caring role who might wish to meet others in a similar situation. In person. Contact Teresa Massie on 07917 521853 / teresa.massie@quarriers.org.uk if you wish to attend.

Parent Carer Café – For parents supporting a child with additional needs to share information, skills and knowledge and support each other. Over Zoom. Contact Elaine Dukes on 07917 521852 if you wish to attend.

Health and Wellbeing Book Group – Pop in between 2-4pm for a cuppa, browse our selection of books, and borrow any that will help you in your caring role. Contact Natalia Beaton on 07917 052551 if you wish to attend.

Carers’ Catch Up – A group for unpaid carers supporting someone living with dementia to share knowledge and support each other. In person. Contact Helen Summers on 07917 521862 / helen.summers@quarriers.org.uk if you wish to attend.

Connexions - A closed group for women in need of mental health support. In person or over Zoom. If you wish to attend, please contact Teresa Massie on 07917 521853 / teresa.massie@quarriers.org.uk to discuss the criteria.

Adult Carers’ Mindfulness - Explore relaxation and de-stress tools to assist you in your daily life and beyond. Via Microsoft Teams. To be sent the link, please contact aberdeencarers@quarriers.org.uk

Aberdeen Carers Support Service

37 Albert Street, Aberdeen, AB25 1XU

Tel: 01224 914036

Email: aberdeencarers@quarriers.org.uk

Quarriers is a