Carers' Connection - July 2023

Carers’ Connection

July

In our April issue we published the results of our carers’ survey, which looked at what kind of developments you wanted to see from the service. We have been working away behind the scenes to deliver as much as we can of the things you asked for, and we are happy to report back about them in this edition. Firstly, we have been successful with two funding applications. One will enable us to offer a parent carer support group where you can take along the child or children you are caring for and we will have a play therapist on hand to support the group. Dates are still being planned, however Elaine, our Parent Carer Advisor, is hosting a meeting to discuss the group on Tuesday 15 August. Further details on page 7.

The second lot of funding will enable the setting up of more Wee Blether groups for carers aged 55+ in various locations around the city. We are currently researching venues and will update on places and times once we have them.

We would like to thank all the parent carers who fed into the respite survey on our partnership project with the Beannachar Camphill community. We had over 40 responses and the information was invaluable to us when completing the funding application. We are now at the assessment stage and are keeping

everything crossed. I will update you all as soon as we have more news.

Did you know we have a Virtual Carers Centre where you can access useful information all in one place? Photos and a slideshow of our carers’ artwork have recently been added, and we now also offer a live chat facility with a support worker from Monday – Friday, between 2-4pm. Just visit https://carers.quarriers.org.uk/aberdeencarers and click on the purple and white chat icon in the bottom right corner of the screen.

Finally, we have been very pleased to support the development of the carers’ respite flat at Chapelton of Elsick. Aileen, who we support, was the first carer to have a break there. See page 6 to find out how she got on.

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/ Triage Worker

Tel: 07554 555027

Email: kyle.fitzpatrick@ quarriers.org.uk

Nicola Black Administrator

Tel: 07917 521879

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

Lauren Gardiner Family Wellbeing Worker (Respitality)

Tel 07917 521874

Email: lauren.gardiner@ 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

Kath Robertson Family Wellbeing Worker

Tel 07531 193656

Email: kath.robertson@ quarriers.org.uk

Mackenzie Wilder Family Wellbeing Worker (Diversity and Inclusion)

Tel 07586 564203

Email: mackenzie.wilder@ quarriers.org.uk

Welcome to the team

Mackenzie Wilder

I’m very excited to be joining Quarriers as a Family Wellbeing Worker, with a special focus on promoting diversity and inclusion. Supporting people to live fulfilling lives has always been my passion, and I strongly believe in providing equal opportunities for everyone. I’m eager to collaborate with my colleagues, other services and those we support to develop and further improve the way we engage with and support carers from all communities and backgrounds.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my previous work experiences supporting individuals as well as families with a variety of needs in a range of settings, and I am looking forward to advancing in my role to support carers in accessing the resources they need to lead happy and fulfilling lives.

In my spare time, I enjoy reading books and listening to music. I enjoy going to gigs any time I get a chance to, and I am also a HUGE lover of animals (although I unfortunately do not have the pleasure of having my own pets yet).

Easter crafts

FPG Team conference

We welcomed some very productive carers to our Easter crafts session, where they enjoyed decorating eggs and bonnets with a variety of colours and materials. Group crafts sessions are a fantastic way to relax, de-stress, and meet others. They are also a great way to express your creativity. It isn’t about whether you are any good at crafting - the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the experience! Keep an eye on our Facebook page for news of any further sessions.

In May, our Respitality workers, Anna and Lauren, attended the Financial Planning Group Team conference. This was held at the Sandman Hotel in Aberdeen and was a great opportunity for them to raise awareness of our service and the support that we provide, and to connect with potential Respitality donors. They distributed leaflets, engaged with several other organisations, and received a lot of interest.

Lauren said, “We were really pleased with the response we received at the conference. We had a lot of people stop by our stall and learn more about our work. We are grateful for the opportunity to have attended the conference and to have helped raise our service’s profile.”

“Thank you all for a lovely morning.”

“A huge thank you for the crafts. The children loved it. I felt free and relaxed and did not think about my children’s behaviour for a whole hour because they were busy, and in good hands!”

Carers Week round-up

We kicked off Carers Week by welcoming long-time public servant Councillor Barney Crockett to the office to present a fascinating talk on Aberdeen in days gone by.

Barney, as he prefers to be known, focused mainly on his time growing up in the Footdee area of the city (or “Fittie” as we call it locally). He then talked about moving to Torry at the age of ten and thinking he was in Beverly Hills as it seemed so luxurious compared to Fittie! The talk was both informative and humorous, and carers enjoyed lots of laughs and memories as they listened to stories about life in the 50s and 60s.

We also learned that Barney has a lot to be grateful to unpaid carers for. His mum almost died giving birth to his sister, due to unforeseen complications. She then developed pleurisy, an inflammation of the sheet-like layers that cover the lungs. She was sent home from hospital and was cared for by two neighbours, whom Barney credits with saving her life. We also heard that Barney himself had a near-death experience, almost dying of Asian Flu when he was four years old.

Margaret, a carer, said, “Barney’s talk and stories were very enjoyable and funny. It brought back memories to me of when I was growing up as a child. It was nice being able to have a relaxing time with other carers along with a cuppa and a roll. A good start to Carers Week. Thank you so much to everyone involved.”

During Carers Week, we were also visited by two lovely ladies from the Telecare service at Bon Accord Care, whom we would like to thank for their engaging demonstration of the wide range of equipment available. From pagers, fall detectors and bed and chair sensors to automated medication dispensers, property exit sensors and pillow switches, we were quite frankly amazed by the technology on display. All of this can help to give carers peace of mind and help the user to lead a more fulfilling and independent life, and in certain circumstances prevent admission to a care home.

Learn more about the Telecare service and equipment here: https://bonaccordcare.org/ referrals/community-alarm-telecare

Carer’s Leave Act

In May, the Carer’s Leave Bill received Royal Assent, becoming the Carer’s Leave Act. The Act will give working carers a statutory right to five days’ unpaid leave to support those they care for. This is welcome recognition for carers and the challenges they can face when juggling work and a caring role.

Employers may benefit from this too. Many businesses that already provide a version of Carer’s Leave for their staff report reduced recruitment costs, and improved retention and wellbeing.

There is no implementation date for the Act yet, but it’s likely to be sometime in 2024.

Scotland’s Low Emission Zones

The enforcement of Scotland’s Low Emission Zones (LEZs) started in Glasgow on 1 June, and people are being urged to make sure they are prepared and that their vehicles are compliant.

LEZs, which are also planned for Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh, help improve air quality and protect public health by restricting access on certain city centre roads to the most polluting vehicles. When a noncompliant vehicle is driven in the zone, the owner of that vehicle will receive a Penalty Charge Notice.

You can check if your vehicle meets LEZ standards here: https://bit.ly/3Xs8MsR

If the vehicle you’re using has a disabled vehicle/disabled passenger vehicle tax class, this will automatically be detected by the local authority enforcement systems.

However, if you are a Blue Badge holder and the vehicle you are travelling in does not have a disabled vehicle/disabled passenger vehicle tax class and is non-compliant, then you must register for an exemption in advance of travel into an LEZ. Blue Badge holders can register vehicles for long-term or one-day exemptions which will apply to all LEZs in Scotland.

To find out more about Blue Badge exemption for LEZs and register for an exemption visit https://bit.ly/44fVFhj. For individuals who are unable to access the online registration system, you can call the Scottish LEZ Exemption System Telephone Registration line on 0800 328 5691, which is open every day between 8am and 8pm.

Carers Strategy 2023-2026

Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership’s Carers Strategy 2023-2026 acknowledges the huge contribution that carers make and seeks to support all unpaid carers in Aberdeen City.

During the development of the strategy there were several key inputs including the National Carers Inquiry, publication of the National Carers Strategy from Scottish Government, the dedicated work and support of the Carers Strategy Implementation Group and most importantly the wider consultation and engagement of carers across the city.

The Carers Strategy identifies four key priorities to support carers:

• Identifying as a carer and the first steps to support

• Accessing advice and support

• Supporting future planning, decision making and wider carer involvement

• Community support and advice for carers

Below are links to the full and summary versions of the strategy, as well as a short video animation that helps explain some of the main points.

• ACHSCP Carers Strategy 2023- 2026: https://bit.ly/3Jzj6Ka

• Summary version: https://bit.ly/43YS6LX

• Short video animation: https://bit.ly/44ibsLW

Chapelton respite flat

Last month saw the first of the unpaid carers we support taking a break at the Chapelton respite flat, which is in a retirement village five miles south of Aberdeen and is available to carers aged 55+. Aileen spent a very enjoyable five days there and expressed her sincere appreciation for the opportunity to try the flat out. She said, “All staff we encountered were eager to please and any request was dealt with immediately. The flat itself was beautifully furnished and Chapelton village is charming. In my opinion, much thought and collaboration by various disciplines has resulted in a successful project. Thank you once again for this opportunity.”

We also received positive feedback from our Respitality workers, Anna and Lauren, who were given a tour of the complex in May. Lauren reported back that, “We were shown the flat, as well as the recreation room and lounge that is available to carers when they stay. We also got to explore the local pop-up shops and cafés surrounding the area as well as the gym within the building.

“In terms of transport, we learned that there is a bus from Union Square that can drop the carer off right outside the building. This bus runs every hour and is easily accessible. The flat itself is also very accessible, being on the ground floor. It’s wheelchair-friendly and there are modern features within the flat that would be useful to the carer – for instance, it is fitted with an emergency call-out button should this be required.

“It was a very productive afternoon, as we spoke to several Chapelton business owners to ask if they could offer any special deals for our carers. We have since had confirmation that ABWR Wellness and Reflexology will provide 10% discount on their reflexology treatments and/or any of the self-care and wellness products within their shop when carers use the code ‘Quarriers10’. The code can be used online when booking treatments at www.abwr.co.uk/. I am awaiting responses from a few more of the businesses that Anna and I reached out to, so fingers crossed!”

Facilities at the property include free parking, a TV, fridge, induction hob and microwave. Towels and bedding are supplied, and the property will be thoroughly cleaned between stays. Check-in is from 3pm on Fridays and you can stay for up to a week. If you wish to bring your cared-for with you, Granite Care Consortium can provide up to 14 hours care per week at the property, for instance two hours per day. To express your interest in taking a break at the property, or for further information, please speak to your Care Manager, Carer Advisor or Family Wellbeing Worker.

Carers’ groups

A working carer got in touch to ask about the possibility of us running an online carers group in an evening. We would like to gauge support for this, so if you are a working carer and would be interested in an evening group, please get in touch.

The first meeting of our new Parent Carer Support Group will take place on Tuesday 15 August from 10am – 12noon at Tillydrone Community Campus, 52 Hayton Road, Aberdeen AB24 2UY. We will discuss what kind of topics you would like to cover and how future sessions will run. We are currently sourcing a play therapist and hope they will be able to come along to chat over ideas for the group. Please contact Elaine on 07917 521852 / elaine.dukes@quarriers.org.uk if you wish to attend or have any queries about the meeting.

The current run of our Moving On group will end in August, but October will see the group start up again – details on page 12. This is a group for those of you whose caring relationship has changed, perhaps due to the person you cared for passing away or moving into full-time care. This can be a stressful time, and the group offers an opportunity for carers in these circumstances to come together to chat with others in the same situation to gain support and advice. We are happy to welcome new attendees, as well as anyone who came to the initial sessions and feel they have useful information they can pass on to new members. Contact 01224 914036 / natalia.beaton@ quarriers.org.uk if you wish to attend.

Finally, our Cuppa & Catch-Up drop-in group, which began in May, has seen carers meet at Albert Street once a month to chat and support each other over coffee. Facilitated by Health and Wellbeing Worker, Natalia, the group offers a warm space, along with activities such as crafts and games, helpful books, and other resources. Natalia tells us more:

“It is one of the most rewarding parts of my job to welcome carers to our office and enjoy tea or coffee with them while they have some downtime and feel free to relax and chat with me and their fellow carers. Caring is so isolating that when our carers come together and find others struggling with the same issues, it really helps them feel that it’s not just them. You can often see a look on their face that says, without words, ‘I thought that was just something I was struggling with.’”

Cuppa & Catch-Up takes place from 2-4pm on the second Wednesday of each month. The group is on a drop-in basis, so you don’t have to be able to attend each month or for the whole two hours. Further details on pages 11-12. All carers welcome! Feel free to bring your cared-for along with you if you wish. You can use the time and space as you want. Bring along your knitting or crossword, or just use the time to talk to Natalia or chat to other carers. Stay for the whole two hours or just pop in with a question. We hope to see you there!

GREC Language Café

GREC’s free weekly Language Café sessions take place on Thursdays from 10am – 4pm in the Café Bar at Aberdeen Arts Centre and are perfect for anyone who would like to chat and practise their English skills while interacting with diverse cultures and meeting new friends.

Every week they pick a different topic of conversation, invite guest speakers, or use language games to build confidence in speaking and interacting in a relaxed environment. Sessions have included topics such as financial inclusion and education in Scotland, and they also celebrated International Women’s Day.

Members of the GREC (Grampian Regional Equality Council) Casework team are available throughout the day to answer queries, provide information on a variety of topics, and to explore more complex issues in a private setting.

During summer, the sessions are being adapted to take advantage of the good weather so make sure you join their mailing list or follow GREC on Facebook to keep up to date with weekly events. Find out more at https://grec.co.uk/ language-support/

Greyhope Bay Centre

Have you visited Greyhope Bay Centre yet? We think this is a lovely place for carers to have some me-time in Aberdeen, either for a coffee and dolphin watching or to take part in some of their great creative workshops.

Greyhope Bay is a charitable organisation based in Aberdeen, and their successful café and community centre are on the historic site of Torry Battery, Greyhope Road, which offers panoramic views of our coast - the best place in the UK to spot bottlenose dolphins from the shore! No need to bring your own binoculars as these are freely available at the centre.

Their community-led programme includes weekly coffee mornings with guest speakers, coastal discovery sessions, beach cleans and creative and wellbeing workshops. Their upcoming events include sketchbook making, watercolour seascapes for beginners, and coastal-themed origami for families. Scheduled on Monday and Tuesday

State of Caring survey 2023

Carers UK’s State of Caring survey 2023 is now live!

This is the most comprehensive research into the experience of carers in the UK. Carers UK use what you tell them to shape their campaigns and make sure carers’ voices are heard by the government.

Last year, over 13,000 carers shared their experiences in the survey. This helped Carers UK secure new rights for unpaid carers with the Carer’s Leave Act in England, Scotland, and Wales, and provided vital evidence to help them campaign for improvements to carers’ benefits through their Carer Poverty Coalition. But more still needs to be done to get carers the practical and financial support they need.

afternoons/evenings and weekends, you can find all their event listings and book here: https://www.greyhopebay.com/events

Café opening hours are Wednesday to Sunday from 10am - 4pm. Please note that they are cashless and can only accept card payments. Disabled car parking spaces are available, as are accessible toilets, and the café is vegetarian- and vegan-friendly. For further details, visit www.greyhopebay.com/visit

Carers UK want to hear what your priorities are, the challenges you’re facing, and what support you need. Have your say here: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/LL8LGL2 The survey takes around 20-30 minutes to complete, and they really appreciate every carer who takes the time to share their experiences.

Feeling anxious or struggling to cope?

Visit www.nhsinform.scot/mindtomind

Balmedie Beach Wheelchairs

Many families are excluded from places that are inaccessible to wheelchair users and those with hidden disabilities. This makes much of the countryside no-go areas. The Balmedie Beach Wheelchairs project aims to change that on Balmedie Beach.

Managed by Belhelvie Community Trust, Balmedie Beach Wheelchairs is a free service run by volunteers at Balmedie Country Park, around ten miles north of Aberdeen. They have a variety of all-terrain beach wheelchairs, from recliner buggies to upright chairs and wheeled platforms, that can be hired free of charge by anyone with impaired mobility or any other disability that prevents them from enjoying the beach. They also have a Birdie hoist that can be used if participants bring their own sling, as well as a changing table and supporting equipment to help users transfer into the chairs and reach the beach.

Each hiring session lasts up to three hours. They are open from April to October on Sundays, from 12noon - 3pm. If you would like to use a chair on a different day, let them know and if they have volunteers available, they will do their best to meet your needs.

To see the full range of chairs available and for further information, visit https://balmediebeachwheelchairs.co.uk/

Dementia Helpline

Alzheimer Scotland’s 24-hour Freephone

Dementia Helpline is open 365 days a year. They can provide information, signposting, or simply a listening ear to anyone living with dementia or caring for someone who is.

Call them anytime on 0808 808 3000 or email helpline@alzscot.org

Carers’ Corner

Thanks to Scott Brebber for sending in this great photo as a message to all carers.

We know that never quitting is easier said than done, but if you are struggling, please get in touch to see how we can help.

If you have anything you would like us to feature in a future edition, whether it’s a photo, poem, useful info for other carers, or anything else carer-related, please send it to susan.middler@aberdeencarers.org.uk for potential inclusion.

Creative Breaks

Aileen sent us this lovely summary of her time at Crieff Hydro with her husband.

“Our Creative Break was for two nights. We used the pool on several occasions and purchased an extra pass for the Victorian Spa located in the basement, which was wonderful. I would thoroughly recommend it.

“We took a trip into Crieff itself one morning, and in the afternoon visited nearby Bridge of Allan where we had a lovely light lunch. Dinner at night was in a superb French bistro back in Crieff. Before returning home, on my birthday, we enjoyed a little retail therapy.

“Crieff Hydro was very lush and, luckily, we were given an upgraded room,

so we were very posh for the duration of our stay. Thank you, Mr Sunshine. I placed an order, and you delivered every day!

“Thank you, Quarriers, for a lovely, lovely break, thoroughly enjoyed by us both.”

We also received this delightful summing up from Sarah of her family break to the Stirling area.

“Conor, myself, dad Greig and sister Ella stayed three nights at Wellsfield Farm Holiday Lodges in Denny, just outside of Stirling. This was absolutely perfect for us as it was not too busy for Conor and had a safe open space outdoors for him to run around and be as noisy as he wished.

“We visited some local outdoor attractions that suited his needs perfectly as Conor loves the outdoors and water. We visited the Kelpies and the park there had their water feature on, which the kids loved running about in. We visited the Falkirk Wheel, where the staff were so, so helpful regarding Conor’s

disabilities. Again, we tried all activities involving water, much to his delight!

“Conor struggles due to his tiptoe walking but with a lot of support and encouragement we even managed to get him to walk to the top of the Wallace Monument.

“We also had a nice walk at the farm, where Ella rode one of the ponies.

“The sun shone for those three days, and we all enjoyed our time away so much; a much-needed family break. Thank you so much for helping to make it possible.”

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

August

Monday

7 August 11am - 1pm

Tuesday

8 August 10-10.45am

Tuesday

8 August 2-4pm

Wednesday

9 August 2-4pm

Tuesday 15 August 10am – 12noon

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 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 07917 521852 / elaine.dukes@quarriers.org.uk if you wish to attend.

Moving On - A group for those whose caring relationship has changed, perhaps due to the person you cared for passing away or moving into full-time care. In person. Contact 01224 914036 / natalia.beaton@quarriers.org.uk if you wish to attend.

Cuppa & Catch-Up - Pop in and see us any time between 2-4pm for a cuppa, a warm space, activities, helpful books, and other resources. Bring along your cared-for if you wish. Contact 01224 914036 / natalia.beaton@quarriers.org.uk if you wish to attend.

Parent Carer Support Group - The first meeting of our new group will take place at Tillydrone Community Campus, 52 Hayton Road, Aberdeen AB24 2UY. We will discuss what kind of topics you would like to cover and how future sessions will run. Contact 07917 521852 / elaine.dukes@quarriers.org.uk if you wish to attend.

Wednesday 30 August 11am - 1pm

September

Monday 4 September 11am - 1pm

Tuesday 5 September 10–10.45am

Wednesday 13 September 2-4pm

Wednesday 27 September 11am - 1pm

Connexions - A closed group for women in need of mental health support. In person or over Zoom. If you wish to attend, please contact 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 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 07917 521852 / elaine.dukes@quarriers.org.uk if you wish to attend.

Cuppa & Catch-Up – Pop in and see us any time between 2-4pm for a cuppa, a warm space, activities, helpful books, and other resources. Bring along your cared-for if you wish. Contact 01224 914036 / natalia.beaton@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 07917 521853 / teresa.massie@quarriers.org.uk to discuss the criteria.

Date and time Session

October

Monday 2 October 11am - 1pm

Tuesday 10 October

10–10.45am

Tuesday 10 October 2-4pm

Wednesday 11 October 2-4pm

Wednesday 25 October 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 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 07917 521852 / elaine.dukes@quarriers.org.uk if you wish to attend.

Moving On – A group for those whose caring relationship has changed, perhaps due to the person you cared for passing away or moving into full-time care. In person. Contact 01224 914036 / natalia.beaton@quarriers.org.uk if you wish to attend.

Cuppa & Catch-Up - Pop in and see us any time between 2-4pm for a cuppa, a warm space, activities, helpful books, and other resources. Bring along your cared-for if you wish. Contact 01224 914036 / natalia.beaton@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 07917 521853 / teresa.massie@quarriers.org.uk to discuss the criteria.

Your preferences

Would you prefer to receive this newsletter by 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

aberdeencarers@quarriers.org.uk

carers.quarriers.org.uk/aberdeen-carers