Carer Support Service - News for Carers

Issue No. 80
October 2007 / November 2007

Your Newsletter

We hope you enjoy reading this newsletter and that you find it useful. We would appreciate your views; do please contact us and let us know.

Carers' Rights Day 2007

Carers want the same life chances that other people enjoy - good health, financial security, the right to a family life, opportunities to work and pursue their own interests.

The reality for many carers is vastly different. Carers' Rights Day raises awareness of the needs of carers with policy makers and professionals.

This year's theme is Caring Costs and the focus is on carers and work and the other costs of caring.

Clare Woodford who runs the Equal Partners programme for Carers UK, will be attending an event to talk about ‘making your voice heard and influencing services.’ This will take place on Friday 7th December from 10:00am - 1:00pm followed by lunch. You are cordially invited.

If you would like more information, or to book a place, please contact the Carers' Support Service on 357533.

We've raised it, let's spend it!

We raised £900 as a result of the sponsored walk in June this year. How can we spoil you? Please let us know; all suggestions welcome.

Ask About Medicines

Ask About Medicines is the independent campaign to increase people's involvement in decisions about their use of medicines. It aims to achieve lasting change by working with partners to encourage better communication between people and their health professionals, and to change expectations so that asking questions about medicines becomes the norm.

We are holding an event at Enterprise House in Valley Street on Thursday 8th November from 1.00 to 3.30 p.m. All carers are welcome.

For further information ring Sona Peskin on (01325)357533.

Physio Direct

Did you know that you can refer yourself to the Physiotherapy Department of Darlington Memorial Hospital without first seeing your GP? If you have an injury, ache or pain that might require treatment from a physiotherapist ring (01325) 743853 between 2.00 and 4.00 pm, Monday to Friday.

Carers UK booklet - New To Caring?

“New to Caring?” contains advice from experienced carers and covers all the basics that one needs to know about the financial, practical and emotional aspects of caring - and the range of help available.

To download a copy, please go to www.carersuk.org/Information/Newtocaring or order a copy by telephoning 0845 241 0963.

Take a complete break

Vitalise is a national charity providing accessible holidays for disabled people and carers with 24 hour nursing and personal care as well as social support from volunteers of all ages. Bookings being taken up until 30th April 2008. Tel: 0845 345 1970.

Help with health costs

If you have a continuing physical impairment, which means that you are unable to leave your home without the help of another person, you might qualify for a medical exemption certificate entitling you to free prescriptions.

To apply for a certificate, ask the receptionist at your surgery. A form will be completed at the surgery, and will be endorsed by a member of surgery staff. The surgery will send off the application to the Prescription Pricing Authority and you will receive your certificate within 14 days of the surgery sending off the form.

Government consults Carers

Gordon Brown recently announced plans to set up a new Standing Commission on Carers. The commission will be set up by Philippa Russell, a leading expert and advocate for carers and Ivan Lewis, Care Services Minister and will report to Alan Johnson, Secretary of State for Health.

Diary Dates

Monday 8th October and Monday 12th November: Stressbusters, Enterprise House, Valley Street. 1.30 - 3.00 pm.

Thursday 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th, October and Thursday 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th November: Carers' Coffee Afternoon, Kings Head Hotel, Priestgate 1.30 - 3.00 pm.

Friday 19th October: Carers Together, Binns Restaurant, 2.00 to 3.30 pm.

Friday 23rd November: Carers Together, Christmas Shopping Trip to the Metrocentre. Book your seat today!

Friday 7th December: Carers' Rights Day.

Monday 10th December: Stressbusters, Samaritans Office, Woodland Road. 1.30 - 3.00 pm.

Carers Darlington:

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

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