Carers' Connection - January 2023

Carers’ Connection

Welcome to the latest edition of Carers’ Connection and in this edition, we are celebrating successes, big or small.

I have chosen to share what I think is an inspirational story with you. I was fortunate enough to take some annual leave recently to go to Birmingham for the weekend with my daughter. We both love strongwoman events and lifting and had booked to attend the Arnold Classic weekend to see some amazing strong women compete. This was a very important event as it saw women’s lifting move away from the car parks at the back of gyms and into the main arena. It was quite an amazing weekend as not only did we watch fantastic competitions, but we were also fortunate enough to witness lots of strongwomen breaking world records. I think one of my lasting memories, however, will be the support I witnessed all the women athletes show towards each other. If one was out, they stayed and encouraged the other to keep going.

While at the event I was lucky enough to watch Laura Baxter compete, and wow! She was absolutely fantastic, and she smashed it and came second! I was really moved and inspired by her story because Laura is also carer for her daughter and got into lifting a few years ago as a way to help her in her caring role. Following the event I contacted her, and she kindly allowed me to share her story with you. In her own words, speaking about her daughter, she said “This is my background person. We all have background people. My true number one fan and the reason I started strongwoman. I have one set of legs but use them for two and I will always make sure I am the strongest I can be for her. A wee diamond she is.”

I also realised that venues pose problems still, and Laura spoke about a competition that was very special to her because “For the first time ever, my kid got to see her mum compete. I’ve always doubted myself

in terms of being able to compete and still give my daughter the care she requires throughout the day. This is based on accessible venues and whether or not they have the facilities for her needs. A different challenge altogether huh!? We did it though. I was still able to care for her and compete which really is just magical. Very special to be able to have her there as there will be many events without her. Due to travelling and other circumstances she would struggle to stay in her chair for long periods of time.”

I just want to say thank you to Laura for allowing me to share her amazing story and congratulate her on her fantastic achievement.

This story not only moved me but set the scene for this newsletter, where we celebrate successes no matter how small they may be.

Joanna McPherson, Service Coordinator

Stay up to date with all the latest news on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ aberdeencarerssupportservice

Joanna McPherson

Service Coordinator

Andrew Falconer Team Leader

Tel: 07917 521268 Email: andrew.falconer@ quarriers.org.uk

Susan Middler

Digital and Community Inclusion Worker

Tel: 07917 521886 Email: susan.middler@ quarriers.org.uk

Kyle Fitzpatrick

Senior Administrator

Tel: 07554 555027

Email: kyle.fitzpatrick@ quarriers.org.uk

Nicola Black Administrator

Tel: 01224 914036 Email: nicola.black@ quarriers.org.uk

Ann Ross Administrator

Tel: 07917 521869 Email: ann.ross@ quarriers.org.uk

Louisa Donaldson

Carer Advisor

Tel: 07917 521885 Email: louisa.donaldson@ quarriers.org.uk

Elaine Dukes

Parent Carer Advisor

Tel: 07917 521852 Email: elaine.dukes@ quarriers.org.uk

Natalia Beaton

Family Wellbeing Worker (Health and Wellbeing) Tel: 07917 052551 Email: natalia.beaton@ quarriers.org.uk

Teresa Massie Carer Advisor

(Enhanced Carer Support)

Tel: 07917 521853 Email: teresa.massie@ quarriers.org.uk

Klaudia Szafran

Family Wellbeing Worker (Enhanced Carer Support) Tel: 07796 966107 Email: klaudia.szafran@ quarriers.org.uk

Lauren Gardiner

Family Wellbeing Worker (Respitality) Tel 07917 521874 Email: lauren.gardiner@ quarriers.org.uk

Helen Summers

Family Wellbeing Worker

Tel 07917 521862 Email: helen.summers@ quarriers.org.uk

Anna Schmitt

Family Wellbeing Worker (Respitality)

Tel 07917 051489 Email: anna.schmitt@ quarriers.org.uk

Sharon Thom

Family Wellbeing Worker (Triage)

Tel 07939 173970

Email: sharon.thom@ quarriers.org.uk

Competition winners!

Congratulations to carers Scott Anderson and Shahnaz Bashir on being the joint winners of our recent Creative Art competition! Both will receive a copy of their entry on canvas, and the images will also be hung on the wall of our meeting room here at Albert Street.

Scott sent in an atmospheric shot of an early morning game of golf (right), and Shahnaz submitted a lovely image of a view over Loch Faskally (below), taken during a week-long summer break at the Coach House, an accessible holiday home in Aberfeldy. The stay at the Coach House was gifted by PAMIS (Promoting a more inclusive society) and the accommodation has a hospital bed and wet room. Here is a video made by the family during their stay: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=vpNdjD_qicE

Winter wellbeing event

Health and Wellbeing Library

We have a lovely new rotating book stand which will make it easier for carers attending our Health and Wellbeing Library to browse what’s on offer.

We have a range of titles to support you in your caring role. Drop-in sessions are held on the second Wednesday of each month, with the next one being on 8 February. Further details on page 11.

In November we attended a winter wellbeing event run by Barnardo’s Aberdeen Young Carers Service, in collaboration with the Wellbeing Workers at Aberdeen City Council. Families had the opportunity to find out about local resources offering support with finance, health, wellbeing, and activities. Barnardo’s supports young carers in Aberdeen City to live a happy and fulfilled life alongside caring. Their aim is to support young carers with individual identified needs, reduce the impact of caring, allow them to receive a short break from caring, help to reduce social isolation, improve wellbeing, and increase their resilience. They also offer information and support to the family as a whole to reduce the impact this has upon the young carer’s health and wellbeing.

Team development day

In October, we held our first team development day. This was a nice way for all staff to come together, and for some it was the first time they had met in person rather than online. The idea for the activity came to our Service Coordinator, Joanna, when a member of staff was booking a Doorstep Break for an unpaid carer and mentioned they would love to try it.

Super Sibling award

The morning was spent at Community Food Initiatives North East attending Cook at the Nook: The Jamie Oliver Experience, where we learned to make pizza from scratch. Everyone made lovely pizzas, which we had for lunch before heading back to base for an afternoon training session on trauma-informed practice. If anyone would like a copy of the recipe we used, just get in touch!

Self-directed support

The Scottish Government has published updated Statutory Guidance that describes how Local Authorities should implement Self-Directed Support. The new guidance explains that Local Authorities should:

• Treat supported people with dignity and respect at all times.

Congratulations to carer Shahzad Ahmad for winning a Wee Too! Super Sibling award. Shahzad plays an important role in the care of his brother, Waleed, providing him with practical and emotional support. Shahzad also has a YouTube channel, Shining Stars Official, where he spreads awareness by highlighting his care for his brother and sharing useful information for carers in similar situations. Check it out at www. youtube.com/@ShiningStarsOfficial77

We Too! is a parent-driven organisation, based in Aberdeen, which helps empower families of children with disabilities and additional support needs. They produce a free quarterly magazine and host many relaxed sessions in the area, allowing full inclusive participation in activities that may ordinarily be difficult to access. Further details: https://www.wetoo.org.uk/

• Offer the four SDS options and explain what each of them mean and how they will meet the person’s needs. This must be explained in a balanced and fair way.

• Make sure that people are involved in decisions about their care and support.

• Make sure that supported people have enough information to understand what is available and make the choices that are right for them.

• Make sure that supported people have the chance to ask questions about any part of their support. They must also be given enough time and information to understand and be part of decisions about their support, particularly when it is being stopped or changed.

Read the guidance here: https://www. gov.scot/publications/statutory-guidanceaccompany-social-care-self-directedsupport-scotland-act-2013-2/

Home Heating Support Fund

We are delighted to report that over the past few months we have assisted 44 carers in receiving a total of £20,000 in heating grants through the Home Heating Support Fund. This fund for Scottish households seeks to provide financial relief to energy consumers who are experiencing significant financial hardship and strives to provide this support regardless of the fuel or payment method used. That is, the project is inclusive of users of prepayment meters, district heating networks and unregulated fuels. Information on the fund and how to apply for a grant is available at https://homeheatingadvice.scot/

Individuals can make applications through the website’s Household Application form but must supply evidence of having received energy and / or money advice from an accredited agency.

If you would prefer, we can apply for this funding on your behalf. Just drop Natalia an email or call the office and leave a message: natalia.beaton@quarriers.org.uk / 01224 914036.

If contacting Natalia, it would be useful if you could provide the following information:

• Proof of any disability benefit(s) that anyone in the household receives (if applicable)

• Proof of age (if over 75)

• A copy of a bill or statement showing your name and account number

• What kind of pre-payment meter you have (smart or otherwise, if applicable)

• Estimated age of the home

• Estimated age of the boiler

• Number of bedrooms in the home

Grants are available until the end of March 2023, or until funds have been exhausted. “I can’t thank you all enough - the positive impact and peace of mind I now have is beyond words. ‘Thank you’ just doesn’t cover my gratitude. I’ve been gobsmacked since your call and keep logging in just to check the balance is still green.”

Cash for Kids vouchers

Thanks to Cash for Kids, the grant-giving UK charity that helps the children who need it most, we were able to distribute vouchers amounting to a total of £8,500 to 170 children across Aberdeen. Each child received a £50 Primark voucher, enabling their parents to buy them winter woollies, coats, and blankets.

“Thank you so much. The vouchers came in very handy, as the children needed winter clothes badly.”

“The vouchers helped us to not choose between warm clothes and warm blankets, but to buy both.”

Cost-of-living support

The Scottish Government now has a dedicated webpage with available sources of help at https://costofliving. campaign.gov.scot/ Aberdeen City Council can provide support for anyone concerned about the rising cost of living. There are different types of support available, from benefit advice to help with fuel costs. Visit https://orlo.uk/bYGzI

Warm Spaces are open across Aberdeen and provide a friendly welcome and comfortable environment for people to socialise and stay warm. Available in libraries and community centres across the city, these are open to anyone who wishes to access support and advice, access facilities including digital devices, and to keep warm.

Find out where your nearest Warm Space is by using this interactive map: https://orlo.uk/dPm0X

Festive round up

Carers got into the Christmas spirit during a session of festive crafts, coming together over coffee in our meeting room to chat and make crackers, tree decorations, and wall hangings.

Unfortunately, wintry weather scuppered a second session at which we had planned to enjoy mince pies and festive tunes, but we are replacing this with Valentine’s Day crafts on Tuesday 14 February from 11am1pm. Fancy joining us to make some cute, love-themed items? Then just contact Teresa or Louisa to reserve your placecontact details can be found on page 2.

Our Monday Men’s Group met at Ferryhill Church for a pre-Christmas breakfast and blether. The group, for unpaid male carers who are registered with us, meets monthly and we encourage men of all ages to attend for peer support, to make new friends, and to be able to share useful information with each other. For dates and times see pages 11 & 12.

We helped Santa distribute a huge variety of gifts from the Cash for Kids Mission Christmas appeal to around 350 children. We are so grateful to Cash for Kids for making sure none of the children from families our service supports went without presents. These included children with additional support needs and those whose families were struggling financially. Gifts included toiletries, remote control cars, footballs, dolls, jigsaw puzzles, books, and construction toys.

I had a great time. The session wasn’t long enough! ” “

Our funding pot allowed our Connexions group to get together for a festive lunch at the award-winning Ashvale Restaurant on Great Western Road. A fun time was had by all, and no one needed to eat much else for the rest of the day!

We were fortunate to receive complimentary tickets to The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan at His Majesty’s Theatre. This enabled us to treat several carers and their children to some swashbuckling festive cheer. Oh yes it did!

The spectacular high-flying adventure starred former Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Brendan Cole as Captain Hook and it had the usual abundance of comedy, lavish sets, fabulous costumes, and of course a few surprises. We would like to say a big thank you to Aberdeen Performing Arts and the show’s producers, Crossroads Pantomimes, for their generous donation!

Our staff team got together at the office for an end-of-year celebration, where we enjoyed a delicious buffet along with Secret Santa gifts, festive tunes, and a Christmas quiz. We would like to thank all our carers and the partner agencies we’ve had the pleasure of working with over the last year, and we wish you all a peaceful 2023.

Wee Blether is a pilot scheme focusing on the AB16 7 area of Aberdeen which aims to bring individuals, including carers, aged 55+ together for company and a chat, addressing isolation and building links into the community. If the demand is there, it is hoped that the scheme will be rolled out into communities across the city.

Meet staff from our service and from Aberdeen City Council’s Wellbeing Team. You are welcome to bring your caredfor along with you, and transport can be arranged if required.

What’s on offer? Free soup and hot drinks, company, and games and activities if there is a demand for these. We can also signpost you to other groups and activities within the area.

Where? Middlefield Community Project, The Hub, Manor Avenue, Aberdeen, AB16 7UR

When? Mondays from 12 noon – 2pm. To be referred, please speak to your Care Manager, Care at Home provider, or Carer Advisor/Family Wellbeing Worker. Please also let them know which dates you wish to attend, as pre-booking is required.

Friendship line

Many older people are struggling with increased feelings of loneliness and isolation. Age Scotland’s free Friendship Line (0800 12 44 222) can offer comfort, support, or just a friendly voice to those who need it. Please don’t hesitate to give them a call.

Feeling anxious or struggling to cope?

Visit https://www.nhsinform. scot/mindtomind and www.clearyourhead.scot.

Chapelton respite flat

We hope that you all made new year’s resolutions to commit to looking after your wellbeing. Caring can be rewarding and positive, but it can also be a difficult and challenging role, and one that is taken on day in, day out. The emotional toll of caring has been intensified by the financial stress that carers are experiencing and breaks from caring - to recharge and keep in good health - are in short supply. Recognising the gap in service provision, a two-bedroom respite flat has been made available for carers aged 50+ as a one-year ‘test for change’ trial project in a retirement village at Chapelton of Elsick, a vibrant community five miles south of Aberdeen – and close enough to return home quickly should there be an emergency situation with your cared for.

There is a restaurant downstairs, a gym with an instructor, and some pop-up shops nearby. As you can see from the photos we took when we visited, it all looks very modern and comfortable.

Carers are currently trialling the flat, and in our next issue we will report on how they got on during their stay. Please speak to your Care Manager if you are interested in taking a break at the property.

Creative Breaks

Judith got in touch to thank us for organising her creative break funding and said, “I decided to go to London to visit my daughter. It was so Christmassy, and it was lovely just wandering about having a coffee or a drink here and there. We went to the Natural History Museum.

“Many thanks again to you all for giving me this trip away. I really felt the benefit and could relax more as I left my husband in charge.”

Hazel took a trip to Inverness with her husband, and reported back on her break: “We stayed at the Royal Highland Hotel in the centre of town. We didn’t really venture too far as my legs were not great, but the hotel was so lovely that we didn’t mind. I like art and old-style furniture and ornate items which they had plenty of, so there was loads to look at. We had dinner in the hotel restaurant on the Friday night which was sooo good. On Saturday we had a wee wander around the town centre - plenty of lovely wee shops. After a rest in the afternoon we found a little Indian restaurant a few doors down, so we went there for a meal then back to the hotel for a few drinks in the bar. On Sunday we drove to Culloden and had a look around the museum there, which was very interesting. It was a great break, much needed. It was so nice to get dressed up for dinner and enjoy just being us. Thank you so, so much. It was lovely to get away.”

Sheena and her husband benefitted from a short break away to Dundee.

“Just to say how much we enjoyed our break. The town was busy with early Christmas shoppers and party nights! There were lots of places to eat and drink. Had a look at the V&A and the Discovery and walked along the maritime trail.”

Have you had a Creative Break yet?

Would a Creative Break Award help you recharge your batteries, rest and relax, and give you something to look forward to?

It could be a trip to visit family or friends, a spa day or pampering sessions, a laptop or tablet, relaxation/holistic therapies, garden equipment/furniture, café/takeaway vouchers, or materials/equipment for a hobby you have, or wish to take up again. The list is endless. It’s whatever gives you, the carer, a break from your caring role whether that’s for an hour or so at the hairdresser or a night away!

If you feel rested and relaxed this can have a positive impact on your relationship with your cared for and improve not only your wellbeing but theirs too.

This funding is open to all carers and all young carers.

For more information or to apply, get in touch via aberdeencarers@quarriers. org.uk / 01224 914035. The deadline for applications is 31 March 2023.

ScotSpirit Holiday Voucher Scheme

Noel thanked us for organising the ScotSpirit funding which allowed him to have a break at Crescent House, a boutique bed and breakfast in Edinburgh’s New Town. “Here are some photos of the beautiful place I stayed in. I had an en suite bedroom with this private sitting room below. The two guys who run it, Michael and Paul, were so welcoming and caring. They actually care for a family member themselves and have hosted quite a few carers from the respite scheme.”

You can read more about the accommodation at www.crescenthouse. scot/

Doorstep Breaks

Lesley got in touch to tell us how much she benefitted from having a break away for the first time in years.

“Just a wee email to let you know I enjoyed my short break in Stonehaven. My daughter and granddaughter came with me. The Marine Hotel was greatjust the sort of place that suits me - not posh, just a nice, relaxed atmosphere with lovely staff. The two bedrooms looked onto the harbour, so we had a relaxing and peaceful view. When the bedroom windows were open you could hear the swish of the waves - lovely.

“We ate out at various places and went for walks. My granddaughter bought a Monopoly set from a charity shop, so we played several games of that in the evenings. I am sure she made up her own rules but never mind, it was good fun. “The break was not only enjoyable, but it also made me realise that it was possible for me to get away. It was six years since I had been anywhere, due to lockdown and due to there being no provision for my husband’s terrible disease - no suitable respite facilities were available.

“The community carers who came in to look after my husband while I was away were great. I cannot praise them enough. My own daughter is one, and I am very proud of that. People wouldn’t manage without them.

“P.S. The rooms at the hotel each had their own names. Believe it or not, mine was called ‘Delirium’, which we thought was really funny!”

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

February

Monday 6 February 11am - 1pm

Tuesday 7 February 10–11am

Wednesday 8 February 2-4pm

Tuesday 14 February 11am – 1pm

Wednesday 22 February 11am - 1pm

Friday 24 February 2–2.45pm

March

Monday 6 March 11am - 1pm

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.

Valentine’s Day Crafts - Join us at 37 Albert Street to make some cute, love-themed items. Just get in touch with Teresa or Louisa to reserve your place! Their contact details can be found on page 2.

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

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.

Tuesday 7 March 10–11am

Wednesday 8 March 2-4pm

Wednesday 22 March 11am - 1pm

Friday 31 March 2-2.45pm

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.

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

Date and time Session

April

Monday 3 April

11am - 1pm

Tuesday 11 April 10–11am

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.

Wednesday 12 April 2-4pm

Wednesday 19 April 11am - 1pm

Friday 28 April 2– 2.45pm

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.

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

Carers’ Corner

Would you like to contribute to our newsletters? We are always keen to hear your views and would like to set up a Carers’ Corner, featuring input from a carer in each issue. This can be anything from how you cope with your caring role or tips to help other carers, to a poem, a funny story, a photo, or a piece of art that you’ve created.

You don’t need to be a budding Shakespeare - we can help you with the words if necessary. You don’t need to broadcast your name to the world either if you’d rather not – you can remain anonymous.

If you would like to submit something for inclusion, please drop an email to susan.middler@ quarriers.org.uk

Your preferences

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

Aberdeen Carers Support Service

37 Albert Street, Aberdeen, AB25 1XU

Tel: 01224 914036

Email: aberdeencarers@quarriers.org.uk