Carers Support Service

Our latest newsletter No 94 issued February 2010/March 2010 can now be viewed on-line. Previous editions of the newsletters can now be viewed in the Newsletters section.

The Carers Support Service provides information and advice to anyone who provides support to a family member, friend or neighbour who has a long term illness or impairment.

The service is free, independent and confidential and includes:

Information

Where to go for support
Local services
Benefits
Newsletters

Advice

How to plan for the future
How to manage difficult situations

Support

Opportunities to meet with other carers
Relaxation
Helpline
Drop-in service
Listening Ear
Signpost to services
Home visits

Courses and training

Short courses for carers
Training and awareness raising on carers issues

Consultation and involvement

Opportunities for carers to make their views heard
Involvement in local planning groups

Information

Newsletters: The Carers Support Service publishes a regular bi-monthly newsletter to keep carers in touch with local and national events and services. There are also specific newsletters for carers of people with mental ill health or learning disabilities. To subscribe to any of the newsletters use this link: elaine@darlingtondisability.org

Information for carers of people with a learning disability: Members of the Learning Disability Carers Subgroup have recently developed a new information pack for carers of people with a learning disability. A copy of this will be given to every carer at the next assessment or review of either their own needs or those of the person they care for. If you would like to receive a copy earlier, please contact the Carers Support Service.

The Subgroup is also looking at the type of support that carers in this age group need. One of the first things we are working on is an Emergency Plan, which will set out the type of support that the person you care for will need if you are unable to look after them at short notice. If you have any thoughts on this, please let the Carers Support Service know.

A Health Link Service is provided in partnership with Darlington Primary Care Trust. Staff from the service make regular visits to GP surgeries to meet carers, and work alongside staff from GP Practices to identify ways that surgery staff can support carers.

Carers Register: One of the ways that the Carers Support Service keeps in touch with carers is through the Carers Register, which is held and maintained by the service. All information held on the Register is confidential and personal details are not shared with anyone outside Darlington Association on Disability. As well as receiving a regular newsletter, the Register also means that carers can be contacted with news and information relevant to their caring situation. If you are a carer, and you would like your details to be added to the Carers Register please contact us on 01325 357533 or email elaine@darlingtondisability.org

Factsheets for Carers: Please note that Carers Support Service have a number of fact sheets with relevant information for carers. These are:

• Fact Sheet 1: Questions you could ask a Domiciliary Care Agency

• Fact Sheet 2: Checklist for Choosing a Residential Home

• Fact Sheet 3: Services for Carers caring for someone who has mental ill health

• Fact Sheet 4: Welfare Rights. Please visit Durham County Council's website for information too

• Fact Sheet 5: Carers Allowance

• Fact Sheet 6: Checklist for Preparing for an Assessment

• Fact Sheet 7: Tips to help you discuss treatments with your Doctors

• Fact Sheet 8: Activities for Carers of People with mental ill health in Darlington

• Fact Sheet 9: Activities for Carers in Darlington of any age

• Fact Sheet 10: Mental Capacity Act 2005

• Fact Sheet 11: The Rights of a Carer

If you would like a copy of any of these please telephone 01325 357533 or email carers@darlingtondisability.org and we would be happy to send or email copies.

Advice

The Carers Support Service can answer queries about a whole range of issues. Common enquiries include how to get the right services, how to organise taking a break, what happens when someone goes into hospital and what benefits carers may be entitled to. Staff are able to visit carers in their own home, or arrange office visits at times to suit. The service has a helpline (see contact information at the bottom of the page) and e-mail enquiries are welcome.

Support

Carers Together meets monthly for mutual support. New carers are always very welcome to attend. The meetings are held on an afternoon.

The Relaxation Group provides opportunities to meet with other carers and to experience gentle relaxation in a quiet and stress-free environment.

For more information on any of these groups call us on 01325 357533 or e-mail carers@darlingtondisability.org

Other Carers groups: The Carers Support Service has links with Carers Darlington, a branch of Carers UK. Carers Darlington provides a drop-in service at 50+ Age Concern, Bradbury House twice a week on a Tuesday from 10am to 12 noon, and Friday from 12 noon to 2pm, when carers can relax and enjoy a cup of tea.

Email: The Carers Support Service is now able to support carers via e-mail. If you are interested please contact carers@darlingtondisability.org for more information.

Courses

Health information is available to carers throughout the year. Please read the latest newsletter for up to date information.

Carers' courses: A carer course has been developed to give carers information about their caring role. The course is available in five modules which carers can dip into as they choose. These include:

Carers Support Service - What can we do to support you?
Caring for the Carer - Look after your own health. Health Information and health risks.
How to beat stress and relaxation techniques.
Organisations: who can help?
Welfare Rights - Benefits Information.

For more information about courses contact us on 01325 357533 or e-mail carers@darlingtondisability.org

Involvement

If you are a carer and have views about local services or want to get involved in monitoring and shaping local services or in training Care Managers and Health Service staff, the Carers Support Service would like to know. Please contact patricia@darlingtondisability.org

For more information or to contact the Carers Support Service

Carers Support Service
West Lodge
West Crescent
Darlington DL3 7PS
Tel 01325 357533
Fax 01325 254848
Email carers@darlingtondisability.org