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 - November / December 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
Are you getting all your benefits?
One of the biggest issues facing carers is the financial implication of their caring role. Many carers find that their opportunities to work are limited or come to an end completely as they devote their time to caring for another person. Other carers may be unsure how their pension impacts on their benefit entitlements.
The benefits system can be very complicated and time-consuming. Finding out what you may be entitled to can be difficult and actually claiming benefits usually involves filling out forms. Try not to let this put you off - there is support and advice available from Southwark Carers to help you through the maze.
Some of the main benefits for carers and the people they look after:
- Carer's Allowance
- Income Support / Pension Credit
- National Insurance Credits/Home Responsbilities Protection
- Disability Living Allowance
- Attendance Allowance
- Incapacity Benefit
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Health benefits
- Social Fund
- Council Tax Benefit
- Housing Benefit
- Jobseeker's Allowance
If you are unsure if you are getting what you are entitled to, please call and book an appointment with our advice and support team: 020 7708 4497. You can also receive welfare benefits advice from your local GP surgery - give them a call, or look for the signs the next time you are there.
Southwark Carers AGM & Carers Rights Day
Friday 8th December, 11am - 4pm
Gilroy Hall, Cambridge House
131 Camberwell Road, SE5 0HFCome and hear about Southwark Carers achievements this year, and our plans for next year, at our annual general meeting. If you are a member you will be receiving nomination and voting papers in due course, to vote for our governing trustees. For more details please call us on 020 7708 4497.
Following the AGM you are invited to join us for entertainments and refreshments.
From 2pm we have guests for you to put your questions to. These include:
- Simon Hughes (MP for North Southwark and Bermondsey)
- Chris Bull (Chief Executive of Primary Care Trust and Strategic Director of Social Services)
- Rod Craig (Chair of Carers Strategy Forum)
- Joanne Koen (Carers Service Development Officer, responsible for Carers Grant funded services in Southwark)
- A representative from the Mayor’s office
If you have a question you would like to ask please contact us. Please note that we can not guarantee all questions will be asked, and we will try to pick those that are most frequently put forward. Please contact us as soon as possible if you require assistance with arranging transport or respite care.
Click here for more details.
NEWS - click for full story
“Duty to Care" campaign - new carer awareness raising campaign
Response to white paper - Carers UK comment on Pensions reform
Ways you can save money on your energy supply - Article from Roger Farrow from Energywatch
Stroke is a medical emergency - Campaign from Stroke Association
Rethink carers support - Are you caring for a friend or loved one who suffers from mental illness? Why not join a carers’ group?
ARTICLES - click for full story
Carers Voices launches in Southwark - New opportunity for carers to become more involved in campaigns and policies
Services and support for carers: get assessed! - Details of the Carers Assessment and how to get one
Carers London Manifesto - New report highlights the needs of London’s carers
Carers UK at the conferences - Carers issues raised at party political conferences
Welcome to the November / December edition of Southwark Carers News.
This issue we are looking at carers’ rights, as Friday 8th December is national Carers Rights Day. All over the country events will be taking place to mark this day. At Southwark Carers we are holding our AGM and a question and answer session with key decision-makers. We hope to have representatives from the national government and local council attending click here for more details.
Because our guests may not be able to stay for the whole session we are asking carers to send in their questions in advance. Southwark Carers can then put these to the guests on the day. If you would like to ask a question, please contact us. We look forward to seeing many of you there.
In the next issue we will be looking at issues around breaks from caring. 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 us by clicking here.
CARERS UK AT THE CONFERENCES
Carers issues raised at party political conferencesCarers UK attended the Liberal Democrat, Labour and Conservative party conferences and took messages about carers to politicians, policy-makers and employers.
At the conferences they held several events and debates on critical issues such as the quality of care services, equalities and human rights and the challenges carers face in terms of health, education and income.
They also partnered with other organisations, including Help the Aged, the Kings Fund, Equal Opportunities Commission, Disability Rights Commission and British Institute of Human Rights, in order to raise the profile of these important issues. Imelda Redmond, Chief Executive of Carers UK, spoke alongside several ministers, shadow ministers and MPs, including Ruth Kelly MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government; Meg Munn MP, Minister for Equalities; Ivan Lewis MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Care Services; Stephen OBrien MP, Shadow Minister for Health and Jeremy Hunt MP, Shadow Minister for Disabled People.
Ms Redmond urged them to recognise the role carers play in society and improve support for carers. Speaking before the conferences she said: "Party Conferences are a vital part of our work to lobby for greater justice for carers. Carers have told us loud and clear what needs to change and we'll be taking their concerns direct to politicians."
"DUTY TO CARE" CAMPAIGN
New carer awareness-raising campaignThe ‘Duty to Care’ campaign by The Princess Royal Trust for Carers has revealed that over half of carers (51%) across the UK have felt like walking away from their caring responsibilities, a new report has revealed. With six million carers in the UK, this could equate to just over 3 million people walking away, which would mean that the NHS would not be able to provide the care needed to keep people living independently in their homes.
With three quarters of carers caring for a partner, parent or child with a disability, nearly half said they felt they never had a choice to take up the caring role. Many carers recognise that there has been a change in their relationship and experience feelings ranging from anger to sadness about the loss of the previous relationship they had with the person they now care for.
Caring is rarely a short term commitment. Over a third of those asked said they had been caring for ten years or more. This long term commitment takes its toll on carers themselves. Research shows that carers experience stress, frustration, depression and anger. Sadly many said they felt completely overwhelmed and taken for granted.
Anyone can become a carer and every carer has different needs. When asked what help carers would like, just a quarter said they wanted financial help. More importantly, over three quarters said they wanted time out, practical support, advice, information and someone to talk to.
Shan Nicholas, Chief Executive of The Princess Royal Trust for Carers said: “These results are extremely worrying. Unpaid family carers in this country are key partners in delivery of primary care, however many carers tell me that no-one pays attention to their opinion. We are working with our Network of Carers’ Centres to highlight the crucial role carers fulfil to the people who commission local support services.
“We are trying to ensure that carer support is seen as a high priority and funded appropriately. We have an ageing population which will increase the strain on the NHS and social services and more people will become carers. Getting the right support services in place for them is essential!”
As part of the Duty to Care campaign, The Trust’s website www.carers.org will be holding a number of hosted online chats to discuss issues raised in this campaign and others carers may have. These chats are an opportunity for carers to have their voices heard and questions answered at a national level.
CARERS VOICES LAUNCHES IN SOUTHWARK
New opportunity for carers to become more involved in campaigns and policiesThe first meeting of Carers Voices was held on 7th September and over 20 carers took part. This group aims to support carers who are interested in becoming more involved in local decision-making boards and speaking up for all carers in Southwark.
The meeting began with everyone introducing themselves to the group. There was then a presentation describing how Health and Social Care services are planned and decided in Southwark. The opportunities for carers as a group to become involved in these were then described. It was explained how Carers Voices aims to support interested carers to take part, and how individual carers would represent all carers in Southwark.
It is hoped that Carers Voices will link in with the work of carers organisations in Southwark, for example with our information events and questionnaires. It is important that Carers Voices gathers information from as many carers as possible to support the representatives in their role.
After lunch the group broke into two and discussed the topic of carers’ health and well-being. Prior to the meeting all the attendees had been sent the latest local and national research available on this topic, for them to consider. The groups then used this information for a lively debate which produced lists of key issues.
The results of this discussion have already been passed on to key people within Southwark Health and Social Care. It is hoped that this role of Carers Voices will grow in the future, and have a significant influence and impact on services.
If you would like to know more about Carers Voices please contact Sarah on 020 7708 4101. You are also welcome to come along to the next meeting on:
Wednesday 15th November, 1pm-3pm
Inspire, St Peters Church, Liverpool Grove (off Walworth Road), SE17 2HHPlease contact Southwark Carers to let us know if you would like to attend so that the papers can be sent to you beforehand.
RESPONSE TO WHITE PAPER
Carers UK comment on Pensions reformIn September Carers UK responded to the Pensions White Paper: “Security for all: towards a new pensions system”.
It welcomed the government's plans to ensure that more carers are supported to save for their retirement through reforms to the state and private pension systems.
However they also sent a list of recommendations for ensuring that the new 'carer credit' covers as many carers as possible, and that the system is flexible enough to cover carers who may move in and out of work.
You can read a full copy of the response on the Carers UK website or read a copy in Southwark Carers Resource Centre, Rainbow Room, Cambridge House, 131 Camberwell Road, open for drop-in on Wednesdays 3pm-5pm.
CARERS LONDON MANIFESTO
New report highlights the needs of London’s carersA ‘manifesto’ for carers in London was launched in September by Carers London (part of Carers UK) in a bid to highlight the vital role that carers play, the difficulties they face, and the differences that could be made if changes were introduced to help them.
Entitled ‘Help secure a better future for London’s carers’, this new ‘wish list’ for London’s 593,000 carers highlights the changes that could be made to ease their lives as they struggle, unpaid, to look after their elderly, sick or disabled relatives, friends and neighbours.
Carers London Manager, Steve Lee, says: “Carers save the capital a staggering £6.1 billion a year. Yet they often have to give up work, struggle to make ends meet, sacrifice their health, and can find it extremely difficult to get a break from their caring responsibilities.
“We have consulted thousands of our carer members to put together what they want to see change for London’s carers. This publication is the result. They have simple demands. They are asking for improved services to enable them to have a decent quality of life - better health, to be able to go out to work, and lead more fulfilled lives. They should be recognised and accepted as major partners in providing care.”
"Supporting carers is an issue of importance for all of us; not just now, but for the future. As an economic hub of global importance, London needs to lead the way in better recognising and supporting its carers.”
The campaign secured an early boost when it received the backing of Deputy Mayor of London Nicky Gavron. Nicky Gavron said: "Supporting carers is very much a priority for the Mayor, who has responded to carers at his annual capitalwoman conference by working to build an Alliance representative of London carers - in and out of paid work, women and men, individuals and organisations - and we welcome this report by Carers UK which will be very helpful in informing that wider agenda."
You can read a copy of “Help secure a better future for London’s carers” in the Southwark Carers resource centre - open for drop-in every Wednesday 3pm-5pm. The report can also be accessed at the Carers UK website
WAYS YOU CAN SAVE MONEY ON YOUR ENERGY SUPPLIES
Article from Roger Farrow from EnergywatchSince January 2003, the average electricity bill in England has increased by a shocking £119 or 49%. Unfortunately, this massive rise pales into insignificance when compared with the price of gas – a terrifying £238 or 72% more. Recently several providers have announced further price increases.
energywatch, the independent gas and electricity watchdog, want to help ensure that you are not paying more than you really need to for your gas and electricity.
There really are massive savings to be made by changing the company that you pay for your gas and electricity. Despite the horror stories which you may have heard in the press, changing supplier is relatively easy and in March 900,000 people transferred to find cheaper prices. The transfer procedure is all paperwork – there are no pipes, wires or meters changed and you will not be disconnected at any stage – in fact the gas and electricity comes from exactly the same place – the only difference is the name of the company on the bill, and the amount of money you pay them.
So how do you make these savings? Contact energywatch to help find the best deal for you. We will provide price comparison information that will show who is the cheapest supplier for you, we can even provide you the contact details for whichever company is best for you and give you all of the information that you need to change. We expect to have the ability to help you transfer shortly. All we need is to hear from you
– Call Roger Farrow, on 020 7799 8660, or write or pop in to see him at: Energywatch London Office, 3rd floor, Artillery House, Artillery Row, London, SW1P 1RT
What else should you look out for?
Staywarm: Many of you will get your gas and electricity from Staywarm – the company that lets you use as much gas and electricity as you want for a fixed monthly amount. As with all companies, Staywarm’s prices have risen a lot over the last 12 months and now they may not be the cheapest option for you. Please contact us and we’ll check this out for you. Recently we helped save a lady £27 per month – that’s £322 a year put back into her pocket – could this be the same for you?
Social Tariffs: Some companies offer what are called ‘Social Tariffs’. These tariffs offer additional support for consumers in receipt of certain benefits such as a ‘winter rebate’ or even reduced tariffs (up to an extra 15%). To check whether your supplier offers any additional support give them a ring – they’ll be happy to help. Or if you would rather, get in touch with energywatch and we’ll have a look into it for you.
Free Services: For domestic consumers who fit any or all of the following criteria, then your gas and electricity supplier can provide you with a selection of free services to help remove a few more worries that you may have. This is called the Priority Services Register.
- Of Pensionable Age
- Have a Disability
- Have Long Term Ill Health
- Are Blind, or Hearing Impaired.
One of these free services is a quarterly meter reading if no one in your household is able to your gas and electricity meters. Did you know that your gas and electricity supplier is only required by law to read your meter once every 2 years? For the rest of the time, they can guess your bills. Last year alone, energywatch received 176,000 calls from consumers experiencing problems with their bills – many of whom had received ‘catch-up’ bills in excess of £1000. Don’t let this happen to you. If you can not read your meter every time you receive a bill, let energywatch or your supplier know so that readings can be taken to ensure you don’t receive a nasty bill.
Another service that your supplier will provide is a password protection scheme. In this day and age where there are so many distraction burglaries by bogus callers, your supplier can agree a unique password with you that they will use every time they knock at your door. This way, you do not have to open the door if they do not know the password making you safer in your own home.
Some of the other free services that you may be entitled to are:
Moving your meter – if it is difficult for you to reach your supplier may consider moving it to a more convenient position free of charge
Free gas safety check – If all of the adults in your home are eligible for Free Services, your supplier will check your appliances are safe each year.
Special controls and adaptors can be fitted to your gas and electricity appliances to make them easier to use.
All advice and assistance from energywatch is completely free, as we are a government agency set up to support consumers. If you have any questions at all relating to anything mentioned here, or in general anything to do with your gas and electricity bills, please do not hesitate to contact Roger Farrow directly on 020 7799 8660.
SERVICES AND SUPPORT FOR CARERS - GET ASSESSED!
Details of the Carers Assessment and how to get oneWhat is a carer's assessment?
When a social worker (or other health or social care professional) looks at the needs of a carer and decides what community care services are required to meet those needs.
The assessment should look at the carer's ability to continue caring, and take into account things like work and other family commitments.
Why should I have a carer's assessment?
Southwark Health and Social care can provide services to help you in your caring role. Some services may be free, others may be charged for.
You don't have to accept any or all of the services offered to you but may decide to accept the ones you feel are useful.
The carer's assessment should look at your ability and willingness to continue caring. The person carrying out the assessment should not assume you want to continue providing the amount of care you do now.
You can request an assessment before you start looking after someone. You can also request a re-assessment if your circumstances change.
How do I get a carer's assessment?
Contact the Social Service Team that relates to the person that you care for on 0845 600 1287.
Have you had an assessment? Was it helpful? Have you asked for an assessment but not received one? Let us know about your experiences - good or bad.
STROKE IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY
Campaign from the Stroke AssociationIf you think that someone may have had a stroke it is important that you act quickly. What happens when someone shows the first signs of having a stroke and how quickly they receive diagnosis and treatment are both key to the outcome for that person. For this reason the Stroke Association have launched a campaign to help people recognize the symptoms of a stroke.
The Stroke Association suggest using FAST: Face Arm Speech Test - which is used by paramedics to diagnose stroke prior to a person being admitted to hospital.
Facial weakness - Can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
Arm weakness - Can the person raise both of their arms?
Speech problems - Can the person speak clearly? Can they understand what you are saying?
Test all 3 of these symptoms. If the person has failed any of these tests, call 999.
Did you know?
- Stroke is one of the top three causes of death in England and Wales along with Cancer and Heart Disease
- Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability in England and Wales with at least 300,000 people living with moderate to severe disabilities as a result of stroke
- Stroke costs the economy £7bn every year in health and social care costs
For more information please contact the Stroke Association on 0845 3033 100.
Are you caring for a friend or loved one who suffers from mental illness?
Why not join a carers’ group?
Rethink runs a number of carers’ groups across the Borough. These groups are informal, relaxed and often have visitors from local organizations/service providers to offer advice and answer any questions. They are regularly attended by massage therapists who can provide fantastic massages to help you unwind. All of the groups are a great way to meet other carers in similar situations and make new friends.
Group details:
Cambridge House (Breathing Space)
3rd Wednesday of every month; 1pm - 3 pm; Garden Room, Cambridge House, 131 Camberwell Road, SE5 0HFChaucer Community Centre (Evening group)
1st Thursday of every month; 6.30 pm - 8 pm; Chaucer Community Resource Centre, 13 Ann Moss Way, Lower Road, SE16 2TH.For more details please call Claire Otudeko, Rethink Service Coordinator on 020 7703 0669.
Carers Voices meeting
Wednesday 15th November, 1pm-3pm
Inspire, St Peters Church, Liverpool Grove (off Walworth Road), SE17 2HHAre you a carer? Are you interested in the wider issues that carers face? Could you speak on behalf of all carers in the borough?
Come along and find out more about Carers Voices and how YOU can get involved in this exciting new project.
Please call if you are interested in attending, so that any relevant papers can be sent to you beforehand. Tel: 020 7708 4497
Carers Activity Group
Would you like…
to meet socially with other carers?
to get out and about on day trips?
...The Carers Activity Group is for you!
Each month the Carers Activity Group arranges a different trip for carers. In the past these have included visits to museums, boat trips, or a day out at the seaside. Visits usually take place on a Wednesday afternoon.
In November the group is planning a local day-trip, and in December they are arranging a Christmas meal for carers.
If you would like more information, please contact us on 020 7708 4497
Southwark Carers Resource Centre
Drop-in every Wednesday 3pm - 5pm
Rainbow Room, Cambridge House, 131 Camberwell Road, SE5 0HFWhy not come and visit Southwark’s only carers’ resource centre?
We have a range of information on carers issues for you to look through, including leaflets, books, videos and cassettes.
We also have information available in large print, Braille, and other languages.
Repaying the Kindness -relaxation events for carers
Retreat day
Wednesday 22nd November, 10.30am-3.30pm
Delicious vegetarian lunch providedDo you need some caring for yourself? These peaceful retreat days aim 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.
Christmas party
Wednesday 20th December, 10.30am-3.30pmCome and join us for some light-hearted fun. The day will start with a relaxation session and an inspiring slideshow with Robin, followed by a delicious vegetarian banquet! We have a surprise for the afternoon…!
For more details and to book your place at either of these events please call 020 7820 9020 Repaying the Kindness, The Old Courthouse, 43 Renfrew Road, London, SE11 4NA
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.