Carer Support Service - News for Carers

ISSUE NO. 74
October / November 2006

A New Health course is planned for the Autumn.

The Health course will include many interesting items for personal health including Blood Pressure awareness and a “GEM” Light Exercise programme. Shed the apprehension about taking part and give it a try. The exercises can be done as a seated session.

Why not give us a call for more information and book your place NOW. Look under Diary Dates.

Course for Carers - an introduction

Feel free to attend any or all of the following sessions:

Caring at home - your rights and what is available to you.
Looking after your health.
Relaxation techniques.
Services and Support - Specialist organisations.
Benefits - Matthew Sigsworth from the Welfare Rights unit.

Book your place as soon as possible.

Carers Together

We are to try combining groups under the banner ‘Carers Together’. Three groups will roll commencing in November.

Carers Together - Wednesdays, 7 - 8.30pm (week prior to Stressbuster)

Stressbuster - 2 nd Monday monthly, 1.30 - 3.00pm

Carers Together - Fridays, 2 - 3.30pm (week following Stressbuster)

Come along to West Lodge and enjoy what staff have stored up for you.

Disability Equality Duty

The Disability Equality Duty is a new way for Public Authorities to tackle Disability Discrimination in a practical way by introducing policies that actively promote opportunities and so prevent discrimination taking place. D.A.D is working with Darlington Borough Council to involve Disabled People in producing the Disability Equality Scheme and Action Plan by setting up a reference group of disabled people including employees. Carers are also invited to be involved. The scheme looks at all council services you receive.

If you are interested in being involved please let us know by contacting the DAD office on Darlington 489999 and leave your contact details for Gordon Pybus or let Carers Support Service know.

The Disability Equality Scheme will be discussed at DAD's AGM on 23rd November, see Diary Dates for information.

Care and Repair

For repairs to your home. The rate is £5.00 per hour for labour (excluding parts) and free (excluding parts) to carers who are in receipt of benefits such as council tax benefit, pension credit or housing benefit. This is an excellent and reliable way to access a good builder! To access the service tel. 01325 460114.

Claiming a State Retirement Pension? Claiming Carers Allowance?

For further details contact Age Concern's 50 Plus Information Centre at 9 Clark's Yard (off High Row), or tel. 01325 357345.

“Walk The Darlington Way”

Do you like to get out of the house now and again for a breath of fresh air? Do you wish there were some good walks in and around the Darlington area? You can find them in a FREE booklet “Walk The Darlington Way”. Available from Information Darlington or at www.visitdarlington.com

Diary Dates

Fri 6th Oct: Mental Health Carers Support Group, meet at Blue Lagoon, Grange Road for a meal at 12 noon.

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

Wed 18th Oct: Working Carers, meet at Arts Centre 7.00pm.

Tues 7th Nov: Learning Disability Carers Group meeting, 10.00am - 12noon, Age Concern, Bradbury House.

Wed 8th Nov: Carers Together, 7.00pm - 8.30pm, West Lodge.

Mon 13th Nov: Stressbusters. 1.30pm - 3.00pm, West Lodge.

Tues 14th Nov: Coffee morning, Newton Lane Respite Bungalow, 10am.

Mon 20th Nov: Health Course Module 1: Alison Billau ‘Take Your Steps to Good Health’ 1.30pm - 3.00pm, Arts Centre.

Thurs 23rd Nov: D.A.D.'s Annual General Meeting. Central Hall, Dolphin Centre, 10.30am onwards. All invited, includes lunch and Access for All Awards and information about Darlington Borough Council's Disability Equality Scheme.

Fri 24th Nov: Carers Together, 2.00pm - 3.30pm, West Lodge.

Mon 4th Dec: Health Course Module 2: ‘GEM’ Exercise Session. 1.30pm - 3.00pm, Arts Centre.

Wed 6th Dec: Carers Together, 7.00 - 8.30pm, West Lodge.

Carers Darlington:

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

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