Carer Support Service - News for Carers

Issue No. 95

April 2010/May 2010

When the sun shines, the little bulbs peep through telling us that Spring is round the corner. Look upwards and enjoy the sky on those sunny days.

Jobcentre Plus introduces additional support for carers

In response to the Government's Carers' Strategy, Jobcentre Plus has introduced additional support aimed specifically at carers across the UK. Work focussed support for carers is a voluntary scheme designed to help people who wish to combine paid work with their role of caring for someone. Jobcentre Plus customers with caring responsibilities will also be able to access replacement care funding while they are taking part in employment training. Yvette Cooper, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions said: “We know that one in five carers have left or turned down a job because of their caring responsibilities. That is why it's so important to give carers extra help, advice, funding for replacement care and easier access to training.”

To find out more about getting into work or training either visit www.directgov.uk/carersemployment or telephone Clare Moohan at Darlington Jobcentre Plus on 01325 385084.

Changes to the Carers' Assessments process

Adult Social Services are currently piloting changes to the carers' assessments process.

If these are successful, all carers will be offered a carer's initial assessment to identify the effect that caring is having on them and whether they need advice and information only, or a more detailed assessment of their needs and additional support in their caring role.

This more detailed assessment is called a carer's individual assessment and will need to be completed to enable short break/sitting services to be provided to the person they care for, or to enable carers to receive services in their own right.

Examples of these include:

• domestic tasks, such as housework and ironing/gardening

• help to pay for recreational or other activities eg massages, fishing permits,

• computer courses, driving lessons

• assistance with child care costs

Other services could also be provided, so long as they enable the carer to continue to care or to maintain their health or wellbeing.

It is anticipated that the new process will be rolled out from April onwards. If you would like more information, please contact Lisa Holdsworth on 01325 346490.

Darlington Dementia Support Group

There will be guest speakers throughout the year. Clair is putting together a list of speakers for the year ahead and would like you to let her know who you would like to be included.

About the Blue Badge map

The Blue Badge map now provides helpful information on travel and can now be used to find:

• Blue Badge parking bays in over 100 towns and cities across the UK.

• Accessible public toilets in over 100 towns and cities across the UK.

• Railway stations and their accessibility.

• Taxi ranks.

• Shopmobility centres.

• Football stadiums and their accessibility.

• Mobility centres

Locations of interest, like town halls, hospitals, museums and tourist attractions. Visit: www.direct.gov.uk/bluebadgemap

Government Changes to Pensions

In April 2010 the Government is making important changes to the State Pension.
These changes, including the reduction in the number of ‘qualifying years’ individuals need to get their basic State Pension and the new Carer's Credit, will have significant implications for carers. If you would like a copy of the new ‘Caring about your Pension’ booklet, we have copies.

Carers' Rights Day Update

We were fortunate in 2009 that Councillor Copeland, our carers' champion, was able to join us for the day. A good turnout of agencies and carers made for a useful resource of information and a good voice to sing-a-long accompanied by a live piano performance by two guest pianists. We do hope you can join with us this next December day.

Diary Dates

Please note: from April all groups will now meet at Evolution offices in Church Row in the Redworth room.

Thursday 8th April: Relaxation, 1.30 - 3.00pm. New venue

Thursday 15th April: Lunch at Stressholme Golf Club, 12.00pm

Tuesday 20th April: Advice on ‘Caring for your Feet’, 2.00pm at West Lodge. Telephone to register an interest.

Thursday 29th April: Mental Health Carers Group, 12.30 - 2.00pm. New venue. Speaker topic: Alcohol.

Thursday 6th May: Dementia Carers' Support Group, 1.30 - 3.00pm. New venue. Speaker topic: Benefits.

Thursday 13th May: Relaxation, 1.30 - 3.00pm. New venue

Thursday 27th May: Mental Health Carers Group, 12.30 - 2.00pm. New venue

Thursday 3rd June: Dementia Carers' Support Group 1.30 - 3.00pm. New venue. Speaker topic: Patient Advice & Liaison Service (PALS)

Please note: Our Service and Carers drop-in will be closed for Easter from Friday 2nd April, re-open Tuesday 6th April.

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.