• Home
• About SWCSS
• Services
• Support Resources
• Young Carers
• Groups/Advice Sessions
• News
• Events
• Links
• Enquiry

News

Please find below newsletters available to download:

		May 2010 newsletter
Older Newsletters Archive click here to view

Coventry & Warwickshire Partnership Trust

Drop in sessions are being run for parents/carers with children and young people with autism.  The next session will be 10-12pm, 21st June at the Bath Centre, The Old Library, York Road, Leamington Spa.  For more information call Katie Oliver 0121 450 7574 or Amy Thompson on 01926 881640.

Breaks for Carers

This new on-line interactive service driectory aims to make breaks for carers and families of people with leaning disabilities in the country of Warwickshire more accessible.   The site details the support available from service providers with an on-line booking system.  The service will be available from the 10th May 2010 onwards.

www.nhs.co.uk/breaksforcarers

Carers Week  14th - 20th June 2010

This year Carers Week will especially highlight:

•      why supporting Carers is crucial
•      how Carers miss out on things others take for granted
•      what needs to be changed
•  
• The theme A life of my own will enable Carers to talk about many parts of life that most take for granted e.g. family occasions, going on holiday, a meal out, even just chilling out for an evening with no worries or responsibilities, focussing on what they need e.g. access to relevant and practical information, to help them with their caring role, the opportunity to take a break when they need it, support at tiems for crisis and financial support.
•  
• Events taking place are as follows:
•  

Tuesday 15th June

Hospital Day

We are hosting stands at Stratford Hospital and Warwick Hospital to raise awareness of services available to Carers from 9am-4pm.

Wednesday 16th June

Family/Unpaid Carers' Registration Day

We'll be at the Royal Priors in Leamington and Morrisons in Stratford 10am- 4pm.  An invitation for family Carers to come along to register with South Warwickshires Carers' Support Service for information, advice and support.

'Costa Cares' and we'll give a complimentary tea/coffee at Costa for all family carers who register with us on the day!

Thursday 17th June

Relaxation Day

Henley Group (Dell Court) 10.30am-12.30pm and Stratford Learning Disability Carers' Group (Briars Croft) 11am -1pm have manicurists coming along to offer tasters.  We also have relaxation and meditation at the Lifeways Centre in Stratford (pre-book on 01926 485486).

Friday 18th June

Out and About

We'll be on the Carers' Bus out and about in Warwick and our Parent Carer Advisor will be roaming Health Clubs finding Parent Carers to talk about 'A Life Of My Own'.

Saturday 19th June

Leamington Peace Festival

Leamington's Peace Festival is from 11am-9pm at the Pump Rooms.  We'll be there with a stand offering 'Fifteen Minutes Peace' with mini-massages and manicures.  Just turn up!

For more information on any of the Carers Week activities, please call 01926 485486.

To take part in Carers UK survey please click on the link http://www.surveymonkey.com/carersweek2010

Warwickshire County Council Carers Week

Monday 14th June

at Stoneleigh Abbey, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2LF

10am-7pm

Warwickshire County Council is hosting this event to show what is available locally to help people with caring responsibliites to have a life of their own.  This FREE event is offering activity taster sessions and treats such as:

an introduction to basic computer skills,  gardening, yoga, crafts, tai chi, falconry, manicures, head massage, pedicures and mini-massage.

To quarantee a place on an activity taster session and treat, please call 01926 743026.  Transport and care cover can be provided free of charge if required.

Warwickshire VOX, Voice of Experience

Have Your Say on Preventative Services Thursday, 10th June 2010 - 10.00am - 1.00pm

at Stratford Racecourse, Luddington Road, Straford-on-Avon, CV37 9SE

This is an opportunity for you to have your voice heard, for you to ask challenging questions and for you to talk and learn about food for Health, Healthy Lifestyles, Access to Psychological Therapies, Strokes, Family Carers, Falls & Fractures prevention and housing.

If you are aged over 50, live in Warwickshire and would like to attend please ring 01926 742214.  Deadline for responses is 25th May 2010.  Please let them know if you require transport.

Saga Respite for Carers Trust

Saga are offering free holidays to unpaid Carers.

To be considered, Carers should:

¨ Be over 50

¨ Have been caring for someone for more than a year

¨ Not have taken a significant holiday away from their caring responsibilities within the last year.

To find out more go to www.sagacarerstrust.org or to obtain a nomination form send an s.a.e. to:

The Trust Manager, Saga Respite for Carers Charitable Trust, The Saga Building, Enbrook Park, Folkestone,

Kent, CT20, 3SE.  Closing date for nominations is 31st August, 2010.

Blue Badge Scheme - Changing Places

Below is a link to the 'Changing Places' website showing fully accessible disabled toilet facilities which include space and the right equipment, including a height adjustable changing bench and a hoist.

www.changing-places.org

Helen Ley Care Centre

For carers of people affected by MS, Helen Ley Care Centre has a resource room with a stock of information about the condition  that is free to the public.

Free Internet-Safety Product for in-home use

Warwickshire CC are offering all parents and carers of Warwickshire's 80,000 school age children an internet-safety product for in-home use free for a 2 year period until 2011.

To download the software you will need to obtain a pre-pay voucher code either from your child's school or by contacting ictdsservicedesk@warwickshire.gov.uk.  You then go to the CyberSentinel website to redeem your voucher and follow instructions to download the software.

Free IT help for disabled people

The British Computer Society runs a free service offering computer support to disabled people. 

They can provide help to diagnose and fix most computer related problems; install and set up hardware, software, internet, email and accessibility settings and give impartial advice on IT equipment and software to suit your interests and abilities.  Training cannot be provided.
To request help telephone 0800 269 545 or email help@itcanhelp.org.uk

Rights for dads at work.  We speak your language.

If you are a new dad or about to become a new dad you have rights such as paid leave, parental leave and flexible working.  To find out more about the options, your rights as a working dad and whether they apply to you contact www.direct.gov.uk/dadsatwork.

The Cinema Exhibitors' Association Limited

The above Association provide a card which entitles the holder to one free ticket for a person accompanying them to the cinema.  The card costs £5.50 per annum and can be obtained from their website www.ceacard.co.uk/ or tel 0845 123 1292.

Carers Weekend (Strictly Carers only) - Christmas Party Special, Bond Hotel, St Annes  

Friday 3rd - Monday 6th December 2010

Turkey & Tinsel Theme, Dinner, B&B, Live Cabaret Every Night, Out & About Town Tour, Hydrotherapy Pool -  £129 per person.

Book before 31st March 2010 and it will only cost you ONLY £99 per person.

www.bondhotel.co.uk

The Unique Day of the Week Clock

This unique clock may be of help to people suffering from Dementia, Alzheimer's and other forms of memory loss.   This 7 day wall clock shows the days of the week simply to keep track of passing days.   Tor order contact DayClocks UK, PO Box 49755, London N20 0QF, Tel:  02083 689387, Email:  info@dayclocks.co.uk.

Gym Buddy Scheme

The Gym Buddy Scheme has been set up to provide disabled people with volunteer support to enable them to access appropriate activities in a gym setting.

For further details about accessing the Scheme or about becoming a volunteer contact Jules Twells, IFI National Project Officer, English Federation of Disability Sport, Sir John Beckwith Centre for Sport Loughborough University, Loughborough, LE11 3TU.  Email: jtwells@efds.co.uk, Tel: 01509 226137, Mobile:  07921 973398 or visit www.inclusivefitness.org.

Easy Access Guide Britain

The Easy Access Guide Britain contains over 800 places to stay for people with disabilities and older people with mobility problems.  The Guide can be obtained from the Tourism Board, your local library and from www.amazon.co.uk.

      can provide:

Carers Short Break Service

• Home Safety Checks (to those over 55 or with disabilities)
• Trade Line:  an approved list of tradesmen who have been vetted by age Concern and are known for the quality of their work and reasonable prices
• Daily living suppot and hospital discharge
• The Right Move:  impatial advice on acommodation for the over 60's
• Counselling, community support and Befriending
• Insurance Services
• Care and Repair
• Falls Advice and Activity Programme
• For all these services contact:  Tel 01926 458123

 

The Pension Service can be contacted via Tel:  0845 6060265

 

Home Fire Safety Checks are available free to householders both private and rented.  Also a Deaf Alarm system, comprising a vibrating pad under the bed/pillow, a flashing light/control unit and a smoke alarm can be provided, after a hearing assessment.  Tel: 01926 410800.

 

There is a Social Service team, set up to help deaf, hard of hearing and deafened people on a wide range of personal and practical problems:  e.g. transport, equipment, home care, meals on wheels, deaf clubs, deaf children, deaf/blind, deaf/disabled and deaf/mental illness.  Tel:  01926 413043.

 

Swine Flu Vaccination

All children over six months and under five years of age are now being offered the swine flue vaccine.  For further information please contact Caroline Haffner, Carers Support Advisor on 01926 485486 or your GP.

Springfield Mind - Wellbeing Exchanges

Springfield Mind Ltd is a registered mental health charity based in Stratford-upon-Avon.  They support people who are experiencing or recovering from emotional distress. 

They run Wellbeing Exchanges where people can receive information and support from support workers in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. 

A new Wellbeing Exchange is now open at the Brunswick Healthy Living Centre, 98-100 Shrubland Street, Leamington Spa from 4.30 - 7.30pm.

Further information can be obtained from Gill Smith, Projects Manager on 01789 298615 or springfieldmind@btconnect.com.

Alzheimer's Society

Alzheimer's Society has conducted a survey looking into standards of care for dementia sufferers in hospital.  In order to increase awareness the Society is looking for people with dementia or Carers of people with dementia to engage with local media and report their experience.  Please contact Wendy Harkness on 01926 888899 or Sian Evans on 0117 967 3020 or email sian.evans@alzheimers.org.uk if you would like to contribute.

To find out what resources are held at the Dementia Resource Centre at the Wise Street Office in Leamington Spa please phone Wendy Harkness on 01926 888899. Publications for loan include the DVD 'Managing Challenging Behaviour in Dementia', the books 'Losing Clive to Younger Onset Dementia' and 'Telling Tales about Dementia'.

In the new year, the Shipmates group will become a Dementia Resource Cafe to be held at

Stour Court, Old Road, Shipston on Stour, 2.00 - 3.30 pm on the following Fridays in 2010:

8th January, 5th February, 5th March, 9th April, 7th May and 4th June.

For full details call Wendy on 01926 888899 or Barbara on 01608 662433

The Daily Mirror's Caring for Carers campaign

The Daily Mirror has joined forces with Carers UK to launch a campaign - Caring for Carers.  The national newspaper is featuring Carers' stories and calling on government to improve the lives of the six million people who care for a relative or friend.

The Mirror's campaign calls for:

- an end to the financial hardship suffered by Carers and an immediate review by Government into Carers' benefits.

- more respite breaks and more health checks for Carers

- Carers to be given discretionary time off when they are unable to cope

The Mirror are also calling on Carers to share their experiences of caring by emailing caring4carers-at-mirror.co.uk

Read about the campaign and leave comments on the campaign blog at http://blogs.mirror.co.uk/carers-campaign

New countywide Carer awareness training

Warwickshire Adult Health and Community Services has successfully bid for funding from the Department of Health for staff training.  This will enable staff from across all agencies, including health, housing and the independent and voluntary sector to receive Carer awareness training.  The training will take place from January to April 2010 and aims to esnure that staff across a range of agencies in positions where they are likely to meet Carers e.g. GP receptionists, District and Borough Council reception areas, one-stop shops, libraries, etc, will be better equipped to identify Carers and to signpost them to appropriate services and information more effectively.  It is hoped that this will improve awareness of the barriers faced by Carers and help Carers to access information much earlier in their caring role.

Carers are being involved in all stages of this work and there are opportunities for Carers to help design the training and take part in delivering it.

Ed Roberts, is the Project Officer developing this training programme and he will be holding an initial meeting on:

19th November from 10.30 a m - 12. 30 p m with lunch at Bulkington Village Centre and

20th November from 10.30 a m - 12.30 p m with lunch at CPAS, Athena Drive, Tachbrook Park, Warwick

Ed will be lookinf at how Carers can be involved in developing and/or in providing the training.  If you are interested in taking part in this meeting please ring 01926 742151 to confirm your place and get directions.

Booking a break from Caring role?

Following a Carers' request at a Warwickshire County Council Carers' Forum, the Carers' Breaks Project has been launched. The project is looking at making breaks for Carers  of people with Learning Disabilities more accessible by putting specialised Carers' services online.  The service will mean that Carers will be able to book respite stays and sessional support through a website allowing greater flexibility and choice in where, when and who cares for the cared for.  The project is being run as a national pilot in Warwickshire in partnership with NHS Choices. If you care for somebody with learning disabilities and are interested in finding out more about this project then please telephone Claire Madden (Project Officer) on 01926 746980 or email clairemadden@warwickshire.gov.uk

What does a Carers' Assessment mean to you?

Carers are invited to share their views and experience of Carers' Assessments. There will be a discussion group on this subject with thoughts and input from Carers welcomed to help improve the assessment process. Contact Katie Liggins at WCC Carer and Customer First Team on 01926 743026 if you are joining a focus group which will be held on 12th November from 10.30 a m to 12.30 p m at CPAS Warwick (lunch will be provided).  You can also email Katie on katherineliggins@warwickshire.gov.uk.  You can also discuss the assessment process on a 1:1 basis by contacting Katie.

Cash boost for handy helpers

A scheme to help older and disabled people in Warwickshire with repairs and maintenance around their homes - run by the County Council - has been awarded £310,000 of government money to enhance its services.  Whether it's a light bulb that needs fitting, a leaky tap or a door that needs re-hanging, the County Council wants to ensure help is at hand for even more people. This subsidised service will provide small building repairs, minor adaptations and odd jobs.  There may be a cost for some of the services or materials provided.  Anyone in need of housing related support to maintain independent living can contact the Supporting People team on 01926 742965 or visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/supportingpeople

Age Concern Warwickshire

Age Concern have launched a new project within their existing Counselling Service, aimed specifically at older Carers of family members with mental health problems, and older Carers who have lost their long-term caring role and are struggling with the difficult issues surrounding the transition to residential/nursing care.  Please contact Sarah at Age Concern on 01926 458113

South Warwickshire Carers' Support Service are pleased to announce that they have been awarded a joint contract with Guideposts in the north of the county the contract to deliver Caring with Confidence in Warwickshire. Further details will follow at a later date.

CARE FREE DAYS

Thanks to funding from Newby Trust and PULSE Trust SWCSS are able to offer 9 Carers the chance to receive a sitting service 1 day every month for 12 months to take time out to do something for themselves. Carers must be over 50 years of age.  If you would like to be considered ring the office on 01926 485486

GUARDIAN ANGELS

South Warwickshire Carers' Support Service has won the tender to provide Guardian Angels, which is a support group for family members (Kinship Carers) who are in the parenting role but are not actually the parent of the child/children for whom they care. Caroline Haffner and Tracey Wright will be staffing the group.

Often taking on this role is due to traumatic circumstances.  This may be the death of a parent, or both parents, mental illness, domestic abuse, imprisonment, drug abuse or a the parent being very young.  Guardian Angels was created in recognition of the vastness of the task Kinship Carers take on and to offer an opportunity for them to meet others in a similar situation to chat, relax and socialise. The first meeting was held 12th October 2007 and was run by Warwickshire County Council's Family Group Conferencing Team.  Apart from the social side Guardian Angels can advise what local services are available e.g on legal issues, benefits, counselling, Children's Services, etc.

Previously groups ran monthly and alternated between North Warwickshire, South Warwickshire and Rugby. 

The first Guardian Angels group to be held under SWCSS wil be:

Leamington/Warwick              Friday 5th June 2009             Sydni Centre, The Cottage Square, Marloes Walk, Sydneham, CV31 1PT

For further details of the groups see our Groups page.

A warm welcome and free light refreshment will meet Kinship Carers who wish to attend any of the groups for support and advice.

Please phone Caroline on 01926 485486 for further information or email her at caroline@swcss.org.uk

CHANGES TO THE CEA CARD SCHEME

The CEA Card is a national concessionary card developed by the Cinema Exhibitors' Association for UK cinemas in order to allow people with disabilities to obtain one free ticket for a person accompanying them to the cinema.  To apply for the card, you will need to meet one or both of the following criteria:

a) be in receipt of the disability living allowance or attendance allowance

b) be a registered blind person

The CEA Ltd have advised that all cards issued from 1 March 2009 will be valid for one year rather than the current three. The administrative charge paid by applicants will remain at £5.50.  If you have any queries about this phone CEA Card team on 0845 1231292

NATIONAL CARERS HELPLINE

The new telephone service for Carers - Carers Direct starts 1 April 2009. This service runs from 8 am to 9 pm Monday to Friday and from 11 am to 4 pm at weekends. The freephone number is 0808 8020202.

10 WAYS TO HELP OUR OLDER CITIZENS

James Plaskitt MP for Warwick and Leamington has produced a leaflet to help older citizens check their entitlement to support.

The leaflets have been distributed across  Warwick and Leamington but if you would like a copy you can contact his office at First Floor, 2A Leam Terrace, Leamington Spa, CV31 1BB or email him on mp@jamesplaskitt.com