Carer Support Service - News for Carers

Issue No. 88

February 2009 / March 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.

British Heart Foundation

If you use this web address www. bhf.org.uk/publications.aspx on your computer you can order or download resources from the new publications library.

Carers' Rights at Work

You may find that the best or only way to manage your work and caring responsibilities is to change your work arrangements. You may also need to take leave at short notice for emergencies. The Work and Families Act 2006 and the Employment Rights Act 1996 give working carers rights to help them manage work and caring. You have the right to request flexible working, take time off in emergencies and organisational/contractual rights.

Carers' Travel Concessions

Disabled people who live in the Borough of Darlington can apply for a combined bus and companion pass. The criteria and application form can be obtained from the Darlington Borough Council web site www.darlington.gov.uk or by telephoning the Transport Department on 01325 380 651.

Fact Sheet 11 - Carers' Rights

Following on from the successes of Carers' Rights Day, we now have relevant information in our new Fact Sheet. Please ask for a copy.

Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA)

SSAFA can support anyone who has served in the Armed Forces, including in the reserves and people who did National Service and their dependants. For more details tel. Mr Hutchison on 0191 383 9452.

Age Concern Lifebook

Keep track of important documents and information. Invaluable to a family member or friend if they need to locate information about you in an emergency. Tel: 0845 685 1061 and claim your Free Lifebook.

‘ICE’ (In Case of Emergency) Campaign

A nationally recognised name. In case of an accident store the number of a contact person under the name ‘ICE’ on your mobile phone. Emergency Service personnel and hospital staff can then identify exactly who to contact.

Help with bladder problems

A new programme has been introduced to help people with bladder and bowel problems. The Health Authority recognises that these can be embarrassing problems but wants the public to know there is help out there. Call 01325 746154 for details.

IMCA Service

There is now an Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA) Service in Durham and Darlington. It is provided by Skills for People and is particularly for people who may be unable to make decisions or communicate their views to others. This may be because they have a learning disability, head injury, mental ill-health or an illness like dementia and do not have friends or family to support them.

An IMCA will: Meet the person in private, talk with people who know the person well, find out as much as possible about the decision and what might be best for the person and write a report about what they find.

The IMCA is trained to do this job and their help is free.

Contact Terri Clibery on 0191 281 7322.

Choose Health Self Management Programme

Is the person you care for living with a long-term condition such as diabetes, asthma, mental illness or one of many others? If so, they may wish to take part in the ‘Choose Health Self Management Programme.’

The programme is free, takes place over six weeks and helps people develop skills, knowledge and confidence to have more control over their lives.

For further information telephone Freephone 0800 328 4229 or contact Michelle Smith our Health Link Worker.

Carers' Week 2009

You are invited to take part in the 2009 Carers ' Week Survey. If you would like more information please contact ourselves.

Diary Dates

Thursday 5th February: Memory Café, 1.30 to 3.00pm,The Lounge, Bondgate Methodist Church.

Monday 9th February: Relaxation. 1.30 to 3.00 pm, The Lounge, Bondgate Methodist Church.

Thursday 26th February: Mental Health Carers Coffee Afternoon. 1.30 to 3.00pm, Bondgate Methodist Church.

Thursday 5th March: Memory Café, 1.30 to 3.00pm, The Lounge, Bondgate Methodist Church.

Monday 9th March: Relaxation. 1.30 to 3.00 pm, The Lounge, Bondgate Methodist Church.

Thursday 26th March: Mental Health Carers Coffee Afternoon. 1.30 to 3.00 pm, Bondgate Methodist Church.

Thursday 2nd April: Memory Café, 1.30 to 3.00pm, 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.