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 - May / June 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
12th - 18th June is Carers’ Week 2006!
Carers Week is nearly here again, and this year there are a number of ways you can join in the celebrations.
At the start of Carers’ Week on Sunday 11th June, The Princess Royal Trust for Carers has arranged a walk along the South Bank of the Thames to raise awareness of carers’ issues. The walk is starting from London Eye at 10am and ends at the Thames Barrier 11 miles later. Carers from centres across London are taking part, and you can do as much or as little of the walk as you like.
For those of us who are feeling less energetic, on Monday 12th June we have a relaxing day trip to a local art gallery. Two local galleries have kindly offered to be hosts to groups of carers from both Southwark and Lambeth Carers Centres. We will meet at Southwark Carers and travel to the galleries, where you will be given a guided tour, lunch and the chance to find out a bit more about their free workshops starting in August (see below for more details!)
On Tuesday 13th June we will be holding massage and Reiki sessions to help you relax. Sessions will last 15 minutes and will be held at Cambridge House. Places are limited so please contact us as soon as you can!
On Wednesday 14th June Southwark Council will be holding an event on the Carers Week theme “In Sickness and In Health”. This will be held from 10am in Peckham Square, just in front of Peckham Library. For further details of this event please check back here nearer the time.
Thursday 15th June sees the launch of two new groups at Southwark Carers:
In the morning a group for carers who are looking after someone who has had a stroke is launched. It will be held in the Rainbow Room from 10am - 11.30am. This first meeting is a chance for the group to introduce themselves to each other and find out a bit more about the planned timetable for the sessions (see below for more details!)
In the evening another new group is launched. This group will be meeting in the Rainbow Room of Cambridge House from 5.30pm - 7.30pm every fortnight. We hope that this group will be a chance for carers who are working or have other responsibilities during the day to relax, make some new friends and find out more about Southwark Carers. (see below for more details!)
Finally on Friday 16th June we have a money and benefits information day at Inspire. On this day you can call in at any time between 11am - 3pm and receive advice on benefits you may be entitled to. We are hoping to have a number of guests from local organisations for you to talk one-to-one to, and our guest speaker will be a solicitor talking about financial and legal issues for carers at 1.30pm.
Places are limited for the massage and the arts events, so please do contact us as soon as possible. If you need help arranging transport or respite care for any of the events please let us know.
What is Carers’ Week?
Carers Week takes place every year in June and is
a national occasion.Carers Week is about:
Supporting carers and identifying ‘hidden’ carers, who are currently outside the networks of support
Celebrating and recognising the huge contribution carers make to society
Campaigning and raising the awareness of carers amongst local and national professionals
Why not come and join us?
We look forward to seeing you!NEWS - click for full story
Hello to Adrian - New Counselling Services Manager joins us!
Are you a budding poet? - New poetry competition from Southwark libraries
Are you caring for someone who has had a stroke?
Carers want health checks! - Key campaign message of Carers Week
Lets Make Some Changes workshops
Transport feedback - The results of your questionnaires
Repaying the Kindness - Summer 2006 programme for carers
Women volunteers needed for research study
Transition event for parent carers - Feedback from the consultation event at Ministry of Sound
ARTICLES - click for full story
Call for action on carers' pensions - Carers UK campaigning for a fairer deal
Carers Allowance change - New form for first-time claimers
Carers Allowance - Frequently Asked Questions - Advice from Carers UK website
Welcome to the May / June edition of Southwark Carers News.
Summer is finally arriving and that means that Carers Week is nearly here! Every year this national celebration takes place to celebrate carers and raise awareness of the hard work that you do. It is also a chance to reach out to more people who may be caring but do not identify themselves as carers. We have found that many carers that join our organisation do so after talking to someone in a similar situation. Do you know anybody that is a carer? Perhaps they don’t realise that there is support out there for them? This Carers Week we can all make a big difference by speaking up about carers!
You will find all the details about the events we are holding, plus those held by other organisations, in this newsletter. To give us an idea of the numbers of people to expect we would be grateful if you could complete the enclosed reply slip. We are looking forward to seeing lots of you at these events, and please remember that if you need help arranging respite or transport you can call us for advice on 020 7708 4497.
In the next issue we will be looking at ways of getting involved in your local community, and the support that your community can offer you as a carer. 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 or email: newsletter@southwarkcarers.org.uk.
HELLO TO ADRIAN
New Counselling Services Manager joins us!Southwark Carers is pleased to welcome a new member to our team. Adrian has replaced Marianne, who left us last year, as the new Counselling Services Manager. He says:
“Hello I am Adrian Scott the new Counselling Services Manager.
I have experience running several counselling services in the voluntary sector starting with eight years experience at Providence Row Charity, where we provided a counselling service for homeless people in Tower Hamlets. I also set up a counselling service in another carers organisation and have worked for MIND.
I also lecture on counselling and related subjects at the City Lit: and train / supervise counsellors in private practice in North London.
I look forward to developing the Counselling Service at Southwark Carers, and continuing the valuable work that my predecessor and the counsellors have been providing.“
Adrian can be contacted through the main number at Southwark Carers on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
ARE YOU A BUDDING POET?
New poetry competition from Southwark librariesGot something sweet, or not so sweet, to say about life in Southwark? Then why not get creative and write a poem. Southwark libraries are inviting you to write about anything - yourself, someone you know, a place, a job, a feeling or emotion. There just has to be a connection to Southwark.
Winners will receive gift vouchers and be offered the chance to perform their work at the awards ceremony in September. All shortlisted entries will also be published in a new anthology, 'Common Ground.' A free performance technique workshop will be available for all the winning entrants, prior to the awards ceremony.
You can pick up an entry form at any Southwark library and also find out about free poetry workshops for all ages at venues around Southwark, including in the libraries and at Morley College.
Closing date for entries is May 28th 2006
For further information please contact: Southwark libraries. Tel: 020 7525 2000. Email: southwark.libraries@southwark.gov.uk
ARE YOU CARING FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS HAD A STROKE?
If the answer is yes, then you may be interested in coming to an event in Carers Week to launch a new support group for carers of people who have suffered from a stroke.
On Thursday 15th June, from 10am to 11:30am in the Rainbow Room at Cambridge House, I will be giving an overview of the 6 session programme which will cover a range of issues relevant to carers looking after someone who has had a stroke such as:
· Communication and aphasia
· Carers Assessments
· Secondary prevention
· Relaxation/well being for carers
· Lifting and handling
· Welfare RightsIf you are interested please contact Lucy for further details.
CALL FOR ACTION ON CARERS PENSIONS
Carers UK campaigning for a fairer dealCarers UK has called on the Government to ensure that their pension reforms take account of carers' needs and recognise the contribution carers make to society.
At any given time, a staggering 390,000 carers are not building up entitlements to a basic state pension.
Research by Carers UK and others shows carers face a number of key problems in building up pensions in retirement. They have found that many carers are shocked and angry when they do not receive a full state pension on retirement, particularly if they have spent years caring for a disabled relative or friend instead of working, in essence saving the Government billions a year in care. In a major consultation with carers, one of their key recommendations was to ensure that carers had better pensions and that their contribution to society was fully recognised.
For more details please see www.carersuk.org
CARERS WANT HEALTH CHECKS!
Key campaign message of Carers WeekThe key campaign message of carers week this year is “carers want health checks!”
The eight charities who make up the Carers Week partnership are calling ‘for health checks to be made available to carers within 12 months of them becoming a carer, and regularly thereafter’. A health check should consist of: blood pressure check, diabetes check, mental well-being check and a flu jab.
It should also include a discussion about the key areas in the carers' life that are affecting their health e.g. worries about finances, the physical strain of caring, etc etc. The health check should signpost the carer to support services that can help such as welfare rights, citizen's advice, carers organisations with advice services, social services.
Ideally every carer would be eligible. However carers providing substantial care, over 20 hours per week, or about to provide substantial care, should be the priority, as their health is most likely to suffer.
A qualified medical professional, whether a practice nurse, a GP or a health visitor should carry out the check. The checks should be offered through writing to carers on GP practice registers; holding "well-carer" clinics; GP and health professional visits; specific health days and other partnership working with local organisations.You can show your support for this campaign by logging on to the Carers UK website and following the links to email your local MP.
CARERS ALLOWANCE CHANGE
New form for first-time claimersAnyone who is claiming Carers Allowance for the first time will now need to ask the person that they care for to sign a statement as part of the application.
The statement allows the cared-for person to: acknowledge that someone is claiming Carers Allowance for caring for them, confirm whether 35 hours caring is taking place, acknowledge that their benefits will be checked and may be affected by the claim. Someone else can sign on behalf of the cared-for person if they are unable to.
If you would like more information on Carers’ Allowance please call 01253 85 61 23 (standard rate). For more general benefits advice please call: 0800 88 22 00 (free-phone).
To find out more about money & benefits come along to our information day on Friday 16th June!
Always feel you are missing out on the groups and events in this newsletter?
We have a new group for you!
On Thursday 15th June we will be launching our new evening group. The group will be meeting 5.30pm - 7.30pm every fortnight in the Rainbow Room at Cambridge House.
What will the group do?
It’s up to you! Come along to our launch meeting and share your ideas. Whether you want speakers, crafts, film nights, or just a space to relax and chat, we will try and arrange a timetable that suits. It is a great chance to meet new friends and find out a bit more about Southwark Carers.
If you are interested please contact us.
“Let’s Make Some Changes” Workshops
Creating harmony in relationships in this great university of life, our relationships are our teachers and the lesson we have come to learn is how to unconditionally love ourselves, others, and all of creation. From the point of forgiveness and love all of our relationships will be healed.
Monday 19th June 10am - 3pm
All day: Loving your inner child
Please bring a picture of yourself aged 7 or underFacilitated by Dianne Stewart.
Please call in advance if you would like to attend 020 7708 4497
CARERS ALLOWANCE - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Advice from Carers UK websiteCarers are entitled to Carers Allowance and could also be entitled to other benefits. But the benefits system is complicated and claiming can be difficult and time-consuming. If you would like some advice then please come along to our information day on Friday 16th June or call us to arrange an appointment.
My husband and I both look after my mother. Can we both get Carer's Allowance?
No. Only one person can get Carer's Allowance for each person receiving the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Attendance Allowance (AA). If two or more people share the care, you need to decide who is to claim the benefit. This will depend on any other benefits you receive, your income tax situation, and your national insurance contribution record.
I look after both my parents. Can I get two lots of Carer's Allowance?
No. You can receive only one Carer's Allowance no matter how many people you care for. If you care for more than one person you need to decide who to claim the benefit for. Claiming Carer's Allowance may reduce the amount of Income Support, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit that the person you look after receives. The answer to the question below should help you to decide who to claim for.
If I claim Carer's Allowance will the person I care for be worse off?
Possibly. The person you are caring for may lose money if:
· they live alone or only with specified people and
· they receive Income Support, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit.
The calculation of Income Support, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit may contain an amount called the Severe Disability Premium. An equivalent amount is used in Pension Credit. This is included in the benefit calculation of people who live alone, or live only with people who appear on a specific list (including people who are severely disabled people or under 18). If you claim Carer's Allowance for looking after them, they may lose this premium.
I have a partner. Can I claim extra for them?
Yes, in some circumstances. The amount you may get depends on your partner's income. The Carer's Allowance claim pack provides information about this.
Will my retirement pension be protected if I get Carer's Allowance?
The amount of state retirement pension that you will get depends upon your national insurance contribution record. Nearly all carers who receive Carer's Allowance get a national insurance credit for each week the benefit is paid - this protects their rights to a state retirement pension and other benefits. The exception is married women who have chosen to pay reduced national insurance contributions and rely on their husband's contributions for their pension.
You can also use any national insurance credits paid while you get Carer's Allowance to help you claim Job Seeker's Allowance and Incapacity Benefit.
I should have started getting Carer's Allowance a while ago but didn't hear about it until now. Can I get any money backdated?
Yes. You can get Carer's Allowance for up to 3 months before you apply. You must have satisfied all of Carer's Allowance rules during the period you are claiming for.
If you were getting Income Support you will only get backdated payments worth the equivalent of the Carer Premium. Also, any Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit (Rate Rebate in Northern Ireland) may be recalculated to reflect your new situation as a carer.
To backdate your claim, find the part of the claim form where it asks for the date from which you are claiming the benefit. Write the date when you first qualified for Carer's Allowance.
Can I stop caring temporarily and still get Carer's Allowance?
Sometimes you can.
Taking a break: Once you have been getting Carer's Allowance for 22 weeks you can have four weeks' break every six months and be paid the benefit during these breaks.
Going into hospital: if you or the person you care for has to go into hospital you can still get Carer's Allowance if:
The total number of weeks you are not caring isn't more than 12 weeks in any six-month period and
The person you care for continues to receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Attendance Allowance (AA).
What happens after I stop receiving Carer's Allowance or the Carer Premium?
You may be able to claim:
Income Support if your income and savings are low enough and you are not expected to look for work.
Jobseeker's Allowance if you are under retirement age (60 for a woman; 65 for a man) and looking for work.
Incapacity Benefit if you are under retirement age (60 for a woman; 65 for a man) and unable to work because of ill-health.
Pension Credit if you are 60 or over and your income and savings are low enough.
Ask an advice agency to check your benefit entitlement if your Carer's Allowance stops, or if you think it may stop soon.
For more advice on money and benefits come to our information day on Friday 16th June!
TRANSPORT FEEDBACK
The results of your questionnairesThank you to everyone who returned the questionnaire included with the last newsletter. We took the results of these, along with comments made at many of our support groups, and presented them to a group of 16 professionals - including representatives from Transport for London, Southwark Council, and a range of local organisations.
This group then looked at the possibility of a Freedom Pass for Carers. Further research will be undertaken on this subject which the guests will be able to take back to their teams and organisations for further consideration. We therefore hope to have more news on this for you in the future!
Southwark Carers Arts & Crafts group
Southwark Carers Arts and Crafts group is changing!
This summer we have been offered the wonderful opportunity to hold a series of workshops with two local art galleries. These free workshops will be led by artists / tutors and will focus on a different creative style each fortnight. They will be starting in August and run for 5 sessions.
The sessions
Dulwich Picture Gallery is offering workshops to all carers who are aged over 55. This age limit is due to their funding and can unfortunately not be changed. These will be held on a weekday, during office hours at a venue to be confirmed. They will include a range of fun and creative skills.
Courtauld Institute is offering workshops to carers on Saturdays. Due to the age restrictions at Dulwich Picture Gallery, priority for these workshops will be given to carers who are under 55, and those who are unable to attend groups during the week. Their workshops will be held at Somerset House and involve a gallery visit followed by a practical session to try out some of the styles you have seen.
About the galleries
Dulwich Picture Gallery is an award winning visitor attraction with a magnificent collection of old masters from the 1600s and 1700s, including works by Rubens, Rembrandt, Gainsborough and many more. The beautiful setting for these paintings is the first purpose-built art gallery in England.
The Courtauld Institute of Art at Somerset House is one of the world’s leading institutes for teaching and research in the history of art. It is also home to one of the most important collections in Britain including world-famous paintings, sculpture, ceramics, metalwork, furniture and textiles, as well as an outstanding prints and drawings collection featuring works by Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Cézanne and Turner.
Carers’ Week tasters
As a “taster” for these workshops, and part of our Carers Week celebrations, the galleries are inviting carers to spend Monday 12th June with them. The day will include a guided tour of their collections, lunch and an opportunity to find out a bit more about their workshops. We will meet at Southwark Carers centre in the morning to travel to the galleries and will return around 3.30pm.
Interested?
If you are interested in taking part in these workshops or attending the taster day, please call Sarah on 020 7708 4101. PLACES ARE LIMITED!
Repaying the Kindness
Summer 2006 programme for carersThe Old Courthouse, 43 Renfrew Road, London, SE11 4NA. Tel: 020 7820 9020
On each day, a delicious vegetarian meal is included.
Relaxation: Retreat Day. Fri 7 July, 11am-2pm
Do you need some caring for yourself? This peaceful retreat day aims to refresh your mind and body providing a holiday in a day and include a relaxation session with Clare Walsh. Here is an opportunity for you to take time for you, to have space and some peace and quiet to just be.
Celebration: Kay’s Travels - slide show. Tues 30 May, 11am-2pm
A journey with Kay Cooper as she shares stories and slides from her recent travels in India and the Far East.
Exploration: A Musical Journey with Sue. Tues 27 June, 11am-2pm
We welcome Sue Shorter who has delighted us in the past with her gifts of musical improvisation. Sue is an experienced musician and percussionist and, in her unique way, will lead us once more into the magical realm of sound.
Exploration: Chumleigh Gardens. Thu 17 August, 10am-3pm
Join us for a visit to Chumleigh Gardens where you can unwind and relax in a plant paradise! Lunch at Chumleigh Gardens Cafe. Coach leaves Jamyang at 10am.
Women Volunteers Needed for Research Study
Memory is the ability to retain and retrieve information. There are several memory-related genes which become particularly active when we learn or remember something such as a phone number.
Impairment in memory is extremely common in people with schizophrenia. Abnormalities in the function of memory-genes may therefore contribute to risk of schizophrenia. Conversely, the presence of normally functioning memory- genes may protect healthy relatives from developing the disorder. However, virtually nothing is known about the activity of memory-genes in healthy relatives.
Our aim is to examine the activity of memory-genes in healthy female relatives of people with schizophrenia as this might tell us how these genes affect the risk of schizophrenia.
The study has ethical approval and is conducted by the Institute of Psychiatry, Kings’ College London. Dr. K Aitchison and Dr. S Frangou are the principal investigators.
Participation involves:
A single visit to the Institute of Psychiatry, London
Assessment of memory function (involves memorising and recalling words and sequences of letter) – approximate duration 1hr
Blood sampleAll participants will be reimbursed for their time (£50) and travel expenses. We can arrange for a taxi to collect you from your home and take you back if you prefer.
You may be eligible for the study if:
You are a woman
Have one relatives with schizophrenia. This could be your father, brother, sister or childFor more information please contact:
Ms Nora Vyas Tel: 0207 848 0425
E-mail: n.vyas@iop.kcl.ac.uk
Section of Neurobiology of Psychosis (P066), Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, SE5 8AFTRANSITION EVENT FOR PARENT CARERS
Feedback from the consultation event at Ministry of SoundThank you to all the carers who came along to the transition consultation event held at the Ministry of Sound in April. The key issues that were raised for carers included: more financial support, more opportunities for respite, and support for those who wish to live independently. There were also a range of discussions on different services, which included both carers and young people, which raised a number of important issues. These concerns and comments will help improve and develop transition services in the future.
Mike Crowhurst, the Transition Project Manager at Southwark Council said: “The consultation event marks a crucial start in our active engagement with young people and their carers. One carer reminded us at the event that "....time is precious for young people in transition, they will be drawing their pension by the time you sort things out." We are determined this will not happen. We are working hard now to address the concerns raised. By the end of May 06, we will publish proposals on how we think this should happen. Young people and carers will be at the heart of this and in helping us to shape and develop our services for those with disabilities in transition living in Southwark.“
For full details of the key issues raised, or if you would like some advice on transition planning, please contact Anthony our Transition Support Worker on 020 7708 4497.
RITZY FILM CLUB for adults with learning disabilities
RITZY FILM CLUB is a brand new film club especially for adults with learning difficulties and their friends or carers. It is held at:
The Ritzy, Brixton Oval, Coldharbour Lane, London, SW2 1JG
It takes place every other Thursday, with screenings starting at 11am. Tickets cost £3.50 each and carers are free.
There is space for wheelchairs but this is limited. If you are a Wheelchair user and are unable to transfer into a cinema seat you MUST book in advance.
For more details and to book over the phone call 08707 55 00 62.
“Summer Serenade”
St Stephens Church, College Rd SE21Saturday 10th June 7.30pm
A glorious musical evening of song from opera, operetta and the shows performed by professional singers
in aid of Dulwich Helpline
(a registered charity working with isolated older people)Tickets available from:
Dulwich Helpline, Dulwich Community Hospital, East Dulwich Grove, London, SE22 8PT. Tel: 020 8299 2623
and Art Stationers, Dulwich VillageAdults - £8
Senior Citizens - £5Carers Week - Further events
Elm Lodge Surgery
Carers information stall. All week.
Tel: 020 7274 6138Sickle Cell & Young Stroke Survivors
Carers information stall - Weds and Fri.
Tel: 020 7635 9810Black Elderly Group
Social celebration for carers. Friday.
Tel: 0207 639 8655St Christophers Hospice
Carers information stall - all week.
Tel: 020 8768 4594Due to the events taking place in Carers Week there will be no carers support groups meeting in Nunhead Surgery or Princess Surgery in June.
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.