Carer Support Service - News for Carers

Issue No. 93

December 2009 / January 2010

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.

Carers' Rights Day and Christmas Event

Come and join us. Agencies will have information for you, a raffle and buffet lunch is included and come to be charmed by staff in themed costumes.

For catering purposes, please try to let us know if you are able to join us. We can discuss alternative care needs or you may wish to invite along the person you care for.

‘Caring with Confidence’ arrives in Darlington - Don't miss out!

Caring with Confidence is a national programme aimed at helping carers make a positive difference to their lives and the person they care for. The programme is part of the Government's ‘New Deal for Carers’. Sessions offer a supportive environment to explore a variety of topics: Finding your Way, Caring and Coping, Caring and Me, Caring and Communicating, Caring and Resources, Caring Day-to-Day and Caring and Life. Learn in a fun and friendly way.

Over 100 carers in the North East region have already taken part in the sessions and the feedback has been excellent. The first introductory session will take place on 19th January 2010. Lunch, travel and alternative care costs can be provided if needed. For more information please contact the office.

Relaxation Group

Remember to come along and learn the techniques you can use on a day to day basis to relieve the stress in your life.

New Staff to introduce to you

We are pleased to let you know that Clair Tynan has joined our team here. Do give her a call.

June Jennings is new to the staff team at Social Services, working specifically with carers of people with learning disabilities.

Blue Badge Holders

The new ‘Rough Guide to Accessible Britain’ is Free to Blue Badge holders. For a non Blue Badge holder the cost of the Guide is £6.99 (inc p&p). Visit www.accessibleguide.co.uk or call 0800 953 7070 quoting ref MO256 for either option.

New Support Group

There is some interest in the formation of a generic group, would you be interested?

DLD Live Website

The Darlington Learning Disability Live website is available at www.dldlive.org.uk. It is designed to be an easy to use and helpful source of information for those with learning disabilities.

Carers' Strategy Steering Group

If you would like the opportunity to influence the development of support services for carers in Darlington we would like to invite you to this group meeting.

Substitute care can be arranged and travel costs can be paid. For more information, please contact Lisa Holdsworth on 01325 346490. Particularly welcome would be carers of older people, people with physical and sensory impairment or mental ill health.

The Card Network

This card is for a person who is: In receipt of Disability Living Allowance (or Attendance Allowance) at any rate/is a registered blind person.

It entitles the holder to one free ticket for the person accompanying them to the cinema.

Cards are valid for 1 year and cost £5.50 and are accepted by 90% of UK cinemas. For further information or application form tel: 08456 1231292 or www.ceacard.co.uk

Diary Dates

Groups meet at Bondgate Methodist Church in the Lounge.

Thursday 3rd December: Darlington Dementia Carers' Support Group 1.30 - 3.00 pm

Friday 4th December: Carers' Rights Day. See front page for details.

Thursday 10th December: Relaxation 1.30 - 3.00 pm

Thursday 17th December: Mental Health Carers' Coffee Afternoon 12.30 - 2.00 pm. Meal at Stressholme. Telephone us to book please. Please note: 31st December date cancelled.

2010

Thursday 7th January: Darlington Dementia Carers' Support Group 1.30 - 3.00 pm

Monday 11th January: Carers UK Darlington, lunch. Tel: 01325 266164 to book your place.

Thursday 14th January: Relaxation 1.30 - 3.00 pm

Wednesday 28th January: Mental Health Carers' Group 12.30 - 2.00 pm

Thursday 4th February: Darlington Dementia Carers' Support Group 1.30 - 3.00 pm

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: Our Service is closed 25th December until 4th January and Carers Drop-in is closed from 12th December, re-open Tuesday 12th January.

Social Services will be closed on December 25th and 28th and January 1st: the Emergency Duty Team can be contacted on 08702 402 994 (minicom 01642 602346).