Carers News MK

The newsletter of Carers Milton Keynes

Arts on Prescription Delays to PIP

Spring 2014

Carers’ Stories

New Helpline For Older People Dedicated to supporting carers

www.carersmiltonkeynes.org

www.carersmiltonkeynes.org

Meet the Team...

Foreword from the

Chief Executive Stephen Archibald

Welcome to our new-look Carers News which I’m sure you will notice has transformed into a ‘proper’ magazine, complete with advertising. The advertising, specifically chosen to be of interest to carers, allows us to offset the increasing production and printing costs. The money saved by working in this way will be used for our other services for carers in Milton Keynes. I would be really interested to hear your feedback and suggestions on the new format, so please do get in touch.

Finance Manager Kirstie O'Sullivan Adult Services Sue Bowering Anne Matthews Debbie Baxter Sue Sullivan Parent Participation Rachael Sherratt-Smith

Chief Executive I am also delighted to let you know that we have been successful in our bid for a new contract with the Milton Keynes Council to run carers’ services in Milton Keynes for the next 3 years, starting in April 2014, with an option of a further 2 years after that. We have some exciting plans for the future – more of which in our summer issue.

Stephen Archibald Chief Executive Carers MK and Carers Bucks

Young Carers’ Team Sally Mansi Debbie Norton Caroline Roxburgh Helen Galvin Volunteer Drivers Heena Triveda

07

10

06

Community Fundraiser Clare Lowe

15 Editor Connie Sharp Telephone: 0300 777 2722 Email: connie.sharp@ carersbucks.org Acorn House, 375 Midsummer Boulevard, Central Milton Keynes MK9 3HP Tel: 01908 231703 Email: mail@ carersmiltonkeynes.org Reg charity no 1116804; Company number 05577393 Advertising Jo Marchant Telephone: 01536 526674 Published: Lance Publishing Ltd Telephone: 01536 521126 www.lancepublishing.co.uk Printed: Lance Print Ltd Telephone: 01480 492183 www.lanceprint.co.uk

04 Supported by

Contents 05

Training

12

Carers’ Stories

06

News From Carers MK

15

Parent Carers

08

Money Matters

16

Fundraising & Events

10

Services & Information

18

Support Groups

Spring 2014

| 3

SOCIAL EVENTS Book Club

Singing

Ramble

So many people find reading a great way of ‘switching off’ so come along to the Book Club where you will be provided with a book to read and discuss with like-minded people.

Tuesdays - 4th February, 4th March, 1st April, 6th May 2.30 - 4pm

Singing is great fun and when you sing in a group there is a real sense of togetherness.

Singing can also lift your mood and reduce stress so come and join us - no one will be made to sing solo!

Fridays 7th February, 14th March, 4th April, 2nd May 1 - 2 pm at Newport Pagnell United Reformed Church Hall, High Street, Newport Pagnell

A gentle spring walk to explore the lovely area around Woughton Park.

Thursday 8th May 10.30am - 12.30pm

Men’s Group Come and join this relaxing social group that meets regularly at the Barn Beefeater in Central Milton Keynes.

Mondays 10th February, 17th March, 14th April, 19th May from 7pm onwards

Writing Group This is an informal group of carers who meet and share a love of writing in all its forms. You will be warmly welcomed and encouraged to explore your creative side.

Tuesdays 11th February, 11th March, 8th April, 13th May 10am - 11.30am

Gardening Our seasonal visit to Frosts garden centre will be looking at what to do in the garden in spring with a talk by expert Maurice Rust.

Wednesday 5th March 10am 12pm at Frosts Garden Centre

Pamper Event Please see details on page 16.

Tuesday March 25th 1.00 - 6.00pm

Decoupage We are grateful to Hobbycraft in Patriot Drive, Rooksley for hosting this craft session for us - a chance to be really creative and learn a new skill.

Tuesday 29th April 10.30am - 12.30pm

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 2014 FEBRUARY 2014

28th

Carers MK AGM

JUNE 2014

9th to

15

th

Fri

20th

Carers’ Week Words and Music event

More details in our next magazine.

4 |

Spring 2014

www.carersmiltonkeynes.org

If you wish to book on any of the courses or social events, please ring Carers MK on 01908 231703 or email mail@ carersmiltonkeynes.org Unless otherwise stated all training sessions take place at our offices in Acorn House.

TRAINING Managing Challenging Behaviour

T

his course looks at how conditions such as dementia and Parkinson’s, medication and general well-being can affect mood changes and personality. It will look at techniques for dealing with challenging behaviour, including body language and good communication.

Monday 3rd February 10am - 1pm

ICT for Beginners

L

earn the basics of computing.

Thursday 6th February 9.45am - 11.45am Location - CMK Library

Tuesday 11th March 10am - 12pm Tuesday 15th April 10am - 12pm Please note spaces are limited.

Mental Capacity Act

T

his session provides a brief introduction to the Act, how it affects family carers and the impact it may have on paid professional carers that you may be receiving support from, either privately funded or via MK Council.

18th March 10am - 12pm

Dementia Awareness This course is held over 2 sessions:

Moving & Handling

T

his course, designed specifically for carers, covers the importance of back care and the risks of manual handling. There will be demonstrations and practice of moving people within the home environment; mechanical aids will also be demonstrated.

Thursday 13th February 10.30am - 12.30pm

Craft Activity

T

his session will involve sewing felt and fabric brooches or phone pouch holders. If you have any odd pieces of material or felt please bring these along with you.

Tuesday 4th March 9.30am - 12.30pm

Managing Stress

L

earn how to identify sources of stress and ways to manage it.

You will explore ways of avoiding unnecessary stress by learning to say ‘no’, avoiding ‘hot’ topics, setting realistic goals, learning to forgive and not trying to control the uncontrollable.

Session 1 - 31st March 10am - 12pm Covers the main types of dementia, indicators, signs and symptoms of dementia and the impact a diagnosis has on all concerned.

Session 2 - 3rd April - 10am - 12pm Practical ways to support people with dementia (including challenging behaviour); different communication approaches; information on further support and advice.

technique for dealing with wheelchair users; a major bleed; seizures/ convulsions and an overview of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) This course is being delivered by Guardian - see details of location below.

Thursday 24th April 10am - 12.30pm; Thursday 29th May 1.30pm - 4pm

Manual Handling (Back Care)

T

he course will cover the compulsory elements of care plans and communication with the patient; ‘Power Posture’ and a practical exercise. The rest of the course will be tailored to the needs of the participants and can cover, eg sitting to standing/standing to sitting, walking with a frame or stick, assisted walking, equipment - slide sheets, glide cushions, turning seats, etc.

Thursday 24th April 1.30pm - 4pm; Thursday 29th May 10am - 12.30pm This course will be delivered by Guardian, at their venue - 2nd Floor, De Vere Harben, Tickford Street, Newport Pagnell, Milton Keynes MK16 9EY.

Oral Health Confidence Building

Y

ou will learn to feel more confident in dealing with potentially stressful and challenging situations and have a better understanding of how personal behaviour is affected by environments and other personalities.

Tuesday 1st April 9.30am - 12.30pm

First Aid Awareness

T

his course covers how to deal with: an unconscious adult or child; a person who is choking - including the

T

here is strong evidence to show that people with gum disease are almost twice as likely to have coronary artery disease as those without.

The aims of this session are to: understand the main causes of tooth decay recognise the importance of a regular tooth brushing routine understand the importance of having the mouth checked regularly find out about dental services available and how to access them.

Tuesday 20th May 10.30am - 12pm Spring 2014

| 5

NEWS FROM CARERS MK Keeping in Touch

W

e regularly send out reminders to carers about our training sessions, activities and events – using email means we can do this quickly and cheaply.

If you would like to be kept up to date in this way please make

Volunteer placement counsellor

A

gata is currently volunteering with our service as a placement student. Agata has level 2 and 3 in counselling skills and is now studying person centred counselling – level 4.

sure we have your current email address - email us at mail@ carersmiltonkeynes.org We also use Facebook to keep carers up to date so if you have a Facebook account visit our page and ‘like us.’

A Day in the Life of a Volunteer

H

i, my name is Lisa and I have been volunteering at the Carers MK office for 10 months now.

I volunteer 1 day a week and look forward to going in and catching up with the staff, as well as helping out with fundraising support and admin duties.

I help the Carers MK fundraising manager with ideas and support.

Fundraising is a really busy but essential area within the charity.

It is very rewarding when I have been successful in negotiating a raffle prize or donation.

I enjoy helping out the Carers MK

administrator with data input on the computer and any other admin duties where my support may be needed.

One night a month I also help out the young carers team, with the young carers youth club.

I enjoy everything about volunteering and as I suffer from health issues, it really helps me feel better about myself and to lead a normal life as possible.

If you would like to know more about volunteering with Carers MK contact Sue Bowering on 01908 231703 or email sue.bowering@ carersmiltonkeynes.org

Volunteering and its Rewards

I

t was always my intention to return to work after having my child, but it soon became apparent to me that my son was different.

I tried a couple of nurseries and child minders, but they also found him difficult to manage.

So I made the decision to put my work life on hold and concentrate on supporting my son as best as I could. When he was younger, working was not a practical option, but also emotionally, I wasn’t in the right frame of mind to commit myself to a job.

6 |

Spring 2014

Over the last eight years, I have been working voluntarily for charitable organisations in various roles. It has given me the opportunity to use and refresh my skills, and over this time I have met lots of interesting people and formed new friendships. I have learnt new things and have even been on training courses to improve my skills.

For me, volunteering is a natural thing to do and it gives me the opportunity to ‘give something back’ whilst at the same time increase my self-confidence and improve my overall wellbeing.

(A volunteer)

www.carersmiltonkeynes.org

NEWS FROM YOUNG CARERS MK O

ur young carers had a busy October half term, playing laser tag at the Caldecotte Xperience.

We had a full day of fun with young carers of all ages, the autumn sun was shining as we crawled around the muddy woods on our knees. Some of them even got to use a World War Two machine gun! We hid behind trees, in sheds and on the wet ground to avoid being shot, while trying to shoot the enemy. The young carers learned how to be part of a team and work together and finished the day off with a hot dog.

We ran a Sibshop workshop in Stony Stratford for our younger young carers. We did loads of fun activities and the children made new friends while sharing experiences relating to their caring roles.

At youth club we were visited by a mobile farm that included a

“Some of them even got to use a World War Two machine gun!”

cow, sheep, chickens, a goat, some geese and a dog. The children were able to pet the animals and asked the farmer lots of interesting questions and learned how to handle the animals correctly and not to squeeze them too hard!

staff)! It was fantastic to see so many families enjoying themselves.

Thank you to Jim Demain and all at the Arcadia group for a massive donation of t-shirts for the children to decorate at the party and a big thank you to Derek at mkdisco for making it so enjoyable.

Roll up, roll up the circus came to youth club!

Many of the children are now experts at walking the tightrope, throwing and catching diabolos, juggling and spinning plates. This activity was extremely popular and the children loved it.

Also a huge thank you to our wonderful supporters at Coca-Cola who kindly donated 46 cinema tickets for young carers and their families to see the new Disney film, Frozen. They went even further with their kindness and donated £500 for us to use for activities in the New Year, we are extremely grateful.

We had a wonderful festive time at the Christmas Party with a very Christmassy disco. There was great food and some amazing dancing (especially from the

And last but by no means least, THANK YOU to all our volunteers, without you we would not be able to offer the quality service and support to our families.

Spring 2014

| 7

MONEY MATTERS Introduction of PIP Delayed

T

he government has had to amend the timetable for transferring existing DLA claimants onto the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) due to delays in processing new claims.

As a result PIP will be introduced more gradually, starting with certain postcode areas.

From October 2013, if you are getting DLA you will only be invited to be reassessed for PIP if you live in Wales, East Midlands, West Midlands or East Anglia and meet certain other criteria. Claimants in Milton Keynes will remain as they are for the time being.

For more information on PIP visit www.gov.uk

Discounts For Carers

T

member or a paying visitor their companion goes in free.

The National Trust offers an Admit One card for disabled visitors. The card is issued in the name of the disabled person and allows them to take a companion with them. This is free of charge and does not restrict them to taking the same person each time. The disabled person can be either a

Carers can get into some cinemas (including Cineworld and Odeon) with the person they care for if that person has a CEA card (Cinema Exhibitor’s Association). This is a national card that can be used to verify that the holder is entitled to one free ticket for a person accompanying them. It costs £5.50 and is valid for a year. The person applying needs to be in receipt of Attendance Allowance, DLA or PIP or be registered blind. You can only apply online at www.ceacard.co.uk

he Ambassador Theatre Group (which runs the MK theatre) offers concessions for people with a disability and their companion this is usually in the form of half-price tickets.

8 |

Spring 2014

VAT Exemptions

I

f you, or the person you care for, have a longterm illness or disability, you might not have to pay VAT on certain goods and services. Certain building work may also be free of VAT. In general, items covered are things that are of practical help to you because of your illness or disability. These are some of the items that qualify: Electrically or mechanically adjustable beds designed for invalids Sanitary devices, eg commode chairs, commode stools Chair lifts or stair lifts designed for use in connection with invalid wheelchairs Invalid wheelchairs Hoists and lifters designed for use by invalids (this includes ‘lift & tilt’ or ‘riser’ chairs) Emergency alarm call systems that link you to a specified person or a central control centre Incontinence products For more details visit www. hmrc.gov.uk/vat/sectors/ consumers/disabled.htm

The Silver Line A New Helpline for Older People

Services mentioned in this newsletter do not constitute a recommendation

by Carers MK

L

aunched at the end of November The Silver Line is a confidential 24 hour helpline for older people.

Specially trained staff: Offer information, friendship and advice Link callers to local groups and services Offer regular befriending calls Protect and support those who are suffering abuse and neglect.

SERVICES & INFORMATION New Manager for Alzheimer’s Society

I

n October the Alzheimer’s Society said goodbye to Lynne Stoodley, their Services Support Manager, who had been with them for 13 years. She will be greatly missed. She has been replaced

by Nicole Palmer, an experienced Services Support Manager from Buckinghamshire, who will now continue Lynne’s good work.

Contact the Alzheimer’s Society on 01908 232 612

10 |

Spring 2014

Disabled Swimming

M

iddleton Swimming Pool in Newport Pagnell holds specialist disabled swimming sessions twice a week on Mondays and Fridays, 3.15pm 4.15pm. A number of fl oatation aids are available and they have a sling and chair hoist available, operated by their team of pool staff. Sessions cost £2.30 plus there is an annual membership cost of £13.

For further information contact Jackie Starkey on 01908 639 358

Callers can, if they want, receive a weekly friendship call or email.

Or they can join a Silver Circle and take part in a regular group call on subjects that interest them. The service is generally aimed at the over 65s and was founded by Esther Rantzen OBE. The Silver Line number is 0800 470 8090 - all calls are free

www.carersmiltonkeynes.org

Reduce the Risk of Falling

Need to Borrow a Wheelchair?

T

T

he Community Health Service Falls Team offers tailored assessments, treatment and advice on how to reduce the risks of falls and help people to cope after a fall.

The service is available to any person (primarily those over 65 years of age) registered with a Milton Keynes GP. Referrals to the service can be made by health and social care professionals, as well as carers and people who are at risk of falling or have fallen themselves.

Risk of falling can be caused by a number of factors including medication, home hazards, reduced strength and balance and health issues.

Falls risks are discussed with the person at assessment, individual risk factors identified and ideas to minimise those risks discussed.

The service can be contacted on 01908 379 440 or email: Mkchs.FallsPrevention@ mkchs.nhs.uk

he Red Cross offer loans of wheelchairs and other independent living equipment (such as ramps, raised toilet seats, bed raisers, commodes, walking frames and sticks) at various locations throughout Buckinghamshire - these are the locations for carers living in MK and surrounding areas.

Buckingham Mobile Vehicle, Red Cross Centre, Verney Close, MK18 1JP. Tel: 01235 552664 Wed 11am - 12pm

Milton Keynes Red Cross Centre, Unit 3 Joplin Court, Crownhill, MK8 0JP. Tel: 08450 703753 Mon 2 - 4pm, Tues & Thurs 1 - 3pm Contact their information helpline on 0844 412 2750

Useful Website

D

isability-grants.org brings together information on charities and trusts that provide funding towards the cost of things like disability equipment, holidays, housing, days out etc and is aimed at both adults and children with disabilities or life-limiting conditions.

Take a look at: www.disability-grants.org

Partnership Working to Benefit MK Citizens

M

ilton Keynes Citizens Advice Bureau (MK CAB) is at the centre of an ambitious new project which aims to work with partners across a range of local organisations providing information, advice and support to people living in Milton Keynes in a more integrated way.

At a time when many voluntary groups have seen their income greatly reduced sharing resources efficiently and effectively is key to ensure services are maintained.

The partnership has also received funding through the Advice Services Transition Fund.

Bec King, Advice Project Coordinator, says “One group that the partnership fears may be left behind are people diagnosed with depression, stress or anxiety. Mind BLMK who are signed up to the partnership, would see its services integrated with those of the CAB to provide, for example, debt advice in conjunction with emotional support or counselling. It is hoped that that this joined up approach will empower people who are depressed to take more control of their day to day lives on both a practical and emotional level.�

The project, which is currently in its implementation phase, aims to be underway by early 2014.

Spring 2014

| 11

CARERS’ STORIES Dancer

By David Tompsett

B

eth had always been a dancer.

She thought she could still recall her first day at Madame Kropotkin’s ballet academy, but maybe that was the photo that her mother had taken of a four-year-old Beth, fair hair in bunches, clasping a pair of plimsolls. If she ever doubted her memory she had only to consult the certificates that adorned every inch of her bedroom wall.

Beth snuggles back into her pillow, reliving last night’s dream; watching herself leap and spin across the stage while the audience burst into rapturous applause.

The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy broke her train of thought, and a

Being a Carer

A

ndrew Marr, well-known journalist and political commentator, suffered a debilitating stroke earlier this year. Carers Bucks was fortunate enough to interview his wife Jackie Ashley about being a carer for her husband and the impact it has had on her life and that of her family. The couple have also written articles in the national press, including the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday. The following are extracts from these articles which carers may be interested in.

‘Carers want to care. Caring has always been an essential part of being human. The trouble is that this has pushed caring to the back of the political agenda, into the shadows and mostly out of sight. And there are things that could be done to make life more tolerable for carers.’

‘One thing is certain; this problem is not going to go away. Our ageing society and our ability to save people 12 |

Spring 2014

snappish ‘yes’ completed the voice-activated connection on her mobile phone. ‘I am awake.’

The door opened slowly and a smiling face, a mirror of her own, came into view. Maria crossed the room and slipped a strong arm under Beth’s shoulders, lifting her into the wheelchair that had been her daytime home since the fogbound pile-up that had broken Beth’s back. ‘Been dreaming again?’

Beth nodded, sadly, no longer crushed as she had once been.

Her legs might no longer answer to the instruction of her mind, but inside, where the real Beth dwelt, she was still a dancer.

There is a link to an edited version of Carers Bucks’ interview with Jackie Ashley on our website at www. carersmiltonkeynes.org

from diseases that would once have them killed them means the need for caring outside hospital is growing all the time - it’s estimated that before long the total number of carers in this country will be nine million, not six million.

Andrew’s stroke has been many things – frightening, a struggle, a time for personal reflection. But above all it has been a salutary eye-opener, illuminating a world of dogged, brave and loving people who are keeping this country civilised, and who would like just a little more help.’

Keep Singing This poem was written in memory of the much loved and missed Chris Nixon-Caney, who passed away in January 2013 There isn’t anyone to blame, But I feel it’s such a shame We won’t ever hear your colourful song again Things aren’t the same A voice in my head said ‘I Protest, he isn’t dead’ I’m full of dread Yesterday I heard the sound of your name Painted, in song on the window frame Your face had A smile that beamed, Of that, I have since dreamed Your larger than life presence seemed To glow Warming the room A bit like the Moon Guiding the way on a cold winter’s day There was always that welcome that could light up a room Always your voice that rang out with a boom With tales of boyhood, of travels, of history and more I can still hear your song echoing, I’m sure Drifting in as I open the door Your song had a rhythm, had a Beat and a Flow Your song rang out, both Loud and Low

By Jenny Walker

Well Being therapy centre helping you find peace of mind

Stressed?

Anxious?

Depressed?

We can help!

For expert one-to-one counselling, please call us on: 01908 786242 or 07763127852 or email: info@thewellbeingtherapycentre.co.uk www.thewellbeingtherapycentre.co.uk Together we can explore your feelings, thoughts and decisions that you make in your life, and how they affect you and your relationships. We can also work to improve your capacity for self-reection, self-understanding and communication with others.

MENTAL

HEALTH CARERS Mentoring Mental Health Service Carers’ Forum ind BLMK provides a mentoring

Arts on Prescription Taster Session T heat 5.30pm Forum meets every month prior to the main K Arts for Health is a local Mental Health Carers Group on the

M

charity that aims to improve health and wellbeing by using art to enhance healthcare environments and providing art activities in the community.

first Wednesday of every month at Carers MK. New members are always welcome; if you would like to know more just come along or contact Beth on 01908 340967.

Their Arts on Prescription programme offers access to professionally led arts activities in a supportive environment, at times and places to suit participants.

The programme is available on a referral basis for clients who experience depression, stress or anxiety and runs over 10 weeks.

Workshops are FREE to attend and all materials are provided.

New Out-of-Hours Number A new out-of-hours urgent advice line for mental health services is now available in Milton Keynes.

It replaces the previous crisis line arrangements and provides a single point of support, advice and signposting to service users, their families and carers.

They are running a taster session on Wednesday 19th February 10.30am - 12.30pm at the MK Gallery, Central Milton Keynes visit www.mkartsforhealth.org.uk for more details.

The line is open Monday - Friday from 5pm - 9am; a 24 hour service is available at weekends and bank holidays. Calls are answered by skilled and experienced clinicians.

The Out-of-Hours Urgent Advice Line number is 0800 0234 650

Complex Needs Course

T

his course is for relatives of people with complex needs and will cover information about personality disorders, what they are, what causes them and what can help those in distress.

Participants will also get the opportunity to meet others in similar situations and share approaches and suggestions.

We are holding an Information Session from 6 - 7.30pm on Thursday 30th January at Carers MK for anyone interested in 14 |

Spring 2014

attending the course. The course itself will run over 6 weeks from 13th February to 17th April (Thursdays).There may be some flexibility around these dates if they don’t suit the majority of people.

For more information contact Debbie on 01908 231703, email debbie.baxter@ carersmilotnkeynes.org or Beth Lawrence, Carers Support Development Co-ordinator on 01908 340967, email Beth.

Lawrence@Milton-Keynes.gov.uk

M

service for people experiencing mild to moderate mental health problems, (ie stress, anxiety and depression).

Mentoring can support clients to improve their well-being and aid recovery by working towards a goal with the support of a trained volunteer mentor.

Once a goal has been identified, the mentor will meet regularly with the client on 1:1 basis for up to 12 weeks to provide support to achieve the goal, in particular supporting clients to access and work with the services offered by the other organisations within in the Advice Network Partnership. (read details of the partnership on page 11) Contact Mind BLMK on 0300 330 0648 for more details.

Mental Health Support Group Dates 5th February - Selena Cox who is the manager of the new Mental Health Urgent Advice Line (see more details in article ‘new out of hours number’ on this page) 5th March - Support and chat session 2nd April - Bianca Hinds-Watt, Clinical Studies Officer with the Mental Health Research Network will talk about its current research projects that you and the person you care for could get involved with.

7th May - Support and chat session.

The support group meets on the first Wednesday of the month, 6 - 7.30pm at Acorn House.

www.carersmiltonkeynes.org

PARENT CARERS

Support for Parents

Special Educational Needs and Disability Reforms (SEND)

O

M

ilton Keynes Parent Partnership and PACA are joining forces to spread the word about the special educational needs (SEN) reforms that are coming.

In September 2014 all local areas in England will be required to implement key reforms related to the new Children’s and Families Bill. These changes are being made to better support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

are encouraging parents to take this opportunity to be involved and influence the development and review of local provision.

There will be a variety of different ways you can be involved (meetings, workshops, surveys etc.) and we shall be sharing regular updates and bulletins in the coming months. More information and links can be found on our website: www.pacamk.org/send-reforms

A key part of the reforms is that local authorities must involve parent carers and young people from the beginning of this reform process.

Parent Partnership and PACA

Contact Rachael at Carers MK if you would like more information or to receive our newsletter email pacamk@gmail.com or telephone 07852 526057

Information for Parents

W

e have some useful information for parent carers - one is a list of clubs and activities for children with additional needs; the second is on grants and funding.

Contact us if you would like copies.

Contact a Family produces booklets on

a wide range of topics for parent carers - ‘Understanding your child’s behaviour’ and ‘Relationships and caring for a disabled child’ are just two examples.

Visit their website at www.cafamily. org.uk or ring 0808 808 2555.

Visit our new website!

P

ACA’s website has had a makeover and we hope you will find it helpful and informative. There is a page dedicated to the SEN reforms

which will be updated regularly with useful links and information.

Why not take a look at www.pacamk.org

ur parent carer sessions are thriving and parents find real benefit in meeting others who are in a similar situation. We run two groups: Coffee morning at Pebbles Children’s Centre 9.30 - 11am, second Monday of every month.

If you have a young child they are very welcome to attend as there are lots of toys to play with.

Support group at Acorn House 11am – 1pm, usually third Monday of the month (some changes this time).

24th February Tina Swain will be giving us an update on the CAMHS service.

17th March A member of the Special Educational Needs team will be talking about their role and service.

28th April An opportunity to chat and share information.

19th May Louise Derbyshire, a trainer from Contact a Family, will be running a workshop on transitions covering an overview of the process; explore hopes, fears and aspirations; sources of help, advice and support.

Spring 2014

| 15

FUNDRAISING & EVENTS Treat Yourself!

Get in the Swim

W

E

hy not treat yourself and come along to our pamper event on Tuesday 25th March at Acorn House from 1 - 6pm. You can book 20 minute appointments with massage and reiki therapists by contacting us on 01908 231703 or email mail@carersmiltonkeynes.org Manicures will also be available on the day with no pre-booking.

Raffle & Quiz Night

T

hank you everyone who supported our raffle and Quiz Night. We raised a total of £725 from the raffle and £91 from the Quiz Night - the £91 will be match funded by Santander. This money will go towards providing therapies and activities for carers.

The winners have now all been notified and their prizes have been distributed.

ver since Sir John Southby joined the Rotary Club of Milton Keynes in 1994, bringing with him this novel way of raising money for the local community, the Club has helped hundreds of local charities, and this year it’s Carers Milton Keynes’ turn to be chosen along with nine others.

The Swimathon, which takes place on 8th March at Stantonbury Pool, brings together around 300 people from all walks of life and all ages and fitness to swim in teams of six for 55 minutes in relay. Not only do they have some fun, but also the satisfaction of knowing that they have raised between £25,000 and £30,000.

Each swimmer obtains sponsorship from their family and friends.

There are cups and shields for the most sponsorship, most lengths, most original team name, special achievement and a schools’ trophy.

If you are interested in having a go and raising funds for Carers MK email Jim Huggan at jim@huggan.com

Thank You!

C

arers MK would like to say a huge thank you to our wonderful donors and supporters: £2935 St Martin’s Masonic Lodge £200 Grant from the Cambridgeshire Community Foundation £50 ASDA £120 Lisa’s Candlelight party £10 Donations for tea/coffee £25 Donation from Carer £30 Denbigh School staff £500 Grant from Tesco Trust Community Award Scheme We are always looking for new ideas for raising funds so if you have any good ideas please get in touch! If you would like to support our work you can make a donation via our Justgiving page – visit www. carersmiltonkeynes.org for details.

Autism Partnership Board

T

he Autism Partnership Board is now well established and its meeting in January looked at its focus and direction for the next 3 years. The Autism Strategy for 2014 - 2017 has been written, consulted on and adopted. The work of the Board is now to implement the priorities outlined in the Strategy.

Family carers are urged to get involved. The Board meets quarterly at the Well at Willen with action groups meeting in between. These groups work to ensure that people with autism in Milton Keynes receive the best possible outcome.

For more information contact Anne Matthews on 01908 231703, email anne.matthews@carersmiltonkeynes.org or Luci Dunlop on 01908 253209 or visit www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/autism

Learning Disability Partnership Board

T

he Milton Keynes Learning Disability Partnership Board, which meets every other month at Heron’s Lodge, Loughton, is always keen to hear from family carers about how things could be made better in Milton Keynes for people with learning disabilities and their families.

If you have any comments or would like to know more about the Board and how it works contact Sheila Taylor 09108 253259 / Luci Dunlop 01908 253209 or email valuingpeople@milton-keynes.gov.uk

16 |

Spring 2014

TECHNICALLY ADVANCED “THE CHEAPEST

TAXIS

24 HRS A DAY

CAB COMPANY IN 7 DAYS A WEEK MILTON KEYNES” 365 DAYS A YEAR

BOOK YOUR TAXI ONLINE @EezyCabs

WWW.EEZYCABS.CO.UK Secure Credit & Debit Card S Payments in-Car

THE ONLY CAB COMPANY TO GIVE FIXED PRICES Executive Service

Live Online Booking

Think Print

Lance Print is an established printers based in Huntingdon near Cambridge. At Lance we combine skill, experience & knowledge to provide a complete professional service.

We aim to fill our clients with confidence in the knowledge that any work undertaken by us, will be completed to the highest possible standard.

Call Today:

(01480) 492183

www.lanceprint.co.uk

01908

218 218 Airport Transfer

Local Support Groups Coffee and Origami

O

ur next quarterly coffee morning is on Friday 30th May from 10.30am – 12.30pm at our office. As well as chatting with other carers and enjoying light refreshments you can also take part in an origami session. This proved very popular in the past and is a fun activity for everyone.

Please come along and enjoy!

ust a reminder that we run support groups in Olney, Newport Pagnell, Great Linford, Bletchley and Hanslope. This enables carers to attend venues that are local to them thus cutting down the travelling time and parking difficulties!

J

experiences and emotions. A Support Worker from Carers MK is also available to answer any queries and to provide some emotional support.

Sometimes just talking and sharing your concerns makes them easier to cope with.

You are welcome to attend any of these groups. You will meet other local carers who share and understand common

For times and further details please contact Carers MK on 01908 231703; email mail@ carersmiltonkeynes.org

Olney Support Group Meetings Thursday 3rd February David Pibworth local comedy writer/actor will talk about the history of British Situation Comedy.

Thursday 6th March Coffee & chat session Thursday 3rd April Rachel Lintern will join us and

talk about the Olney - Newton (Sierra Leone) link and their achievements to date.

Thursday 1st May Coffee & chat session Meetings are held at the Olney Centre from 2-4pm

Helping us Make Better Social Workers!

T

he Open University (OU) is looking for people who can help make sure that social work students understand the importance of the service user and carer views on the way they work. They are looking for people who can help teach this.

This could mean anything from: talking to the OU about your ideas and views looking at some of the teaching material the OU produces or coming to meetings to discuss how students are assessed and prepared for practice.

If you are interested or would like to discuss this further contact Janet Bardsley 01908 653502 or janet.bardsley@ open.ac.uk or ask Debbie Norton or Anne Matthews at Carers MK to get in touch on your behalf.

Barbara Austin Meeting the Queen B

arbara Austin had the great honour of attending St James’ Palace recently to meet the Queen. The occasion was the golden anniversary of the Community Service Volunteers organisation (CSV). Barbara received the invitation because she is one of

18 |

Spring 2014

the longest serving members of CSV and is on the board of Trustees.

She has been helped by the organisation for over 32 years during which time she has had over 182 different volunteer carers.

Barbara trained as a professional Counsellor after her road traffic accident and is now volunteering as a Counsellor with Carers MK.

You could be in the Algarve, relaxing in the sun...

Situated on the top floor of a three storey block the apartment has its own residents’ swimming pool. It has the advantage of being away from the bustle of the town centre but within walking distance (10 minutes to the marina and another 5 to the town centre).

It has a twin bedroom, open plan kitchen and lounge. The kitchen has a 4-ring hob, oven, microwave, toaster and washing machine. There is a family sized bathroom. The lounge has a sofa (which converts into two more single beds) and a table to seat four. A TV, DVD and CD player are also available. Both the lounge and bedroom have patio doors which open onto the balcony offering views over the swimming pool and across Lagos.

There is ample car parking space in front of the building.

www.lagosalgarve.co.uk

PRICES:

Nov to Mar £190 Apr, May, Oct £255 June & Sep £320 July & Aug £395

To book accommodation please contact Judith Hall on 01536 711884 Apartments can also be booked very competitively at judith.hall6@btinternet.com