Carers’ newsletter August 2020
local resource that would be of interest to carers, please let us know who they are, what they do and how to contact them.
Hello everyone. I can’t quite believe that this is our third newsletter in the space of five months since our office closed but I am delighted to announce that we are now entering a new phase. Since the easing of restrictions, preparations are now underway for staff to return to part time office working and part time home working, albeit on a planned rota system. Our Inverurie office has undergone some structural changes and there has been a rigorous deep clean from our new cleaning company who will be coming in twice weekly once we are in situ again. There are now acrylic screens at reception and between workstations and clearly defined floor markings to ensure a covid secure environment.
I am also pleased to let you know that we now have a lovely large meeting space for when we can meet up with you again, in person. I understand that everyone’s situation is different and unique and that you might require different levels of support at different times, especially now but I was recently told that a carer had said it meant a lot to be “held in mind” following a telephone conversation with a member of staff. This had a particular resonance for me. With this in mind, I would like to invite you to take part in making our new meeting room a space to share carers’ work on the theme of Held in Mind with a view to holding an exhibition next year for the general public to raise awareness of caring. This can be in any creative form that can be wall mounted such as artwork of any medium, photography or creative writing. We can send out a canvas or other supplies that you might need to enable you to take part should you require them so please get in touch with your Family Wellbeing Worker or the service if you are interested in being part of this project.
The local Rotary Club and Tesco have very kindly agreed to fund outdoor seating and privacy screens so that, weather allowing, staff and visitors can catch up in a socially distanced space, outdoors at our office. Staff will also be able to meet with you in outdoors spaces such as parks or gardens and can arrange a walk to ensure privacy should you need to meet in person. We have also set up monthly online groups for both adult and young carers (see page 11). If you would like to join any of the sessions, please let us know and we will send you an invite. If you require support at any time or just a contact call, please let us know as staff continue to offer support via telephone and face-to-face online meetings.
As someone who sees creative value in items all around me, I am really looking forward to what you might create, individually and collectively. Stay safe and stay connected.
Unfortunately, due to restrictions on gatherings, we will not be holding our planned event for Carers Rights Day on 26 November. Instead, with input from carers, staff, local authority and service providers we are going to produce a booklet showcasing both local and national support networks. If you know of a fantastic
Joanna McPherson Service Coordinator 1