Choices-March-2016
Transcription
Choices-March-2016
The Newsletter of Carers’ Resource Harrogate 01423 500555 Ch ices Skipton 01756 700888 Issue 94 Bradford 01274 449660 March 2016 Ripon 01765 690222 Working debate Calls for greater recognition of working carers and their needs has been discussed in the House of Commons, thanks to a visit to the capital by Carers’ Resource Director Chris Whiley. Here, Chris reports back on the momentous meeting which resulted in two mentions of Carers’ Resource in the House. “An initial conversation with Philip Davies, the Conservative MP for Shipley, about the challenge of getting employers to think about employees who may be carers resulted in an invitation to London to meet MP Priti Patel, the Employment Minister. This opportunity to push the need for more support for carers at work was too good to miss. Stella Elson, Manager of our CReate (Carers’ Resource Employment Advice Training Enterprises service funded by the Big Lottery), and I decided we would go armed with a proposed initiative for a national quality mark for employers who are Carer Aware. We set off early on Monday, 1 February, and all went smoothly (just a little hiccup when we were waiting outside Portcullis House for Philip Davies and unbeknown to us he was waiting for us inside!). Once we found each other, we were whisked along the streets of Westminster to another office block, and after the normal security checks we were taken to the Minister’s office. Priti Patel was very aware of the issues facing carers, and she told us that as there are fewer people unemployed one of the government’s priorities now is to support people to stay in work. And she received our suggestion of a national Carer Aware quality mark for employers with enthusiasm. She accepted a national scheme would have more credibility than a local one, and she would investigate how this might happen and get back to us. A great coup for carers and Carers’ Resource! She was interested to hear about our geographical reach supporting carers in inner-city and sparselypopulated rural areas, and expressed an interest in working with us in the future. All too quickly our meeting was over as she was Email [email protected] Web carersresource.org expected in the House of Commons to answer employment questions. Here are the quotes from Hansard: Speaking in the House of Commons, MP Philip Davies said: “More and more people, particularly women, are taking on caring responsibilities. “I thank the Minister for meeting me and Carers’ Resource from my constituency about this particular issue. Does she agree that it is important for employers to have more carer-friendly employment practices and that we need to do more to encourage that to happen in order to get the best for those people? MP Priti Patel said: “It was with great pleasure that I met Carers’ Resource from his constituency. I discussed how we can support and work collectively with that organisation to support more women with caring responsibilities to get employment and also to work with employers to do more to support getting people into work – carers in particular. I look forward to working with Carers’ Resource to see what more we can do to pilot more initiatives locally.” Since the meeting we have pursued a contact with Asda, passed to us by Philip Davies. We are also holding an event at Harrogate’s RHS Garden Harlow Carr in May for business leaders to help raise awareness about carers in the workforce. All I can say is – watch this space!” facebook.com/carersresource @CarersResource NORTH YORKSHIRE MENTAL HEALTH HELPLINE A confidential and anonymous service available to anyone registered with a North Yorkshire GP. North Yorkshire Mental Health Out of Hours Helpline 0333 0000 309. TALK ABOUT YOUR MEDICINES Your pharmacist can help you with queries you may have about your medicines. You, or the person you care for, may be taking several different medicines, especially if you have a condition such as diabetes or asthma. It’s important your medication and doses are reviewed regularly, about once a year. Pharmacists are experts and often have extended hours, and no appointment is necessary. FREE ADVICE ON DEBT OR MONEY PROBLEMS l l l l l l l Citizens Advice Bureau 0344 411 1444 Debt Advice Foundation 0800 043 4050 Debt Support Trust 0800 085 0226 Money Advice Service 0300 500 5000 National Debtline 0808 808 4000 Payplan 0800 280 2816 Step Change 0800 138 1111 MAKING INDEPENDENT LIVING WORK Independent living need not mean soldiering on or feeling too proud to ask for help. Sometimes people can worry about the cost or upheaval of possible changes but some adjustments can help us manage daily living – and help us feel the better for it. Even small domestic or personal changes can make a huge difference to your independence. Finding your way through a maze of information can be daunting – aids and equipment, home alterations and grants, assistive technology, healthcare and mobility advice – it’s not always easy. Contact Carers’ Resource to discuss your needs and we’ll do our best to point you in the right direction. Details are on page 1 and 3. Page 2 Prevention matters for mental health Prevention is key to creating a mentally healthier nation, a new report has revealed. The Five Year Forward View for Mental Health, which sets out a new five-year strategy for the NHS in England, highlights the need to address acute care and for more emphasis on prevention. It highlights the fact that treatment for mental health must mirror that of our approach to cancer. It says that as efforts to improve cancer survival rates show, care and treatment in physical health has for decades focused on preventing and diagnosing physical problems early. Working with GPs to help carers Our Primary Care Liaison Officer Melanie Evans runs a new carer drop-in at Sunnybank Medical Centre, in Wyke, Bradford, for carers registered at this surgery, on Tuesdays, 10am to 12pm. Patient Services Manager Jude Faulkner said the centre was keen to promote the drop-in. She says: “We know carers do a brilliant job by looking after their loved ones, and helping to provide regular access to Carers’ Resource, close to their home, is one way we can support them.” It also calls for a Prevention Concordat programme (an agreement) that will enable all health and wellbeing boards to support local needs and produce mental health prevention plans. There has been growing momentum for mental health illnesses, and sensitive and helpful media coverage has increased, as highlighted by the BBC’s In the Mind series. The NHS has now vowed to transform mental health services with extra £1bn a year, and the report states “prevention matters – it’s the only way that change can be achieved”. Grants for parent carers It can be a struggle financially, emotionally and physically for families raising a child with a disability or serious illness. The Family Fund may be able to help with grants or services. It will look at any grant request that relates to the needs of a disabled or seriously ill child or young person and their family. It could be for sensory toys, kitchen appliances, bedding or clothes, computers or tablets, or a family break. For full eligibility criteria check the website www.familyfund.org.uk or telephone 01904 621115. If you’re an older person who needs a little support or if you know someone who does please contact us Royal Voluntary Service Bradford – 07590776037 [email protected] Our friendly volunteers can call round for a weekly chat, help on a trip out to a park or café, or maybe give a lift to an appointment. We’re here to help you carry on the things you enjoy. www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk Registered Charity 1015988 Choices: Carers’ Resource – Harrogate | Craven | Bradford | Airedale Welcome to the new-look Choices After speaking to some of you at groups, and via an email questionnaire to a sample of carers, we have taken on your comments and ideas to help us freshen up this long-standing and well-received newsletter. It is now full colour. The ‘inserts’ have been replaced with a centrespread of groups, drop-ins, lunches and activities right across our patch (pages 6 & 7) – many of you said you would like to see what’s on offer in other areas. You like to read ‘real stories’ about carers. This edition features Diane (page 5), who cares for her husband with dementia; Margot (page 9), who set up a business with support from us; and 11-year-old Callum (page 11) is proud to talk about his role as a young carer. There is a mix of local and national news and information, which you like, – such as our front-page story about our London visit to push for greater recognition of working carers, and an update on the controversial benefits cap (page 8). The new design is clear and clean, and colour photographs really brighten the pages. Choices will continue to develop. To share your views on this edition please contact Editor Carolyne Coyle (contact details opposite). Happy reading! Chris Whiley, Director, Carers’ Resource l If you could help us reduce mailing costs and could easily receive Choices on email, please contact your local Carers’ Resource office and ask for your details to be amended. Thank you. Care Act one year on Carers Trust has been reviewing the Care Act to look at what difference it has made to unpaid carers. The new act, which came into force on 1 April 2015, gave carers rights on a par with the people they care for, which includes an entitlement to an assessment. It takes into consideration the carer’s health and wellbeing, family relationships, balancing home life with education or work. If eligible, they are entitled to support funded by the local authority. Also, all local authorities must provide advice and information, and prevent carers’ needs from getting worse. There are more than five million unpaid carers in England, often working around the clock to care for a loved one, who due to illness, disability, mental health or addiction, cannot manage without their support. Carers Trust is working with former care minister Paul Burstow to analyse evidence received. The findings will be reviewed by a panel of experts and advisers, and a report is expected in summer. CARERS PANEL Can you help us develop new projects and shape services by giving us your feedback? As a member of the Carers Panel you can voice your opinions, criticisms and suggestions by answering one-off questions or short surveys. You will be able to affect decisions concerning carers, to comment on the services that help you, and give valuable opinions on issues important to you. We will communicate with the panel via email – we may send you single questions, such as “what’s the hardest thing about being a carer”, or short questionnaires. We can share your relevant comments with local and national policy makers, to help make sure services reflect carers’ needs. Comments will be anonymous in any written work we may share. To join e-mail: [email protected] stating ‘Carers Panel’ in the subject field, for details call Carolyne Coyle (01274) 449660. Carers’ Resource is an independent and nationally-recognised Yorkshire charity which gives tailored information and support to carers, those in need of care and support, and the professionals who work with them. Our services support people to remain independent, and have choice and control to improve their lives or situations. Carers’ Resource is a company limited by guarantee. Reg charity number 1049278. EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS Contributions (50-500 words) are welcomed but may be edited. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect policy of the Carers’ Resource. Reference to any service does not imply recommendation. The deadline for submissions for next issue is May 2, 2016 and can be sent to the editor, Carolyne Coyle, email: [email protected] or by post to the Bradford office (address below). CONTACT US Harrogate 11, North Park Road, Harrogate, HG1 5PD. Tel: 01423 500555 Fax: 01423 507777 Skipton Griffin House, Broughton Hall Business Park, Skipton, BD23 3AN. Tel: 01756 700888 Bradford 15, Park View Court, St Paul’s Road, Shipley, BD18 3DZ. Tel: 01274 449660 Fax: 01274 449673 Ripon Community House, Sharow View, Allhallowgate, Ripon HG4 1LE. Tel: 01765 690222 Email [email protected] Web www.carersresource.org Facebook www.facebook.com/carersresource Twitter @CarersResource Choices is produced by Carers’ Resource and designed and printed by Avenue Printing House, 42-44 Wharfedale Avenue, Harrogate, HG2 0AU. Telephone 01423 562924. www.avenueprintinghouse.co.uk Choices: Carers’ Resource – Harrogate | Craven | Bradford | Airedale Page 3 Regal chicks fly the flag for carers We are marking the Queen’s 90th birthday with our commemorative fundraising chicks. Once again we have teamed up with Cadbury and our volunteer knitters have created woolly Easter chick covers for the confectionary giant’s creme eggs. On sale in our offices and other outlets for a donation of £1.50, funds will go towards ongoing support for the growing number of carers. “We choose a different theme each Easter to add a different and eye-catching dimension to the chicks,” says Anne Wells, our Events and Fundraising Manager. “This Easter, the focus of our volunteers’ imagination – and knitting sticks – has been the Queen’s 90th birthday.” More than 1,000 covers have been made this year – including a limited edition in red, white and blue. Since the first chicks were knitted eight years ago more than 10,000 have been sold across Yorkshire, generating more than £15,000. Anne adds: “We are delighted to be able to draw upon the generosity of Cadbury, who have backed this initiative every year since day one, and take an active interest in the work that we are able to do as a result.” Watch out for scammers – think twice and stay safe Crooks are using clever schemes to defraud millions of people out of their savings and hard-earned cash Scammers combine sophisticated technology and persuasive tricks to get their hands on money or personal information. Many insist you wire money there and then, or pressure you to make an important decision on the spot. Don’t fall for such tactics – and don’t sign up for anything without checking it out. At least speak to trusted friends and family about it first and get their opinion. PENSION SCAMS Be cautious of anyone approaching you with advice on how to invest your pension. From April 2015, the over 55s have greater freedom in how they can access their pension pots. If you have a defined contribution pension, you are no longer restricted to simply buying an annuity. Instead, you can withdraw some or all the money as a lump sum. Page 4 There are criminals who will try to take advantage by tricking people into cashing in their pension and handing over the money for them ‘to invest’. If you’re considering investing your pension pot, talk to an adviser regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). You can find an Independent Financial Adviser through Unbiased.co.uk DOORSTEP SCAMS Some 85 per cent of victims of doorstep scams are aged 65 and over, according to National Trading Standards. This is when someone comes to your door with the aim of getting money out of you, or trying to gain access to your home to steal items from inside. Before answering the door, Action Fraud advises to: Lock: secure all your other outer doors as the person at the door may intend to distract you while an accomplice gets in through a back door Stop: think about whether you’re expecting anyone Chain: put the door chain on or look through the window or spyhole to see who’s there Check: ask for an identity card and examine it carefully – you can always tell the caller to come back another time (when someone will be with you). Put up a ‘no cold callers’ deterrent sign on your door or window. PHONE SCAMS These are on the rise and a common way to con people out of money. People also suffer from cold calls, such as unsolicited sales calls, which can feel pushy and intrusive. If you fall victim to any of these scams – don’t feel embarrassed. Report it to Action Fraud (the UK’s national fraud and cyber crime reporting centre) on their website www.actionfraud.police.uk/ or the helpline 0300 123 2040. Choices: Carers’ Resource – Harrogate | Craven | Bradford | Airedale The hardest part about being a carer is the loneliness, says Diane Diane Smith cares for husband Barry, 72, who has Alzheimer’s. His symptoms include short-term memory loss, anxiety, and some mobility issues. The 70-year-old, who lives in a remote village outside Skipton, says: “He also struggles to communicate when he’s feeling stressed and can’t get his words out. He can’t read or write any more, and has a fear of the dark and being out in it.” Barry ran a business supplying paper, ink and varnishes to print companies until he took early retirement at 58 when his appendix and bowel burst suddenly and had to have two operations. A former keen road cyclist, he got himself fit again on his bike and went on a Cuba riding holiday with a Lancashire group. While away he had a bad fall from the bike and broke his wrist, and it was several days before he was taken to hospital and put in plaster. On return, he had a further two operations to the wrist, which included fitting a metal rod. “All this has caused great distress to him as he can’t ride anymore,” says Diane. “He loved going out on his bike but now it’s impossible. We’ve got an exercise bike which we will both be using to keep fit.” She cannot remember how she initially found Carers’ Resource but says the support she’s had has been ‘exceedingly helpful’. Diane has an Emergency Plan in place so someone would be contacted to help Barry should anything untoward happen to her. She benefited from the Carers Wellbeing Grant and bought new lace supplies, a bobbins case, thread, and lace patterns books. “It was such a lovely treat which has given me a great deal of happiness,” she says. Diane contributed towards the Carers’ Resource 20th anniversary quilt and decorated three leaves with various types of embroidery, and made a square with Hardhanger as the central pattern. She knitted Easter chicks and festive woollen decorations for our fundraising initiatives. The couple has been trialling our innovative App4Care mobile app which keeps carer and cared- New hospital drop-ins Carers and professionals can find information and support at two new hospital drop-ins. Carers’ Resource Development Worker Sarah Baker will be at Airedale Hospital on ward 4 in the café area, 1pm to 4pm, first Wednesday of the month. At Bradford Royal Infirmary she will be on ward 29, Dementia Café, the first Tuesday of the month, 11am to 3pm. Contact Sarah for details on (01274) 449660. for connected. Diane found it useful for keeping in touch with Barry when he went to pottery sessions at The Hive in Shipley. She used the app to monitor his movements when he managed to get himself there and back via bus and train. “He’s now lost confidence to go to the group and ideally we’d like to find something nearer, or maybe an artist or volunteer who can come to the house to do painting or pottery with him,” says Diane. “If someone could come and go for a walk with him too, that would also be beneficial for us both. Caring can be very lonely. It’s isolating. I don’t drive and we have to plan the days we get out around how Barry’s feeling on the day, and if he’s up to driving to the specific places he feels comfortable driving to.” With two daughters and a son living away and with families of their own, Diane says she’s grateful for her fellow lace-making friends who come to her house every week to enjoy their hobby. “I’m very lucky in that someone will daily call me or come round, even just to check I’m OK, so that’s good.” She emails her brother in Cambridge on her iPad, a tool which she also used great to find recipes, lace patterns and for keeping in contact ‘with the outside world’. We are Dementia Friends Staff at Carers’ Resource are being trained to become official Dementia Friends. Led by Dementia Champion Sam Dawson, Carers’ Resource Head of Care Provision, the aim is to increase staff’s knowledge and awareness of the condition and what it can entail, and how to better support carers looking after someone with dementia. After the training they become a Dementia Friend. Choices: Carers’ Resource – Harrogate | Craven | Bradford | Airedale Page 5 Carers’ Groups and Activities: Airedale, Bradford, AIREDALE AND SKIPTON SUPPER CLUB Dates: Approximately every 6 weeks Time: Early evening Where: Various venues in Skipton and Airedale. Carers, cared for and former carers – early evening meal out in venues across Airedale and Skipton. Contact volunteer Tracey on 07497 4574687. DALES DINERS LUNCH, DARLEY Dates: 1st Thursday of the month (7 April, 5 May, 2 June, 7 July) Times: 1pm – 3pm Where: Christ Church Hall, Main Street, Darley, Harrogate, HG3 2Q Carers and those they care for who have memory problems. Social get together. £4.50 for two courses. BINGLEY DROP-IN Dates: 1st Wednesday of the month (6 April, 4 May, 1 June) Time: 10.30am – noon Where: The Coffee Lounge, Queen Street, Bingley, BD16 2JS For carers. PINS AND NEEDLES, HARROGATE Dates: 1st Tuesday of the month (5 April, 3 May, 7 June, 5 July) Time: 10:30am – 12.30 pm Where: Carers’ Resource Harrogate Office, 11 North Park Road, Harrogate HG1 5PD Carers and former carers. ART GROUP, BROUGHTON HALL Dates: Tuesdays in 4 week blocks: 5, 12, 19, 26 April; 10, 17, 24, 31 May; 14, 21, 28 June and 5 July Time: 10am – noon Where: Carers’ Resource Skipton Office, Broughton Hall Business Park, Broughton, Skipton BD23 3AN Carers only. Produce art work of your own choice, no experience needed. All materials supplied and refreshments. We do not work in oils but most other mediums catered for. Small friendly group. Cost: £28 per 4 week block, full cash payment required on first day of the block. Contact Anne Brennand 01756 700888 SUPPAUT, HARROGATE Dates: 1st Wednesday of the month (6 April, 4 May, 1 June, 6 July) Time: 10.30am – 12.30pm Where: Carers’ Resource, 11 North Park Road, Harrogate HG1 5PD Support group for parents and carers of people with autism. COFFEE MORNING, HARROGATE Dates: 3rd Wednesday of the month (20 April, 18 May, 15 June, 20 July) Time: 11am – Noon Where: Cedar Court Hotel, Park Parade, Harrogate HG1 5AH Carers and former carers. UTOPIA LUNCH GROUP, BROUGHTON HALL Dates: 2nd Tuesday of the month (12 April, 10 May, 14 June, 12 July) Time: 10am – 11.30am Where: Utopia, Broughton Hall Business Park BD23 3AN Carers, cared-for, former carers and vulnerable adults coffee morning. FRIENDSHIP GROUP, HARROGATE Dates: Last Thursday of the month (28 April, 26 May, 30 June, 28 July) Time: 2pm – 4 pm Where: Carers’ Resource Harrogate Office, 11 North Park Road, Harrogate HG1 5PD Carers and former carers. CLAYTON MEN’S GROUP, CLAYTON, BRADFORD Dates: Every Friday Time: 1.30pm to 3.30pm Where: Clayton Village Hall, Reva Syke Road, Clayton, Bradford, BD14 6QN Dominoes, cards, pool table and more. £1 to cover refreshments. Transport can be arranged. Contact Carol on 07846 344071 for details. SUPPER CLUB, HARROGATE Dates: Every 4 – 6 weeks Time: Early evening Where: Various venues across the Harrogate area Carers and those no longer caring. Cared for also welcome. An opportunity to socialise with other carers. Cost: Variable but we try to take advantage of early bird and special offers. Page 6 For information: contact Sheila Constable on 01423 500555 GET TOGETHER, ILKLEY Dates: Friday 29 April, Friday 27 May, Thursday 30 June Time: 2pm Where: Abbeyfield, 12 Riddings Road, Ilkley LS29 9BF Carers, cared-for and former carers get together. LUNCH GROUP, INGLETON Dates: Last Mon/Tues (alternate) of the month (Tuesday 26 April, Monday 23 May, Tuesday 28 June, Monday 25 July) Time: Noon Where: Three Horse Shoes, 41 Main St, Ingleton LA6 3EH Carers, cared-for and former carers lunch group. COFFEE MORNING, KEIGHLEY Dates: 1st Friday of the month (1 April, 6 May, 3 June, 1 July) Time: 10am – 11.30am Where: Poppy Field Tea Rooms, Cavendish Court, Keighley BD21 3DY Carers, cared-for and former carers coffee morning. AFTERNOON TEA/COFFEE, KNARESBOROUGH Dates: 1st Monday of the month (4 April, 2 May, 6 June, 4 July) Times: 2pm – 4 pm Where: Hewitson Court, Stockwell Road, Knaresborough HG5 0QE Carers and former carers. BRUNCH GROUP, PATELEY BRIDGE Dates: 1st Friday of the month (1 April, 6 May, 3 June, 1 July) Times: 1pm – 2 pm Where: The Willow, Park Road, Pateley Bridge HG3 5JS Carers and former carers. RIPON TEAS Dates: 2nd Tuesday of the month (12 April, 10 May, 14 June, 12 July) Time: 2.30 pm Where: Ripon Community House, Sharrow View, Allhallowgate, Ripon HG4 1LE Carers’ support group. Please phone Harrogate office on 01423 500555 to confirm attendance one week ahead of the date. Cost: £2 Choices: Carers’ Resource – Harrogate | Craven | Bradford | Airedale Craven, Harrogate, Ripon and districts For more information: contact Carol Brown or Christine Marshall on 01423 500555, [email protected], [email protected] LUNCH GROUP, SETTLE Dates: 2nd Monday of the month (11 April, 9 May, 13 June, 11 July) Time: Noon Where: The Lion Hotel, Duke St, Settle BD24 9DU Carers, cared for and formercarers lunch group. CReate WORKSHOP: BUILDING CONFIDENCE, SHIPLEY Dates: Friday, 15 April Time: 1pm – 3pm Where: Carers’ Resource, Shipley Office, Unit 15 Park View Court, St. Paul’s Road, Shipley BD18 3DZ For all carers. An interactive workshop to help build confidence and self-esteem. Cost: FREE To book contact Candy Squire-Watt on 01274 449660, [email protected] CReate WORKSHOP: THINKING ABOUT GOING BACK TO WORK? SHIPLEY Dates: Thursday, 12 May Time: 1pm – 3 pm Where: Carers’ Resource, Shipley Office, Unit 15 Park View Court, St. Paul’s Road, Shipley BD18 3DZ For all carers. A friendly and informative workshop for anyone who is thinking about going back to work, and doesn’t know where to start! Cost: FREE To book contact Candy Squire-Watt on 01274 449660, [email protected] CReate WORKSHOP: MANAGING STRESS, SHIPLEY Dates: Thursday, 9 June Time: 1pm – 3pm Where: Carers’ Resource, Shipley Office, Unit 15 Park View Court, St. Paul’s Road, Shipley BD18 3DZ For all carers. An interactive workshop to help you identify symptoms of stress, how to manage it and coping mechanisms. Cost: FREE To book contact Candy Squire-Watt on 01274 449660, [email protected] EPILEPSY SUPPORT GROUP, SHIPLEY Dates: 2nd Wednesday of the month (6 April, 4 May, 8 June) Time: 1.30pm – 2.30pm Where: Carers’ Resource office, 15 Park View Court, St Paul’s Road, Shipley, BD18 3DZ KNIT TOGETHER, SHIPLEY Dates: Every Thursday Time: 2pm – 4 pm Where: Carers’ Resource, Shipley Office, Unit 15 Park View Court, St. Paul’s Road, Shipley BD18 3DZ All welcome. CARERS CAFÉ, SHIPLEY Dates: 2nd Wednesday of the month (13 April, 11 May, 8 June, 13 July) Time: 10.30am – Noon Where: Interlude Tea Room and Café, 27 Westgate, Shipley BD18 3QX CHATTERBOX, SILSDEN Dates: 1st Thursday of the month (7 April, 5 May, 2 June) Time: 10am – 11.30am Where: Silsden Methodist Church, Kirkgate, Silsden, BD20 0PA Carers and cared-for welcome. Contact Grace on 07932 848900 for details. LUNCH GROUP, SKIPTON Dates: 1st Wednesday of the month (6 April, 4 May, 1 June, 6 July) Time: Noon Where: Bay Horse, Snaygill, Skipton BD20 9HB Carers, cared-for and former carers lunch group. TIME FOR ME, STEETON Dates: 2nd Tuesday of the month (12 April, 10 May, 14 June, 12 July) Time: 10am – Noon Where: The Hub, Stone Grove, Steeton BD20 6TQ For carers and over 50s. Activities, speakers and company. Cost: £2, including refreshmemts. LUNCH GROUP, THRESHFIELD Dates: 3rd Friday of the month (15 April, 20 May, 17 June, 15 July) Time: Noon Where: Gamekeepers, Long Ashes Park, Threshfield, Skipton BD23 5PN Carers, cared-for and former carers lunch group. HAPPY MEMORIES, UNDERCLIFFE, BRADFORD Dates: Every Thursday Time: 1.30pm – 2.45pm Where: St Andrew’s Church, Otley Road, Undercliffe, Bradford, BD2 4QP Relaxed singing group run by Alzheimer’s Society for people with dementia/memory loss and their carers, led by a trained leader. Places limited call Stephanie Crabtree on (01274) 586008. PARKLANDS EPILEPSY SUPPORT GROUP, UNDERCLIFFE, BRADFORD Dates: 4th Tuesday of the month (26 April, 24 May, 28 June) Time: 1pm – 3pm Where: Parklands Medical Practice, Park Road, Bradford, BD5 0SG Contact: Stephen Greenwood (01274) 675721 email [email protected] AFTERNOON TEA/COFFEE, WETHERBY Dates: 3rd Monday of the month (18 April, 16 May, 20 June, 18 July) Time: 2pm – 3pm Where: Sant’ Angelo Restaurant, High Street, Wetherby LS22 6LT Carers and former carers, social get together. Choices: Carers’ Resource – Harrogate | Craven | Bradford | Airedale Page 7 Hospital scheme continues to grow Our Home from Hospital Service (HfH) is entering its FOURTH year of providing vital support to people who would struggle to cope after being discharged from hospital. Service manager Shelley Marshall reports. We are delighted to have been given recurrent funding from Bradford City, District and Airedale/Wharfedale CCGs – meaning we can continue to grow and develop the service, and not have to re-apply annually. I’m very proud of the team. It’s their hard work, dedication and willingness to support clients in so many different ways that’s made the service such a success. Working with staff at Bradford Royal Infirmary and Airedale Hospital near Keighley, and community hospitals in Bradford, patients who need some extra support are referred to help prevent readmissions. The six-week service starts with a checklist to make sure people are safe, warm and have enough food. We listen carefully to clients to establish what they think could help them improve their health and maintain as much independence as possible. Our team of case workers includes new member Asif Zaman, who previously worked with another charity supporting vulnerable adults, and we welcome social work degree student Sian Jackson, our third student placement. Previous students have remained involved with the organisation through volunteering, including Shabana Kauser, now a Carers’ Resource Trustee. A team of hardworking volunteers also supports our clients. CASE STUDY: Elderly Mrs B lives alone. She was referred to HfH as there were concerns about her ability to cope when returning home as she had no friends/family and was isolated. She felt anxious and said anti-social behaviour in her community was affecting her health. HfH liaised with environmental health and a police community support officer. Mrs B was helped to find a new home, and now her health has improved and she has new friends. Shelley Marshall Asif Zaman Sian Jackson Partial success as cap scrapped The government has abandoned its controversial policy of imposing benefit cap penalties on full-time carers of adult relatives The welfare reform minister, Lord Freud, told peers during a debate on the welfare bill that all those who spend more than 35 hours a week in a caring role would be exempt from the cap. Carers’ Resource, carers and other charities which support carers and their families have welcomed the U-turn – but say there is still work to be done to make sure carers get the support they need. Director Chris Whiley says the decision shows there is some recognition of carers’ roles – and Page 8 what their role means to society as a whole. “It’s a small victory – but there is still a way to go to help all carers get the support and recognition they deserve,” she adds. Chris says most people wish to care for their relative or loved one themselves and do not necessarily see themselves as a ‘carer’. “Many people have had to give up paid employment due to their caring responsibilities which in turn can result in financial hardship and can grind them down,” she says. “We need to offer as much support as we can to enable them to have a positive caring journey, and to care with confidence.” Carer and Carers’ Resource volunteer Laura Kelsall welcomes the decision. “When they first brought the cap in it was intended to encourage people back into work. By placing carers in that position it implies they can take up employment, but for a lot of carers they have already given up long-term, wellpaid jobs,” she says. “It is difficult to be a carer anyway without the additional financial pressure.” Choices: Carers’ Resource – Harrogate | Craven | Bradford | Airedale Margot nurtured to grow again When Margot Craven was faced with redundancy at the age of 53 she was dealt another devastating blow. As well as having heart failure, her 86-year-old mum Barbara, who also has COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), was diagnosed with dementia. While Margot never wanted to be out of work, it did give her the opportunity help mum recover. “I’d been in architectural interior design for over 30 years. I’ve been both employed and self employed,” she says. Working mainly in the south, Margot moved back to Yorkshire. “At exactly the same time my mum was diagnosed with heart failure so, in a way, although I didn’t want to be made redundant I did have the time to be there for her. She was in hospital for a long time,” explains Margot. Margot has now nourished her creative talents to cultivate a garden-design service after initial and ongoing input from Carers’ Resource. Our CReate service, which helps carers return to work, find jobs and improve their skills, helped her build on her talents and get her back on her feet. Candy Squire-Watt, CReate adviser at Carers’ Resource, says: “She’d lost a lot of confidence in herself and in her own abilities after first being made redundant, and then after suddenly being thrown into the world of being a carer and giving all her energy and focus to her mum. “As Margot’s mum’s health has improved Margot has been able to give herself more time and this has resulted in her setting up a part-time business working for herself. It’s a wonderful achievement and she has worked extremely hard.” Margot combined landscaping skills with an interest in gardening and horticultural knowledge, to offer a garden-design service on a domestic scale. She has carried out several garden redesign projects, improving clients’ outside spaces and included planting plans and upkeep advice. Margot says: “Carers’ Keep warm and well Help and support during the cold weather is available for people who are vulnerable to winter conditions – right across our geographical patch. Warm Homes Healthy People (Bradford and Airedale) can be contacted for Winter Warmth support, such as: l Fuel debt advice l Home energy efficiency check (changing tariffs, provider, low level energy saving measures) l Practical support (bedding and food parcels) l Home fire safety Please visit www.first4contact.org or contact Carers’ Resource Bradford office on (01274) 449660. Warm and Well in North Yorkshire involves Carers’ Resource and numerous organisations working together to raise awareness of the impact of cold homes on health and wellbeing. Resource has been very supportive in many ways. “In the early days of caring for mum they opened doors which seemed to be firmly shut to me. In more recent times Candy at CReate has nurtured my self belief and she’d encouraged me to explore avenues I had previously thought were closed.” For more information about Margot’s work visit her website www.designsolutionsadi.co.uk There are a number of services available including: l Referrals to be made into the project if someone is living in or at risk of a cold home or fuel poverty, struggling to afford their energy bills, or worried about winter. (These can be made by professionals and by individuals themselves.) l Support for communities to set up winter weather schemes l Practical and financial help to stay warm and well at home l Talks, events and training for residents and frontline workers l Campaigns, resources and tops tips on a wide range of winter issues. Carers’ Resource has set up an online form so people can refer themselves in for support, at: www.first4contact.org/f4c-warm-and-well-northyorkshire/ For information contact the Project Helpline (managed by Carers’ Resource) telephone 01423 740001. Choices: Carers’ Resource – Harrogate | Craven | Bradford | Airedale Page 9 Singing – a new miracle cure? Carer Sue Jackson sings the praises of bursting into song “Helps stress and anxiety” “Breathing better” “Happier, able to switch off from problems” “It lifted me above the various aches and pains I have all the time” So is this a new wonder drug? No – these are just a few comments I’ve had from people coming to Just Sing! a singing group I started in Skipton last September. Singing is enjoying new popularity today. There is good scientific evidence that it helps people with mental health problems, lung conditions, Parkinson’s disease, dementia and chronic pain. But many choirs meet in the evening when it can be difficult for people to get out. Some people may feel they won’t be good enough or must be able to read music. That’s where a group like Just Sing! fits in. We are a choir for anyone who wants to sing. Half the people who come have never sung in a choir before, yet are already singing songs in fourpart harmony. There are several other singing groups that meet in the daytime and welcome anyone who wants to give singing a try, together with others that cater for special groups such as people living with dementia. Why not give it a try? Just Sing! meets fortnightly on alternate Tuesdays, at Skipton Baptist Church, 2pm to 3.30pm (doors open from 1.40pm). Admission £3. For details contact Sue on 01756 796967or e-mail [email protected] There are other singing groups in the region, for more details visit: the Natural Voice Practitioners’ Network www.naturalvoice.net/ or see the panel below. FIND YOUR VOICE AND JOIN A SINGING GROUP Singing for the Brain Organised by the Alzheimer’s Society, it brings people living with dementia together in a friendly and stimulating social environment. There are groups in Skipton, Harrogate, Ripon and Bradford. Contact the Alzheimer’s Society 01423 813 464 (Harrogate, Ripon and Craven) or 01274 586 008 (Bradford). Singing for Fun A singing group for people living with dementia, run by Dementia Forward. Meets at Christ Church Page 10 on the Stray, Harrogate, Thursdays, 11am-1pm. Contact 01765 601224. The Singing Teapot A social singing group for people living with dementia and their carers in Keighley. Meets the first Friday of the month, 1.30pm-3pm at Keighley Healthy Living Centre, 13 Scott Street, Keighley BD21 2JH. Contact Maggie Marsden on 07971 527525. Keely Hodgson Keely is a Natural Voice Practitioner who runs singing groups in Ilkley including: AcaBella: a growing drop-in singing group, meets term-time Fridays, 1pm - 2.30pm, St John’s Church Hall, Ben Rhydding (£5 per session). Music Box: Small informal group, part of Outside the Box Art House Project based at Outside the Box Café, Ilkley, for adults with learning difficulties. A fun session, making music together using voices and a variety of percussion and musical instruments. Contact 01943 430579 or 07722 175423. Settle Voices A community choir for anyone who enjoys singing. Meets term-time Mondays, 1pm - 3pm, at the Friends’ Meeting House in Settle. Choices: Carers’ Resource – Harrogate | Craven | Bradford | Airedale Decision-makers put through their paces for Young Carers Awareness Day Young carers from North Yorkshire marked the day of action by grilling a panel of decision-makers in a bid to raise greater awareness about the day-to-day challenges they face. Experts from Carers’ Resource were also present to share their knowledge on subjects ranging from careers information to benefits and finance advice. Young Adult Carer Worker, Hettie Flynn, said: “It made our young carers realise just how severely cuts may affect them – especially transport cuts for rural young carers. It also made them think about being proactive to make changes. It triggered interesting discussions on subjects such as policy and youth parliament.” Callum’s proud to be a carer Sporty Callum Filkin is one of thousands of children in Yorkshire who care for a sibling who is sick or has a disability. As part of national Young Carers Awareness Day, he proudly shared his story with the media and was featured on BBC Look North and in several newspapers, including the Yorkshire Post. Here is Callum’s story: The 11-year-old helps look after brother Alfie, three, who has Down’s syndrome and a heart defect which has resulted in him having to be fed through a tube into his stomach to help him grow. Callum’s role includes helping mum Lisa to change Alfie’s dressings, to bring him his medicines, and to help keep Alfie calm when he gets distressed, as well as looking after Alfie with brother Zachary, eight, so mum can get on with everyday tasks, such as getting dressed. And as ‘the man of the house’ one of Callum’s weekly jobs is putting out the bins. “It’s a bit hard being a young carer as you’ve got to do all these things that you may not like, but it’s what I do – I just get on with it,” says Callum. “I’m a young carer and I’m proud of it. I have to help, so I do. “People who know me know I’m a young carer and I get respect for it – my best friend says I’m a good person.” Alfie has been in and out of hospital for various procedures to help him develop physically, including being fitted with a gastrostomy tube to be fed through his stomach to help him thrive. Unfortunately, the tube has recently been removed as the toddler kept pulling it causing a larger hole, which now has to heal before it can be fitted again during another operation. Single mum-of-three Lisa, 45, says the support Callum has from Carers’ Resource Young Carers service in Skipton has been ‘wonderful’. “When he’s talking to some of his friends at school they don’t really understand what’s going on and how Alfie’s health, him being in and out of hospital, can have an impact on his life, and what it entails,” says the former nurse. Callum, who is in Year Six at Glusburn School and wants to be a sportsman when he grows up, says he thinks about his youngest brother all the time. “Once when we were going swimming with school I saw an ambulance go past and I got really upset. I thought it must be Alfie because he was really poorly at the time,” says Callum. “When I’m at school, when I’m out, I always think about him and I hope he’s OK.” Callum says spending time with fellow young carers at the Carers’ Resource groups and trips has Photo courtesy of the Yorkshire Post. helped him enjoy lots of different activities, including climbing, raftbuilding, big swings, caving and the zip wire. “It’s good to be with kids who are going through similar things. I don’t have to explain it to them,” he says. “But I don’t feel like I’m missing out – I do the young carers stuff, go to youth club, play football and go to the cinema with my friend,” says Callum, who also plays guitar, violin and ukulele. “Alfie loves music and dancing and we have fun. We also have messy play and play with cars together.” But mum Lisa, of Cross Hills, says they find it difficult to do things together as a family, such as going swimming or going to watch a film. “We have a good support network of friends – you know who your friends are when you’re going through times like this – so we always have someone who can help look after Alfie if I need to take Callum or his brother Zachary somewhere,” she says. Choices: Carers’ Resource – Harrogate | Craven | Bradford | Airedale Page 11 Runners wanted for charity races If you’d like to challenge yourself and raise money for Carers’ Resource why not sign up for: LEEDS 10K ON SUNDAY 10 JULY We have five places available, £20 non–refundable registration fee and no minimum sponsorship, please raise as much as you can for us. YORKSHIRE MARATHON ON SUNDAY, 9 OCTOBER, IN YORK We have four places available £45 non–refundable registration fee and a commitment to raise £200 minimum sponsorship. For details contact Anne Wells, our Events and Fundraising Manager on 01423 500555, or email [email protected] Beer Festival pulls in the pounds Thanks to everyone who helped at the Harrogate Round Table Beer Festival where we raised a massive £3,359 from the cloakroom takings and a donation from the Round Table. Pictured right are Helen Brown, Anne Wells & Jenny Sengel with just a few of the 1,100 coats they looked after. Care Bares A huge thank you to Andrew Holland for his cheeky charity calendar which has raised £3,000 for Carers’ Resource. Shipley photographer Andrew persuaded more than 50 volunteers to bare nearly all to produce the 2016 calendar. Dawn-breaking photoshoots were held at various locations, such as Saltaire model village and Shipley Glen Tramway. Thanks to all involved – the models, shops and pubs who helped sell and promote it, and everyone who bought one of the 400 calendars. It also supports Hirst Wood Regeneration Group in Shipley which organises various projects to improve amenities in Hirst Wood. Bedroom tax victory for carers The bedroom tax has been declared discriminatory by Court of Appeal judges, after a legal challenge by grandparents who care for their disabled grandson, and a survivor of domestic violence. Paul and Susan Rutherford care for their profoundly disabled 14-year-old grandson at their specially-adapted home, which has a room for a professional care worker to provide overnight care. This was deemed as a spare bedroom and, as a result, their housing benefit was reduced – despite there being an exemption for disabled adults in the same situation. In January, Court of Appeal judges accepted the bedroom tax unlawfully discriminates against children with disabilities who require overnight care, as it does not allow for an additional bedroom for their overnight carer. There are about 60,000 carers currently affected by the bedroom tax, according to Carers UK. Andrew Holland Farewell to Helen Carers and over-50s monthly group Time for Me bade ‘farewell and good luck’ to volunteer Helen Potts. She arranged activities and kept the popular sessions running for more than 19 months. Helen has reluctantly given up her post due to the success of her new dog-sitting business. She says: “They are a lovely, engaging, caring group of people who are committed to having fun and smiling despite the hardships and difficulties life has thrown at Page 12 them. I feel lucky to have been a part of something so special.” The group collectively wrote an ‘acrostic’ poem – spelling the name of the group vertically – which sums up what Time for Me is about: Tea in abundance, Interesting activities, Meeting and sharing, Enjoyment galore, Friendships and fun, Out at The Hub, Relax and refresh, Monthly gatherings, Everyone welcome! Time for Me meets 2nd Tuesday of the month, 10am - 12pm, at The Hub, Stone Grove, Steeton, £2 to cover room hire and refreshments. l Thank you to all our supporters – fundraisers, donors, knitters, volunteers – your generosity and commitment is gratefully received. l If you have ideas about how you could help fundraise for carers – big or small, from running a marathon to running a coffee morning – please get in touch. l As a charity we greatly appreciate all donations which help us to support our ongoing work for the growing number of carers across our patch. l To support us please contact Anne Wells, Events and Fundraising Manager, on (01423) 500555 or email [email protected] Choices: Carers’ Resource – Harrogate | Craven | Bradford | Airedale