Carer Support Service - News for Carers

ISSUE NO. 69

December 2005/January 2006

All the members of the team here at West Lodge would like to wish you a happy and peaceful Christmas time and send you our best wishes for the coming year.

New Staff

The Carer Support Service is pleased to welcome two new members of staff; Debbie Hall has taken over from Michelle Wilson as Carers Support Worker, and Tina Crosby is the new Health Link Worker.

Winter Warmers

Powergen have joined with Help the Aged to create a gas and electricity package designed to meet the needs and budgets of older people. This also includes free energy advice, loft insulation, and cavity wall insulation for the over 60's until March 2006. Call 0800 404 5007 for further information.

Free Security Upgrade

Help the Aged in association with DISC are offering free home security upgrades to anyone over 60 and living in Darlington and Co. Durham. The service includes free locks, bolts, smoke detectors, and spy hole and door chains. Call Susan Ledger on 0191 3842785.

Age Concern 50 Plus

50 Plus provides free confidential advice on welfare benefits, income maximisation, rights and housing. The Information Centre is located in Clark's Yard off the High Row and is fully accessible. For more information please call 01325 357345.

Non-Emergency Patient Transport

Do you have a hospital appointment and your GP has said that for medical reasons you need transport? Then the ambulance service may take carers and the person being cared for to and from the hospital. Contact your GP's surgery to make a booking.

Saturday Night at the Movies

Carers go free at any Odeon, UCI or UCG cinemas. The person being cared for should be receiving DLA, or be registered blind, or be a holder of a disabled person's railcard. On application a card will be issued to the person being cared for. There is a processing fee of £5.00 and the card is valid for 3 years. Application forms can be obtained from participating cinemas or The Card Network, The Technology Centre, Inward Way, Rossmore Business Park, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire CH65 3EN. Alternatively they can be downloaded from www.ceacard.co.uk

CareAware

The CareAware service has changed and now no longer provides direct help with the making of Wills, Power of Attorney or leaving assets in Trust for loved ones. To make an appointment contact the CareAware help line number 08705 134925 or email info@careaware.co.uk

Collection of Garden Rubbish

Garden refuse can be collected by the Council from your house for £6.30 (up to 10 bags), payable at the Dolphin Centre, the Library or Town Hall. You can book the collection date and will be given a purple bag which the workmen will know is for garden waste.

People with mobility problems can call 01325 388777 and make the booking with a debit card.

Diary Dates

Thurs 15th Dec - Trip to Harperley Christmas Fayre, cost £4.00. Contact Janet 01325 269047, to book your seat.

Thurs 15th Dec - D.A.D's Christmas Lunch, Arts Centre. 12 noon for 12.30pm. Contact Margaret Bevan, tel 01325 489999 for more info and to book your place.

Mon 19th Dec - Queen Elizabeth 6th Form College. Christmas concert, a real treat! 7.30pm.

Wed 21st Dec - DAD Christmas Raffle Draw 2.00pm at 20-22 Horsemarket, Darlington. Mince pies and drink from 1.00pm.

Wed 21st Dec - Working Carers Group is cancelled.

Happy New Year 2006

Fri 6th Jan - Mental Health Carers Support Group, West Lodge. 2.30pm – 4.00pm.

Mon 9th Jan - Stressbusters, West Lodge. 1.30pm – 3.00pm.

Wed 18th Jan - Working Carers Support Group, West Lodge. 7.00pm – 9.00pm.

Fri 3rd Feb - Mental Health Carers Support Group, West Lodge. 2.30pm – 4.00pm. Speaker: Sandy Taylor, Chief Executive.