Carer Support Service - News for Carers

ISSUE NO. 73
August / September 2006

Welcome to any new carers reading this newsletter for the first time.

Carers Week

This year the Carers Week theme was healthy living; we had two main events, an information stand in the Market Place with fresh fruit kindly donated by Robin Blair, and a healthy fun afternoon at West Lodge with fresh fruit donated as a raffle prize by Craig Smails. An informative talk on healthy living was given by carer Heather Zahou. The Carers Support Service would like to thank everyone who contributed to the events, and to the carers for making the afternoon so enjoyable!

Consultation on NHS Continuing Health Care and NHS funded Nursing Care

The Department of Health are proposing a change to the principles which decide who should qualify for the different levels of funding.

In order for you to contribute to this important consultation, Amanda Jones at Darlington Primary Care Trust will be giving a presentation on the proposals on Tuesday 5th September from 1.30 - 3.00pm. Please let us know if you can come. Advanced reading will be available before this date.

Leisure

Recent surveys have suggested that some carers would like to experience and take part in a Tai Chi session.

We are thinking about organising a Tai Chi taster session sometime in October/November. If you would like to be informed about possible dates please contact us.

Help us to help you!

Register with your GP as a carer:- surgery staff are currently involved in training and information days and many are now aware of the services available to carers and how carers can be supported. Each surgery now has a named person as a carer contact.

Carer Forum

We are working with staff at Social Services to organise another Forum on Wednesday 6th September at Willow Road Community Centre from 10.15am - 12.45pm.

The first Forum gave us the opportunity to look at how carers would like to be involved in developing services and support. Those present were keen to increase the number of carers involved.

Your skills and expertise as a carer will benefit other carers. Can you get along to this meeting? Please let us know.

Advocacy Together

"Advocacy Together" is the advocacy service commissioned by Darlington Borough Council. The service offers advocacy to disabled people and their carers. Advocacy can help people put their views across to others in an impartial way. They are independent from Darlington Borough Council.
To contact Advocacy, speak to a Care Manager or telephone 01325 465337.

Alzheimer's Society

Unfortunately funding for the branch recently came to an end and the office is now closed. The same number 01325 267555 will automatically transfer you to someone who can help. The branch remains open. You could also make contact with your Community Psychiatric Nurse through your GP.

Leisure Facilities

The new Live Darlington Card scheme which was introduced on 1st April
2006 will make leisure and arts facilities in Darlington more accessible to thousands of people. The card system has been designed to remove price barriers which have previously stopped people enjoying leisure and Arts events.

The Dolphin Centre, Civic Theatre, Arts Centre, Eastbourne Sports Complex and Stressholme Golf Club - all run by Darlington Borough Council - are involved in the initiative.

People eligible for the Council's Live Darlington discount card, which includes carers, will be entitled to free entry when accompanying the person being cared for. On their own, they pay full price. A form of identity as a carer will be required; i.e. proof of registration with D.A.D Carers Support Service, or Parents Forum, contact Chris Thwaites at D.A.D.

Stroke Association

The Stroke Association has recently changed the way it provides information and advice to people. If you have a query or would just like to talk to someone please contact the National Helpline on 0845 30 33 100. Alternatively, you may wish to e-mail at info@stroke.org.uk or visit the website www.stroke.org.uk from which you can download publications or find out more about the services provided.

Diary Dates

Fri 4th August: Mental Health Carers Support Group, 2.30pm - 4.00pm, West Lodge.

Mon 14th Aug: Stressbusters, West Lodge 1.30pm - 3.00pm. Learn to make time for yourself, through light chair based exercises and meditation with a trained instructor.

Wed 16th Aug: Working Carers Support Group, West Lodge. Games night. 7.00pm - 9.00pm.

Fri 1st Sept: Mental Health Carers Support Group. Hand massage, West Lodge. 2.30pm - 4.00pm. Enjoy yourself, and pass your skills on!

Tues 5th Sept: Learning Disability Carers Group Meeting, Age Concern, Bradbury House. 10am - 12noon.

Mon 11th Sept: Stressbusters, West Lodge 1.30pm - 3.00pm.

Mon 18th Sept: Learning Disability Carer Forum, 10.30am - 1.00pm. Walkington House. Modernisation of Day Services.

Wed 20th Sept: Working Carers Support Group, West Lodge. 7.00pm - 9.00pm. Meet in Foyer, Arts Centre.

Mon 9th Oct: Stressbusters, West Lodge. 1.30pm - 3.00pm.

Carers Darlington:

Tuesdays: Weekly Drop-in at Bradbury House, 10.00am - 12.00noon

Fridays: Weekly Drop-in at Bradbury House, 12.00noon - 2.00pm