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 - September / October 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
Healthy carers – getting the help you need
It is important for carers to keep as healthy and as stress-free as possible. This is not always easy when you have somebody else needing your assistance – but remember your health matters too.
When we are feeling unwell most of us turn to our GP and listed below are some tips and ideas to make visits to your GP as worthwhile as possible.
Let the reception staff know that you are a carer and ask for this to be added to your medical record. Southwark Carers works with all the GP surgeries to make sure they are “carer aware” and they should be able to help and advise you.
If you are experiencing any stress, depression or anxiety please tell your GP. These are not ‘minor’ complaints because they are not physical or visible - they should not be ignored. Stress, anxiety or depression can have a serious impact on all aspects of your life, so if you have any concerns it is important to voice them.
Make sure that time is given to discuss your health concerns separately from the needs of the person that you care for. Before appointments you may wish to write down any questions you wish to ask the GP on two separate lists, one for yourself and one for the person you’re caring for. Your health should not be regarded as a secondary concern.
Have a look for your surgery’s Carers’ Noticeboard which should be on prominent display in the waiting area. There you can find details of services available in your area and any carers’ events that are coming up. Every surgery in Southwark should have a noticeboard so if you can’t see it please ask the reception staff.
If you need a supporting letter from your GP for anything, for example for housing or benefits, ask if there is a fee, as this will save any inconvenience when the letter has to be collected from the surgery. If you require such a letter you should arrange it as soon as possible, as the process may take considerable time.
Where prescriptions are needed, ask the GP if he/she can send it to the local pharmacist. Pharmacies can be very helpful and are now recognised by the Primary Care Trust (PCT) as a service provider for carers and may be able to deliver the medication to you or the one you're caring for if needed.
If the GP refers either you or the person you're caring for to the hospital, transport can be arranged by the GP. If more than one referral is necessary, ask if it is possible to have the appointments on the same day. This will ease the stress involved in multiple hospital visits.
If you are not happy with the services from your GP you can contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 0800 58 77 170. They are an independent body, set up by the Primary Care Trust to help, advise and support patients.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact Southwark Carers and we will try our best to help!
Healthy Carers events
During October Southwark Carers is running health events in each of the Southwark localities. At these events you can:
- talk informally to health professionals
- gather information on looking after your own health
- learn about the projects Southwark Carers offers
- meet other carers in a friendly, relaxed environment
Refreshments will be provided.
Click here for more details.
NEWS - click for full story
Advocacy for carers - Details of Southwark Carers advocacy service
Park Medical Centre carers group - New monthly group for carers
Southwark Carers staff changes - Farewell to two popular members of staff
Access to Art (A2A) - Helping disabled people and their carers enjoy art
Healthy ageing cafe - Drop-in cafe for older carers and cared for people
Lets Make Some Changes - Positive thinking workshops
ARTICLES - click for full story
Carers want health checks - Campaign from Carers UK for carers to receive regular health checks
Activity in later life - Fun and healthy lifestyles for older people
How to beat stress
Advice on sleeping well - Tips from Carers UK and the Sleep Council
Welcome to the September / October edition of Southwark Carers News.
This issue we are looking at carers’ health and well-being. Caring can have a serious toll on carers’ health - physically, mentally and emotionally. It is important to take some time to look after yourself, and in this issue you will find some suggestions to keep you healthy and happy.
In October Southwark Carers are holding a series of health and well-being events across the borough. These informal meetings will be a chance to meet local health professionals, chat with other carers and staff from our centre. You can find further details of the event closest to you by clicking here. We look forward to seeing many of you there.
In the next issue we will be looking at issues around carers’ rights and making sure that you get all that you are entitled to 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 us by clicking here.
ADVOCACY FOR CARERS
Details of Southwark Carers advocacy serviceSometimes people may find themselves in a position where their ability to exercise choice or represent their own interests is limited. For example, if you are a carer you may find that you do not have the time or opportunity to make sure you are getting the services you need. In these circumstances an advocate can help to ensure that your views are heard, respected and acted upon.
Advocacy is taking action to:
- help people say what they want
- secure their rights
- represent their interests
- and obtain services they need
Advocates and advocacy schemes work in partnership with the people they support and take their side.
Advocacy promotes social inclusion, equality and social justice.
At Southwark Carers we have an advocate who works with carers to help them resolve any issues they may be facing. If you would like some advice on how the service may be able to help you please call Bindi Deo on 020 7708 4101.
STAFF CHANGES AT SOUTHWARK CARERS
Farewell to two popular members of staffPamela Lord has left Southwark Carers after approximately 5 years of helping carers. During her time with us Pamela worked on a number of projects including Fix Yourself a Break and several carers’ support groups for carers from BME communities.
Anthony Scully, our Transition Support Worker, has also left us to pursue a career in social work. During his year with Southwark Carers and Contact a Family he has supported many families with the difficult transition period as a child moves to adult services.
Southwark Carers thanks Pamela and Anthony for all of their hard work and dedication, and send them our best wishes for the future.
PARK MEDICAL CENTRE CARERS GROUP
New monthly group for carersA new carers group has launched at Park Medical Centre, 57 Hawkstone Road, SE16 2PE. It will be meeting on the second Friday of the month from 2.30pm - 4pm.
Carers groups are a great chance to make new friends, and they also include regular guest speakers, refreshments, massage, plus useful information and friendly advice about services you may be entitled to.
For more details please call Lucy Daniels on 020 7708 4830 or ask a member of staff at the surgery.
CARERS WANT HEALTH CHECKS!
Campaign from Carers UK for carers to receive regular health checksOne in four carers say they have already received a health check (although not necessarily as carers) and 9 out of 10 carers want to see health checks given to carers as a matter of course. 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’.
What should a health check consist of?
A health check would include: blood pressure check, diabetes check, mental well-being check, 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. 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, and social services.
Who would be eligible?
Ideally every carer. 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.
Who would undertake the health check?
A qualified medical professional, whether a practice nurse, a GP or a health visitor.
How would health checks 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.
What is needed from the GP practice?
A commitment to introduce health checks for carers, and especially regular health checks for those most likely to suffer ill-health.
What action is needed?
Primary Care Trusts should:
Find out how many GP practices in their local area offer carers' health checks and what these entail. This audit of health checks should also identify the links that the practice has with relevant support and advice services.
Build into their health promotion targets and plans specific targets about carers' health checks.
Link to relevant programmes on:
improving mental health and drugs reduction
reduction of accidents
improvement of coronary heart disease
improvement of targets on diabetesThe Strategic Health Authority needs to introduce specific targets around carers' health promotion, incorporating health checks for carers. Work also needs to concentrate on combating health inequalities by targeting support in those areas in most need.
Local authorities should monitor the effective delivery of health checks to carers.
What is needed strategically?
Primary Care Trusts need to introduce health checks into their strategic plans to improve the health of the local population. The top priority, by far, at the 2005 citizen's summit that looked at a range of health issues, was a regular health check or MOT.
Examples of good practice:
Ritchie Street Group Practice in Islington hold events for carers on its register at least four times a year, at each of which health checks are provided for all carers who want them.
Ide Lane Surgery in Exeter offers each new carer identified a health check and where required, provides a professional to stay with the cared-for person whilst the appointment takes place.
Sedgefield PCT carried out a pilot during the winter with two GP practices. Carers were offered health checks and a flu jab by Practice Nurses as well as an appointment with a Primary Care Carers Worker, who could offer advice and information. It is now planned to roll out the initiative to all GP practices in the area.
In Bury a Health & Social Services Project Worker has been working with three health centres to identify carers. A local ‘health check guideline’ has been compiled and other GP practices are now involved, and are inviting carers to take up health checks.
In Greenwich the PCT have adopted a protocol supporting carers compiled by the Carers Centre together with some Practice Managers. The protocol is in three phases (small changes at the surgery, quite significant changes and major changes). As part of the second and third phases surgeries are asked to carry out a carers ‘Well Health Check’.
In Barnet a Carer’s Specialist Nurse visits carers at home to provide health checks and helps with access to NHS services and other support services. The service is available to every carer in the borough. Referrals can be made by carers themselves, voluntary organisations, GPs and Social Services.
North Lincolnshire Council’s Health Scrutiny Committee recommended the provision of annual health checks, including ongoing referrals where appropriate. The PCT has committed to exploring this further with GPs, and to ensure training to ensure carers’ health needs are ‘picked up’.
According to Carers UK’s research 90% of carers in London support the introduction of annual health checks. We’d like to know what you think? Please contact us with your comments.
ACTIVITY IN LATER LIFE
Fun and healthy lifestyles for older peopleTo help older Southwark residents stay fit and healthy there are a number of chair based exercise and pilates classes around the borough. These sessions are free, so why not pop along and try them out?
Tuesdays11.30am-12.30pm
Anchor Homes, Rose Court, 253 Lower Road, Rotherhithe, SE8 5DN. Tel: 020 7394 21903.00pm - 4.00pm
Age Concern Early Intervention Centre, 95 Southwark Park Road, Rotherhithe, SE16 3TY. Tel: 020 7237 0860Wednesdays
2.00pm - 3.00pm
Ronald Buckingham Court - Sheltered Housing, Kenning Street, Rotherhithe, SE16 4LL. Tel: 020 7231 91473.15pm - 4.15pm
Pedworth Sheltered Unit, 97 Abbeyfield Road, SE16 2DY
Tel: 020 7231 1250Thursdays
11.00am - 12 noon
Sharmi Kar Rainbow Building, 32 Crosby Row off Long Lane, SE1. Tel: 020 7407 1123Fridays
11.30am - 12.30pm
Evelyn Coyle Day Centre, 49 Grange Walk, Tower Bridge, SE1 3DY. Tel: 020 7525 38212.00pm - 3.00pm
Southwark Pensioners Centre, 305-307 Camberwell Road, SE5 0HQ. Tel: 020 7708 4556Southwark based Fusion leisure centres also offer a wide range of classes and services for older adults. For more information contact the centres directly:
Peckham Pulse - 020 7525 4999
Aerobics, massage and relaxation, old songs (for people with learning disabilities), yoga, self help gym, Caribbean contemporary dance, spa, saunaSeven Islands - 020 7237 3296
Swinmming for people with disabilitiesElephant & Castle - 020 7582 5505
Bowls, ballroom dancingDarwin Court - 020 7021 4672
Over 50s swimming, over 50s aqua aerobicsDulwich Leisure Centre has an older adults’ membership package. Please call the centre on 020 8693 1833 for details.
For further information about activity in later life please call: Maria Edwards, Active Living Officer at Southwark Council on: 020 7525 2253.
Holiday. Try to plan regular short breaks which involve a change in activities, company and surroundings.
Open up if your relationship is part of the problem. Communication is very important.
Work. If it is becoming more difficult to juggle work and care, take a look at your options and find out if more support is available,
Try to concentrate on the present rather than dwelling on the past or future worries.
Own up to yourself that you are feeling stressed - half the battle is admitting it!
Be realistic about what you can achieve. Don't take too much on and recognize that asking for help when you need it is not failure!
Eat a balanced diet. Eat slowly and sit down allowing at least half an hour for each meal.
Action plans - try to write down the problems in your life
that may be causing stress, and as many possible solutions as you can. Make a plan to deal with each problem.Time management - plan your time, doing one thing at a time and building in breaks.
Set priorities - if you could only do one thing, what would it be?
Talk things over with a friend or family member or
someone else you can trust and share your feelings with. Joining one of our groups is a great way to meet other carers, or you may find talking one-to-one to a counsellor is helpful.Relaxation or leisure time each day is important. Try new ways to relax such as yoga, aromatherapy or reflexology. Why not book a free massage or Reiki appointment with Southwark Carers?
Exercise regularly - at least 20 minutes 2 or 3 times a week. This is excellent for stress control. Walking is good.
Say “no” and don't feel guilty.
Seek professional help from your GP if you have tried these things and still your stress is a problem.
Credit: Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland Mental Health NHS Trust. http://www.nnt.nhs.uk/mh/
ADVICE ON SLEEPING WELL
Tips from Carers UK and the Sleep CouncilCarers can often find it difficult to have a good night’s sleep. You may be looking after someone who needs care during the night or you may have too much on your mind to relax. It is important to find out the reasons behind a lack of sleep and to try and find ways around the problem.
Lack of exercise, an unhealthy diet, stress and depression can be factors in an inability to sleep. The tips below may help with sleeping problems but, if sleeplessness becomes intolerable, a visit to your GP may help.
Try to keep a regular pattern of going to bed and rising at the same time every day, even if you are not tired.
Ensure that your bedroom is comfortable – not too hot, cold or noisy.
Ensure that your bed is supportive. It should not be so firm that your hips and shoulders are under pressure or so soft that your body sags. You should try to replace your bed every 10 years so that it maintains maximum support and comfort.
Try and take some regular exercise. Or, try complementary therapies such as aromatherapy or massage, or relaxing exercise classes such as yoga or tai chi. These may help you cope with worries and stress, which may be contributing to your lack of sleep.
Try to cut down on tea and coffee in the evening. Try drinking a milky drink such as hot chocolate instead.
Try not to eat or drink a lot late at night. Try to have your evening meal earlier.
If you have not slept well the night before, try not to sleep during the day… it can make it more difficult to sleep the following night.
As a carer, you may find it difficult to unwind properly and get a good night’s sleep. Try and take some time to relax properly before going to bed – a warm bath or some relaxation exercises may help. There are many different relaxation techniques. You could try tapes and books available in your local library or you could join a class.
If you cannot sleep, try not to lie there worrying. Get up and do something you find relaxing like reading, watching TV or listening to quiet music. After a while you may feel tired enough to go to bed again.
If your sleep is disturbed – for example, if you are having to get up during the night to help the person you care for go to the toilet or to turn them to prevent sores, you may consider asking for some support during the night or a regular respite break.
Being a carer can be a challenging role. At times it can evoke distress, frustration and anger. We all live through difficult and distressing events or experience painful feelings. While caring for a loved one these problems together with stress, illness or bereavement or on their own can damage our relationships and make it difficult to cope.
Counselling can provide emotional support and the opportunity to work towards a more meaningful and satisfying approach to life. The counsellor’s role is to help you gain a greater understanding and awareness of yourself and the problems you have to face. A counsellor will not tell you what to do, but will encourage you to develop confidence in your own ability to help yourself.
Counselling involves meeting weekly to talk about sometimes difficult or personal issues to help us find better ways of dealing with them. For this reason, trust, confidentiality and a safe environment are all part of the service.
Southwark Carers offers one-to-one counselling for adults living in the London Borough of Southwark. Counselling is provided in venues across the borough including counselling and health centres.
We offer counselling during days and evenings subject to availability. At present counselling will usually be weekly for a period up to 26 weeks. We are developing different options. It might take time to allocate the right counsellor to you depending on availability and the time of year.
Our counsellors are either in advance training or have already qualified and receive regular professional clinical supervision. The Counselling Service works to the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy Ethical Framework for Counselling.
What you can expect from us:Courtesy and confidentiality.
No discrimination because of race, gender, disability or sexual orientation.
A safe, non-judgemental space for you to talk
A professional & clinically supervised service.
Counselling is usually provided in English. Other languages are available if spoken by a counsellor.
Experience in dealing with carers’ issues including depression, anxiety, anger, low self- esteem, hopelessness and despair.What we expect from you:
A commitment to attend counselling.
Please attend punctually. Our counsellors’ time is valuable.
If you are unable to attend, we will expect you to telephone and cancel your appointment on 020 7 708 4497If you would like to receive counselling, and are already registered with Southwark Carers please call us on 020 7708 1411
ACCESS TO ART (A2A)
Helping disabled people and their carers enjoy artA2A offers a door-to-door service, picking members up from their homes and taking them to a London art gallery or museum every month. A2A can offer a break for carers, as A2A organises the whole day the outings always run smoothly.
Their friendly volunteers are fully trained in handling a wheelchair and are sensitive to the needs of people with a disability. However, if the dependent prefers to bring their carer along with them, (or if they are needed for personal care), this is not a problem. The trips are fun days for the carers as well, and we will make sure that their visits to all the galleries (with their member) are free of charge.
Formerly known as the Arts Interest Group, Access to Art (A2A), is there to help. They provide a service making it possible to offer a great experience with the visual arts for those with mobility needs. Volunteers ensure the members have an enjoyable time whilst they are there. After the exhibition they are taken home, an escort assists the driver on the bus at all times to ensure members are safe and comfortable.
Members thoroughly enjoy these outings, whether they are just looking for a new and interesting experience that they thought was not possible or if they have always had a keen interest in art. Whatever the individual needs of the member is, it will be taken into account making the members feel catered for.
“…Being disabled I have not been able to go to venues alone for many years, so A2A is my lifeline. I really look forward to the trips.” – Joan, A2A member.
Enthusiastic volunteers are not just there solely to handle a wheelchair; they can lend a supportive arm or can simply be a friendly companion for the day. They are art lovers too, which makes the day extra special.
“With A2A, I meet new people and we are on the same wave length. Its been a godsend” – June, A2A member.
Previous trips have been to the Queens Gallery, Tate Britain and the Royal Academy of Arts. Exhibitions and venues vary and A2A is passionate about offering exciting opportunities to those who had previously thought it wasn’t possible.
Members spend about three hours visiting the gallery and their time is their own! They are free to visit other exhibitions in the time given and can wander any where they want in the gallery, then its back on the minibus and home.
If you know anybody who would benefit from this service, we suggest you take full advantage and make any enquires you have to Claire Andrade or Jane Turner on telephone number: 020 8761 4898 / 4875 or email: info@access2art.org.uk
HEALTHY AGEING CAFE
Drop-in café for older carers and cared for peopleThe South London and Maudsley NHS Trust has launched the Healthy Ageing Café in New Cross. Around 70 people attended the opening of the Café on 4th July.
The Cafe is open every Tuesday between 10am and 3pm and welcomes all older people living in Southwark and Lewisham including people who have dementia and their carers who can attend together.
At the Healthy Ageing Cafe you can get: advice on keeping healthy as you age, information about local resources, benefits advice, and free complementary therapies. The Café serves tea, coffee, and snacks.
So why not go along to: All Saints Church, New Cross Road, SE14 5RF.
To find out more about the Cafe contact Ann Bartley on 020 8776 4774. If you have problems getting to All Saints, they may be able to help.
“Let’s Make Some Changes”
Positive thinking workshops for carers facilitated by Dianne Stewart“Abundance and Prosperity”
Monday 18th September
10am - 1.50pm (including lunch)True prosperity means to have an abundance in all things not just money. What do you feel you have an abundance of? TIME-SPACE-COMFORT-GOOD HEALTH-MONEY-BEAUTY-LOVE? The universal plan is that we all are prosperous with unlimited good. In this workshop you will receive ideas and tips on how to increase the abundance and prosperity in your life.
“Freedom from Fear”
Monday 23rd October
10am - 1.50pm (including lunch)Are you troubled by fearful thoughts about the future? Fear is unreal and is simply a body response to negative thinking. It is a matter of perception only. In this workshop you will learn ways to change your thinking and be able to face the future with peace.
To book your place please call 020 7708 4497
Carers Activity Group outings
Every month Southwark Carers activity group organises a different day out for carers. It is a great chance to meet new friends and visit some interesting places.
Outings are penciled-in for the rest of the year to some local attractions, e.g. Eltham Palace and in December there will be a carers’ Christmas meal. Southwark Carers try to make all of these trips free or subsidised whenever possible.
For more details about the group and to join the mailing list for future outings please call us on 020 7708 4497.
Free art workshops for carers
Carers from Southwark and Lambeth have been invited to take part in a series of free art workshops by two local galleries.
Every fortnight, carers have the opportunity to have some fun, meet new friends and develop their creative skills in artist-led workshops.
Workshops are held on the following Saturday afternoons or Friday mornings (for carers over 55 only).
Saturdays: 16th September, 30th September
2pm-4pm, Courtauld Institute at Somerset House, The StrandFridays: 15th September, 29th September, 13th October, 10am-12noon, Meeting Room, Cambridge House, 131 Camberwell Road
For more details please call 020 7708 4101.
Southwark Carers Evening Group
Do you work during the day or have other commitments that mean you cannot make our groups and events?
Come along to our evening group, meeting every fortnight in the Rainbow Room, Cambridge House, 131 Camberwell Road, SE5 0HF
We meet from 5.30pm to 7.30pm and you can call in at any time during these hours. The group is relaxed and friendly - a great place to unwind, meet Southwark Carers staff and other carers in a similar situation to you and browse through our library.
The forthcoming dates are: Thursday 7th September, Thursday 21st September, Thursday 5th October, Thursday 19th October
We look forward to seeing you soon!
South Southwark Mental Health Carers - new group!
Rethink Southwark invites you to a new mental health carer support group, to begin this autumn in the south of the Borough. Rethink Carer Support groups offer shared experiences, refreshments, informal advice and information on various aspects of mental health, massages, routes to advocacy, or just time out with people who understand - all in a confidential, friendly setting.
In preparation for this group we invite all mental health carers to a social event in the area in the second week of September - date and time to be fixed. if you are interested to attend the event and/ or the carer support group, please call 020 7708 5598 or email us at mhcarers@rethink.org. We are also planning an event in the area to mark World Mental Health Day - again, contact the office for details.
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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.