Carers’ newsletter Summer 2022
Dear Carer,
Scotland hosted a drop-in event at our office on 1 June, and we also had a drop-in session during Carers Week. This was an opportunity for you to meet some of the team and have your questions answered. In addition, we held a pop-up stall at Inverurie Garden Centre and Young Carer Awareness Assemblies in schools to reach out to carers who may not have been aware of the support they are entitled to.
Now is the time the sun is returning, and our days are longer. I hope you are enjoying this change alongside the increasing freedoms as we move out of the pandemic. We have been delighted to distribute payments through the extra Winter Hardship Funding from the Scottish Government. We managed to get more than 300 grants of £300 out to carers, alongside counselling provision and IT equipment. Thanks to our office team for managing such a big undertaking with a six-week turnaround in the funding.
The cover photo above shows the staff team saying farewell to our lovely Linda Camilli. Linda has taken early retirement, and we had a lunch to celebrate her and all she brought to the service. Many laughs, creative working, and professionalism. Thank you, Linda. We all wish you much happiness.
In addition, we have been busy matching carers to breaks through the ScotSpirit Holiday Voucher Scheme. Many of you have had lovely trips away with the much-needed respite that is crucial for our carers. The funding is now closed but allocation is ongoing. Our new Creative Breaks funding is now open for applications.
With that goodbye comes a welcome and we are delighted to have two new team members join us - Kath and Morag. They bring a wealth of knowledge to the service, and you can read about them on page 4. This edition of the newsletter also includes updates on what our creative Young Carer Team has been providing for our young carers and the fun that has been had, details of our support groups, and a piece by unpaid carer, Adrian Slayter.
On the subject of holidays, we are running a three-day residential for families in a beautiful setting in Edzell. There will be many activities available on this woodland family retreat, along with wellbeing support. If you care for a young person in your family and fancy an assisted break in July, then please contact your Family Wellbeing Worker or the office to check for eligibility.
Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful summer. Heather and the team
We are always keen to reach out to unidentified carers and we used Dementia Awareness Week (30 May — 5 June) and Carers Week (6–12 June) towards that aim. Alzheimer
Heather Knowles Service Coordinator 1