Carer Support Service - News for Carers

ISSUE NO. 75
December 2006 / January 2007

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.

Carers Rights Day

Carers Rights Day this year will be part of a Christmas Carols and Coffee Drop-in session at the Kings Head Hotel, Priestgate, Darlington between 1.00pm and 4.00pm on Friday 8th December. If you would like information about your Rights as a carer or would like to join in a seasonal sing along - come and take part in a fun afternoon.

Course for Carers

The course consists of five modules and will take place on Wednesdays 1.30 - 3pm on a fortnightly basis through January, February and March 2007. For further information and to book your place please contact us on 01325 357533.

1. Carers in Darlington and what Carers Support Service can offer.

2. Health and Wellbeing.

3. Stress management and relaxation.

4. Organisations who can help.

5. Welfare Rights - presentation by Matthew Sigsworth.

This is a free course and is offered to all carers. The modules can be accessed individually.

Live Darlington Card

Carers are entitled to this new card which will offer free entry into certain leisure or Arts facilities/venues across the borough when accompanying the person being cared for and a 25% discount when a carer is using a facility without the person they are caring for. To apply for a card, contact ourselves.

Free Training in skills to pamper yourself

Focussing on your hands, nails and/or hair and face you can learn how to spoil yourself and someone else! A course is being organised by the Libraries and Community Learning Service in Darlington and can be a free one this time to you, sponsored by Cummins in Darlington. Please let us know if you are interested.

Spoil Yourself

We hold funds to pay for you to take a short break, treat yourself, have a
holiday or a day or a meal out. If it has been a while since you spent any money on yourself, do get in touch.

Darlington Coronary Support Group

This group meets on the 3rd Tuesday monthly and welcomes both cardiac patients and their carers, to offer walks, yoga, Tai Chi, bus trips. A Heart to Heart as a Drop-in is also available on the 3rd Wednesday monthly. For more information call Terry on 01325 353322.

Helping you save Money

The quickest way to save money is to be energy efficient; here are a few tips to help you.

Use energy saving light bulbs and save up to £80 each on your bills.
Use the economy programme on your washing machine, tumble dryer and dishwasher if it is half full.
Set your hot water tank thermostat at 60% or lower.
Make sure you don't leave your TV on standby.

Contact Homeheat Helpline on 0800 336699 or www.homeheathelpline.org for more useful information.

Do You Want to Make Your Home Warmer?

Warm Front is a government-funded scheme which provides grants to make your home warmer, healthier, and more energy-efficient. Warm Front Grants are for people who are on certain benefits. The grant will provide you with energy-efficiency advice, two energy-efficient light bulbs, and a package of heating and insulation improvements (which are tailored to each property) up to the value of £2,700.

Tel. 0800 316 6011 for more information.

The Town Mission - Groups for the over 80s

This 1 to 1 service offers visiting on a regular basis in order to provide friendship and support, providing a number of social events and day trips with transport included.

If you have/cannot use public transport, then small outings can be arranged for individuals, e.g. local places of interest, shopping, or to a local café. Telephone 01325 467052.

Osteoporosis - brittle bones

Osteoporosis quite literally means 'porous bones'. The condition can progress silently, with no apparent changes in bone size or substance. Bones become fragile and are more likely to break - after just minimal knock or fall trauma! Typically, fractures then occur in the hips, spine and wrists. Osteoporosis can be prevented and treated.

For further information write to the National Osteoporosis Society, Camerton, Bath , BA2 0PJ . Tel. 0845 130 3076 (Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm) e-mail info@nos.org.uk . Web site www.nos.org.uk

Water - Cheaper by Meter?

We are all trying to save money for when the bills start coming in. Installing a meter free of charge may reduce your bills. There is financial help available if you are in receipt of certain benefits and cannot avoid using a lot of water because you have a certain medical condition. For further information call Northumbrian Water on 0845 733 5566.

Northumbrian Water also maintains your water supply in case of emergencies, provides aids to help you read bills and offers additional safeguarding against bogus callers if you, on occasion need extra support.

Do you hold a Blue Badge?

There is an organisation that champions the cause of disabled people throughout the UK - the Blue Badge Network. It exists to assist all disabled people and their families, to help them integrate more effectively with society to overcome access and mobility problems. Other benefits of joining include discounts with other organisations such as the RAC, AA, and Green Flag.

They have a web site - www.bluebadgenetwork.org.uk. If you want to know more about them you can either ring them on 01384 257001 or e-mail headoffice@bluebadgenetwork.org.uk

Diary Dates

Mon 4th Dec: Health Course Module 2: Light Exercise with ‘GEM’, 1.30 - 3.00pm . Book your place.

Wed 6th Dec: Carers Together, 7.00 - 8.30pm, Meal at Soho's, Northgate. Meet inside at Soho's.

Fri 8th Dec: Christmas Carols, Coffee and Carers Rights Day, 1.00 - 4.00pm, Kings Head Hotel, Priestgate, Darlington.

Mon 11th Dec: Stressbuster, 1.30 - 3.00pm, West Lodge.

Wed 13th Dec: DAD's Christmas Lunch, Croft Hotel. 12noon for 12.30pm. Cost £12.50 per person. To book your place tel. 01325 489999.

Mon 18th Dec: Health Course Module 3: Light Exercise with ‘GEM’, 1.30 - 3.00pm. Book your place.

Wed 20th Dec: Queen Elizabeth 6th Form College Christmas concert. Meet outside on main steps at 7.15pm.

Fri 22nd Dec: Carers Together. Cancelled.

Please note: From 25th December 2006 to 1st January 2007 this office will be closed, re-opening Tuesday 2nd January 2007.

Note: Out of hours: Medical assistance tel. 0845 603 3131 and Social Services 08702 402994.

Happy New Year

Wed 3rd Jan: Carers Together. 7.00 - 8.30pm. Meet in the Foyer Bar, Arts Centre.

Mon 8th Jan: Stressbuster, 1.30 - 3.00pm, West Lodge.

Mon 15th Jan: Health Course Module 4: Barbara Conway, ‘Blood Pressure Information and Testing session’. 1.30 - 3.00pm, Arts Centre.

Fri 19th Jan: Carers Together, 2.00 - 3.30pm, West Lodge.

Wed 7th Feb: Carers Together, 7.00 - 8.30pm.

Carers Darlington:

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

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

Please note: Carers Darlington Drop-in. Closed for the Christmas holidays after Tues 19th Dec, re-opening Tues 2nd Jan 2007.