CARERS NEWS€¦ · Blackburn with Darwen Carers Service Kingsway, Greenhurst Place, Blackburn BB2...

1BwD Carers Service

Autumn Winter Issue 2018

CARERS NEWSBRINGING CARERS AND THE CARERS SERVICE TOGETHER

01254 688440 /bwdcarers @blackburncarers

Web: www.bwdcarers.org.uk

Email: [email protected]

Dare you enter The Vault? Our next Fundraising Event will

be taking place on Wednesday

31st October 2018 6-8pm at

the Vault, Darwen. The Family

Halloween Party is going to

be a spooktacular event. Fun,

games, prizes, fancy dress and

a freaky disco – fun filled night

for all the family.

All tickets can be purchased

from the Carers Service

reception.

2 Autumn Winter 2018

CONTENTS - AUTUMN WINTER 2018

Head of Projects update Page 3

Volunteering Pages 4-5

Young Adult Carers Page 6

Benefits & Employment Advice/ Emergency Card Page 7

Social Media Co-ordinator Page 8

Service Development/ Advertising Pages 9-13

Christmas Wreath Making Page 14

Carers Dream Draw Page 15

Activities/Trips and Events Pages 16-23

Head of Advisors update Pages 24-25

Drug and Alcohol Project 6

Learning Difficulties update Page 27

Older Peoples Advisor Page 28

Charity Shop and Goodbyes Page 29

Lasting Power of Attorney Information Page 30

Infant Young Carers Page 31

Legacies and Donations Page 32

Blackburn with Darwen Carers ServiceKingsway, Greenhurst Place, Blackburn BB2 1NA Telephone: 01254 688440Email: [email protected] Web: www.bwdcarers.org.uk

3BwD Carers Service

We welcome Sarah Newell – Service Development Worker and Isma Sajid – Social Media Co-ordinator to the Team. Both have settled in really well and are certainly making a difference in raising our profile in the digital arena and in the community.

Blackburn with Darwen Volunteer Academy We are thrilled with the roll out of the Volunteer Academy. We have the

prestige title of being a recognised ‘Open Awards’ learning centre. Nina and Jenny from Open Awards came to visit our centre recently and were delighted with our progress and endorsed the standard of the training programme.

NHS Joint partnership working update.It has been a busy few months or even years for the Health Liaison worker working in collaboration with the NHS. Joint work has been ongoing behind the scenes for some time which has finally come to fruition.

I would like to inform you that we the Carers Service have had the opportunity to influence key NHS documents in respect of involving Carers.

As a result, I am very proud that we feature in the East Lancs Health Trust’s ‘Patient, Carer and Family Strategy 2018 – 2021.’

Melissa Almond, Senior Patient Experience Facilitator said “It is fantastic that Emma and

Sharon could join us to support the launch of the strategy. We work closely with both the Carers Services and Healthwatch Blackburn with Darwen and Lancashire and they have contributed towards the development of the strategy”.

Administration LadiesFor those who are not aware Rashida and Carol are part of the Project’s Team. They run the extremely busy administration office, which is fundamental to the smooth running of the service. They work tirelessly to support Carers and all the staff here at the centre. Thank you very much ladies.

The Projects Team has expanded!

EMMA SHAWHEAD OF PROJECTS TEAM


It’s been a busy few months for the volunteer’s project - firstly, a massive thank you to all our volunteers who supported our two big events this quarter the Masquerade Ball and Walk a Mile Family Fun Day.

Volunteer Celebration Thank you to all our volunteers who attended the celebration event, it was an entertaining Bollywood themed night to celebrate and appreciate the countless hours put in by our dedicated volunteers over the last 12 months. We would like to congratulate those

who received awards on the night for their outstanding dedication and commitment to the service...Alison Atherton (Group Lead) Kyle Caulfield (YAC Ambassador) Mavis Dickinson (Befriending) Zeenat Arif (Counsellor) Christine Finch (Crafts) Dorothy Greenwood (Activities) Sarah Newell (Fundraising) Tracy McKernan (Charity Shop) Alan Pickup (Trustee)

Lovely feedback below

“Thank you for a lovely party on Wednesday.I was surprised at the number of hours on my certificate. And it was a nice touch to put a monetary value on the hours.It made me feel appreciated.The food was great and it was lovely to meet other volunteers.”“Very well organised, nice

enjoyable evening. Gave a good insight into a carers life and how much work and effort they put in.”

“A wonderful and brilliant evening excellent food, venue and friendly atmosphere.”

Award Ceremony Blackburn with Darwen Volunteers Week Award Ceremony at King Georges Hall gave organisations the opportunity to nominate volunteers from

KIRAN SADIQVOLUNTEER CO-ORDINATOR

5BwD Carers Service

their service who have made a difference in the community. We nominated 11 volunteers and were proud to find Isma Sajid had been selected from 250 nominations. She was presented with the Community Cohesion and Integration Award on the night. Another star Faizan Awan has recently started volunteering with

the Service, he had been nominated by Youth Zone and was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award on the night. Well done to you both!

Volunteer Academy

The Academy is a 6 weeks training course that meets the standards of ‘Open Awards’ accreditation. There is also an opportunity to access taster sessions in the many

diverse areas of work within the Carers Service.

Syllabus includes Confidentiality and Data Protection, Safeguarding, Health and Safety, Equality and

Diversity, Customer Service and a Summary session. Our first group of 8 volunteers successfully graduated from the academy on the celebration night where they were presented with their certificates of achievement.The offer is open to new and existing volunteers. For more info, please contact Kiran Sadiq Volunteer Coordinator or Emma Shaw Head of Projects on 01254 688440 or [email protected].

NCS - National Citizen Service

A huge thank you to the NCS team from the Challenge for their enthusiasm and passion in supporting the service. A group of young adults

aged 15-17 spent two days fundraising outside Marks and Spencer’s raising donations and awareness for unpaid carers and their families. The youngsters had the opportunity to learn about the Carers Service and meet the team. They participated in raising

our profile by actively engaging with the general public through many entertaining activities to help identify and register carers in Blackburn Town Centre.


The Young Adult Carer’s Project is dedicated to supporting Young Adult Carers between the ages of 16-25 in their caring roles.

With one to one support, group support, workshops, training and

volunteering opportunities we aim to provide a support package that

covers several aspects of a young adult’s life.

The Young Adult Carers Project holds two group sessions per month which provide all registered Young Adult Carers with the opportunity to have time away from their caring role.

The upcoming groups sessions are:27th September 3:30-5pm – Blackburn College

Visit (to be confirmed)18th October 3:30 5pm – Sponsored Walk Arrangements8th November 3:30-5pm – Drugs Awareness Session22nd November 5-7pm – How I Feel20th December 5-7pm – Christmas Party17th January 3:30 – 5pm – Finances and Budgeting31st January 5 – 7pm – Consultation Night.

Over the last 6 months the Young Adult Carers project has focused on using Social Media to reach those Young Adult Carers who remain hidden and unsupported. With the help of the Young Adult Carer Ambassadors the service now has an Instagram account which you can follow @blackburncarers and we will be developing a Young Adult Carers blog featuring useful information, links and real life stories. The Young Adult Carers

Project would also like to take this time to welcome on board Sonya Colley from Training 2000 as our newest Young Adult Carers Champion. Training 2000 offer an alternative to sixth form or College with various training programmes and apprenticeships in North Lancashire, including Blackburn and Burnley. If you would like to know more about the Young Adult Carers Project, if you are a Young Adult Carer yourself or you

would like to get involved with supporting the project then please contact Jenna Walmsley (Young Adult Carers Advisor) on 01254 688440 or email [email protected].

YOUNG ADULT CARERS PROJECTREPORT BY JENNA WALMSLEY

7BwD Carers Service

My job as benefits and

employment adviser is to help

carers with practical support

in getting full entitlement to

welfare benefits and advice on

getting work.

I work part time and I offer

appointments on Tuesday

and Wednesday morning

at our centre in Kingsway.

For carers who are not able

to get to our centre I can

arrange a home visit. If my

Tuesday and Wednesday

morning appointments are not

convenient, I can arrange an

appointment outside of these

times to suit you.

If you are a registered carer

with our service, I can help

you with things such

as benefit entitlement

checks and filling in

benefit claim forms. I can

also help you if you or the

person you look after has a

problem with benefits.

It is now almost four years

since I started in this role. In

that time, I have helped over

1,000 carers. I have acquired

over £2.5million in additional

benefits for carers and cared

for people. I have also helped

many carers with advice

regarding combining a caring

role with

employment.

Changes to blue badge.

The Government recently

announced that, from

2019, the blue badge scheme

will be extended to include

disabled people with ‘hidden

disabilities’.

My understanding is that,

from next year, people with

less visible conditions such

as autism or mental health

issues, will be given the same

right to get a blue badge

as people with physical

disabilities.

BENEFITS & EMPLOYMENT ADVICEWITH JIM DICKSON

EMERGENCY CARD SCHEMEDo you worry about what could happen if you were suddenly taken ill and unable to tell anyone that someone depends upon you?

If the answer is yes, the FREE

carers’ emergency card

scheme is for you.

The service operates 24 hours

a day, 365 days a year and

in an emergency situation all

carers need to do is contact

the number on the emergency

card and an agent will co-

ordinate help as quickly as

possible for the person you

care for.

Please ask at the centre about

the emergency card, or ring

the main number, 01254

688440 and ask for the co-

ordinator of the scheme, Jan

Langfield who will be happy

to help you..


PLEASE SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION AT www.bwdcarers.org.uk or contact us on 01254 688440

ISMA SAJIDSOCIAL MEDIA CO-ORDINATOR

I would like to introduce Isma as the new temporary part time Social Media Co-ordinator.

Prior to this Isma has volunteered for Blackburn with Darwen Carers Service since 2013.

Isma is literally a ‘whizz’ on Social Media and can be found in the Projects Office liking and tweeting about the ongoing events and activities that we are

providing for Carers and the wider BwD community.

You may also see her out and about in the community posting live feeds.

Isma is responsible for all our social media sources Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the services Web page.

Please follow us on Twitter - @BlackburnCarers, Facebook - Blackburn

Carers, Instagram -@blackburncarers and webpage - bwdcarers.org.uk

If you would like more information please email Isma on [email protected] who will happily attend to your enquiry or call on 01254 688440.

9BwD Carers Service

SARAH NEWELLService Development Worker

Firstly, I shall introduce myself: My name is Sarah Newell, after a whirlwind journey of completing my Student Social Work placement, I then got offered a temporary part-time position of Service Development to work around my studies. My role within the team is to drive the service forward, in terms of connecting with a wider target group, via fundraising events, carers champions and carers discount organisations. In my role, I am always looking at driving the service forward and always creating and thriving on opportunities to implement new ideas, recruit more organisations, sponsorship and events on board. If people have any suggestions on what events they would like to see, then please email me on [email protected] or call 01254 688440.

Walk a Mile Family Picnic Event

Whilst on placement here with BWD Carers service, I took it upon myself to take responsibility for `The Walk

a Mile` that took place on Sunday July 8th 2018 and a family picnic in the park. This event, in the short time period I had, proved

to be successful. I would like to thank everyone who attended our event and for all the organisations that came on board to support with raffle prizes. Additionally, I would like to say a big thank you to all staff members and

volunteers that helped to support this event. Below, are a few pictures taken from our event.

Fundraising quiz night @The Vault in Darwen

My first fundraising event, whilst in my new position, was a quiz and pizza supper evening at the Vault in Darwen. This event took place on Thursday 26th July 2018. Again, it proved to be successful. We held the quiz, with questions being read out by our two


amazing volunteers, Alison and Kevin. Followed, by a pizza supper, supplied by The Vault.

Again, I would like to say thank you, to everyone who supported this event, organisations for

our raffle prize donations and The Vault for being so accommodating and supportive, in hosting our quiz evening.

Future fundraising events

Sunday 19th September 2018, The Brown Cow Pub in Livesey Blackburn, are hosting an open-mic night 5pm till 9pm, with all proceeds raised going to BWD Carers Service.

We would like to thank Alyson (landlady) of The Brown Cow, in hosting this event and supporting our service in hosting this event and supporting our service.

Saturday 29th September 2018, BWD Carers are hosting a Variety Performance fundraising event @ one of our partner discount organisations, Darwen Golf Club.

The event starts at 7pm, with a variety of performances to accommodate everyone’s taste. We have Henry Maybury performing, who people may have seen

at the Masquerade ball, The Ghawazee Dance group, who provided an interactive performance at the `walk a mile` event and finally Breanna Howard, who is a local young and talented singer who performs songs from the different eras.

Wednesday 31st October 2018, BWD Carers are hosting a family Halloween party @ The Vault in Darwen. This event offers; a disco, prizes, gooey lucky dip, games and a prize for the best fancy dress; plus,

Charity Number: 1120110 Company Number: 05881757

CARERS SERVICE

VARIETY PERFORMANCE

SATURDAY 29th SEPTEMBER

DARWEN GOLF CLUB - STARTS AT 7pm

Tickets £13.00

(includes chips and bacon or sausage butties)

A night of music, dancing and a mix of

upbeat songs from the decades...

Oasis, The Killers, The Beatles etc.

Book your place now… [email protected]

01254 688440

BREANNA HOWARD

MICHAEL STRAHAN

HENRY MAYBURY

GHAWAZEE AARABIC

DANCE GROUP

11BwD Carers Service

drinks promotion for the adults. This event is open to everyone, with tickets now on sale at Kingsway for £3 per child and £2 per adult.

Thursday 29th November 2018, BWD Carers service are hosting a first Christmas Wreath Making workshop 6pm till 9pm.

This is priced at £20 pp, which includes all materials to make a wreath and take it home, mince pies, mulled wine and Christmas tunes. Places are limited and are getting filled up, so please purchase your tickets at Kingsway reception, payment can be made via BACS, cash or cheque.

Saturday 1st December 2018, BWD Carers service are hosting a second

Christmas Wreath Making workshop 6pm till 9pm. This is priced at £20 pp, which includes all materials to make a wreath and take it home, mince pies, mulled wine and Christmas tunes. Places are limited and are getting filled up, so please purchase your tickets at Kingsway reception, payment can be made via BACS, cash or cheque.

On Thursday 6th December 2018, The Millstone pub in Darwen are hosting a fundraising Christmas Quiz and sing-a-long from 7pm. This event is £5pp, which includes mince pies, pizza and fries’ supper and drinks promotions. Tickets need to be purchased prior the event; they can be purchased from the Kingsway reception or The Millstone in Darwen.

A huge thank you to The Millstone for coming on board and supporting our amazing service. The manager from The Millstone said “Becoming a carer can happen to anyone and you never know when

you need to access this service”.

All our fundraising events are integral to the service and in building better links and resources with carers, the wider community and bringing a cohesive approach to our service. All the support people can offer with our events is very much appreciated, please remember our fundraising events are open to everyone.

We value your support and appreciate the help from staff and volunteers at our events.


CHRISTMAS WREATH MAKING

WORKSHOPSat the Carers Service

A fun and relaxed workshop to make and customise your own Christmas wreath.

Only £20pp each workshop.

Workshop 1: Thursday 29th November 2018, 6-9pm

Workshop 2: Saturday 1st December 2018, 1-4pm

Talented and previous experience of floristry, Desiree Jansen, will guide you through the methods of wreath-making, to make your own

unique Christmas piece to take home. An ideal workshop suitable for anyone who is keen to learn the art of wreath making.

Price includes; Free demonstration by Desiree • All materials provided (using all natural materials) • Christmas songs • Mince pies and mulled

wine included, plus tea or coffee.

This is a limited number event which requires pre-booking; To book call 688440 or

email: [email protected]

Charity Christmas Quiz & Christmas

Sing-a-longThursday 6th December 2018

7pm @The Millstone in Darwen.

only £5 per personTo book your place and support this amazing charity, ring BwD Carers Service on 01254 688440 or call into The Millstone in Darwen to pay and book your place.

BwD Carers Service and The Millstone are hosting a

Entertainment, Pizza & Fries Supper, Mince

Pies and a Quiz (prize for the winning team)


Carers discount organisations

To take advantage of discounts from these organisations, you must have a valid BwD Carers

discount card. These cards are available from Kingsway reception, all

we need is for you to send a photograph to [email protected] and the £2 payment can be made via, cash, cheque or bank transfer. We need more carers to register for these cards, you know how the saying goes “If you don’t use them, you lose them”.

New Carers Discount Organisations

Amalfi restaurant in Darwen, is currently offering all carers 10% off the total bill (24hr notice required, only applicable to collection or dine in bookings and cannot

be used in conjunction with any

other offer).Call 701133/email: [email protected]

Eddies’ pizza offers 10% off the total bill (cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers, plus on collection

and sit in only orders only). Call 776776 to order/ book online.

The Godfather Pizza House in Darwen, currently offers

all carers 10% off the total bill (cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers, can be used

on collection orders only. Please call 702233.

Papa`s currently, offers 10% off the total bill for all carers. Please call 777977/ booking online is also available. Artisan is currently offering 15% off to all carers. Please call 702644.

Kingsway Restaurant, BlackburnCurrently offers a 5% discount to all carers. The Kingsway restaurant offers a wide variety of foods, including daily specials and outside catering. Please call Sharon on: 07961989850.

Lomas, currently offers all carers a 25% discount. The services Lomas offer are listed below. For further details please phone 690600/email [email protected]

Miffy`s mobile Crazy Faces, currently offers all carers 5% discount on all bookings. Miffy, provides face painting

and glitter tattoo parties and events. Please contact Miffy on 07938018112/ email: [email protected]

Samantha’s holistic therapies, provides a homebased and mobile service, Samantha is currently offering all carers 10% discount on reflexology, reiki and crystal therapy services. Please call Samantha on 07732279485/ email:[email protected]

The Vault are currently offering 15% discount to all carers. Please phone 777911 for further details. Remember that all the above offers cannot be used, unless in receipt of a valid BwD carers card which are available to purchase FOR £2PP, from the Kingsway reception, please call 688440 for more details. All the above offers, are not allowed to be used in conjunction with any sales or current promotions, plus the management have the right to withdraw these offers at any time.


PERSONAL INJURY SERVICES Personal Injury specialists

Road Traffic Accidents Claims

Medical/Dental Negligence

Accidents At Work

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Wills & Probate

Care Fees advice

Court of Protection applications

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CHRISTMAS WREATH MAKING

WORKSHOPSat the Carers Service

A fun and relaxed workshop to make and customise your own Christmas wreath.

Only £20pp each workshop.

Workshop 1: Thursday 29th November 2018, 6-9pm

Workshop 2: Saturday 1st December 2018, 1-4pm

Talented and previous experience of floristry, Desiree Jansen, will guide you through the methods of wreath-making, to make your own

unique Christmas piece to take home. An ideal workshop suitable for anyone who is keen to learn the art of wreath making.

Price includes; Free demonstration by Desiree • All materials provided (using all natural materials) • Christmas songs • Mince pies and mulled

wine included, plus tea or coffee.

This is a limited number event which requires pre-booking; To book call 688440 or

email: [email protected]


YOGAEvery Tuesday 5.45 – 7pm

Cost £4 per session

The next sessions start from the 4th September

These sessions are designed around you, they are gentle and you can do them seated or standing using the support of a chair. Excellent for balance and mobility. Emily the tutor will take you through different poses to help you develop techniques.

Everyone welcome regardless of ability.

AUTUMN HEALTH WALKSThe health walks will continue every week on Thursday from 6th September leaving from Witton Country Park at 11am, please meet at the Witton Park arena for 10.45am. The walks will take place around the vicinity of Witton Park, Billinge and Ewood.

Our walks are a wonderful way to get fit, meet other people, and improve your emotional wellbeing.

Each month we have a special walk which takes place in and around Lancashire & Yorkshire, our Special walk in September is:

HAWORTH BRONTE COUNTRYThursday 20th September

Leaving from Kingsway at 8.45am and returning from Haworth at 3.00pm.

Cost £5.

This walk will take you up onto the moorland and you will have some spare time to explore this fabulous historic town.

If you are interested in walking please contact the Carers Service for more information and details of the special walks for October, November and December.

Everyone is welcome as long as you are able to walk up to 3 miles.

ACTIVITIES AND EVENTSby Kulsum Chisiti


LIVERPOOL AND THE GIANT PUPPETSThursday 4th October

Leaving Kingsway at 8.45am and returning from Liverpool at 4pm.

Cost £7

The Giant Puppets are on display for the final time! Not to be missed!

A day trip out to Liverpool with an opportunity to see the famous walking giant puppets that will parade through the high streets of Liverpool. There will also be some time to sightsee and shopping.

MINDFULNESS & BREATHWORKSTuesday 9th October

9.30am – 12.30pm

At Kingsway

A day’s workshop that will give you a good grounding to begin practicing Mindfulness. Mindfulness is simply… noticing what is happening right now. Mindfulness is taking notice of how your body feels and what you see, smell and taste. Maybe you even feel emotions in your body, perhaps through a tightness somewhere, or a good sensation. Mindfulness is also noticing what your mind is doing.

When you notice what is happening around you, you focus more deeply, and that attention to your own senses will help you improve in diverse areas of your life. When you notice what is happening around you, it can help you to calm down when you’re sad, angry or frustrated. Mindfulness helps you deal with tough emotions, and mindfulness can make you happy and feel good.



SHOPPING TRIP TO IKEATuesday 23rd October leaving Kingsway at 9am returning at 2.30pm.

Cost £6

Great for DIY ideas and items for your home. A great place to visit, a chance to look around and the IKEA bistro that now serves a ‘Veggie Hot Dog’.

CULTURAL EVENTSA visit to the Cathedral and the Mosque, to broaden your knowledge and outlook of different diverse groups in Blackburn. If you would like to come and visit the Cathedral or the Mosque to get an insight in how other religions and communities practice their faiths, put your name down for the upcoming visits.

Cathedral Visit Thursday 25th October 1pm meet at the Cathedral.

Mosque visit Date to Be confirmed.

NEURO LINGUISTIC PROGRAMMING/CONFIDENCE AND SELF ESTEEM BUILDINGThursday 22nd November

9.15am – 2.45pm

NLP is the technique to look at situations in a more positive light and retrain your thought patterns to stop negative thinking cycles. This technique is very useful for carers as it allows you to work with your situation and build confidence.

Are you feeling stressed or feeling that you are losing control? Unable to do the things you want to do, and losing yourself? This course is for you, it’s all about practicing and re-learning techniques that help you through difficult situations.

If you came to the last course, this course will build on the skills you were taught or it is a course that you can pick up at any time.


CHRISTMAS LUNCH AT RIVINGTON BARNTuesday 27th November

Leaving at 11am from Kingsway and returning at 4pm

Cost £20 - Includes transport and a 3 course meal.

Our festive Christmas lunch is back at this fantastic venue, decorated in a winter wonderland, in this beautiful scenic area of Lancashire.

Come and have a darn good meal and a knees up!

Merry Christmas everyone!

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING TRIPDate to be confirmed.

Cost £7

This year we will be going to the Victorian Christmas Market at the Lowry, Manchester.

If you are interested, please register your interest? Date is to be confirmed.

CARERS RIGHTS DAY QUESTION TIMEFriday 30th November

9.30am – 12.00pm

Caring for someone often raises a lot of issues that you normally would not have thought about. A lot of people don’t realise what rights they have and what they are entitled to? Or how to protect their loved one or their self and their assets?

Are you running into difficulties when contacting the right authorities? Accessing the right services? Do you know the Law?

If you are a carer you need to know this information, come to our Question Time and Information day with your questions.

This is the day for you to know your Rights!


CHRISTMAS CRAFTS COFFEE MORNINGWednesday 5th December

9.30am – 11.30am

A coffee morning to give you inspiration for Christmas, we will have an array of Christmas crafts ideas, cards, wreaths, Christmas gifts. Come and buy some lovely jewellery from our Christmas table top sale. Tombola, raffles, lucky dips.

And of course the usual coffee and cake.

CINDERELLA ON ICEThursday 6th December 7pm show

Meet at Blackburn Ice Arena for 6.15pm.

Cost £7

Please book at Blackburn Carers Service - first come first serve. This fantastic fairy tale on ice, a spectacular performance for the young and for the more mature child in us.

THEATRE TRIPWICKED AT THE PALACE THEATRE MANCHESTERSaturday 5th January 2.30pm Show Leaving Kingsway at 12.00

Cost £20

We will be arriving in Manchester for 1.00pm, where you will have the chance to have some lunch or have a coffee, please be in your seats for the matinee performance of Wicked for 2.15pm. We will be leaving at approximately 5.00pm after the show.



COFFEE MORNINGS IN THE NEW YEAROur themed coffee mornings give you a chance to get a brew, meet people and get the right information to support you in your caring role, come meet us and enjoy a different experience each time.

NEW YEAR NEW YOU!Wellbeing and Pamper Coffee Morning

Thursday 17th January

9.30am – 11.30

PANCAKES OF THE WORLD COFFEE MORNINGWednesday 6th February

9.30- 11.30

Traditional Pancakes, American Pancakes, Asian Pancakes, which one will you have with your cuppa, join us for this pancake tasting Coffee Morning.

MAMA MIA NIGHTThursday 7th February

6pm – 9pm Cost £5

A fun night with the songs from the film, guest appearances from three staff members playing the parts from the film, can you guess who?

Come along for a sing song and a potato pie supper. (Vegetarian option of Cheese & Onion pie).


5 WAYS TO WELL- BEINGDue to high demand this course has returned and will consist of six sessions based on various activities, which are fun filled and will provide a taster to continue with further courses. Also if you would like to engage in new activities or hobbies, crafts, yoga, music, cooking, relaxation and photography are integrated into this course.

A great way to build on skills, interact with others, build friendships and take some time out from caring. A trip is also organised for one of the sessions.

When: On-going Course. Please ring 01254 688440 for next session date.

Where: Kingsway Cost: FREE

LIFE AFTER CARINGA 6-week course designed to support you after a caring role has ceased, this may be due to bereavement or other reasons.

The course will enable you to express your feelings and re-establish yourself. It may help you re- engage with the world when you are feeling at a low point, space to talk and lots of support offered.

Please register if you are interested. The course is usually run on Monday mornings 10 – 12 in very small groups to enable you to feel comfortable.

MOCK ASIAN WEDDING.Thursday 7th March 5.30pm – 8.30pm Cost £5

A fun “mock” Asian wedding, with a twist; this will have a traditional and a non-traditional theme with good food and good company. You are all invited to get a taste of India with a twist.

This will give you an insight into the traditions but it will have a funny side to the celebrations, look out for our master of ceremonies, will you be able to guess who it is?


What a busy few months we’ve had! In addition to all the groups, trips and courses we always run, we’ve had the Masquerade Ball which was a fantastic night and the Walk a Mile event took place in Witton Park on a swelteringly hot day. We also made a film about the Carers Service – look out for it on our website soon.Our Annual General Meeting took place in July where some of our carers gave heartfelt and touching accounts of their caring journey and spoke about how the service has helped them. We love hearing about our carers and their experiences of this service and we are now giving out feedback forms to find out your thoughts and ideas. If a member of our staff has made a difference to you, please let us know! It’s lovely to be able to relay good feedback to staff. And if you have any suggestions about what could be improved, we’d love to hear these too. It

helps us to develop the service to meet our carers’ needs. Ask a member of staff for a feedback form or send your comments to: [email protected]

HEAD OF ADVISORSCLARE HOBLEY


New Parent Carers Coffee Mornings starting in OctoberWe are launching our brand new Coffee Mornings for Parent Carers! The lovely ladies at Parents in Partnership, Janet and Christine, are working with us to make sure our parent carers can meet to support each other, share information, learn about relevant topics and enjoy a brew and a natter. The meetings of this new group will take place on the second Thursday of every month from 10am – 12 midday.The first takes place on Thursday 18th October, then: 8th November, 13th December, 10th January, 14th February (to be confirmed due to half term), 14th March, 11th April and 9th May.Come along, meet others and learn about what can help you in your caring role. Watch this space for more information

Photography CompetitionWe live in an increasingly visual age and everyone is becoming a budding

photographer with smartphones and modern cameras. We need to update the photos we use for publicity purposes and we’d like them to reflect our Carers and the local Community in Blackburn with Darwen.That’s why we’re asking you – our carers and the wider community to get involved. Send us your photos of ‘Caring – what it means to me’. It could be - Shots of people at home or out and about - It could be a mock-up of a situation - Your photo could include a local landmark. First prize £30 mall voucher and Second prize £15 mall voucher.Send your entries to [email protected] with your name and phone numberYou can enter as many times as you like. The competition is open to anyone – amateur and professional photographers. Submit your entries by 16th November 2018. The photos submitted will be used for publicity purposes.

Max CardMax Card is the UK’s leading discount initiative for looked after children and children with special educational

needs and disabilities. It gives free or discounted entry to fun days out across the country at over 5000 venues, including Legoland, Alton Towers, Yorvik Viking Centre, Eureka and many, many more.Max Card is for any child under 25 with a disability. Quite often the discount applies to a family, not just the cardholder (depending on the venue.) The Carers Service have purchased a number of cards and have subsidised the cost to our carers, so the cost to you is £2. The cards are valid until Summer 2020.‘My son doesn’t last long in attractions and we usually pay a lot of money for a brief visit which made us reluctant to go places. Max card has enabled us to take our son to places for free or discounted so going home early isn’t such an issue anymore’ - Sam Thornton, ParentAsk at reception or call 01254 688440 to find out more.


If you do have a concern please contact:

Michael Strahan on: 01254 688440

or Email: [email protected]

BWD CARERS SERVICE DRUG AND ALCOHOL PROJECT


LEARNING DIFFICULTIESThere is now an open invitation for Carers to attend the Learning Disability Partnership Board (LDPB) and this seems to have taken the momentum from the separate LD Carers Meetings.

The option to hold separate meetings as a subgroup still remains, however, these have not been taken forward this year. Alan Pickup still attends the LDPB as the Carers representative but any Carer has the option to table a question at the meeting. If you want to have a subgroup meeting for Carers, please come to the Board so we can organise a time and date.

The subgroups of the LDPB are as follows: -

• LD Carers • Health • Meaningful Activities • Employment Housing & Benefits (New group yet to hold first meeting).

We now have increased attendance from Social Care & Housing Providers, Support Groups and Council Commissioners.

It is intended that future Board meetings will have a main theme and the next meeting on the 10th October at the Enterprise Centre (near Tesco) which starts at 10 am will focus on health.

Relationships and social activities are very important to adults with LD and in the past have been frowned upon, especially by care providers. There is now a greater awareness that adults with LD benefit from both friendship and relationships, including intimate relationships and have the same rights as any other person.

Meet and Match is a friendship and dating agency specifically for adults with LD and their website at http://www.meet-n-match.co.uk/ gives many examples of the successful relationships that have been made.

They offer training and advice on staying safe in relationships to try and en-sure people feel supported when taking, what must seem, a big leap in their lives. They also run events across the Northwest including a Summer Ball in September at the Hilton

Blackpool which helps raise funds for people to attend the Annual Conference in Blackpool in February next year.

There are many examples of local groups that have been

formed informally for adults with LD to meet and just have a good natter or take part in activities including the following:

• Monthly U Night Disco• Monthly Hyndburn Events Night• Monthly Pub Night Out• Monthly LGBT Support & Social Group• Bi-Monthly Morecambe Event• Twice Yearly County Wide Balls

Cheryl from BwD Connect can help with planning transport to get to these events, but I am sure if there is enough interest we can get something organised in BwD for social meetings to take place.

Any suggestions can be sent to Carole Ward at Care Network and can then be followed up by the Board. carole.ward@carenetwork.

org.uk

Don’t forget this is your Learning

Disability Partnership Board for all adults with LD and their family carers so please attend the next meeting. For dates of future meetings please contact Carole Ward at the email above.

by Yasmin Khalil


Hi there! The Dementia Cafes are still running on the first Tuesday of every month so come and join us. Also, there may still be time to register for the Alzheimer’s Society memory walks in the North West. The Memory Walks bring together friends, families and colleagues who all walk in memory of their loved ones. The dates are: - Manchester 29th September, Liverpool (day) 9th September, Liverpool (Night) 29th September, Leeds 22nd September and Blackpool 16th September. For more information contact the Alzheimer’s Society on 0300 330 5452 or go online at www.alzheimers.org.ukSundowning - is a term used about the changes in behaviour that occur in the evening, around dusk. Some people who have been diagnosed with dementia experience a growing sense of agitation or anxiety at this time. The symptoms may include a compelling sense that they are in the wrong place: they might say they need to go home, even if they are home; or that they need to pick the children up, even if that is not the case. Other symptoms may

include shouting or arguing, pacing, or becoming confused about who people are or what’s going on.Why does Sundowning happen? - There are lots of reasons why Sundowning occurs. As the day goes on, the person with dementia becomes more tired, and this can lead to their symptoms worsening. Hunger, thirst and physical pain can also play a part. As darkness falls, street lights come on and people settle in for the evening, some people with dementia become increasingly concerned that they are in the wrong place.What to do - Use distraction techniques: go into a different room, make a drink, have a biscuit, turn some music on, or go out for a walk. Ask

the person what is the matter. Listen carefully to the response and if possible, see if you

can deal with the source of their distress. Talk in a slow, soothing way. Hold the person’s hand or sit close to them. Follow a routine during the day that contains activities the person enjoys. Going outside for a walk or visiting some shops is good exercise.

Limit the person’s intake of caffeinated drinks: tea, coffee and colas. Consider stopping the person from drinking

alcohol altogether. Caffeine-free tea, coffee and cola is available, as is alcohol-free beer and wine. Try and limit the person’s naps during the day to encourage them to sleep well at night instead. Close the curtains and turn the lights on before dusk begins, to ease the transition into nighttime. If possible, cover mirrors or glass doors. Reflections can be confusing for someone with dementiaOnce you are in for the evening, speak in short sentences and give simple instructions to the person, to try and limit their confusion. Avoid large meals in the evening as this can be disrupt sleep patterns. Introduce an evening routine with activities the person enjoys, such as watching a favourite programme, listening to music, stroking a pet etc. Try to keep television or radio stations set to something calming and relatively quiet however. Sudden loud noises or people shouting can be distressing for a person with dementia.

OLDER PEOPLES ADVISORWITH SONIA STEVENS


We are sad to announce that the Charity Shop in Blackburn town centre is closing on Friday 28th September. The lease for the property has come to an end and unfortunately we have not been able to secure a lease on any other suitable premises within the borough.

We will be starting to reduce items in a ‘Lease End Sale’ so come on in a grab a real bargain!This is not the end we will still be looking for an appropriate location in the near future. We would like to say a huge thank you to all the staff who have put a lot of effort, hours and enthusiasm into the shop.

Alas we are sharing the news that Christine Robinson and Michelle Ellis of the Fundraising Team have sadly left the Carers Service to pursue different careers.

Both Christine and Michelle will be sadly missed and we recognise the hard work that they brought to the team over the years. Good Luck in your new vocation ladies!

With the Charity Shop closing Valerie Merrills the shop manager is also leaving the service at the end of September. Valerie had already planned to emigrate abroad. Valerie - enjoy the sun and a much needed break from the shop.

BWD CHARITY SHOP

GOODBYES


The Carers Service are now offering a Lasting Power of Attorney

information and form filling Service.Lasting Power of Attorney is about planning for later life and what you want to happen in your future.

There are two types of LPA’s: 1. Health and Welfare. 2. Property and Financial Affairs.

Come and find out more at our event on Monday 12th November 2018 10:30am - 12:30pm at The Carers Centre.

The cost is £10 – all attendees will receive an information pack and if you choose to go ahead with the service this cost will be deducted from the overall cost.The Carers Service will support you from start to finish of the LPA process.For more information and to book your place, please contact us via phone or email...

SERVICES ON OFFER AND COSTS

1 x LPA* £100.00 Includes two 2 hour appointments either at home or at the centre.

2 x LPA (if carried out at the same time)* £180.00Includes two 2 hour appointments either at home or at the centre.

Office of Public Guardian Fees (per LPA) £82.00

Quarter Workshops £10.00 Attendees will receive a LPA information Pack. If an appointment is

booked this fee will be deducted from the LPA fee.

LPA Pack Sent £10.00 If an appointment is booked this fee will be deducted from the LPA fee.

Volunteer to check self-completed forms at Kingsway £10.00

Volunteer to check self-completed forms at Home £15.00

Extra appointment at Centre £10.00

Extra appointment at Home £15.00DISCLAIMER – The service offered by Blackburn with Darwen Carers Service is for support and convenience of completing and registering an LPA. All decisions will be made by the donor. Please note, no advice is given.


Offering support to Young Carers aged 5 - 8 years of age in need of a break from their caring role.

EVERY FORTNIGHT: Wednesday 3:30pm - 5pm

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO REFER, PLEASE CONTACT:

Young Carers Project on 01254 692709 or email [email protected] Charity No: 222533

INFANT YOUNG CARERS

12 WEEK PROGRAMME TO HELP LEARN ABOUT:

• Fire Safety

• First Aid

• Keeping Safe

SUPPORT TO HELP:

• Meet NEW friends

• Try NEW Activities

• Enjoy crafts & games

• Enjoy Outdoors


DONATE OR LEAVE A BEQUEST TO BLACKBURN WITH DARWEN CARERS SERVICEIn 2007 Mary Horton became the main carer for her mother, who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Mary shared the family home and was quite involved at that time volunteering for many charities close to her heart. With her mother’s diagnosis, having knowledge about the disease was Mary’s first concern and she decided to look into how she could help her. Following much research on the internet, she found that diet, exercise and mental stimulation gave her the best chance of slowing down the progression of the condition.

Mary and her mother embraced these options and for a while they seemed to be working. Together they tried different things and went to many different places and generally had a very happy time. An old friend of Mary’s mother, a widower, started visiting, and an old friendship was rekindled.

They started going on outings together, giving Mary some much valued free time. As part of her research, Mary found BwD Carers Service. This proved an invaluable source of information with their knowledgeable staff, who were always able to provide suggestions.

Having attended some of the carer’s meetings, Mary realised how diverse a group of people they were able help and the support they were able to give.

Time passed and Mary spotted a piece in the local press about a drug trial for Alzheimer’s. Mary and her mother qualified to take part and it was during this trial that it was suggested to Mary that her mother was ready for day care. Sadly, the trial didn’t achieve the results hoped for and was stopped. Following a Carer’s Assessment, it was agreed that her mother could go to day care to give Mary some respite. Mary had been rather anxious that her mother might not be happy there, but she need not have worried – the support workers were so kind and her mother enjoyed herself.

Over the years the amount of professional support required increased. Although Mary could manage on her own, her mother’s cognition and mobility were diminishing, and she was becoming much more difficult to help.

Mary had always said that should her mother need to go into a care home, it would be for her benefit rather than Mary’s convenience. The tipping point had been reached and Mary felt that her mother would have a more enjoyable life in the residential care home she had found with lots going on, than at home on her own with Mary.

Mary’s mother died in May last year and on behalf of the Carers Service, we write this in Mary’s mother’s memory and thank Mary and her family for recognising the work that unpaid carers provide.

IN MEMORY OF A LOVED ONE

When a loved one dies, family may choose a charity to submit donations, please contact the service to request more information on 01254 688440.

CARERS NEWS€¦ · Blackburn with Darwen Carers Service Kingsway, Greenhurst Place, Blackburn BB2...

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