Carer Support Service - News for Carers

Issue No. 86

October / November 2008

Advocacy Together

Advocacy Together is an independent issue based advocacy service available to people with either a mental or physical health need, a learning disability or age related difficulties. It is also available to carers of people in any of those groups. The role of advocacy is to help people get their point of view across. People can refer themselves to the service or either a Care Manager or health professional can make referrals.

Contact them on 465337 or 468741 at Evolution (Darlington CVS), Church Row, Darlington DL1 5QD.

Carers and Computers?

Wendy Maxwell, in Norwich, is a campaigning carer with her own web site, www.chill4us.com. It is a community for adult carers in the UK . One of the biggest challenges facing a carer is the sense of isolation and social exclusion; this site seeks to alleviate that. As Wendy says, “Owning a computer can be a real lifeline, a window on the world.”

Computer Training for Carers

There is so much essential information for us all on the Internet. Would you like to learn how to access it? Age Concern are interested in running a course for carers with no knowledge of computers. Ring Ken Hill for details at West Lodge.

It's behind you!

We have 30 tickets for Jack & the Beanstalk at Darlington Civic Theatre, for the 2.00 pm performance on Thursday 8 January 2009 at a cost of only £5.00 per ticket. They are available to carers who are registered with the Carers' Support Service and are limited to a maximum of two tickets per carer. They will be allocated on a strictly “first come first served” basis and can be booked by contacting Elaine on 01325 357533.

Relaxation - Remember That?

For carers the opportunity to relax is very rare. So, this is to remind you that we have a Relaxation Group for carers - like you. This super service is free of charge! See Diary Dates overleaf for details. Give it a try!

National Listening Library - Free Membership!

This is a charity that provides a postal audiobook library service to anyone who has difficulties with printed books. They are offering free membership to a limited number of qualifying people in County Durham . For more information ring Louise Powell on 0207 407 9417, or email her on lpowell@listening-books.org.uk.

Coffee and Crafts Club

A carer has just recently set up a Coffee & Crafts Club. It meets every Friday at Bondgate Methodist Church between 10.00 am and 12.00 noon. The cost is only £3 per person (to cover refreshments and hall hire). Crafts include card making, teddy bears, knitting, crochet, jewellery, scrap booking, and embroidery.

Carers UK

This charity exists to improve carers' lives by providing information and advice on carers' rights and by campaigning for changes that make a real difference for carers. Membership is free. To join ring 020 7566 7602, or else join via their web site on www. carersuk.org

Minsteracres Cares for Carers!

Minsteracres is a Christian (Roman Catholic) retreat centre near Consett that welcomes people of all faiths as well as people of none. They also welcome guests who want a few days of quiet, relaxation, prayer, or rest. They run mid week breaks for carers, but only two every year: the next one will be in May next year. Book early! For details ring 01434 673248 or email them on info@minsteracres.org.

How will Darlington Support its Carers?

Would you like to be involved in the writing of a three year plan of services which should best support carers in Darlington? Please talk to Pat at Carers' Support Service if you would like to know more.

Diary Dates

Monday 13th October: Relaxation. 1.30 to 3.00 pm, The Lounge, Bondgate Methodist Church.

Thursday 30th October: Mental Health Carers Coffee Afternoon. 1.30 to 3.00 pm, Bondgate Methodist Church.

Monday 10th November: Relaxation. 1.30 to 3.00 pm, The Lounge, Bondgate Methodist Church.

Thursday 27th November: Mental Health Carers Coffee Afternoon. 1.30 to 3.00 pm, Bondgate Methodist Church.

Monday 8th December: Relaxation. 1.30 to 3.00 pm, The Lounge, 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.