Aberdeenshire Carers Support Service newsletter - winter 2021

Carers’ newsletter Winter 2021

Dear Carer,

to overcoming the challenges that come, and how support at the right time aids us all.

We are fast approaching the festive season and the darker nights give an opportunity to pause and reflect on the past few months in the service.

A big welcome to new staff member Lisa Falconer, who is to highlight the support the Service can offer to our young carers via schools. More now than ever we need to support our young people as they straddle their schooling and family responsibilities.

Welcome, too, to Gillian Bidgood who has also joined our Young Carer Service.

We started our face-to-face Carer Café meetings in the Shire and staff are enjoying the opportunity to meet you again. We also offer these meetings online to those who prefer that option. Carers Rights Day on 25 November saw many of you come to The Fly Cup in Inverurie to meet with staff and other providers to support you in your caring role.

Our new Carer Researcher, Shravya Allumalla, has been in contact with our carers to gather your views regarding the impact of Covid and the support you wish to have going forward.

Alongside Iain McIntosh, she held a male-only carer forum to reach out to our male carer community, and Iain will be taking the group forward. If you wish to get in touch with Shravya regarding your experiences and caring role, please contact her. We want to engage with our carers and respond to your needs.

Lastly, I would like to congratulate our Family Wellbeing Worker, Siobhan Lawson, who was nominated and successfully won a Quarriers Excellence Award for Excellence in Care and Support. The award ceremony took place at The William Quarrier Scottish Epilepsy Centre, where MSP Pam Duncan-Glancy presented the awards and gave a powerful speech about disability and opportunity. Pam was so impressed by Siobhan’s commitment that she invited her to speak at a Carers Rights Day event at the Scottish Parliament. Siobhan duly put her points forward in relation to what she has heard from our carers. Very well done and well-deserved, Siobhan.

We also held a Volunteer Development Day in October to reach out to our registered Volunteers. We had a lovely lunch and chatted over ideas for the Service. Our new Volunteer Development Worker will be on board soon to take the gathered ideas forward and to grow more amongst our community. If you wish to get involved, please contact me.

We are currently running a Creative Arts project in conjunction with Findhorn Bay Arts, where walks and creativity are on the menu.

Please get in touch if you wish to join in.

Our office will close at 1pm on Friday 24 December and will reopen on Wednesday 5 January 2022. We wish you and your families a restful festive period.

The Scottish Government has issued a holiday voucher scheme for unpaid carers, and we can match our carers to the funding. The ScotSpirit Fund runs from now until December 2022.

More information inside!

Heather and the team

October saw our young carer event at Lochter Activity Centre as a mini Scottish Young Carer Festival. Our cover photo shows one of our young carers climbing the wall. A testimony

Heather Knowles Service Coordinator 1

Meet the team

Heather Knowles Service Coordinator

Kirsty Duncan Team Leader (Adult Carers) & Family Wellbeing Worker Tel: 07468 863934 kirsty.duncan@ quarriers.org.uk

Kirsty Jackson Team Leader (Young Carers) & Family Wellbeing Worker Tel: 07468 863930 kirsty.jackson2@quarriers.org. uk

Sandra Andrew Senior Administrator Tel: 01467 538700 sandra.andrew@ quarriers.org.uk

Julie Applin-Smith Administrator Tel: 01467 538700 julie.applinsmith@ quarriers.org.uk

Lora Fenwick Temporary Administrator Tel: 01467 538700 lora.fenwick@ quarriers.org.uk

Linda Camilli Family Wellbeing Worker (Information and Social Media) Tel: 07812 376415 linda.camilli@ quarriers.org.uk

Ann Coutts Family Wellbeing Worker (Central) Tel: 07725 593902 ann.coutts@ quarriers.org.uk

Jenny Keir Family Wellbeing Worker (Triage) Tel: 01467 538700 jenny.keir@ quarriers.org.uk

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Meet the team

Shravya Allumalla Family Wellbeing Worker (Carer Researcher) Tel: 07808 241878 shravya.allumalla@ quarriers.org.uk

Siobhan Lawson Family Wellbeing Worker (Central) Tel: 07812 228562 siobhan.lawson@ quarriers.org.uk

Moira Stewart Family Wellbeing Worker (Central) Tel: 07812 228404 moira.stewart@ quarriers.org.uk

Iain McIntosh Family Wellbeing Worker (Marginalised Carers) Tel: 07812 376415 iain.mcintosh@ quarriers.org.uk

Kaye Taylor Family Wellbeing Worker (North) Tel: 07812 228451 kaye.taylor@ quarriers.org.uk

Alison McKessick Family Wellbeing Worker (North) Tel: 07812 228558 alison.mckessick@ quarriers.org.uk

Yvonne Hobson Family Wellbeing Worker (North) Tel: 07972 849442 yvonne.hobson@ quarriers.org.uk

Lisa Falconer Young Carers Toolkit Development Worker Tel: 07741 707679 lisa.falconer@ quarriers.org.uk

Deborah Ironside Family Wellbeing Worker (South) Tel: 07919 891448 deborah.ironside@ quarriers.org.uk

Sandra Proctor Family Wellbeing Worker (South and Central) Tel: 07770 228731 sandra.proctor@quarriers. org.uk 3

Gillian Bidgood Family Wellbeing Worker (Central) Tel: 07741 707694 gillian.bidgood@ quarriers.org.uk

Staff update - welcome to the team carers do in their caring role and find ways of working within education to be a part of enabling young carers to get the best out of their education.

I will also provide support to schools through the implementation of the Toolkit to allow them to do this with young carers needs at the centre.

Gillian Bidgood Hi, I’m Gill and I’m a new Family Wellbeing Worker with the Young Carers Service. My background is in nursing, however in 2008 I changed direction and joined the National Childbirth Trust Breastfeeding Counsellor programme. I worked as a practitioner up until 2019 for the Trust providing infant feeding support to parents, which I loved and found immensely satisfying.

Having a background in paediatric nursing, oil and gas, and direct social care support, this role allows me to make use of my pre-existing skills and develop new ones to creatively impact education and school culture.

Another change in direction and I’m here at Quarriers! Although it’s a wee bit daunting for me returning to full time employment after so many years I’m hoping that I’ve got a lot to offer in terms of my life experience and the skills which I’ve acquired over the years and I’m looking forward to getting into my role and supporting young carers. I’ve been made to feel very welcome, and the work environment is very relaxed.

I will also be working directly with young carers on a one-to-one basis, developing an atmosphere of support and building relationships with them.

In my spare time I love to be outdoors, especially at the beach; to spend time with family and friends, and to be creative.

Sandra Proctor I am so pleased and excited about my new role with Quarriers as a Family Wellbeing Worker with Aberdeenshire Carer Support Service, supporting adult carers in the local community.

My husband Mike and I moved up to the North East 32 years ago and were first attracted to the village of Oldmeldrum because of the smell of whisky coming from the local distillery. We’re still there!

We have two grown up children, a cat, and a tarantula - the latter belongs to our daughter! I like meeting up with friends for walks and going to cafes. I also read murder mysteries and I like dancing.

Looking forward to meeting you all along my journey!

My background is in social work, where I was employed for 28 years setting up packages of care for service users living in the community. I also had staff responsibilities.

Lisa Falconer

Meeting the carers will be great as I always felt this was an unmet need when in my previous role.

I am delighted to join an already amazing team at Quarriers as a Young Carers Toolkit Development Worker, to be able to raise awareness within schools of what young

I am looking forward to meeting new people and to the challenges ahead, and also to meeting the rest of the team over the coming weeks.

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Respitality update by Ann Brodie

It’s been a busy few months in the Respitality Project. In September, a carer and her husband went on a day tour of Speyside, a gift donated by Claudia Vasto and Steven French of More in Moray Tours and Transport. Claudia used her knowledge of the area to create a bespoke itinerary, including a distillery tour and the Speyside Cooperage. They visited Craigellachie Bridge near Aberlour, with stops for a packed lunch and refreshments which Claudia had organised. The carer said the packed lunch was delicious, and that she and her husband thoroughly enjoyed being looked after and catered for by Claudia. She said that Claudia “bent over backwards to meet their needs and make their day so enjoyable”. I asked the carer how she felt during the tour, and she said “totally relaxed, enjoying not having to drive and experiencing something different”.

Respitality certificate - they are a lovely couple and great company to be with.

Claudia is a kind and caring person who is passionate about their business. From this meeting, Claudia kindly donated two more bus tours to be matched to carers next year. If you want to find out more, visit https://moreinmoray.com/.

Being an unpaid carer herself, Claudia said she gave the donation because she knows the importance of having a break. Claudia said she felt over the moon to hear the carer’s positive feedback and that it was so important that the purpose of the break had been achieved. In speaking to Claudia and the carer, there appeared to be a mutual connection, and although they have different circumstances there was an understanding of how they both cope in their caring roles.

A carer went to the Howe of Torbeg glamping site in September and although it was during a cold spell, she said that she would “love to go back again in the summer months” and that “it was a lovely place; spotless, and great for chilling out”.

A young adult carer is heading there for a break in December, and it will be a cosy time for them in front of the log burning stove. Thanks again to Nicole and Iain Gildea for their generous donation. For more information about the Howe of Torbeg, visit www.howeoftorbeg.co.uk.

Howe of Torbeg

I thoroughly enjoyed meeting with Claudia and Steven to thank them for their donation and present them with their

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Respitality update (continued) For more information, visit www.crieffhydro.com/activities-leisure/ action-glen-outdoor-activities/.

West Gallaton Farmhouse Sheila Lilley, of West Gallaton Farmhouse self-catering accommodation in Stonehaven, offered an Aberdeenshire carer a sevennight break via the Respitality delivery partner website. This was taken by the carer and her daughter in September. The carer said it was a lovely break in a lovely cottage and that they enjoyed going for walks with their dog.

Énergie Fitness Inverurie In September I approached Énergie Fitness Inverurie to ask whether they could donate gym memberships to Respitality, as they had done just before the pandemic. The original membership donations had been sadly cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions but Gill Barnett and Nick Ruta, co-owners of the business, kindly donated two further three-month memberships to carers, who were delighted to be able to start again and benefit greatly from this health and wellbeing gift. Josie, a young adult carer, and I presented Gill with a Respitality certificate. Thanks very much to Gill and Nick for their generosity. If you want to improve your health and fitness, please look at their website to see what is on offer: www.energiefitness.com/ inverurie.

Our grateful thanks go to Sheila. For more information, see www.westgallaton.co.uk.

Hostelling Scotland Two carers have each enjoyed breaks at the Glasgow Youth Hostel, with en suite facilities and breakfast. Both carers said they enjoyed visiting Glasgow and its museums, and one of them took a trip to lovely Loch Lomond. Feedback from these breaks, kindly donated by Hostelling Scotland, has been very positive. One of the carers said he felt “worn out and punch drunk” before his break but that afterwards he was “less stressed and more able to position his role mentally”.

Crieff Hydro Action Glen Crieff Hydro generously donated 50 family vouchers to their Action Glen to young Scottish carers and their families.

Feedback from one of our young carers who enjoyed a visit there with her family was just great and really made me smile.

She said that the giant inflatable bouncy pillow made her “bounce to her heart’s content”. She said she was “so happy, the go-karts were so much fun” and that “being there as a family doing outdoor activities was good family time”.

This feedback confirms the need for the Respitality scheme, finding breaks for carers to give them some much needed time for themselves. To find out more, visit www.hostellingscotland.org.uk.

Continued on p7.

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Respitality update (continued) Goodbye I am retiring on 15 December after an amazing two years of developing the Respitality project with Quarriers Aberdeenshire Carer Support Service.

The project has grown, carers have had breaks and I really feel the reward of all this engagement with carers and businesses. The staff are a great and very skilled bunch of people to work with. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Jenny and Alison on the staff informal team events. We had some great ideas and fun planning them.

I did, however, feel the frustration of having to put my role on hold during the pandemic, but I was then given the job of making carer phone checks.

This was to be a temporary role, but it has lasted over twenty months; a privileged role and one which I have thoroughly enjoyed carrying out, talking and listening to carers (the carers may say I did more of the talking!) to help them cope within their caring roles.

I have listened to how people have been pushed to their limits, and I have also heard the individual’s resilience in how they have managed the last twenty months. There has also been humour and fun in my phone calls that has helped me in my own life, and a feeling of being looked after myself when a carer says, “And how are you, Ann?”

Lastly, I’d like to say a big thank you once again to Fiona Morris of The Physiotherapy and Pilates Company for donating another online Pilates session to our grateful carers in November. The session was such an important donation and very beneficial, with feedback showing that participants felt better afterwards.

I also attended, and Fiona just geared it so well to the carers’ needs and gave us extra relaxation time at the end.

Thank you so much, Fiona.

Visit https://physioandpilatesco.com/ for more information.

Getting in touch

Retirement sets a new challenge for me as I will have to get used to not talking so much! But I will have plenty to do and will find someone to tell my stories to! One carer made me laugh every time I called to ask how he was doing, and he would respond with “hingin’ on in there, lass, hingin’ on in there” and I think that is how it has been for many of us. Hopefully next year will bring lots of light, new hope and a sense that we are over a hurdle.

If you want to see what Respitality offers, visit www.facebook.com/ RespitalityScotland or search Facebook using the hashtag #MakeACarersDay. If you are a local business and would like to donate a break to us, please get in touch on 01467 538700 or email aberdeenshirecarers@quarriers.org.uk.

If you are a carer registered with our service and would like to be referred to the project, please discuss this with your Family Wellbeing Worker.

Ann Brodie, Family Wellbeing Worker (Respitality)

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Male carer focus groups It is evidenced that support groups for unpaid carers have played a significant role in helping them to break through the struggles of their daily lives and feel better. Male carers constitute only 15-20% of unpaid carers. Where women constitute the majority, they are more advantaged by these support groups.

Quarriers’ ongoing research discovered other factors for male carers like the sense of shame and humiliation over having a vulnerable, emotional side, perceiving that notions of masculinity can hold men back from seeking support or opening up generally when they are under severe stress or affected by poor mental health.

Many male carers, however, are still desperate to get things off their chest and want to be heard by the authorities. Hence, we identified the need for male support groups so that male carers obtain their own safe space where they feel less awkward about expressing strong emotions and feel they are understood on certain issues which might be gender specific.

ScotSpirit holiday voucher scheme The ScotSpirit Holiday Voucher Scheme is now officially open for applications!

This new scheme, funded by the Scottish Government and forming part of the Scottish tourism pandemic recovery programme, will enable unpaid carers to enjoy a two- or three-night subsidised break or day out in Scotland.

The scheme offers a contribution towards a holiday stay in hotels, campsites, bed and breakfasts - or day visit activities - until December 2022 (all applications from carers must be received and approved by 31 March 2022).

Facilitated by our Family Wellbeing Worker Iain McIntosh, men-only support groups will be held monthly, where men can share their experiences in a room full of fellow male carers who are also struggling with familiar issues. Intending to support and raise awareness about male carers, Quarriers also plans on offering this group recreational activities or excursions such as museum visits or fishing trips.

Please contact your Family Wellbeing Worker for the dates and venues of men-only support groups.

The scheme is focused on supporting individuals and families who have been particularly adversely affected by the impact of the pandemic, while at the same time providing financial support to the Scottish tourism sector.

We are looking for male carers to share their personal experiences during the pandemic for our ongoing research. If you are interested, please contact Shravya Allumalla (Carer Researcher) on 07808 241878 or shravya.allumalla@quarriers.org.uk, or ask your Family Wellbeing Worker for further details.

To apply, or for further information, please contact your Family Wellbeing Worker, email aberdeenshirecarers@ quarriers.org.uk or call 01467 538700.

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Useful information New regulations on timescales for supporting carers of terminally ill cared for persons If you are caring for someone who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, it is crucial that support is available as quickly as possible. The Terminal Illness Regulations in the Carers (Scotland) Act — www.gov. scot/publications/carers-scotlandact-2016-terminal-illness-directionslocal-authorities-july-2021/ — changed from 31 July 2021 and the new timescales have been implemented in Aberdeenshire.

New Aberdeenshire Young Carer Health and Wellbeing Grant Young carers in Aberdeenshire can now apply for a Health and Wellbeing grant to take time out from their caring role and enjoy activities, hobbies or spend time with friends. Young carers can decide what to buy with the grant, as long as it helps to look after their health and wellbeing. The grant is a one-off payment that does not need to be paid back.

The Scottish Government set timescales for providing an Adult Carer Support Plan (ACSP) or Young Carer Statement (YCS) to those caring for a terminally ill person. This means there are now updated processes in place for Quarriers staff and the local authority Carer Practitioners.

To find out more and how to apply for the grant, contact us on 01467 538700 or at aberdeenshirecarers@quarriers.org.uk

Statutory guidance for the Carers Act advises that a person is terminally ill if they suffer from a progressive disease, and death, as a consequence of that disease, can be reasonably expected within six months. The adult or young carer should be contacted within two days of the referral to Quarriers to be offered an ACSP/ YCS. If the carer wishes to undertake an ACSP/YCS, then a substantial conversation should take place between the carer and the Family Wellbeing Worker within five working days of the carer’s acceptance. The carer can request a later date to have this conversation, but the ACSP/YCS should be completed within 10 days of the carer accepting the offer of an ACSP/YCS.

LIFT scheme The Scottish Government has a LIFT (Low-Cost Initiative for First Time Buyers) scheme. Buyers who have a disability (or have a household member with a disability) that impacts their housing needs are given priority access to the scheme. Through LIFT, buyers with a disability can get up to 49% towards the price of a home they have chosen on the open market.

For more information visit www.gov. scot/publications/carers-scotlandact-2016-terminal-illness-directionsletter-from-minister-for-mentalwellbeing-and-social-care/.

Find out more about the scheme and how it works: www.linkhousing.org.uk/ lift-disability 9

Young Carers Package

Young Carer Transition Pack

The Young Carers Package is a special bundle of treats available to all young carers in Scotland aged 11 to 18 inclusive. It is filled with special treats to help them make the most of their free time and support them in their caring role. It’s free to sign up and the rewards change all the time.

The transition into young adulthood is an important time for everyone, especially young carers. Young carers aged 18 can now get some extra support with a £100 voucher from www.giftsvouchers.co.uk/ which can be used at various retailers such as Ikea for furniture or homeware, River Island and New Look for clothes, Tesco and Asda for everyday costs or National Book Tokens for books. The voucher can be used at one retailer or exchanged for a combination of different gift cards.

For more information visit https:// young.scot/get-informed/national/ young-carers-package or visit https:// young.scot/ and search for Young Carers Package.

The transition pack can be accessed by young carers until they turn 19.

Young Carers Festival Day A group of 12 young carers enjoyed a fun, activity-based session at Lochter Activity Centre in Oldmeldrum during the October school holidays. The weather didn’t put them off jumping in the Go-Karts and whizzing round Lochterstone Track, learning to off-road drive and fly through the air on the zipline. Thanks to Lochter Activity Centre for allowing us to use their venue and to the Scottish Young Carers Festival for funding the event.

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Carer’s blog by Alison Cram For pity’s sake, slow down!

Slow down, you’re going too fast, sang Simon and Garfunkel more than 50 years ago. It’s a refrain that I’ve had going through my head a lot lately.

Cue bruised ribs, scratched arms, and skinned elbows.

As a carer, the to-do list is never done.

Heck, it never even gets any smaller. Two things get ticked off just as another three get added to the bottom. And so it’s easy to find myself doing everything at speed.

I run up the stairs to fetch a cardigan.

I march down the street to the chemist in double-quick time. I whizz round the supermarket grabbing things off the shelves (which is how I end up at home with a tin of chickpeas instead of chopped tomatoes).

I don’t actually need the extra adrenaline, but hurrying has become such a habit that I end up running even when I don’t need to.

And for what? Was the house on fire?

Was I being chased by a tiger?

But does it really matter if I take an extra 30 seconds to go up the stairs?

Is it crucial that I get to the chemist three minutes later than I would if I run? Will the sky fall in if I take an extra fifteen minutes to get my shopping?

Not usually. So I’ve started consciously to slow down. If I find myself running up the stairs, I will stop, take a deep breath, and then carry on more slowly. I’ll walk down the High Street at a more leisurely pace, notice the leaves on the trees or feel the sun on my face. When I can, I’ll take an extra five minutes to finish my mug of tea while I watch the birds hopping around the garden.

The trouble is that dashing around like this doesn’t do me any good. As I rush, an eye on the clock and muttering under my breath at things that get in the way, my heart rate increases, my breathing gets quicker, my adrenaline gets going and my brain’s in a swirl.

In other words, I get stressed - both physically and mentally. Sometimes worse. Like the time I dashed to put the bin out while the kettle boiled for Dad’s bedtime drink. I mis-timed the back step and tripped spectacularly over my own feet. I bounced off the corner of the bin, crashed into the wall of the house and landed in a heap on the concrete path.

And when I do my heart rate stays steady, my breathing is relaxed, my mind is calmer.

When life is hectic and demanding, the small things matter. And humming an old Simon and Garfunkel song helps remind me of that.

Slow down, you’re going too fast….

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Support and online groups Date and time

Session

December Wednesday 8 December 1.30 - 2.30pm

Carer Café - Central Aberdeenshire. Community Room, Rowlands Chemist, 32 Market Street, Ellon, AB41 9JD. Pre-booking required.

Also online via Microsoft Teams.

Friday 17 December 2 - 2.45pm

Adult carers mindfulness - Explore meditation to assist you in your daily life and beyond. Via Microsoft Teams.

Wednesday 22 December 1.30 - 2.30pm

Carer Café - South Aberdeenshire. Front Room, Belvedere Hotel, 41 Evan Street, Stonehaven, AB39 2ET. Pre-booking required. Also online via Microsoft Teams.

January Wednesday 5 January 10.30 – 11.30am

Carer Café - North Aberdeenshire. Crimond Medical and Community Hub, Logie Avenue West, Crimond, Fraserburgh, AB43 8QJ. Pre-booking required. Also online via Microsoft Teams.

Wednesday 12 January 1.30 – 2.30pm

Carer Café - Central Aberdeenshire. Community Room, Rowlands Chemist, 32 Market Street, Ellon, AB41 9JD. Pre-booking Required.

Also online via Microsoft Teams.

Wednesday 26 January 1.30 - 2.30pm

Carer Café - South Aberdeenshire. Front Room, Belvedere Hotel, 41 Evan Street, Stonehaven, AB39 2ET. Pre-booking required. Also online via Microsoft Teams.

Friday 28 January 2 - 2.45pm

Adult carers mindfulness - Explore meditation to assist you in your daily life and beyond. Via Microsoft Teams.

February Wednesday 2 February 10.30 – 11.30am

Carer Café - North Aberdeenshire. Crimond Medical and Community Hub, Logie Avenue West, Crimond, Fraserburgh, AB43 8QJ. Pre-booking required. Also online via Microsoft Teams.

Wednesday 9 February 1.30 – 2.30pm

Carer Café - Central Aberdeenshire. Community Room, Rowlands Chemist, 32 Market St, Ellon, AB41 9JD. Pre-booking required. Also online via Microsoft Teams.

Wednesday 23 February 1.30 – 2.30pm

Carer Café - South Aberdeenshire. Front Room, Belvedere Hotel, 41 Evan Street, Stonehaven, AB39 2ET. Pre-booking required. Also online via Microsoft Teams.

Friday 25 February 2 - 2.45pm

Adult carers mindfulness - Explore meditation to assist you in your daily life and beyond. Via Microsoft Teams.

How to book your place • For Adult and Young Carer Groups, contact kirsty.duncan@quarriers.org.uk or kirsty.jackson2@quarriers.org.uk

Aberdeenshire Carer Support Service Wardes Road, Inverurie AB51 3TT Tel: 01467 538700 aberdeenshirecarers@quarriers.org.uk

• OR telephone the service on 01467 538700 and leave your name and a contact number.

www.quarriers.org.uk

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Quarriers is a registered Scottish Charity No SC001960