Carer Support Service - News for Carers

Issue No. 83
April / May 2008

NHS Out of Hours Services - Important Changes

This service is based at Dr Piper House in King Street, Darlington.

Out Of Hours runs from - Monday to Friday, 6.00 pm to 8.00 am.

Saturday to Monday, 8.00 am to 8.00 am (weekends).

Bank Holidays, 6.00 pm the evening before the Bank Holiday to 8.00 am the day after.

The clinics are by appointment only, and are accessed by ringing (01325) 746322.

Home Visiting Opticians

The Outside Clinic, set up in 1987, is the longest established home visiting optician service in the United Kingdom. If it is difficult to get to a High Street optician, the Outside Clinic's mobile opticians can offer an eye sight test in the comfort of your own home. They also offer a full dispensing service and carry a number of vision aids, such as magnifiers, and daylight lamps which can all be tried out when they come to visit you. Ring them on 0800 854477.

Carers Week 2008

You are invited by Carers UK, the national campaigning charity, to share your experiences of caring and your views on carers issues by completing their annual survey which is strictly confidential. The results of the survey will be sent to the media, and to MPs, professionals and decision makers; all of whom can influence and improve the quality of life of carers and those you care for. A few minutes of your time could make all the difference. Send your contact details to Carers Week, 32 - 36 Loman Street, Southwark, London SE1 0EE, or telephone 020 7922 7999.

Guide to Carers' Assessments

Carers can request that Social Services do an assessment of their own needs, in addition to the needs of the person for whom they are caring. We have copies of a guide that can help you through this process. Although written primarily for carers of people with learning disabilities it is just as useful for carers of people with other conditions. For a copy please ring us on 01325 357533.

Northumbrian Water's Special Assistance Register

A range of services for customers who might need extra help is available. This includes bills in Braille, or large print, or on audio cassette or CD. Use of a BSL interpreter at meetings can also be arranged. You can also register a confidential password to give you extra security. (Anyone from Northumbrian Water who needs to gain access to your property will know this word and use it on request.) For details please call Northumbrian Water on 0845 717 1100 between 8.00 am and 8.00 pm Monday to Friday and 9.00 am and 1.00 pm on Saturday.

Choosing a Care Home?

The Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) publish on their web site www.csci.org.uk details of local care homes and their inspection reports. Ring 0191 233 3323 for further information.

Coach Trips

The Darlington branch of Carers UK organise monthly coach day trips for carers. For further details please ring either Janet on 01325 269047 or Ken Fooks on 0796 793 9005.

Diary Dates

Thursday 3rd April: Carers Together - Carers Drop-in. Enjoy time out with other carers. Carers Support Service staff will be there. 1.30 to 3.00 pm, Bondgate Methodist Church.

Monday 14th April: Relaxation. 1.30 to 3.00 pm, The Lounge, Bondgate Methodist Church.

Thursday 24th April: Mental Health Carers Coffee Afternoon. 1.30 to 3.00 pm, Bondgate Methodist Church.

Thursday 1st May: Carers Together - Meet under the clock in the South Park at 1.30 pm for coffee in the café.

Monday 12th May: Relaxation. 1.30 to 3.00 pm, The Lounge, Bondgate Methodist Church.

Thursday 29th May: Mental Health Carers Coffee Afternoon. 1.30 to 3.00 pm, Bondgate Methodist Church.

Thursday 5th June: Carers Together - A free Hand Massage session. Come and try out this form of relaxation. 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.