Carer Support Service - News for Carers

ISSUE NO. 72
June 2006 / July 2006

Carers Week - this year's topic is ‘In Sickness and in Health’

The Carers Support Service invites you to celebrate Carers Week by joining staff for a healthy fun afternoon. Enjoy the ‘Eat a Rainbow’ talk and demonstrations, game of bingo with a steamer and a yogurt maker as prizes, and a gentle exercise session. Light refreshments will be provided.

Places are limited, please telephone us on 01325 357533 by the 5th June to book your place and to help us with our planning.

Carers Week in Darlington 12th - 16th June 2006

Friday 9th June - BBC, Radio Cleveland bus, Market Place. 10.00am - 4.00pm. Staff on board.

Saturday 10th June - Carers Darlington, coffee morning. 10.00am - 12.00noon. Bradbury House.

Monday 12th June - Charity Stall, 10.00am - 4.00pm Market Place. Come and join us.

Tuesday 13th June - Drop-in, Bradbury House, 10.00am -12.00noon.

Tuesday 13th June - Fun afternoon; see top of this page for information.

Wednesday 14th June - Free bus trip to Ripon and Leyburn. Contact Ken Fooks on 01325 266164 or Janet Cooke 01325 269047 to book your seat.

Thursday 15th June - Look out for the mobile library at a venue near you. Staff on board.

Friday 16th June - Staff at Crown Street Library from 10.00am -12.00noon.

Friday 16th June - Drop in Bradbury House, 12.00noon - 2.00pm.

Saturday 17th June - Carers Darlington, coffee morning. 10.00am - 12.00noon.

Sunday 18th June - Church Service for Carers at United Reformed Church, Northgate, 10.45am.

Listen out on Alpha Radio for news about Carers Week.

Regular organised meetings: see Diary Dates.

New Staff

We welcome Pauline Plenderleith to our team as the new Health Link Worker, and she is already out and about, introducing herself to GP practice staff. To help Pauline, next time you go to talk to your GP, tell him/her you are a carer. That is what we are trying to do; identify all those carers who may need support.

Groups in Darlington

There are many groups in Darlington now, and you may find you will benefit by having a link with more than one of them. Do ask for our new fact sheet which lists them all.

More dates for your diary!

The Parkinson's Disease Society has events throughout the summer. Drop in for a chat or to get information. Wednesday 21st June - Lunch at Hollies Restaurant. Wednesday 12th July - Talk by Speech Therapist.

For more information please contact Alistair Campbell on 01325 489644.

Improvements Needed in Services for Stroke Patients

The Healthcare Commission recently called for a fresh drive to improve hospital and community care services for people who have had a stroke. Over 850 patients took part in the survey: the results showed that while more people are gaining access to specialist stroke care, more still needs to be done to improve rehabilitation outside hospital and access to specialist units. In particular, health and social services need to work closely together to ensure that those who have had strokes - and their families - get the care and support they need.

For further information ring the Healthcare Commission on 020 7448 9439 or see their website on www.healthcarecommission.org.uk/newsandevents

Diary Dates

Fri 2nd June - Mental Health Carers Support Group, meet at West Lodge at 2.30pm for a visit to Peter Barratt's Garden Centre.

Mon 12th June - Stressbusters, West Lodge. 1.30pm - 3.00pm.

Wed 21st June - Working Carers Support Group. Visit to the revamped South Park. Meet at the Clock Tower at 7.00pm.

Fri 7th July - Mental Health Carers Support Group. Visit to the South Park. Meet at the Clock Tower, 2.30pm - 4.00pm.

Mon 10th July - Stressbusters, West Lodge. 1.30pm - 3.00pm.

Wed 19th July - Working Carers Support Group, West Lodge. 7.00pm = 9.00pm. ‘Jewellery and Pearls’ demonstration. Bring your friends - a chance to buy.