Carer Support Service - News for Carers

Issue No. 82
February / March 2008

New Year - New Groups!

We now have one venue for both Carers Together and Stressbusters - Bondgate Methodist Church just off the ring road, opposite Bondgate House. Enter through the side door, by the car park.

Carers Together will be the social group it always was, but Stressbusters will be different, and will be known simply as Relaxation. From February, Carers Together will be on the first Thursday of each month, and Relaxation will be the following week, on the second Monday of the month. Relaxation will be facilitated by a teacher new to us, Marion Lemin, a qualified and experienced yoga teacher. Her first session will be on Monday 11th February, between 1.30 and 3.00 pm. If you would like to learn some ways to help you relax then this is the group for you. Carers Together will be different every month! The first get-together will be on Thursday 7th February between 1.30 and 3.00 pm. It will be called Winter Warmer; we will have music and dancing, plus coffee, tea and scones. Carers Support staff will be there, too. Carers Together in March will have a quiz, with prizes, hosted by Ken, and a representative of the Direct Payments will be there to answer your questions.

So come along, meet up with other carers - have some quality time for yourself!

Do you care for someone who has fallen?

If so, you will know, all too well, about the consequences of someone falling and hurting themselves. Caring for someone who is prone to falls is challenging and can be stressful. Sue Jackson, the Falls Co-ordinator at Hundens Lane has produced an article giving advice to people in this situation. If you would like a copy, either ring Sue on (01325) 745600 or contact us.

Rise in earnings limit on Carers Allowance

The Government announced that the earnings limit on Carer's Allowance was to rise to £95 on 1st October 2007. Carers UK launched a research report in May 2007 as part of its Real Change not Short Change campaign which showed that carers were struggling to make ends meet, were having trouble juggling work and care, and felt undervalued and unrecognised by the different rules that existed for carers' benefits and taxes. The campaign is calling for an overhaul of carers' benefits and financial situation to try to make ends meet.

CAB advice for carers

This is to remind you that Citizens Advice Bureau have an outreach worker at the Carers Support Service office at West Lodge on Thursdays. Sessions are by appointment only, and are at 10.00, 11.00, and 12.00. To book one, ring our office in the Market Place on 01325 489999.

Need a personal alarm?

Easily and speedily activated, the Damsel Personal Alarm has proved to be a vital difference between being attacked, mugged or deterring a possible assailant. Also available is a key chain alarm and a doorstep alarm. See the Damsel web site for further details: www.damsel.co.uk

National Osteoporosis Society

This is the only national charity dedicated to improving the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of this fragile bone disease. For more information about the condition contact their helpline on 0845 450 0230.

Carers UK Guide for Carers

Every year £740 million of carers' benefits are unclaimed. This guide sets out what rights carers have and how they can get financial and practical help, plus help with combining work and caring.

To order a free copy of the guide call 0808 808 7777.

Diary Dates

Thursday 7th February: Carers Together. Winter Warmer. 1.30 to 3.00 pm, Lecture Hall, Bondgate Methodist Church. Feel free to bring the person you care for.

Monday 11th February: Relaxation (formerly Stressbusters) 1.30 to 3.00 pm, The Lounge, Bondgate Methodist Church.

Thursday 6th March: Carers Together. Quiz with Ken, plus Direct Payments questions and answers. 1.30 to 3.00 pm, The Lounge, Bondgate Methodist Church.

Monday 10th March: Relaxation (formerly Stressbusters). 1.30 to 3.00 pm, The Lounge, Bondgate Methodist Church.

Thursday 3rd April: Carers Together. See next newsletter for details. 1.30 to 3.00 pm, Bondgate Methodist Church.

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.