Carer Support Service - News for Carers

Issue No. 91

August 2009 / September 2009

Escorted Holidays through Age Concern

With summer upon us many people will be taking a break, but more than 7 million over 55s will be missing out this year. To address this, Age Concern have partnered with Grand UK Holidays to provide exclusive escorted holidays with holidays in the UK and overseas. They promise good value holidays with a range of benefits, such as discounts for groups of 10 or more people, luggage handling, direct coach travel to your resort and a friendly tour manager. ABTA bonding is included, meaning your money is secure.

For more information contact Jill Dunbar at Age Concern Darlington (01325 357345) for further details and to discuss travel insurance.

Carers' Strategy and Implementation Plan 2009-2011

Darlington's new Carers' Strategy for the next three years has been published. Developed in conjunction with several Darlington organisations, it is specific to the area and built upon the National Carers' Strategy. We now have copies of this document, which is available upon request.

‘Invisible Generation’ of Grandparent Carers.

A report warns a generation of younger grandparents are getting caught in a ‘poverty trap’, caring for their elderly parents and grandchildren. Grandparents Plus found a third of under-55 grandparents are struggling financially, with four and five generation families becoming more common, grandparents find themselves on a low income providing unpaid care to younger and older family members.

The charity called for grandparent carers to be given flexibility in work to take ‘granny-leave’ similar to paternity leave, and financial aid through the tax credit system.

Heart Matters

The British Heart Foundation has launched a free service called Heart Matters which aims to provide support and information to help people live healthier lives. Sign up and you will receive an information pack with a heart risk tape measure and 5-A-Day Food Diary, as well as becoming registered to receive personalised local information, a magazine and a dedicated helpline.

You can sign up by visiting the website at www.bhf.org.uk/heartmatters

5th Anniversary of Carers Act

3rd July marked the fifth year since the passing of the Carers (Equal Opportunity) Act 2004 which brought attention to the 6 million carers in the UK and established their legal rights. Those involved in successfully pushing the act through met in Westminster to celebrate the anniversary. Hywel Francis, the MP who sponsored the Act, was praised for trying to 'break the mould' by community care lawyer Luke Clements, who was also a key figure in drawing up the Act. It was the first Bill that specifically highlighted the plight of carers in the Western World.

Sign up to the Carer Poverty Charter

Carers UK are running a campaign to end carer poverty, calling on the government to raise carers' benefits. You can add your voice to the charter at www.carersuk.org

Carers Podcasts

Carers World Radio is a monthly audio show that covers issues facing carers around the UK and the world. It is professionally produced and features news and interviews. To listen online or download the show, visit their website at www.carersworldradio.com

Diary Dates

Thursday 30th July: Mental Health Carers Coffee Afternoon. 12.30 to 2.00pm, The Lounge, Bondgate Methodist Church.

Thursday 6th August: Memory Café, Speaker: Simon, DAD Direct Payments service will be giving a talk on payments and one-on-one queries. 1.30 - 3 pm, The Lounge, Bondgate Methodist Church.

Thursday 13th August: Relaxation. 1.30 to 3.00 pm, The Lounge, Bondgate Methodist Church.

Thursday 27th August: Mental Health Carers Coffee Afternoon. 12.30 to 2.00pm, The Lounge, Bondgate Methodist Church.

Thursday 3rd September: Memory Café, Speaker: Dr. Kareem from West Park will be joining us with an update on early onset dementia. 1.30 - 3 pm, The Lounge, Bondgate Methodist Church.

Thursday 10th September: Relaxation. 1.30 to 3.00 pm, The Lounge, Bondgate Methodist Church.

Thursday 24th September: Mental Health Carers Coffee Afternoon. 12.30 to 2.00 pm, The Lounge, Bondgate Methodist Church.

Carers Darlington:

Note: Drop-ins will not be held during August

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.