A carer is someone who looks after a relative or friend who is frail, disabled or ill
Southwark Carers
Cambridge House
131 Camberwell Rd
London
SE5 0HF
T: 020 7708 4497
News archive - March / April 2006
The following stories are taken from our bi-monthly newsletter, which is sent to all our members. Contact us for your copy and to join our mailing list.
Click here for previous editions
Getting around - what help is there for carers?
If you or the person you care for is disabled then travelling can often be difficult. Many people rely on public transport to get around, and there are a range of services, locally and nationally, which can help you and the person you care for on all journeys within Southwark and beyond.
The Transport for London Freedom Pass allows disabled and older people free bus, underground and rail travel throughout London. Disabled pass holders can travel at any time, and older holders can travel between 9am - 4.30pm on most routes. For more details, including how to apply please call 020 7525 2188.
Most bus routes are now served by wheelchair accessible Mobility Buses or Low Floor Buses. But although nine out of ten London buses are accessible, the tube network is a bigger challenge. Transport for London are undertaking a £10billion investment programme to ensure that more stations are step-free, have induction loops, tactile paving and additional / more visible information points. There is also work taking place to ensure the tubes themselves have space to accommodate wheelchair users and onboard dot matrix indicators. The Circle line and key interchanges such as Kings Cross are being prioritised.
The situation on national rail is a bit more complicated, as a range of companies operate both trains and stations. Older and disabled people can obtain reduced rail fares if they purchase a Senior Railcard or Disabled Persons Railcard. If the person you care for does not have a railcard but is blind / partially sighted or in a wheelchair both of you may be entitled to a discount. It is important to check this with the train company before purchasing the tickets. For details of who to contact please call national rail enquiries on 08457 48 49 50.
Transport for All is an accessible transport users' association which campaigns for a fully accessible public transport system. They also provide information and advice on accessible transport in London and advocate on behalf of people who experience problems with the system. For more details please call 020 7737 2339.
For more information on transport and mobility issues why not come along to our next event?
Southwark Carers information day
Transport and mobility
Tuesday 18th April
10am - 3pm
Gilroy Hall, Cambridge House
NEWS - click for full story
Invitation to take part in a study - you could win £250
Young people with special needs - Support from our transition worker for you and your child
Carers' noticeboards in GP surgeries - News and information in your local surgery
The face of Carers' Week? - Carers UK looking for media volunteers
Support for siblings - Growing up with someone with an illness or disability
The Senior Creative Network - crafts for older people - Regular classes for over-55s to try a craft and meet new friends
HSA Carer Aware Awards - Local GP surgeries awarded
More for me, more for you, more for us - Volunteering to build better MS services
ARTICLES - click for full story
Taxicard scheme - Who it is for and how to apply
Blue Badge Permits - are you entitled? - Details of the Blue Badge scheme for disabled people and how to apply
Walking sticks and wheelchairs - Aids to walking can make a big difference to independence and peace of mind
Aids and equipment at home to help mobility - Getting around and assistance in the home
Welcome to the March / April edition of Southwark Carers News.
A UK government focus group recently found that local transport issues tops the list of concerns for people with an illness or disability. The provision of suitable, accessible transport and mobility support can enable the person you are caring for to maintain some independence. This in turn can help make your caring role more manageable.
There is a range of services that may be able to help you, or make your journeys easier or more comfortable. This issue will be looking at a few of these, and our next information day will also be an opportunity for you to find out more. We hope to see many of you there on Tuesday 18th April.
You are very welcome to contact us at any time with articles, stories, poems or news on any topic relating to caring - this is your newsletter, so please do contribute. Contact:
Southwark Carers News,
Freepost (LON 1017), London, SE5 0BR
newsletter@southwarkcarers.org.uk
INVITATION TO TAKE PART IN A STUDY - YOU COULD WIN £250
Carers are wanted by the University of Leeds to take part in a study investigating the effects of written expression on health.
The study builds upon new research which has suggested that brief periods of writing can have beneficial effects on people’s health. For example, writing about various topics for just 20 minutes a day for 3 days has been found to improve people’s mood, stress management and even immune functioning! It is hoped that in the future this research will have real value in improving the well-being of people; particularly those in challenging and stressful situations, and possibly even those with illnesses such as asthma and arthritis.
Taking part in the study involves completing some questionnaires and writing on an assigned topic for 20 minutes on each of 3 days. NO TRAVEL IS REQUIRED - materials will be posted to you to complete in your own time at home and returned in freepost envelopes. The study requires approximately 2 hours of time spread over a 6 month period. All carers who take part in the study will be entered into a prize draw to win £250.
Please contact Laura Ashley at Leeds University for more information. Telephone 0113 343 6694 email carerstudy@leeds.ac.uk, or write to: Institute of Psychological Sciences, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT.
YOUNG PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Support from our transition worker for you and your childIf you are caring for a child with special needs and they are aged 14 - 25 it can be a particularly difficult time. There are numerous issues around moving from children’s to adult’s services, training or employment, and independence.
In all the planning for this time of transition it is important that the young person’s aspirations and plans are central. It is also important that you as the carer are listened to and supported.
Southwark Carers has a Transition Support Worker, Anthony Scully who can offer you and your family help and support should you need it. He also works with Contact a Family, so that he can span the gap between children’s and adult’s services. Some of the things that Anthony can advise on include the year 9 transition plan, finding appropriate employment or training, and links between services in order to find a path through the maze of options available. If you think that Anthony could help you, or would like to find out more, please call him on 020 7708 4497 on Wednesdays, Thursdays or Fridays.
Further support is also available for carers from BME communities who are looking after someone aged 14-25. A new support group has just been launched where you can meet and relax with other carers in similar situations. For more details please contact Pamela Lord on 020 7708 5095.
CARERS’ NOTICEBOARDS IN GP SURGERIES
News and information in your local surgeryThe next time you visit your GP have a look around the waiting room and you may find a Southwark Carers notice-board.
Our Health Services Liaison Worker Lucy, has been out and about across Southwark creating some bright and informative displays. The boards will have details of all our services, including carers’ support group meetings and forthcoming events.
More notice-boards will soon be going up in other surgeries. If you don’t see one in your local surgery yet, or would like details of your nearest carers’ support group, please enquire with the reception staff or contact Southwark Carers.
If you work in a surgery and would like to request a notice-board please contact Lucy. We also offer “Carer Awareness” training for surgery staff, for more details please call 020 7708 4830.
THE FACE OF CARERS’ WEEK?
Carers UK looking for media volunteersThis year Carers Week will be during 12th - 18th June. This national celebration of carers will be a chance to have some fun and relaxation, as well as highlighting the important role of carers in our society.
In the next issue we will be highlighting all the different events and activities that will be happening in Southwark to celebrate Carers Week. If you have any suggestions please let us know!
Carers UK, a national campaigning organisation for carers, are currently looking for carers who are willing to give up some of their time to talk about their caring experiences. They will be asked to talk to the media about being a carer, and will receive support and guidance from Carers UK.
If you are interested, please contact Tracey Thompson at Carers UK on 020 7566 7842.
BLUE BADGE PERMITS - ARE YOU ENTITLED?
Details of the Blue Badge scheme for disabled people and how to applyThe Blue Badge Scheme has replaced the Orange Badge scheme and orange badges are no longer valid. The new Blue Badge scheme was introduced in April 2000 and provides parking concessions to the following people:
- Drivers or passengers with severe walking difficulties
- People who are registered blind
- People with severe upper limb disabilities who regularly drive and cannot turn a steering wheel by hand
- People who receive a higher rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance
- People who receive a war's pensioner's mobility supplement
If you are a Blue Badge holder you are responsible for: making sure your badge is displayed properly in your car windscreen, not allowing others to use the badge, making sure the details on the front of the badge remain legible and not allowing non disabled people to use the badge. Misuse of a Blue Badge is a serious offence and it can be withdrawn. A non disabled person using a Blue Badge is liable for a £1000 fine. It is a criminal offence to drive a vehicle displaying with a Blue Badge unless the badge holder is in the vehicle.
Where can Blue Badge holders park?
Unless there is a local traffic order specifying time limits for Blue Badge holders, you can park free of charge and without a time limit at: parking meters, pay and display and on-street parking.
Unless there is a ban on loading or unloading you can park on yellow lines, single and double, for up to three hours at any one time.
A vehicle with a blue badge can stop on red routes but only to unload or pick up a blue badge holder.A Blue Badge is not a licence to park anywhere. You must not park:
- When a loading or unloading ban is in force, please check the road signs for information
- Where there are double white lines in the centre of the road, even if one of the lines is broken
- In a bus or tram lane during operating hours
- In a cycle lane
- On any clearway, double or single red lines during their hours of operation
- On all pedestrian crossings
- On zig zag markings before pedestrian crossings
- In parking places reserved for specific users
- On a residents parking bay
- In suspended meter bays
- Where temporary restrictions on parking are in force along a length of road
- On school 'keep clear' markings during operation hours
- Or where you cause an obstruction or danger to others
If you think you are entitled to apply for a Blue Badge, contact Southwark Council Travel permits and Blue Badges to request an application form: 020 7525 2141.
To find out more about transport and mobility issues why not come along to our information day on Tuesday 18th April.
SUPPORT FOR SIBLINGS
Growing up with someone with an illness or disabilitySibs is for people who grow up with a brother or sister with special needs, disability or chronic illness. There are at least 2 million of these siblings in the UK. Many siblings need support and information at different stages of their lives.
Growing up with someone with special needs can be very rewarding and very difficult at the same time. When someone in the family needs a huge amount of help and support, this can have a negative impact on the other family members.
The single biggest issue for child siblings is not getting enough attention from their parents. For adult siblings the biggest issue is worrying about who will care for their brother or sister when their parents are no longer able to.
Our purpose is to make a positive difference to the lives of siblings - to make growing up with someone with special needs a bit easier. Sibs is a registered charity and the majority of trustees are adult siblings.
Some of our services include:
- workshops and conferences on sibling issues throughout the UK
- fact sheets on sibling issues for siblings, parents and professionals
- a website on sibling issues
- work with service providers to get local services for young siblings going
- set up networks of adult siblings
- provide training for professionals working with siblings
- listen to siblings, parents and professionals on the phone and give tips for dealing with sibling issues
- raise public awareness of sibling issues
- find out what really makes a positive difference for siblings and let people know about it.
If you want support or information on sibling issues contact our information line on 01535 645453 or email info@sibs.org.uk
TAXICARD SCHEME
Who it is for and how to applyTaxicard is for people with a mobility impairment, which makes it difficult for them to use mainstream public transport such as tubes, buses and trains.
In order to be eligible automatically you should either:
- Receive the Higher Rate Mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance
- Be registered as Blind (Being Partially Sighted does not allow automatic entry)
- Receive a War Pension Mobility Supplement
Proof will be required that you are in one of the above categories.
If you are not in one of the above categories you may still apply, but you will need to get a section of the application form signed and stamped by your GP and/or may have to provide further information or be required to have a mobility assessment.
To apply you need to request an application form by phone, e-mail or post. Be sure to include the following details when applying.Your full name
Your full London postal address
The borough in which you live
A contact phone numberFor more details and to request a form please telephone: 020 7484 2929, email: taxicard@alg.gov.uk or write to: ALG TEC Taxicard, New Zealand House, 80 Haymarket, London, SW1Y 4TZ.
To find out more about transport and mobility issues why not come along to our information day on Tuesday 18th April.
THE SENIOR CREATIVE NETWORK - CRAFTS FOR OLDER PEOPLE
Regular classes for over-55s to try a craft and meet new friendsThe Senior Creative Network runs the following workshops every week:
Mondays: 'Fun with Fabrics' with Najlaa Khalil at AAWAZ Southwark Asian Elders
Tuesdays: 'Painting & Drawing' with Gil Mutch at Southwark Pensioners Centre
Wednesdays: 'Visual Art' with Val Fox at Harry Lambourn SHU
Fridays: 'Movement & Relaxation to Music' with Barbara Kane at Blue Grove Residential HomeAnyone over 55 who lives in Southwark is welcome to come along. Please contact Pamela Hatton to check details and times and for further information on the Seniors Creative Network, on: 020 7252 8672
AIDS AND EQUIPMENT AT HOME TO HELP MOBILITY
Getting around and assistance in the homeFor many people even getting around the house can be a painful and exhausting experience. If this is the case often a piece of equipment can make all the difference to both the person you care for and yourself.
Bathtime with an appropriate hoist can become relaxing and not terrifying; going shopping with a wheelchair for someone who normally walks with a stick or crutches can become manageable again. But how do you know what you need and what is likely to be available?
If the person you care for has been discharged from hospital with a new problem the hospital Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapy department should give you advice on what equipment you may need and how to get it. They may also be able to tell you how to fund the equipment or if it is available on loan or hire.
If the problem has changed without involving a hospital visit, your first point of help should be your Community Occupational Therapist (Tel: 020 7525 3959). They are the real experts on equipment and aids for daily living. They are, however, not always the easiest professionals to get hold of, but you can try your social service team or GP / health centre.
You can also try the Disabled Living Foundation (Tel: 0845 130 9177), who develop and test all kinds of equipment; most of their expertise is available online or by phone. There are networks of disabled resource centres throughout the country where you can see equipment, try it out and get advice. You can call DLF to get details of your nearest centre. They can also help you source equipment, but you should be aware of the costs.
Your GP practice or your pharmacist should have catalogues of the equipment available. Community pharmacists do not usually stock large amounts of equipment, but they often have to order it for the local health services and will probably be able to get it for you as well.
You can also contact British Red Cross (Tel: 020 7793 3360) or Age Concern Southwark (Tel: 020 7701 9700) for details of their equipment loan or recycling schemes. These may help you in the short term or to try out solutions to your problems before committing to an expensive piece of equipment.
Before embarking on an expensive purchase think if you can accomplish the aim more cheaply. For instance a toilet 10cm higher than normal (useful for people with stiff leg joints) can cost several hundred pounds. Getting your plumber to build a little plinth and put a standard toilet on it should cost less than £100.
Also maybe think about buying second hand. People often buy mobility or bathing aids, which for one reason or another are not used for long. Cheap second hand options can be found in many of the disability magazines or in local classified ad papers such as Loot or Trade It.
If you require any equipment or modifications to your home, it always a good idea to talk first to social services and your GP. They can advise you on what is available and any assistance you may be entitled to with the costs.
WALKING STICKS AND WHEELCHAIRS
Aids to walking can make a big difference to independence and peace of mindThe simplest mobility aid is a walking stick, and these can make a huge difference to a person’s ability to get around. However, one stick is not the same as another and it is important to make sure that the person you care for has something suitable.
The stick needs to be the correct length – level with the wrist crease when their arm is by their side. If the person you care for needs two sticks these will be longer, because they are held in front for balance, rather than supporting a leg at the side.
It is important to have all walking sticks checked regularly as the ‘ferrule’ (rubber end) can wear down quite quickly. Replacements can be bought in large chemists.
If the person you care for needs greater support than from walking sticks, there are walking frames available that are more stable. Frames with wheels (rollators) are easier to manoeuvre and they are also good for people with moderate balance problems.
There are many different types of wheelchair available, and it is important to get advice to find one that suits your needs. The Disabled Living Foundation (Tel: 0845 130 9177) can provide extra advice and also allow clients to try out a range of wheelchairs.
Sticks, frames, rollators and wheelchairs can all be supplied free on the NHS – if you think that the person you care for would benefit from one of these then they must first talk to their GP or another health professional.
Always get professional advice on both which aid is most suitable and how to use and look after them properly. There may also be local classes to improve balance or strength, which the person can be referred to. These can help people not only physically, but also give a boost to confidence.
To find out more about transport and mobility issues why not come along to our information day on Tuesday 18th April.
HSA CARER AWARE AWARDS
Local GP surgeries awardedBermondsey Health Centre have won an HSA Carer Aware silver award for the second year running. These awards (from The Princess Royal Trust for Carers) go to GP surgeries who have gone a long way in recognising and supporting carers who attend their practices. They are open to all GP surgeries across the UK and nominations are sent in by carers themselves.
The awards are judged by a very knowledgeable panel made up of an acting GP, a carer, Operations Manager from The Princess Royal Trust for Carers and a Primary Care worker from Lewisham Carers' Centre. They chose the winners on the basis that the support they offer carers is practice-wide and they really do seem to be going that extra mile.
Just over 140 entries were received and only 24 were short listed. One of the short-listed surgeries was Elm Lodge in Herne Hill, which was nominated by one of the carers who attends the monthly support group held there. They have been sent a runners-up certificate in recognition of their achievements.
Southwark Carers extends our warm congratulations and gratitude to all the staff at these surgeries, and especially Mabel Carew and Lesley Baker who run carers support groups and have done so much to support local carers.
What’s happening at your GP surgery?
GP surgeries across the borough are venues for regular carer support groups. The following surgeries have monthly meetings:
Bermondsey Health Centre
Elm Lodge Surgery
The Gardens Surgery
Nunhead Grove Surgery
Paxton Green Surgery
Princess Street SurgeryDon’t worry if your surgery is not listed - there will still be a local group that you are welcome to attend. To find out more please call Lucy Daniels on 020 7708 4830.
More for me, more for you, more for us
Volunteering to build better MS ServicesAre you a person affected by multiple sclerosis? Could you work with health and social care professionals to help improve MS Services? Would you like to make a real improvement to the lives of other people affected by MS? Then you might be just who we are looking for.
The sky’s the limit - You will have access to unique training and support opportunities.
Teamwork - Work as part of a team to research what MS services are needed locally and be involved in projects to meet those needs
Discover what people think - Find out the views of people affected by MS and feed back to health and social care service providers
Speak out - Attend public meetings and workshops
Pass it on - Share information about existing MS Services with other local agencies and make useful contacts and friends
The MS Society is working on 6 different programmes which are implemented on a local level. The programmes are: Carers, Physiotherapy, MS Nurse Programme, Social Care, Measuring Success and User Involvement.
Our first step is getting to know local areas in London well by undertaking a needs assessment for all the regions within London. This needs assessment is also rolled out on a national level, so that regional plans become more evidence-based.
How can you help?
The needs assessment has been developed by the user involvement programme. To make sure that services are developed in the most appropriate way, in the right direction, we would like to include the voice of people affected by MS, volunteers and members to form a service development project group.
You can help on different levels: As group leader, deputy leader or as specialist volunteer. The Service Development Project Group will give you a great opportunity to take part in changing service delivery locally for the better. The time commitment we are looking at is about 7 hours a week, which varies according to your role within the group. Change is visible in Service Development which makes it a rewarding volunteering opportunity.
For role descriptions, your local team or anything you would like to talk about regarding the Service Development Projects please call:
Carolin Seitz, Service Development Officer MS Society
Telephone 020 8438 0802 or 07899 967624
Email: cseitz@mssociety.org.uk
Would you like a night out at the theatre?
RESURRECTION BLUES
BY ARTHUR MILLERWednesday 19th April, 7.30pm at The Old Vic
One of the 20th century’s finest playwrights, Arthur Miller’s works include Death of a Salesman and The Crucible. This astonishing black comedy was completed just a month before his death, and this is the British premiere. Directed by legendary film-maker Robert Altman and starring James Fox, Neve Campbell, and Matthew Modine.
We have 25 FREE tickets for carers living in Southwark. £5 deposit required. Contact 020 7708 4497 for more details.
Southwark Carers are looking for carers or former carers who are interested in joining our management board.For more details please call David: 020 7708 4912
Mental Fight Club
invites you to a weekend celebration of
St George & The Dragon
Expanding the Myth - A Quest for Identity
Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd April 2006Who Is St George? - An Illustrated Talk by Dr Samantha Riches
Sunday 23 April 2006 - St George’s Day - 2pm
Guy’s Chapel, St Thomas’s St, near London Bridge
For many, St George's dragon-slaying myth is symbolic of inner psychic battles. He is also associated with healing the mentally ill. But who is St George? Booking is essential. No charge for admissionThe Great Southwark Dragon Quest
Saturday 22 April & Sunday 23 April - 11.30am
Setting off at 11.30am each day to solve the intriguing clues to find the many dragons (and their saints) who live hidden in the buildings, parks and streets of ‘The Borough’ in SE1. Refreshments and Clues Book provided. Booking is essential. Tickets £5 per adult. £2 concessions. All children are free but must be accompanied by an adult.For more details please call: 020 7378 1768
Arts and Crafts group
Monday 3rd April, 10.30am
Mosaics
Rainbow Room, Cambridge HouseNo previous skills needed, just come along meet other carers and have some creative fun! Please call Sarah on 020 7708 4101 for more details.
Quick
Links
Come to our next Carers Forum - book your place now!
Have you had a Carer's Assessment? If not, you could be missing out on extra support.
Need to speak to someone? Call us on 020 7708 4497, Monday-Friday 9.30am-5.30pm.
Southwark Carers is incorporated as a non-profit making company limited by guarantee number 4146495. Charity number 1085300.