Carer Support Service - News for Carers

Issue No. 77
April 2007 / May 2007

New Carers Support Worker

Welcome to Pauline Gill, our new Carers Support Worker. Pauline is also the Information Worker within DAD. However, at West Lodge she will be working alongside Ken, our other Carers Support Worker.

Carers' Support services to drop in to:

• Stressbusters is held here at West Lodge, on the second Monday of each month, between 1.30 and 3.00 pm. It's a chance for you to learn how to relax and unwind.

• Carers Together, in the afternoons, meets the week after Stressbusters, on Fridays between 2.00 and 3.30pm. Meet informally with other carers. See Diary Dates for venue and further information.

• Carers Coffee Afternoon - We are to hold a weekly coffee afternoon at the Kings Head Hotel between 1.30 and 3.00, starting on Thursday 12th April 2007. Ask at the hotel reception for directions. Refreshments will be £2 per person. All carers are welcome!!

Carers Compact

A group of carers and staff from Adult Social Services are working together to set out some clear principles for involvement with carers and what they would expect in return. This will form an agreement that both parties will work to in the future. If you would like more information please contact the Carers Support Service.

Step This Way!

Ken would like to walk with carers, friends, and staff on Sunday 3rd June, and aims to complete 10,000 steps. He will be in South Park to raise funds for treats for carers. If you would like to join in please ask for a sponsorship form.

The Return of Pamper Sessions

Free therapies will recommence on Saturday afternoons at Dr Piper House in King Street. By appointment only - telephone Carers Support Service to book yours.

Prevent a Fire

Make sure your home is not a fire risk by getting a free check from the local fire and rescue service. A firefighter will visit your home and give you advice. They will even install free smoke alarms. To book a visit call 01325 469128 - now!

Medicalert Bracelets

MedicAlert® is the only non-profit making registered charity providing a life-saving identification system for individuals with hidden medical conditions and allergies. This takes the form of body-worn bracelets or necklets (known as MedicAlert® Emblems) bearing the MedicAlert® symbol on the disc and supported by a 24 hour emergency telephone service. Each member receives an Emblem that is engraved with the wearer's main medical condition(s) or vital details, a personal ID number and a 24 hour emergency telephone number.

For more information ring freephone 0800 581420. Or write to them at 1 Bridge Wharf, 156 Caledonian Road, London N1 9UU. Or e-mail them at info@medicalert.org.uk

Holistic Healthcare

“Good health is not merely the absence of pain and disease. It is an active state in which we seek to achieve perfect balance for our mind and body.” Taken from the Gill Henson leaflet, “Holistic Healthcare”.

A Tip for Relaxation

Carers by the very nature of the way their lives are filled do not have much time - if any - for themselves. However, you may like to ponder on this observation about one of our recent Stressbusters sessions; a satisfied departing carer said, “It's in the sitting down, and the deep breathing; it's lovely!”

Trouble sleeping?

Drink a mixture of a dessertspoonful of cider vinegar and a teaspoonful of honey in a glass of hot water, before retiring. It may be beneficial to keep a glass of this mixture by the bedside in case it is needed.

Blue Badge Scheme - London News

If you intend driving to London, do thoughts of having to pay the city's Congestion Charge put you off the idea? If you are a member of the Blue Badge parking scheme you can be exempt from paying the Charge by claiming a 100% discount. For details and an application form either telephone 0845 900 1234 or else download an application form from the web site at www.cclondon.com

Diary Dates For All Carers

Mon 2nd April: Stressbusters. 1.30pm - 3.00pm, West Lodge.

Thurs 12th, 19th & 26th April: Coffee Afternoon. 1.30 - 3.00 pm. Kings Head Hotel.

Fri 20th April: Carers Together, Coach Trip to Peter Barratt's. Telephone to book your seat.

Thursday 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th & 31st May: Coffee Afternoon. 1.30 - 3.00 pm. Kings Head Hotel.

Mon 14th May: Stressbusters. 1.30 pm - 3.00 pm, West Lodge.

Fri 25th May: Carers Together. 2.00 pm - 3.30 pm, Dolphin Centre Bistro café.

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.