Carers Connection Spring/Summer 2024

Take

Break

Welcome to the latest edition of the Stirling Carers Centre magazine.

In this issue, we're sharing plans for the upcoming Carers Week celebrations in June, important information on legislation affecting working carers, news from the 'A Scotland that Cares' campaign, highlights from our recent Kiltwalk fundraiser and updates from our Young Carers service, short breaks groups, and more.

We hope you enjoy reading this edition and find it helpful!

Get more from your mag! Wherever you see a QR code, scan it to with your smartphone or tablet to 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.

„ Carers Week 2024

„ Short Breaks Fund

„ Kiltwalk Update

„ Asking Questions About Your Health

„ CHAT Information Sessions

„ Employment Law Changes

„ Young Carers Update

„ A New Season in the Carers' Garden

„ Connecting with Dementia Carers

„ Stirling Carers' Voice

„ Parent Carers

„ Take a Break Grants

„ A Scotland That Cares

Priority Services Register

10th - 16th June 2024

This year's Carers Week theme is 'Putting Carers on the map'. The campaign aims to get Carers on the radar of policy and decision makers to ensure that Carers are at the heart of new strategies and legislation.

Throughout the week, we'll be working to raise the profile of local Carers both online and in-person, and we've got a week full of events to help you celebrate with us.

Clackmanannshire & Stirling Health & Social Care partnership is also hosting a Celebration of Carers Day (see previous page) at Stirling Hotel. Drop in to meet some of the local support organisations, plus get a walking aid MOT and advice on falls prevention.

More information on the events can be found throughout the magazine, or visit the Carers Week page on our website:

www.stirlingcarers.co.uk/ CarersWeek

Carers Week Events

Cared for person welcome

Transport provided.

Monday

Walking Group

Plean Country Park 10.30am - 12pm

CHAT: Carers' Rights with Coalition of Carers in Scotland

Stirling Carers Centre 10.30am - 12pm

Jupiter Artland Bus Trip

Edinburgh 11.45am - 4pm

Stirling & Online Yoga Session

The Yoga Tree & Zoom 1.15pm - 2pm

Tuesday

Male Carers Lunch

The Birds & Bees, Stirling 1pm - 3pm

www.carersweek.org

Wednesday

Rural Yoga Session

Killearn Village Hall

9.30am - 10.30am

Killearn Group Lunch

Killearn Village Hall 12pm - 2pm

Afternoon Tea

Allan Park Hotel 2pm - 4pm

CHAT: Legal Support for

Parent Carers with Caesar & Howie Solicitors

Stirling Carers Centre & Online (Zoom)

6.30pm - 7.30pm

Thursday

CHAT: Money Management with CAP Debt Help

Stirling Carers Centre 10.30am - 12pm

Callander, Killin & Lochearnhead Lunch

Mhor 84, Balquhidder 12pm - 2pm

Dementia Carers: Coffee & Chat with Age Scotland

Stirling Carers Centre 2pm - 3.30pm

Parent Carers: Jump 'N' Joy

Tullibody 6pm - 8pm

Friday

Rural Yoga Session

Killearn Village Hall

9.30am - 10.30am

Dementia Carers: Falkirk Wheel Trip Falkirk 10.45am - 3pm

Chocolate Workshop with Thinking Chocolate

Stirling Carers Centre 2pm - 4pm

BOOK FOR CARERS WEEK

You can book for any events by visiting www.stirlingcarers. co.uk/whats-on or see the booking from inside the back cover.

Up to £300 to help you take a break that suits you.

Shared Carer Scotland's 'Time to Live' fund has reopened for 2024/25. Carers of any age can apply for up to £300 towards something to help you take a break in a way that suits you.

This could be a night away or a meal out, tickets to a sports event or concert, a gym membership, hobby equipment, or anything else that will help you take some time for yourself.

To be eligible to apply you must:

• have not received a Time to Live grant in the last 18 months (from the date on your previous break receipt).

• be in a current caring role

• live in the Stirling Council area

Priority will be given to new applicants who have never received a grant.

Our team can support you to make an application. If you are not sure whether the break you have in mind would be eligible, get in touch with us.

Example Breaks

• A night away

• A meal out

• Garden furniture or equipment

• Gym membership

• Gaming equipment

• Hobby supplies or equipment

• A TV/ tablet/ laptop, etc.

• Subscription to a streaming site/ magazine/ audio books

• Musical instrument or equipment

More suggestions and exclusions on our website

Apply online at www.stirlingcarers.co.uk/TimeToLive or contact the Centre for a hard copy.

£5,800!

We'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported the team through donations and kind messages, and give a big shout out to all our team members:

Wee Wanderers: Isabell, Natalie, Tiegan, Ashley and Keeley

Mighty Striders: Jill, Suzann, Sam, Kirsty, Beth, Shannon, Esther, Keri, Carley, Colleen, Margaret, Laura, Denise and Shaunie.

Congratulations to our Kiltwalk team who walked a combined total of over 280 miles and raised over * *inc.. Gift Aid donations

Top Fundraiser!

A big shout out to our magazine cover girl, Isabell (87), who walked the Wee Wander and raised over £600! Here she is just about to cross the finish line. What a fantastic achievement!

You can still support the team

If you would like to donate to the team, you can do so at www.justgiving.com/ team/scckiltwalk2024 or scan the QR code. It all goes to the same place, so just choose a team member to support.

When you understand what’s going on with your health, you can make better decisions around your care and treatment. That’s why it’s important to ask your healthcare team the right questions.

• What are the benefits of my treatment?

• What are the risks of my treatment?

• Any alternative treatments I can try?

• What if I do nothing?

Healthcare staff are more than happy to answer these and any other questions you may have. Start feeling more informed about your health today and remember, it’s OK to ask.

Carers' Rights with the Coalition of Carers in Scotland

Legal Support for Parent Carers with Caesar & Howie Solicitors

Money Management with CAP Debt Help

CHAT is our programme of events aimed at equipping Carers with the knowledge and information to support you in your caring role.

Over Carers Week, we've got three CHAT sessions taking place.

Mon 10th June, 10.30am - 12pm

The law in Scotland gives you certain rights as an unpaid Carer. Come along to find out more about them.

Wed 12th June, 6.30 - 7.30pm

This session is aimed at parent Carers of children aged under 16 and is a chance to chat about your legal rights concerning you and your child.

This will be a hybrid session - join us in person or online via Zoom.

Thu 13th June, 10.30am - 12pm

Jay from CAP Debt Support will be visiting the Centre to have a chat about the Money Management and the support on offer if you are struggling with debt.

We can also offer 15 minute confidential slots with Jay to chat through your situation and look at how CAP could support you.

Book for any of the CHAT sessions on our website or on the booking form inside the back cover.

Employment Law Changes To Benefit Carers

Two new laws came into force on 6th April 2024 that can help unpaid Carers to balance employment with caring.

Carers Leave Act 2023

This Act grants employees who care for dependants with longterm needs an entitlement to one working week equivalent of unpaid leave annually to give, or arrange, care for a dependent. This is a ‘day one’ right, meaning that all employees have the right to this from day one of employment.

Long-term needs is defined as:

• Anyone with a condition that meets the definition of disability under the Equality Act 2010;

• Illness or injury (physical or mental) that requires or is likely to require care for more than three months, or;

• Old age.

Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023

This Act gives employees the right to request flexible working from day one of employment (rather than after 26 weeks, which is the current position). Flexible working includes working hours, times of work and location of work.

Employees can also make two requests in any 12-month period, up from one, and no longer have to explain the effect of the change requested. A decision must now be made within two months, down from three, however, the reasons why an employer can lawfully refuse a request remain unchanged.

If you would like support with approaching your employer about requesting these rights, contact our team on 01786 447003.

NEW YC Groups!

Our Young Carers groups are so popular, we've now added some new ones. Two new groups in Stirling mean we can have up to 60 additional Young Carers getting group support! We've got plenty of new Young Carers who have been waiting to join the groups, so this is fantastic news.

After the summer, our Kippen group will also run every 2 weeks instead of once a month, so we get to see you more regularly.

YC's in Schools

The YC groups at Stirling High School and St. Modan's have re- started, giving a dedicated space for Young Carers in these schools to meet with other YC's and some of our YC staff. Esther is also visiting lots of schools to give 'Carer Aware' presentations to staff and pupils, so say 'Hi' if you see her around.

New yc staff

Cara maybe doesn't seem new to some of us, firstly because she's been employed with us since November, and secondly because she was a YC volunteer before becoming a staff member, so she's actually been with us even longer!

CARA

Cara has worked for Plus Forth Valley for the last two years, working with young people with additional support needs, as well as volunteering at our Kippen Young Carers group. She's got four kids and enjoys travelling, reading and visiting the beach with her kids.

Interesting fact: Cara has been scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef in Australia!

A huge thank you to the following for some fantastic Christmas gift donations:

• Over 150 gifts from Stirling Observer Give a Gift Appeal

• 160 selection boxes from The Church of Jesus Christ in Stirling & Alloa

• Stirling Castle Quilters for the beautiful hand made stockings

Edinburgh Residential

FEBRUARY 2024

During February half term we headed for an overnight trip to Edinburgh with ten of our Middle YC Group.

We went to a neon bowling alley and Gravity trampoline park as well as having a night at the theatre watching The Wizard of Oz.

Blackpool Residential

Easter 2024

We had a fantastic couple of days in Blackpool, checking out loads of the attractions, such as the Sea Life Centre and the Pleasure Beach, plus bowling and escape rooms. We even had an adventure on the way home when all the trains were cancelled and we had to get a bus back to Glasgow!

Young Carers Action Day

13th March 2024

This year's Young Carers Action Day we had loads going on to raise awareness of Young Carers and to celebrate all the amazing work you do.

Thanks to Creative Stirling and Made in Stirling for hosting a fantastic event to help us mark the day. Young Carers from across the Stirling area were invited to meet with creative professionals and learn about their craft. We had a chance to try a wide variety of activities including print making, animation, ceramics, illustration and character design, comic book art, DJ'ing, radio and podcasting, clothing design and weaving!

A big thank you to Evelyn Tweed MSP for inviting Esther, Cara and one of our volunteers, Robert, and his mum to the Scottish Parliament to hear the Young Carers Action Day debate, and for highlighting the work of Stirling Young Carers and the Young Carers we support.

Perth College also hosted a 'Pizza and Policy' Question Time event for older Young Carers and Young Adult Carers, which was a chance to have a chat with decision makers about what changes could be made to help Young Carers.

Watch the video we made with Creative Stirling at the YCAD event

Braehead Primary Cares!

Congratulations to Braehead Primary School for achieving their 'We Develop' Award, the second level of the We Care Awards. Braehead Primary is one of only four schools in the whole of Scotland to have achieved this award so far!

It highlights the amazing work they are doing to support Young Carers and their families, including a dedicated group for Parent Carers at the school.

We're so proud of all the schools in the Stirling Council area who have achieved or are working towards their first level We Care Awards. It amazing to see their commitment to supporting Young Carers in their school communities.

A New Season in the Carers' Garden

After over five years in Bridge of Allan, Stirling Carers' Garden has made the move to a new location in Braehead Allotments.

The new space offers lots more opportunities for Carers to take advantage of the space, which includes both indoor and outdoor planting areas, chickens, bees, wetland area, community events and, most importantly, toilets and place to make a cuppa!

Our Young Carers team is already making plans to use the space for upcoming sessions, and we'll be visiting with some of our adult groups over the next few months.

We're excited to start using the facilities and get involved with all the fantastic work going on at Braehead Community Garden. If you'd like to get involved, contact the Centre for a chat.

Colleen, Young Carers Officer, visiting the garden

Our Dementia Carers Group has been running for almost a year now, and we've just secured funding to keep this going and develop it further.

The group provides a space for Carers of people living with dementia to share experiences and hear from local and national support services and organisations. It's open to anyone aged 16+ caring for someone living with dementia or suspected dementia.

The group usually meets on the last Friday of the month at Riverside Bowling Club in

Stirling, with representatives from local and national support organisations coming along to share about their services. Over the last few months we've had visits from NHS Scotland, Age Scotland and Alzheimer's Scotland, and we're looking forward to the upcoming events:

Playlist for Life: Music Therapy for Dementia

31st May, 1.30-3.30pm

Falkirk Wheel (Carers Week) 14th June, 10.45am-3pm

Town Break support services 26th July, 1.30-3.30pm

Book for any of these events through our website or contact the Centre on 01786 447003.

NEXT MEETING: Thu 27th June 10.30-12.30

Stirling Carers' Voice is our Carers' forum - a place to come and discuss issues affecting Carers at a local and national level, feedback on consultations, speak with representatives from a range of organisations, and share experiences with other Carers.

Our upcoming meeting will be available both in-person (venue to be confirmed) and online via Zoom.

Register on our website or on the booking form inside the back cover

Our Parent Carers Group is back, and we've got some great events coming up including:

Jump 'N' Joy

13th Jun 6-8pm

Blairdrummond

Safari Park

6th Aug 11am-4pm

Hollywood Bowl (10+) 25th Sep 6-8pm PumpkiN Picking

October

Date & Time to be confirmed

The Parent Carers Group is for parents or guardians who care for a child aged 16 or under. All events are open to parent Carers, cared for children and siblings.

Book on our website or contact the Centre on 01786 447003.

Take a Break Scotland Grant Scheme Now Open

Take a Break provides cash grants to Carers of disabled children and young people, aged 0 to 20, who have complex additional support needs. The grant can be used towards things like day trips, a short break away, an additional carer, travel costs, clubs and activities.

The scheme aims to improve unpaid Carer’s quality of life, health and well-being by supporting them in accessing a break from the day-to-day routine of caring. It is funded by the Scottish Government and administered by Family Fund charity.

Find out more and apply online by visiting the Take a Break website: takeabreakscotland.org.uk

Scotland

is making a world-leading commitment to Carers. Change must follow.

The Scottish Government has proposed a new, dedicated National Outcome on care. Once finalised it will make Scotland one of the first countries in the world to make such an explicit and comprehensive commitment to driving and transparently measuring progress on how care and, crucially, those who look after someone, are valued.

The proposed National Outcome on Care states ‘We are cared for as we need throughout our lives and value all those providing care’.

The campaign, backed by Carers across Scotland, was

The Scottish Government’s National Performance Framework (NPF) includes eleven National Outcomes which it says describe ‘the kind of Scotland’ it wishes to create.

However, there is currently no Outcome on care, a glaring omission which 'A Scotland That Cares' sought to change during the Government’s recent review led by the Deputy First Minister, Shona Robison.

launched at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic when people and many politicians took to their doorsteps to ‘clap for carers’ and other key workers. Since then, the campaign has shown how the undervaluation of all forms of care is leaving too many people who look after someone, particularly women, to pay a deep financial and personal price, including poverty and burn-out.

As well as covering care at all stages of a person’s life, the new National Outcome will cover everyone with caring responsibilities in Scotland; from Unpaid Carers looking after friends and family,

including Young Carers, to parents looking after children and paid social care and childcare workers.

The creation of a new National Outcome on care comes as public support for Carers remains high, with polling showing nearly two-thirds (64%) of adults in Scotland back a new National Outcome on care. It has already attracted support from multiple political parties.

'A Scotland That Cares' says the new Outcome must be underpinned by robust practical, measurable policies; adequate funding; and meaningful support systems that make a tangible difference to the daily lives of Carers.

Campaigners are urging MSPs from across the political spectrum to back the new National Outcome while ensuring that Scotland’s 13 proposed National Outcomes have more weight in driving policy and spending decisions across all levels of government.

Find out more about the A Scotland that Cares campaign at www.ascotlandthatcares.org

“Carers, whether paid or unpaid, are the backbone of our society, providing essential support and compassion to those in need.

For too long, their tireless efforts have gone unseen and unappreciated, resulting in carers often facing burn out and poverty.

The Scottish Government’s landmark new commitment to carers is a positive step towards ensuring that carers of all kinds receive the recognition and resources they urgently need and deserve.”

- Becky Duff, Director of Carers Trust Scotland

“The First Minister must ensure the proposed National Outcome on Care is worth the paper it’s written on by delivering rapid and transformative changes that boost investment in care and give carers the support they need."

- Jamie Livingstone, Head of Oxfam Scotland

Working Age Carer Group

Thanks to funding, we now have a new evening group for Carers aged 17-65. Join us for our first two events:

Pizza Class

Pizza Express, Stirling Thu 18th July, 6-8pm

Fringe Comedy Night

Edinburgh Fri 23rd August, 7pm-late

Priority for these events will be given to Carers who are unable to make daytime events due to work or caring commitments.

Book on our website or complete the form inside the back cover.

Are You Ready To Vote?

A UK General Election has been announced for 4th July 2024.

As this is a UK election and not for Scottish Parliament or local councils, you will need to show photographic ID to be able to vote.

Accepted forms of photo ID include:

• Passport

• Photo driving licence

• Concessionary travel pass

• Blue Badge

• National Entitlement/ Young Scot Card

A full list of accepted forms of photo ID is available on the UK Government website.

If you do not have accepted photo ID, no longer look like the photo on your ID or the name on your photo ID is different to your name on the electoral register, you may need to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.

You can do this for free online at www.gov.uk/apply-for-photoid-voter-authority-certificate or call Stirling Council Election Office on 01786 233068.

The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free UK wide service which provides extra help during power cuts or when there’s an interruption to your electricity, gas or water supply.

Joining the PSR helps your utility companies to provide adapted services, adjust communications and make amendments to keep you safe, such as setting up a password scheme and providing advance warning of planned interruptions to electricity, gas or water supplies.

Priority Services Register

You are eligible for free PSR Services if you:

• Use medical equipment reliant on electricity

• Are blind or partially sighted

• Are deaf or hard of hearing

• Have a chronic illness

• Have anxiety, depression or any other mental health condition

• Have a disability

• Are over 60

• Live with children under five

• Temporarily need extra support

• Need documents translated into another format or language

To join the PSR, contact your utility suppliers or visit psrscotland.com

Jupiter Artland Trip

Join us in Carers Week for a trip to Jupiter Artland sculpture park in Edinburgh. The site features dozens of sculptures and artworks, including the iconic 'Cells of Life' (pictured).

Transport from Stirling and packed lunch provided. Book on our website, inside the back cover or contact the Centre.

Short Breaks Groups

Stirling Carers Centre runs regular groups and activities to give you a chance to take time out from your caring role and are always free to join. Unless otherwise stated, activities are open to all Carers aged 16+.

You can find a full calendar of upcoming events on our website, or contact the Centre for a paper copy.

Book Group • First Thursday • 10.30am, in the Centre

Chat about the book of the month over a cuppa.

Upcoming: 6th June - 'The Island of Missing Trees' by Elif Shafak

Cuppa Chat • Third Friday • 10.30am, in the Centre

Coffee morning in the Centre - no need to book.

Upcoming: 21st June; 19th July

Male Carers Group • First Tuesday • Times & venue vary Specifically for men in a caring role.

Upcoming: 5th June - Axe throwing; 2nd July - Lawn bowls

Walking Group • Alternate Mondays • 10.30am, route varies Gentle walks around the local area.

Upcoming: 10th June; 24th June; 8th July

My Time • Last Thursday • 6pm, venue varies Evening events with varied activities.

Upcoming: 27th June - Lawn Bowls

Yoga

Stirling & Online (The Yoga Tree) • Mondays • 1.15pm Killearn (Endrick Yoga) • Wednesdays & Fridays • 9.30am

Visit www.stirlingcarers.co.uk/whats-on, call 01786 447003 or complete and return the enquiry form opposite to book.

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.

I am interested in:

REGULAR GROUPS

F Book Group

F Carer Lunches

F Cuppa Chat

F Connecting with Dementia Carers

F Male Carers Group

F My Time

F Parent Carers Group

F Walking Group

F Working Age Carers Group

CARERS WEEK EVENTS

F Afternoon Tea

F Callander, Killin & Lochearnhead Lunch

F CHAT: Carers' Rights

F CHAT: Legal Support for Parent Carers

F CHAT: Money Management

F Chocolate Workshop

F Dementia Carers: Coffee & Chat

F Dementia Carers: Falkirk Wheel Trip

F Jupiter Artland Trip

F Killearn Lunch

F Male Carers Lunch

F Parent Carers: Jump 'N' Joy

OTHER

F Stirling Carers' Voice

F Yoga Sessions

*Please note that places on some events are limited, and may be allocated on a needs basis. Scan to book online

F Complementary Therapies

F Forth Valley Carers Card

F Other:

Your Details

Name: Best contact number:

Email address:

F I would like to receive the monthly bulletin by email

The information you provide will be used for events management and mailing purposes. Your information is kept in accordance with data protection legislation, stored securely, and never shared with a third party without your consent or unless we are required by law to do so.

Forth Valley Carers Card

Jane McDonald

CardExpiryDate: 31/10/2024

CarerIDNumber: SC1123

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 www.stirlingcarers.co.uk/carers-card or contact the Centre. Have you got your

If you have received this magazine by post it means that you are subscribed to Stirling Carers Centre’s mailing list. You can unsubscribe at any time by calling or emailing the Centre on the details below.

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.