Carer Support Service - News for Carers

Issue No. 87

December 2008 / January 2009

All the members of the team here at West Lodge would like to wish you a happy and peaceful Christmas time and send you our best wishes for the coming year.

See you at Sainsbury's!

“Making the Most of Your Money” is this year's theme. We will be in the foyer of Sainsbury's supermarket in Victoria Road on Friday 5th December, between 11.00 am and 4.00 pm. We will be joined by Citizens Advice Bureau, Welfare Rights, Alzheimer's Society, Age Concern, Advocacy Together, Social Services, Energy Savings Trust, Young Carers Service, Darlington Mind, and St Hilda's Day Centre.

Rely On Me - new befriending scheme

This scheme from Age Concern connects people to their neighbourhood by matching them with volunteers who can support them with local volunteers in simple ways, such as going out, gardening, and simple tasks. For further information contact Susan Carter on 01325 362832, or mobile 07732 170 376.

Carers UK Christmas Lunch

It will be on Friday 9th January 2009 at the Freemasons' Hall, Archer Street , at 12.00 noon for 12.30. Cost for members of Carers UK, £12 each; for non-members, £17 each. Ring Ken Fooks on 266164 - first come first served.

Lifeline users? Upgrade to Telecare?

Telecare is the next generation of Lifeline equipment which can automatically send an alert if you should need assistance. For further information ring 01325 346200 and ask for Darlington Telecare. Or go to this direct link www.darlington.gov.uk.

New carers support group from the Alzheimer's Society!

Carers of people with dementia will be pleased to know that they have a new support group. Called Memory Café, it is to be run jointly by the Alzheimer's Society and ourselves. The first meeting will be on Thursday 4th December at the Lounge, Bondgate Methodist Church, between 1.30 and 3.00 pm.

Come to the Pantomime

We have 17 tickets left for Jack & the Beanstalk at Darlington Civic Theatre, for the 2.00 pm performance on Thursday 8th January 2009 at a cost of only £5.00 per ticket. Limited to carers registered with us, and a maximum of two tickets per carer. Allocated on a strictly “first come first served” basis; contact Elaine on 01325 357533.

Credit Crunch Financial Problems?

We hope that you will find at least some of the following information useful in your battle to make your money go that little bit further.

Keep Warm, Keep Well. A booklet produced by the Government, giving advice keeping warm and healthy, and help with bills. For a copy ring 0300 123 1002.

For practical advice and help with managing debt, Christians Against Poverty is an organisation that has helped other carers before now. For advice ring 01642 241255.

Is your annual family income less than £13,500? Is someone in your family aged 60 or over, or has a disability, or suffers from a chronic disease, or is aged under 16? Npower have a new social tariff that delivers a total fuel annual discount of £250 (excluding VAT). For details ring 0800 975 1373.

Are you in receipt of DLA? Or are you a registered blind person? You qualify for a Cinema Exhibitors' Association card, a concessionary card that allows one person to accompany you to the cinema for free. For details ring 0845 123 1292; minicom/textphone 0845 123 1297, or visit www.ceacard.co.uk

Diary Dates

Thursday 4th December: Memory Café. 1.30 to 3.00 pm, The Lounge, Bondgate Methodist Church.

Friday 5th December: Carers Rights Day. Sainsbury's 11.00am to 4.00pm

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

Wednesday 10th December: Mental Health Carers' Christmas Lunch. Meet at China Red Chinese buffet restaurant, Gladstone Street, 12.00 noon. Ring Carers Support Service if you want to go.

Friday 9th January 2009: Carers UK Christmas Lunch.

Monday 12th January 2009: Relaxation. 1.30 to 3.00 pm, The Lounge, Bondgate Methodist Church.

Thursday 22nd January 2009: Mental Health Carers Coffee Afternoon. 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.

Please note - Bradbury House and the Carers' Support Service will be closed from Christmas Day. Carers' Support Service will reopen on Friday 2nd January 2009, and Bradbury House will reopen on Monday 5th January 2009.

Social Services will be closed on December 25th and 26th, and January 1st 2009; the Emergency Duty Team can be contacted on 08702 402 994 or minicom 01642 602346.