Carer Support Service - News for Carers

Issue No. 79
August 2007 / September 2007

Changes to Power of Attorney

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document signed when you are well to say what you want to happen if you become ill and unable to deal with your finances etc. yourself. If you are considering applying for POA please note that the law is changing in October 2007. The situation now is that you can complete the POA when you are well and then it is registered when you become incapable of dealing with your own affairs. From October the POA has to be registered immediately it is completed and then can be used when needed. The new POA also has 2 parts- one for dealing with arrangements for your care and one for property and financial affairs. This is a very complicated issue and if you think you may be in this situation it is advisable to consult a solicitor.

New Service For You

Shelagh Blanchard, the Citizen's Advice Bureau's Outreach Worker can now offer you advice on benefits, housing, relationships, debt, and any other life problems. She will be available on Thursdays at West Lodge by appointment only. Ring Pauline Gill on 489999 to book your session.

Carers Break Vouchers

This is a scheme which gives carers more flexibility in arranging breaks at a time which suits them and the person they care for. A number of independent sector providers have already signed up. If you would like to use a provider that has not yet signed up to the scheme, please ask them if they are interested, and if so, to contact Lisa Holdsworth on 01325 346490.

Please note - In order to access vouchers, the person you care for must have been assessed by Adult Social Services.

Coach Trips into Autumn

Carers UK Darlington branch are organising trips to Skipton, Leeds and York , through September - November. Book early, Tel. Janet 01325 269047

The Ideas Tree

The Department of Health are providing an opportunity for carers' voices to be at the heart of the Government's new Carers' Strategy. Click on the following website at any time until mid September and post your message - www.newdealforcarers.org

10,000 Steps with Ken - Update

On Sunday June 3, Ken, along with other staff completed a walk of 10,000 steps around West Park nature reserve to raise funds for carers' treats. It was a resounding success and a good time was had by all. The target of £500 was eventually smashed and the total now stands at just under £900.

A big Thank You to all who supported this event.

Click-It

A drop-in service for carers which offers free internet access, informal computer training and support. Tel: 01325 465258 for more information, or call in at Unit 4 Beaumont Street, Houndgate, Darlington on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10:00am and 2:00pm

This is a free service.

Advocacy Awareness

To understand what Advocacy is and what an advocate can do, phone 01325 465337 to sign up for a free place at a presentation by Advocacy Together.

Due to building work, our service will be disrupted during August. Please telephone prior to visiting.

Diary Dates

Wednesday 8th August: Trip to Thorp Perrow Arboretum, Garden and Falconry Centre. Leaving West Lodge at 1.00pm, return 4.30pm Tel. to book your seat.

Monday 13th August: Stressbusters, Samaritans office, Woodland Road . 1.30 - 3.00 pm.

Thursday 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th August: Carers' Coffee Afternoon, Kings Head Hotel, Priestgate 1.30 - 3.00 pm.

Thursday 23rd August: Reunion of Mental Health Carers group at Coffee Afternoon, Kings Head Hotel, 1.30 to 3.00pm. Please tel. and let us know if you would like this opportunity.

Friday 24th August: Carers Together. Bistro Dolphin Centre.

Thursday 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th September: Carers' Coffee Afternoon, Kings Head Hotel, 1.30 to 3.00 pm.

Monday 10th September: Stressbusters, Samaritans office, Woodland Road. 1.30pm - 3.00 pm.

Friday 21th September: Mystery Tour. Leaving West Lodge at 1.00pm - 4.30pm, tel. to book your seat.

Carers Darlington:

(Please note closed during August reopen 4 September)

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

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