Carers Connection Spring/Summer 2023

Spring/Summer 2023

Stirling's Charity of the Year 2023!

Carers Week 2023 See what we've got planned to celebrate

Going Further for Carers Achieving our Carers Trust Excellence for Carers Award

Welcome

It's been an eventful six months for us at the Centre! This issue is packed full of all the exciting things that have been happening, both in the Centre and at a strategic level.

We were excited to win the Charity of the Year Award at the inaugural Stirling Business Awards (p.2). We followed this up a week later with achieving our Excellence for Carers accreditation from Carers Trust (p.4). We're really proud of these achievements and how they demonstrate the quality of support we're delivering for Carers.

Our Short Breaks programme for Carers has developed further with the launch of our Parent Carers Group (p.6) and securing funding to continue our popular Carer Lunch programme (p.26).

Alongside these, we've also put two new programmes in place

to help equip you with more specialist skills and knowledge to support you in your caring role. Our CHAT sessions (p.7) are open to any Carer aged 16+, and our Connecting with Dementia Carers sessions (p.21) are tailored to the specific challenges of caring for someone with dementia.

We've got an update from Clackmannanshire & Stirling Health and Social Care Partnership (p.10), where recently appointed staff are working on developing local support for Carers. There's some great work going on in the background, and it's good to be able to highlight this.

Carers Week is also 5th-11th

In this issue...

June (p.8), and we've got plenty happening to celebrate. We're especially looking forward to our Family Fun Day on Saturday 10th June, and we'd love to have you join us.

We hope you enjoy this issue!

Get more from your mag! e a QR Wherever you se ith your code, scan it to w blet to smartphone or ta find out more*.

Try scanning this code to visit our website. *Scanning ability varies by device. If you would like to use the QR code function but do not know how, please contact us and we'll do our best to help.

Charity of the Year

2

Excellence for Carers Award

4

Legal & General Care Concierge

5

Parent Carers Group

6

CHAT Sessions

7

Carers Week

8

Health & Social Care Partnership Update

10

Have Your Say

12

Young Carers Update

14

Volunteering

18

Time to Live Grants

19

Counselling Support for Carers

20

Connecting with Dementia Carers

21

Access Card

23

Short Breaks Groups

24

YAC Update

27

...and more 1

We're Stirling's

Charity of the Year We’re thrilled to have been awarded ‘Charity of the Year’ at the inaugural Stirling Business Awards.

Some of our team attended the Stirling Business Awards black-tie ceremony on 21st February at the Golden Lion Hotel, headlined by Celtic rock band Red Hot Chilli Pipers.

The awards were organised by Go Forth Stirling Business Improvement District (BID) to recognise and reward the city’s independent business owners and charities. The winners were chosen following a public vote.

Danielle McRorie-Smith, Project Director of Go Forth Stirling BID, said: “I’d like to congratulate the team at Stirling Carers Centre for winning the Charity of the Year Award. The Centre plays a vital role in providing advice, information and support to all the many unpaid Carers looking after friends and relatives across the Stirling area. I’m delighted to see them recognised for their hard work and the essential care they deliver to improve the quality of life for Carers.”

Stirling’s Charity of the Year Award was sponsored by the Thistles. Gary Turnbull,

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Centre Director at Thistles, said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring the Charity of the Year category in this year’s Stirling Business Awards.

“There’s no shortage of great work being done in Stirling across independent businesses, retailers and charities, as the awards shortlist shows.

“The Stirling Business Awards is a fantastic chance for the hard work of the nominees to be recognised and voted on by the local community that have seen the work first hand. Huge congratulations to the very deserving winner and also the finalists who also demonstrated the impact they have on Stirling and the wider community.”

As a result of winning the award, we had the opportunity to raise awareness of the Centre and unpaid Carers in the Stirling Observer and on Central FM radio station, which hopefully helps us to reach more Carers in need of support.

It's been a great boost to the team, and also really helpful to show potential funders what good support we have in the local area. We'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who nominated us and voted for us.

“Winning the Charity of the Year award was a huge surprise for us, but is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team to supporting Stirling’s Unpaid Carers.

In a category such as this, where every organisation is doing fantastic and award-worthy work, it was a privilege to be recognised in this way and to represent Stirling’s strong and vibrant voluntary sector.

We hope to use this as an opportunity to raise more awareness of the issues affecting local Carers and the support available to them.”

Colleen McGregor, CEO, Stirling Carers Centre

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GOING FURTHER February was an exciting month for us at the Centre.

Not only did we win 'Charity of the Year', but we also found out that we had achieved our Excellence for Carers Award.

The Excellence for Carers Award is a UK-wide scheme run by Carers Trust, one of the National Carer Organisations. Achieving the award is the result of a thorough assessment of the organisation, looking at how support is provided, how Carers are involved, the organisation’s partnership working, and how Carers are promoted in the wider community.

As well as observations by the assessment team, some of our Carers were interviewed to give their views. This allowed the assessors to see how our services have impacted the people using them.

The assessment report from Carers Trust highlighted the organisation’s commitment

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to supporting Carers, and the team’s ability to see Carers as individuals with unique circumstances and support needs and to provide tailored services.

Helen Oliver, Carers Trust’s Quality Assurance and Improvement Manager, said: “We are really pleased to be able to present Stirling Carers Centre with the Excellence for Carers Award. The whole team demonstrated their commitment to providing services that really met Carers’ needs. We were able to hear first-hand from Carers about the positive impact of the services provided and the lifechanging difference accessing the support has made. We very much look forward to seeing

"The whole team demonstrated their commitment to providing services that really met Carers’ needs."

- Helen Oliver, Carers Trust

FOR CARERS

Care Concierge

SUPPORT WITH LATER LIFE CARE

"We are delighted to have our team’s high standard of support and care recognised in this way."

- Colleen McGregor, Stirling Carers Centre

their services continue to prosper.”

Colleen McGregor, CEO of Stirling Carers Centre, said: “Achieving this award affirms the Centre’s ongoing commitment to Stirling’s Carers, and we are delighted to have our team’s high standard of support and care recognised in this way."

Thank you to all the Carers who were involved in the assessment process and spoke so highly of the support they received.

We’d also like to thank the assessors for the time they invested with us and for the helpful feedback that will help improve support even further.

Thanks to Carers Trust and Legal & General, Carers can now access free practical and emotional support in making later-life care choices. Care Concierge links Carers with care experts with backgrounds in social care, nursing, and care home agencies through a dedicated online hub and confidential telephone advisory service.

Carers can access a telephone support session, a state funding assessment, advice on typical care costs and educational resources to understand the options available – and how best to fund them.

After the consultation, Carers also receive a care guide tailored to their unique situation and a list of useful services.

To learn more about the service, please visit: bit.ly/LGCare

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In December, we launched our new Parent Carers group for Carers of a child aged 16 and under.

The monthly sessions have been a mix of events during school hours for Parent Carers to get to know each other and take some time out, and evening/holiday events to provide opportunities to spend quality time together as a family.

We've been to the Macrobert pantomime, ten pin bowling, afternoon tea at Fletcher's and lunch at The Linden Inn. Our most popular trips have been to Jump 'n' Joy in Tullibody. For these, we hired the whole venue, which meant more freedom for enjoyment without the worries that can come with attending during a general session.

If you are a Parent Carer interested in joining future sessions, email carley@stirlingcarers.co.uk or call the Centre on 01786 447003.

Help us raise awareness of Unpaid Carers We're always looking for opportunities to identify 'hidden' Carers and to let people know about the support we provide.

If you know of any groups, events, or organisations that would be interested in having our team host an information stand, presentation, or training, email keri@stirlingcarers.co.uk or call 01786 447003. We'd love to hear from you.

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CHAT is our programme of workshops, talks and training sessions covering a range of topics to help you navigate your caring role.

Upcoming Sessions COST OF LIVING

Citizens Advice Bureau

Tue 25th May, 1.30pm-2.30pm CARERS RIGHTS

Coalition of Carers

Wed 7th June, 10.30am-12pm INTRODUCTION TO CAP

Central Advocacy Partners Tue 18th July, 1pm-2pm

We ran the first session in April with Donna Rogers from NHS Public Health Nutrition visiting to talk about how diet impacts on your health and how to improve nutrition for the person you care for.

Our upcoming events cover topics such as the cost of living and Carers' rights, and we welcome suggestions on issues you would like to see us cover in future.

Sessions run monthly in Stirling Carers Centre - book via the link below or complete the enquiry form at the back of the magazine.

Book for upcoming CHAT sessions at www.stirlingcarers.co.uk/chat

Our team at recent awareness raising events 7

CARERS WEEK 5th-11th June 2023 Carers Week is fast approaching, with this year's theme of 'Recognising and Supporting Carers in the Community'. We've been in touch with a range of professionals to ask them to show support for Carers, so look out for messages on our social media channels during the week.

Once again we've got a packed programme of events throughout the week in celebration. We're also holding our first ever CARERS WEEK FAMILY FUN DAY! Join us for loads of free activities, including a BBQ, live music, bouncy castle, face painting, games, raffle and more. The fun day is open to all Carers, and you're welcome to bring along the person you care for and/or your family.

We've also secured free leisure centre access for Carers during the week. If you're interested in taking advantage of this, get in touch for an access letter.

www.carersweek.org 8

MONDAY

Rural Yoga with Endrick Yoga Killearn Village Hall 9.30-10.30am Killearn Open Day Killearn Village Hall 10.30am-3pm • Power of Attorney Chat with Kerslands Solicitors 12-1pm • Time to Live Grants Info 1-1.30pm • Dance class with Turn Around Dance 2-3pm Walking Group Wallace Monument 10.30-11.30am

Stirling/Online Yoga with The Yoga Tree Yoga Tree studio, Stirling 1.15-2pm

Carers Week Afternoon Tea Stirling Carers Centre 2-3.30pm TUESDAY

Male Carers Group Bowling Hollywood Bowl, Stirling 2-3.30pm

WEDNESDAY

SATURDAY

Carers Week Afternoon Tea Stirling Carers Centre 12-1pm

YOUNG ADULT CARERS

CHAT - Carers Rights with Coalition of Carers Stirling Carers Centre 10.30am-12pm

Callander Open Day Callander Youth Project 12-2.30pm • Meet your Councillor with Elaine Watterson 12-1pm • Mindfulness Session 1.30-2.30pm Chocolate making with Grace Chocolates Stirling Carers Centre 2-3.30pm THURSDAY

Stirling Dance Class with Turn Around Dance Riverside Bowling Club 2-4pm FRIDAY

Art Session with KM Young Art Stirling Carers Centre 12-2pm

www.stirlingcarers.co.uk/ CarersWeek

Carers Week Family Fun Day Bannockburn Rugby Club 11-2pm

Escape Rooms Wednesday 7th June YOUNG CARERS

Kippen Group - Cool Creatures Thursday 1st June

Middle Group - Bowling Monday 5th June Older Group - Cinema Thursday 8th June Younger Group - Cool Creatures Monday 12th June ALL WEEK

Free access for Carers to: • • •

Balfron Leisure Centre McLaren Leisure Centre The Peak Leisure Centre

Contact Stirling Carers Centre for an access letter.

Book Carers Week events on our website, complete the enquiry form (p.29) or call 01786 447003.

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Carer Update Integration of health and social care is the Scottish Government’s programme of reform to improve services for people who use adult health and social care services.

It ensures that health and social care provisions across Scotland are joined-up and seamless, especially for people with longer-term and often complex needs, many of whom are older or disabled This partnership aims to make it easier and quicker for you to access the services and support you require and help people live safely and independently in their own homes for as long as possible.

At our recent Carers' Voice meetings, we've been joined

by Hazel Chalk and Jennifer Kennedy from the Health & Social Care Partnership.

They will continue to join our Stirling Carers' Voice meetings, so we're sharing a bit more about who they are and what their roles are. They welcome the chance to chat with you to hear how things can be

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improved for Carers locally and to get feedback on proposed developments.

Jennifer Kennedy Carers Lead Officer Jennifer has been with the Partnership for 5 months.

She has 18 years’ experience within Social Work Services, and 10 of those implementing Self-Directed Support within another area, so she recognises the challenges ahead.

Jennifer’s role is to lead on strategic and statutory outcomes linked to Carers policy, specifically the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016.

Key responsibilities to the role are driving a culture change, delivering training, and building a collaborative approach, establishing strong relationships with Carers, their representatives, stakeholders, and wider partners.

Since coming into post, Jennifer has already progressed a Carers eligibility criteria, which is currently in a consultation process with Carers (see page 9), as well as making system changes jointly with key partners.

Although Jennifer recognises the challenges ahead, she is confident that better outcomes for Carers can be achieved by working together with Carers as equal partners.

Hazel Chalk Short Breaks Co-ordinator Hazel has been with the Partnership for 6 months. She has 23 years’ experience within Care at Home and Home Care with Stirling Council and the Health and Social Care Partnership.

Hazel’s role is to support Carers by working with a range of partners, including the private, voluntary, and independent sectors, to develop person-centred short

breaks that promote health and well-being for both the Carer and supported person, and enable Carers to have a life out with or alongside their caring role.

Hazel acknowledges that there will be future challenges within her role but hopes to continue developing and promoting the existing good practice, shared resources and joint working with partners to meet Carers' individual goals, offering choice and flexibility, which are central to person-centred short breaks.

Hazel has been developing an 'Older Carers Information Pack', aimed at Carers aged 65+.

The pack details local support, free groups and activities, information on key topics, and useful contacts. It will be made available through support organisations, including Stirling Carers Centre, and also to Carers identified in health and social care settings. There are plans to develop packs aimed at other groups of Carers, such as Parent Carers, in future.

For more info, see clacksandstirlinghscp.org

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HAVE YOUR SAY

Stirling Carers' Voice is the local forum for Carers to meet with professionals to discuss issues and feed into local and national strategies.

The meetings are held quarterly and are an opportunity to hear about strategy and policy updates affecting Carers, raise issues and discuss with professionals how support for Carers can be improved.

At our January meeting, we talked about Carer respite, Power of Attorney and our partnership with Stirling Citizen's Advice Bureau. The April meeting covered Self-Directed Support, the new Older Carers Information Pack and the new local carer eligibility criteria (see opposite).

We're grateful to the representatives from Clackmannanshire & Stirling Health & Social Care Partnership, NHS Forth Valley, SDS Forth Valley and Stirlingshire Voluntary Enterprise who have attended the recent sessions and been open to hearing from Carers and sharing about the work going on in the area.

Next meeting Thursday 31st August, 10am - 12.30pm.

Light lunch provided. Venue & agenda to be confirmed.

Find out more and register for the next meeting

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Local Carer Eligibility Clackmannanshire & Stirling Consultation Carer Support Framewo rk

As part of the Carers Act, every local authority is required to produce eligibility criteria that set thresholds for support levels for Carers. Clackmannanshire and Stirling Health and Social Care Partnership would like your views on the Carer Support Framework, a revised version of local criteria that have been developed with key partners, including Carers.

(Carers Eligibility Criteri a)

2023 - 2026

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This is your opportunity to look at the Framework and provide feedback on whether it is fit for purpose and how easy it is for you to understand. This will help inform further development and make the Framework a helpful document for Carers seeking support.

Find out more and feedback at bit.ly/CSFConsultation

Annual Service Evaluation Thanks to everyone who completed our Service Evaluation that we sent out with the last issue. Over 260 responses were received, and the results once again were overwhelmingly positive, with 96% of Adult Carers and 85% of Young Carers rating the service as good or excellent.

“The connection to a community of fellow carers and professionals has improved my general levels of stress and increased my sense of wellbeing.”

- Adult Carer feedback

We received some very helpful feedback around the Centre's accessibility, raising awareness of services, and suggestions for the Young Carers Service, which the team are working to action where possible.

You can view the results of our service evaluation at www. stirlingcarers.co.uk/resources/publications, or contact the Centre for a hard copy.

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l ia t n e id s e R l o o p k Blac Young ays our older id ol H er st Ea l for In the off to Blackpoo ed d ea h p u ro Carers g 3 days of fun. ip, we was a short tr it h g ou th en Ev g the Sea ds in, includin a lo fit to ed g mana r tag, escape lfie Town, lase Se e, tr en C fe Li d the Pleasure l Dungeons an oo p ck a Bl s, it up the room e didn't make w , ly te a n u rt fo Beach! Un in the lift!! as a bird stuck w e er th s a er Tow

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Super Support!

We're lucky to have great support from our community, and today we'd like to give a shout-out for recent donations to the Young Carers Service from local stores.

A big thank you to:

Asda Alloa Charity 📢 Keiraion,Lang, for the donation of Easter Champ Eggs

Fairlie, Morrisons Stirling 📢 Mandy nity Champion, for donating

Commu sanitary products, and bamboo canes for our bug hotel for donating supplies 📢 B&QbugStirling hotel for our

Your support for Young Carers is really appreciated!

g Kippen Group's Bu

Hotel We're really lookin forwa rd to a g grea nothe r with a t summer, packe ctiviti e d s. This got fo otbal l train year we've sailin ing se g, circ ssions us ski and t , l ls, chi rips to l l days Summ Caps , erlee, ule, a Time of cou nd Airthrill . Plus, rse, th Young e Scottish Carer s Festiv al.

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Did you know?

As a Young Carer, you could be able to claim... t

n Young Carers Gra

.65 per A grant of £359 ged 16-18 who year for YCs a urs per week. care for 16+ ho

Young Scot Young Carers Package

A free bundle of treats and discounts for all YCs aged 11-18.

Time to Live Grant

Apply for up to £300 towards something that will help you take a break.

Free Bus Travel

le in All young peop der 22 can un Scotland aged bus travel. apply for free

Scan the QR codes to find out more.

The Young Carers team recently completed some really important training called Seasons for Growth.

The training helps our team to help you cope with big changes in your life. This might be becoming a Young Carer in the first place , moving schools, family changes or any other situation that you are struggling with. The Young Carers staff are here to talk to you about anything you are worried or upset about.

Taking over the castle!

The younger and middle groups had a fun day during the Easter holidays when we went to explore Stirling Castle.

We had a great tour and even had a chance to dress the part!

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We've also done...

loads of activities including art s& crafts, team building, cooking, science experiments and much more.

All these things are a great chance to have fun with friends, but did you rea lise that these activities also help you to develop important skills like problem solving, managing stress and dealing with unexpected situations, which can help you cope better with your caring role.

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FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM TO SEE MORE YC PHOTOS. STIRLINGYOUNGCARERS

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Volunteer

of

Fundraise • Sponsor • Donate • Champion

Friends of Stirling Carers Centre are individuals and organisations who support the work of the Centre. This issue, we're shining the spotlight on our volunteers.

We have a fantastic team of 27 volunteers who provide a range of support to the organisation. Some help at Carer and Young Carer groups, others work behind the scenes providing admin support and work on specialist projects, and not forgetting our Board of Directors, who guide the organisation's strategic direction.

Each volunteer brings a set of valuable skills and a willingness to give their time and energy to supporting Carers. We're grateful to have them as part of our team.

Aaron

YOUNG CARERS SERVICE VOLUNTEER "I have been a volunteer with the Carers Centre since late last year, after being involved myself as a Carer for many years. I volunteer with the older Young Carers group, which has been great so far.

I chose to become a volunteer after thinking for some time about how I could give back to the Centre for everything they have done for me. I also knew that by volunteering with the Carers Centre I would be able to pass on things I have learned along the way being a Carer myself.

The best thing about volunteering is being able to support Young Carers to take a break from their caring roles and letting them just be young people, as well as the personal privilege it gives me being able to give back to something that gave me so much."

Find out more at www.stirlingcarers.co.uk/friends

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HELPING CARERS TAKE A BREAK

Over £57,000 in micro grants awarded to local Carers In the last year, Stirling Carers Centre granted a total of £57,793 to local Carers thanks to Shared Care Scotland's Time to Live fund!

Time to Live is a funding programme of the Short Breaks Fund, operated by Shared Care Scotland on behalf of the National Carers Organisations and the Scottish Government. The fund enables us to provide micro-grants of up to £300 to help you take a short break that meets your needs. This gives you the freedom to choose a break that suits your lifestyle – whether that’s a one-off event, a short break away, or something to enable you to have regular time away from your caring role.

The fund is open to Unpaid Carers of all ages, regardless of who you care for. This includes Young Carers, Young Adult Carers and Parent Carers. As long as you are currently in a caring role and have not received Time to Live grant in the last 12 months you can apply.

You can apply for almost anything that helps you take a break. Examples of previous grants include spa breaks, TV subscriptions, gym memberships, hobby supplies and equipment, gaming devices and games, garden furniture and much more.

For advice about what you can apply for or help with applying, speak to any of our Carer Support Officers.

Contact the Centre or visit stirlingcarers.co.uk/TimeToLive

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Enjoy a good book? Come along to the Centre and join other book lovers for a chat about the book of the month over a cuppa.

We read a variety of genres, and all books are provided in Kindle or hard copy, whichever you prefer.

Interested?

Sign up on our website or on the enquiry form at the back of the magazine.

Counselling support for Carers For the last few months, we've been fortunate to have Mairi MacMillan, a Psychotherapeutic Counsellor, working with several Carers in the Centre. Mairi has been in every Wednesday, providing blocks of counselling for Carers referred by our Adult Carer Support team. The sessions are a chance to talk through things that are causing stress or worry, think through strategies to improve the situation and take some time to relax.

"This has been a great support to me over the past few months. Mairi has allowed me to talk about all aspects of my life and I will always leave with a plan and a way forward."

- Carer feedback 20

We hope to be able to continue this service going forward. If you are struggling in your caring role and feel that speaking to a counsellor may be beneficial, contact the Centre on 01786 447003 and speak to one of our Adult Carer Support Team. Please note that sessions are limited, and priority will be given to Carers in high-need situations.

follow us online

Our new group for Carers of people with dementia launches in June, to provide support, training and information sessions specifically tailored to dementia Carers.

Stirling Carers Centre is on most major social networking sites. Follow us to keep up to date with all the latest information.

The first session will just be a chance to meet informally and chat about the type of support you would benefit from and what you would like the group to achieve.

The group is open to anyone aged 16+ caring for someone with dementia at any age or stage.

Join us on Friday 30th June 10am-12pm in the Centre.

Register at www.stirlingcarers.co.uk/ whats-on or complete the enquiry form at the back of the magazine.

@stirlingcarers

Free Complementary Therapy Sessions

Massage • Nails • Reflexology Contact the Centre for appointment availability 21

GOOD SPORTS We've been really fortunate to have the support of Stirling Albion Football Club and Stirling County Rugby Football Club, which have both offered deals for Carers to attend matches.

Stirling Albion donated 4 passes to enable Carers and their guests to attend home matches. The passes were available to any Carer and were used by some of our Male Carers Group and our Young Carers during the 22/23 season. We'd like to say a big congratulations to the 'Binos' for their promotion at the end of the season!

Stirling County Rugby Club are also offering free entry to any Carer with a Forth Valley Carers Card when accompanying a paying spectator.

If you would like more information on accessing either of these opportunities, contact the Centre and speak to Denise.

One of our Young Carers enjoying a Stirling Albion game

Further Counselling skills success Congratulations to Keri, Operations Manager, and Ashley, Adult Carer Support Officer, who have recently passed their COSCA Counselling Skills certification. We now have four team members who have achieved this, further enhancing the support we can offer to Carers.

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ACCESS CARD The Access Card (sometimes referred to as the CredAbility Card or a Nimbus Card) translates your disability/impairment into symbols that highlight the barriers you face and the reasonable adjustments you might need. Think of it as a Disability Passport.

This then informs providers quickly and discreetly about the support you need and may gain you access to things like concessionary ticket prices and complex reasonable adjustments without having to go into loads of personal detail.

It’s all based on your rights under the Equality Act and providers’ responsibilities.

The card costs £15 for 3 years and is available online at www.accesscard.online

SPACE & PLACE: Art & Craft Workshops In partnership with the University of Stirling and artist Hannah Ayre, we have limited spaces available on an upcoming art workshop series.

The workshops run from May - August on the last Wednesday of the month, from 6-8pm at the University of Stirling.

The sessions will cover a range of different types of arts & crafts and are suitable for complete beginners. Contact the Centre if you are interested in taking part.

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Short Breaks Groups Stirling Carers Centre runs regular groups and activities to give you a chance to take time out from your caring role. Unless otherwise stated, activities are open to all Carers aged 16+ and are free to join. We'd love to have you along.

Walking group Alternate Mondays 10.30am, route varies Join our popular walking group for a gentle wander and a chat.

Contact the Centre for dates and routes.

Book Group First Thursday of the month 10.30am, Stirling Carers Centre Come along for a chat about the book of the month over a cuppa.

June's book is 'The Midnight Library' by Matt Haig.

Cuppa Chat Third Friday of the month 10.30am, route varies Our monthly coffee morning in the Centre. You're welcome to bring along the person you care for.

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Visit www.stirlingcarers.co.uk/whats-on, call 01786 447003 or complete the enquiry form at the back of the magazine to book.

Yoga sessions Mondays, 1.15pm, Stirling & online Mon, Wed & Fri, 9.30am, Killearn Take some time out with a yoga session. Thanks to The Yoga Tree & Endrick Yoga, you can join us in Stirling, Killearn or online. Contact the Centre for joining details.

My Time Fourth Thursday of the month 6pm, Riverside Bowling Club Our monthly evening group with a different activity each session.

Upcoming sessions:

22nd June - Lawn Bowling Taster 27th July - History Talk

Male Carers Group First Tuesday of the month Time and venue varies A space to meet with other men in caring roles and take some time for yourself.

Next event:

6th June - Ten Pin Bowling, 2pm, Stirling

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YAC UPDATE Reducing barriers for Student Carers The Scottish Government has announced that, as of spring 2024, Carers in full-time education who meet the other criteria for the new Scottish Carer Support Payment will be entitled to claim it if they are: •

•

•

aged 20 or over and in full time advanced or non-advanced education; or aged 16 to 19 and in full time advanced education

YAC theatre tr ip to see Charlie & The Chocolate Factory The M usical.

You can find out more about the Carer Support Payment at bit.ly/CSPScot

YOUNG ADULT CARERS GROUP | Upcoming Trips ESCAPE ROOMS Wed 7th June July BOWLING & DINNER Tue 18th

gust CINEMA & DINNER Thu 24th Au

Contact C at the Cenarley book a pla tre to ce.

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New Booking System Following feedback from Carers who have attended our events, you can now book events directly on our website.

By signing up to our members' area, you can view, book and manage events all from your profile. You no longer need to enter your details for each event, and for regular events, such as the walking group and book group, you can block book automatically. You can also add booked events directly into your Google Calendar or Apple iCal. We hope this makes bookings more straightforward.

As with any new system, we know there may be a few teething issues, so please get in touch if you have any problems so we can fix this for you. If you'd like to use the online booking system but need help to do so, speak to any of our team for support.

ey Carers

Forth Vall

Name:

Card onald

Jane McD

Date: Card Expiry mber: Carer ID Nu

31/10/2024 SC1123

Have you got your

Forth Valley Carers Card?

The Forth Valley Carers Card is designed to help you identify yourself as a Carer to Health and Social Care Professionals and be more involved in care planning.

Apply for a free card on our website by visiting

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www.stirlingcarers.co.uk/carers-card or contact the Centre.

Interested?

Use this page to let us know you're interested in any of the things in this magazine. Post it to the address overleaf, or take a photo and either email it to info@ stirlingcarers.co.uk or WhatsApp it to 07570 270 141.

Scan to book online

Please contact me with more information about: F Book Group

F Male Carers Group

F Carers Week Events

F Parent Carers Group

F Carer Lunches F CHAT Sessions

F Complementary Therapies F Connecting with Dementia Carers F Cuppa Chat

F Forth Valley Carers Card

F My Time - evening group F Stirling Carers' Voice F Time to Live Grants F Walking Group F Yoga Sessions

F Young Adult Carers Group F Other:

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Monday-Friday | 9am-4pm Kintail House, Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ 01786 447003 | info@stirlingcarers.co.uk Also available in accessible formats, including large print. Call 01786 447003 or email media@stirlingcarers.co.uk to request a copy.

www.stirlingcarers.co.uk Carers Forum Stirling Area t/a Stirling Carers Centre is a Company Limited by Guarantee no. SC165487 and Registered Charity no. SC020213