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A newsletter for people supporting their disabled, frail or ill relatives and friends in the borough of Brent Spring 2014

In this issue

P2 Latest News Carers’ Fundraising Carers’ Thames Walk

P3 Carers’ Forum

P4 Get Involved Your Opinion

P6 Carers News Carers’ Rights Day AGM

P8 Community News Carers’ Support

P9 Money Matters Sufra Food Bank Discounts 4 Carers

P10 Health Matters Bowel Cancer Diabetes Awareness Alzheimer’s Show

P12 Activities

CaringMattersCall: 020 8795 6240

brentcarerscentre.org.uk

The NHS is Changing - Whole System Integrated CareThe new Health and Social Care Act brings in the most wide-ranging reforms of the NHS since it was founded in 1948. To implement these, Brent local authority and the NHS Clini-cal Commissioning Group will be changing the way they work, linking all providers of statu-tory care support services in the Borough with a joint leadership team working seamlessly together towards a shared outcome.

This new approach of Whole System Integrated Care will allow care and support to be planned much more around the needs of the person, rather than the individual organisation’s remit of work. There will now be just one set of records shared across the organisations, improving the accuracy and reliability of the information held. However it also presents some very difficult decisions to be made with the limited budgets available.

Public meetings have been held throughout the borough to try and enable all users of health and social care services to contribute their views on

prioritising the range of care support services that are most needed in the borough and to identify any gaps in provision.

There will be no new money available but with Brent Social Services and NHS Clinical Commissioning Group working together more closely we should start to see a services being delivered more efficiently – transforming General Practitioners into network teams, with clearer pathways of support services across the two sectors as they collaborate. This should enable people to avoid crises, reduce A&E attendance and facilitate better information for self-care in the community.

To find out more about the proposed changes and their impact on carers, please come to our next Carers’ Forum Meeting on Friday 28th March at 10.30am at Wembley Centre for Health & Care 116 Chaplin Road Wembley HA0 4UZ

q Joined up health and social care

q Organise around people’s needs not historic organisational structures

q There is one set of records shared across organisations

q Multidisciplinary home care teams

q Fewer people are treated in hospital, and those that are leave sooner

q More specialist support in the community, so people can live independently in their own home

q More investment in primary and community care

q Social care and mental health needs to be considered holistically with physical health and care needs

q Less spending on acute hospital based care and other institutional care (residential and nursing care)

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LATEST NEWS

New Carers’ Fundraising Committee being LaunchedAt our last Carers’ Forum Meeting it was proposed by a Carer that we set up a Carers Fundraising Committee. Now why didn’t we think of this before??!!! A Carers’ fundraising committee can decide what they wish to fundraise for and co-ordinate fundraising activities throughout the year. Carers meet as often as they see fit.

We are looking for creative thinking carers who are willing to work as part of a team to raise funds for Carers in need. Please call us on 020 8795 6240 if you are interested in joining Brent Carers’ Fundraising Committee.

Why don’t you kick start our Carers’ Fundraising Committee by joining us on the:

Carers’ Thames Walk Saturday 31st May 2014 10am start at Southwark Cathedral

Andrew Cozens MBE Chairman of Carers Trust sends a message of support.

“ I thoroughly recommend the Carers Thames Walk as a really interesting and unusual opportunity to see parts of London you might not know. You can set your own pace and distance and walk with old or new friends. Most importantly it is for a great cause to help raise funds for supporting work with carers. I hope you can make it this year.”

There is a registration fee to pay which can be covered by the sponsors you receive. Additional funds raised by sponsors are used on supporting carers and carer activities.

If you are interested in joining us on the Carers Thames Walk, then you will need to register you interest with us as soon as possible, please call us on 020 8795 6240.

Message from our Chief ExecutiveWelcome to the spring edition of Caring Matters.Since joining Brent Carers’ Centre I have been working extensively on improving the services delivered within our Carers Services Hub and engaging with carers to hear your views and opinions on the services available to you.

We will be using this informa-tion over the next few months to help shape and influence improvement to services you receive. In the meantime we have also been very busy

keeping our ears to the ground, so we can keep you abreast of useful news and developments taking place in the borough.

We have introduced some new features in this edition: a Carer’s Profile to highlight the role of a carer and the support available to them; Community News; Money Matters; Health Matters and more. We hope you enjoy this edition of Caring Matters and welcome any feedback or ideas on how we can further improve your newsletter.

Happy Reading!

BCC Welcomes New StaffWe would like to extend a very warm welcome our new team of Carer Information Support Officers: Patsy Hudson, Vicky Trimikliniotis, Maureen Morant, Edna Smallie. We also welcome back our Health Liaison Officer, Odeta Pakalnyte.

Our staff team bring with them a wealth of experience and range of skills and expertise that is already significantly enhancing the quality and efficiency of services and support delivered by Brent Carers’ Centre and our Carers’ Services Hub.

Help us reduce our carbon footprint and save moneyWith limited funding available we are committed to saving costs where we can, reducing the use of paper to save trees as well reducing our carbon footprint.

You can help by opting to receiving our newsletter by email, rather than by post. To do so please call or email us and request that our newsletter is sent by email.

Thanking you in advance for your support and co-operation

Anne-Marie Morris Chief Executive

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Our aims for Carers’ ForumOur Carers’ Forum meets at least 4 times a year at varying times of day and evening to ensure that carers who are employed also have an opportunity to attend.

The aims of our Carers’ Forum are:

w To represent the views of carers in discussions with the local authority & NHS and thereby to influence the way local services are delivered.

w To inform the local authority when the experience of practice does not match current policy and falls below acceptable levels of quality in service as its design intended.

w To play an active part in the design and development of services by ensuring that the needs and wishes of carers are heard and placed at the centre of these processes.

w To allow carers to advise on how local services are performing and on the types of new services that could help carers.

w To enable carers to meet other carers and share their knowledge and experiences

All meetings provide an opportunity for Carers to hear first-hand of changes & developments taking place, to highlight some of the difficulties being experienced and to contribute to shaping services for the better. Carers who attend the forum help decide which items should be included for discussion at future forums. Examples of previous agenda items requested and discussed included home help and domiciliary care services and the recent welfare reform changes.

Please call 020 8795 6240 to confirm your attendance and lunch requirements.

Carers’ Forum dates

Friday 28th March 2014 10.30 am – 12.30pm

Venue: Wembley Centre for Health & Care 116 Chaplin Road, Wembley HA0 4UZ

Carers Assessments & The New Integrated Health Care in Brent A representative from Brent Adult Social Care & NHS Clinical Commissioning Group will be present to update you on their work and hear your views.

Refreshments available.

Thursday 26th June 2014 5pm – 7pm

Venue: Patidar House, 22 London Road HA9 7EX

Theme TBC

Refreshments available.

A Carer’s Profile Edna SmallieEdna Smallie has been the main carer for her brother and sister since she was 20. Her younger brother suffers from foetal alcohol syndrome which was not diagnosed until he was 4 years old and her sister has bi polar disorder.

Her life changed dramatically as she became head of the household and started to deal with social services, school admissions, hospital appointments, shopping for the family etc.

The most difficult challenges for Edna were understanding that she was a carer and what support and advice was available to her. She was entering an unknown stage in her life and learning about different services that were accessible to her. She also had to deal with the ignorance of others when dealing with mental health issues.

Edna feels that she puts herself last while she deals with her siblings’ care needs. She constantly thinks about their requirements and never fully relaxes unless she believes all their needs have been met. This has affected Edna’s health.

Brent Carers’ Centre has supported Edna in various ways. She applied for the New Opportunities Fund in 2013 and was successful in her application, using that grant to go on a well-deserved holiday. As a result she felt refreshed, relaxed and able to continue her caring role when she came back.

Brent Carers’ Centre also helped her by accessing information and services that were available to her. They run support groups that Edna was able to attend to discuss concerns and share stories with other carers who are in similar position. Edna finds them comforting as she was able to offload her feelings and share and receive any new services in Brent. She does feel, however, that Brent Council need to support carers more with consistent information and financial assistance.

When asked what advice she would give a new carer Edna says,

“Don’t be ashamed of the stigma attached to any illness. Come forward and get the support that is available.”Edna has recently joined us at Brent Carers’ Centre as a valued member of the Staff team.

If you would like to be featured in our Carers Profile please contact us on 020 8795 6240 or email@brentcarerscentre.org.uk

CARERS’ FORUM

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w Patient Participation GroupsMany of the GP practices in Brent have patient participation groups (PPGs) which meet regularly to discuss issues important to patients at that practice. Many surgeries also have virtual patient participation groups, so you have the option of contributing electronically as well as attending meetings.

From time to time, they run consultations on their proposals. They also publish details of national consultations that may seek your opinion.

You will find information about Patient Participation Groups at your local GP surgery. There are five GP locality areas in Brent, each with its own locality public and patient groups. These groups are a key source of patient experience, feedback and complaints. Patients from local practices are automatic members of these PPG groups and are welcome to attend and participate in their meetings.

Harness Natasha Harnett Natasha.Harnett@ brent-harrowpcts.nhs.uk

Kilburn Grace Dyer gracedyer@nhs.net

Kingsbury Rushda ButtRushda.Butt@ brent-harrowpcts.nhs.uk

Wembley Wendy HileyWendy.Hiley@ brent-harrowpcts.nhs.uk

Willesden Edward CokerEdward.Coker@ brent-harrowpcts.nhs.uk

w Healthwatch BrentHealthwatch Brent is your local spotlight on health & social care services delivered in Brent. It is an independent organisation whose aim is to give people in Brent a stronger voice to influence and challenge how health and social care services are provided in the borough.

If you have a complaint or something to say about local health and social care services in your area, Healthwatch is the body to report it to. The more details you are able to give, the better they will be able to investigate on your behalf. They will make sure that the right people within health & social care services hear about the issue and respond to it.

Anyone who lives in or is registered with a GP in the borough of Brent can join and participate in Brent Healthwatch, helping to improve local health and social care services and helping local communities to make their voices heard.

To find out more, please contact Healthwatch Brent on 0800 9961839 or visit their website at www.healthwatchbrent.co.uk

w Carers required to influence change within Integrated Care Do you care deeply about health services and want to be part of a team to make a real difference? If so then you may be interested in joining a new Programme being established in Brent and North West London.

Called Embedding Partnerships, it is all about creating an integrated care system that better serves the long term health and wellbeing of all adult patients. It will include a new Lay Members’ Forum of patients and carers to help design the Programme and make it work locally.

The time commitment will not be onerous. They will offer training and personal development opportunities and the expectation is you will attend about 3 meetings a year - with the option to engage in adhoc meetings and workshops as and when. All reasonable expenses incurred would of course be reimbursed.

Embedding Partnerships are seeking 2-3 carers from Brent, each with a different background, health needs and experiences to join the partnership, share your viewpoints and influence change.

If you think you could make a difference, please call us on 020 8795 6240 for further details and an application form.

GET INVOLVED

Your Opinion MattersBrent Carers’ Centre wants to ensure that Carers are aware of the different avenues available to get your views and opinions are heard where it matters. It is important that Carers have their say and influence decisions about services in the Borough that may affect them.

In addition to our Carers’ Forum there are a number of ways to do this, some of them listed below. We will try to keep you informed of public meetings and other community engagement groups which you might attend. By participating you may be able to have your travel expenses reimbursed, received free training and in some cases receive expenses to care for your dependent whilst you attend meetings.

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w Stakeholder Engagement Groups for Musculoskeletal and Gynaecology ServicesNHS Brent CCG is implementing a programme to commission outpatient services to be delivered in the community, where patients will have access to services that are delivered by teams with mixed skills.

There is a proposal to commission outpatient services in the following service specialities:

w Musculoskeletal services, including physiotherapy, orthopaedics and trauma and rheumatology (Musculoskeletal Services are healthcare services that primarily diagnose and treat conditions or diseases that affect joints, bones and the tissues around them); and

w Gynaecology services (Gynaecology Services are healthcare services that relate to the health of a female reproductive system).

The project team are seeking patients, carers and service users with experience of using Musculoskeletal or Gynaecology services to join stakeholder engagement groups. The groups will also act as representatives of other relevant stakeholder groups and will meet once a month for 2 hours. The stakeholder groups will provide support and input into the development of service specifications based on experience and user needs from services

There is an intention to restrict each group to 5/6 members as a maximum - this will allow the groups to be focused and make appropriate use of members’ time, and separate groups for each speciality.

If you are carer with experience of using Musculoskeletal or Gynaecology services and would like to be part of these stakeholder engagement groups or would like more information, please email: Wave2PlannedCare@brent-harrowpcts.nhs.uk stating which group you are interested in joining.

w Carers Required to Influence Change within Adult Social ServicesBrent Adult Social Care & Lift are running a service users’ involvement project and would like Carers to be involved.

They are seeking to recruit, train and support service users to able to have a voice through meaningful participation in the process of planning, developing and commissioning of their services. This is a chance to ensure that services suit the service user’s needs and are not just re-developed by policy makers and service providers.

What will service users gain from the project?

Service users will be given a unique opportunity to influence the decision making processes concerning the services they receive in Brent through ASC.

Service users will also:

w Be given structured training to build their skills and knowledge to participate effectively

w Become members of Bheard which is a service user group working with the council

w Access to additional training and support through Lift which includes housing, benefits, and employment support

w See a real difference in the community through the work they are doing

w Create an opportunity to network with other service users and local providers

If you are interested in getting Carers’ voices heard within Adult Social Service please call Sarah at Lift on 020 8965 2561

Your views and feedbackWe need to know what you think about our services and the way we are supporting you as a Carer, so have been actively encouraging carers to complete our Services Evaluation Form.

Your views are important to us as they enable us to continually improve our services. We want to know if you think we should do something better, but it is also nice to hear when we have been do-ing well! Carers can now give feedback anonymously on line too!

Just type the following into the address bar and complete our evaluation form, it takes only a few minutes:

w www.surveymonkey.com/s/G2Z7VSJ

If you have a comment, compliment or complaint about any of our services, then please contact Anne-Marie Morris via email: anne-marie.morris@brentcarerscentre.org.uk or call 020 8795 6240

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BRENT CARERS NEWS

A healthy discussion took place around the issues faced by carers. Carers were encouraged to prioritise area of improvement or gaps in service provisions. Some of the concerns that carers raised were:

w NHS and Social Services need to work in partnership and recognise Carers as Experts.

w Poor communication with Carers is widespread. Adult Social Service providers do not seem to know what a Carer is.

w Better communication is needed between services – especially GPs, Social Workers and Carers’ Centres.

w Health Practitioners with psychiatric expertise should be placed in GP surgeries to deal with special needs and complex cases. And to help patients through the system.

w Social Work professionals should follow through with Care Plans and make sure that Carers are receiving the services in their plan, and being reassessed as necessary.

w Information is needed on what to expect, what is happening with Mental Health and GP care. Especially with changes in the provision of services and how to negotiate through their systems.

w The need to identify Brent Occupational Therapists.

w The shortage of social clubs for people with physical disabilities.

Brent Carers’ Centre will be working relentlessly to highlight these and many more issues on behalf of Carers with the heads of services to influence the shaping of services provided by Brent Social Services and the NHS as well as within Brent Carers’ Centre.

Carers’ Rights DayCarers’ Rights Day 2013 took place on Friday 29th November. It is an annual national event giving Carers and Service Providers the opportunity to discuss the current and future provision of support for carers of all ages.

The event welcomed the following speakers:

Brent Citizens Advice Bureau Samia BadaniPresented information about new benefits available to Carers, and how to identify and access hidden benefits.

Brent Council Adult Services David Hardman Transformation Team ManagerPresented an overview of the new Carers Rights Bill.

Brent Clinical Commissioning Group Kay Olliveirre Equality & Engagement ManagerFocused on Brent’s commissioning plans for 2014/15. As well as outlined Brent’s Integrated Care Pilot and GP Hubs.

Kay Olliveirre, presenting on commissioning plans for 2014/15

An anonymous donor very generously purchased tickets and donated them to Brent Carers Centre for Older Carers to attend the Mayor’s Ball on Friday 13th December last year.

Mr Clement & Mrs Issa Wijetunge and 2 other carers were able to attend. They all thoroughly enjoyed the evening. It started with a drinks reception, followed by a luscious three course meal, live entertainment, dancing and a raffle. The proceeds from the event went to the Mayor’s chosen charity, Ashford Place. It was a perfect opportunity for a few of our older carers to enjoy an evening being wined and dined in a relaxing environment in the presence of our Right Honourable Mayor, Councillor Bobby Thomas.

Carers invited to the Mayor’s Christmas Ball

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Vicky Trimikliniotis – Carers’ Information and Support Worker at the Brent Parents’ SEN Conference

Brent Carers’ Centre Annual General MeetingThe Annual General Meeting took place on 22nd January 2014 at Patidar House, Wembley. A Carers’ Forum was held prior to the AGM, where carers reviewed the points raised on Carers’ Rights Day and discussed ways of taking the agenda forward.

Our special guest, the Mayor of Brent, Councillor Bobby Thomas, gave a warm welcoming speech to the AGM and a public acknowledgement to the many volunteers who have shown their support and commitment over the last year; volunteers in attendance were presented with bouquets of flowers and Marks & Spencer vouchers.

The official AGM business was efficiently conducted by Brent Carers’ Centre Chair, Irene Lewis. Seven trustees were appointed. The evening ended with a lively musical presentation by the Carers’ Music Group (see page 11) run by volunteer carer and trustee Rachel Garver, followed by a hearty hot Caribbean and Asian buffet, which went down a treat. Almost 50 carers attended. Details of our Carers Music Group can be found on page 11.

The Mayor of Brent, Councillor Bobby Thomas, presenting flowers and a voucher to Nicoleta Hutchinson, our long standing volunteer massage therapist, who has provided relaxing therapy to carers every Thursday

Brent Parents’ SEN (Special Educational Needs) Conference Edna Smallie and Vicky Trimikliniotis, Carers’ Information and Support Workers from Brent Carers’ Centre, attended the Brent Parents’ SEN Conference at Brent Civic Centre on 29th January. They ran an information stall, providing useful information and leaflets on the Carers’ Services Hub and its services and support available to parents and professionals.

The Conference itself focused on the coming reforms to SEN. The main change is a move from statements to a single education, health and care (EHC) plan for each child. This multi-agency approach should support a child with SEN from birth to 25 years of age.

This is a national change and Brent will be given a time-scale to implement it, including transferring children who are currently statemented onto the new system.

All relevant parents and carers should be kept up-to-date, and at the conference Brent Council promised to provide information on their website.

Member of the Carers Music Club led by Rachel Garver (far right) pose for a picture with our Mayor of Brent Councillor Bobby Thomas

Brent Dementia CaféThe Alzheimer’s Society in conjunction with other voluntary organisations launched a Dementia Café on Wednesday 5th February 2014.

If you have dementia or are caring for someone with dementia, you will receive a warm welcome at the café. They also offer free information and support.

Dementia Cafe is located at Kingsbury Resource Centre, 364B Stag Lane, NW9 9AE

For further information please contact The Alzheimers Society on 01923 824 329 or email brent@alzheimers.org.uk

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Carers’ Support Groups Support groups provide various types of help, some of it professional, to people who are coping with similar issues or have shared concerns. They bring together people who are experiencing difficulties, be they major life changes, illness or relationship problems. They can help to inform members of all kinds of useful information, and provide a sympathetic ear, a platform to discuss personal experiences.

Traditionally, groups are held weekly or monthly and are organised and managed by their own members. It is important to remember, however, that they should not replace your standard medical care. In essence, they are a place where a carer’s feelings are “normal” and where they can let off steam if need be. A support group can help carers feel less isolated and cope better by making connections with other people who also face challenges.

In this Spring edition of ‘Caring Matters’, we are looking at the Wembley Carers’ Support Group which is attended by Elaine Appleton, to see what they offer.

Q What is your role at Wembley Support Group?My role is to meet carers at the centre and make them feelwelcome.

Q What does Wembley Support Group offer?When carers first attend we want them to feel they are notalone. They learn ideas of each other and find out about newservices in Brent.

Q Why is there a need for a support group?There is a need for a support group in Wembley because when you look after someone 24/7, even though you want to do it, the caring role sometimes gets on top of you. Its having some ‘me’ time that allows me to have a break from my duties if only for an hour per month.

Q What type of carers belongs to WSG?A mixture of carers attend Wembley Support Group. They can be looking after spouses or a person that has a disability or caring for someone who is in supported living.

Q What makes a good support group?Communication. The group is a place to meet friends andsocialise with others.

Q Why join a support group?Support groups are places where you can express any concerns. They do not expect you to do anything or talk if you do not fee like it. It is a place where you can just sit and talk about anything which doesn’t necessary have to be about caring.

Brent Carers’ Support GroupsWembley Carers’ Support Group Day | ThursdayFrequency | Monthly (2nd Thurs of each month)Time | 11 am – 1pmLocation | Wembley Centre for Health & Care

Willesden Carers’ Support Group Day | FridayFrequency | Monthly (last Friday of each month)Time | 1pm – 3pmLocation | Willesden Centre for Health & Care

Kenton Carers’ Support Group Day | TuesdayFrequency | Monthly (1st Tues of each month) Time | 2pm – 3.30pmLocation | Kenton Methodist Church Hall

Sudbury Dementia Carers’ Support Group Day | WednesdayFrequency | Fortnightly Time | 11am – 1pmLocation | Harrow Road, Wembley For carers who care for someone with dementia

Wembley Dementia Carers’ Support Group Day | MondayFrequency | Fortnightly Time | 11am – 1pmLocation | Carlton Ave East, Wembley For carers who care for someone with dementia

Willesden Mental Health Carers’ Support Group Day | TuesdayFrequency | Monthly (last Tuesday of each month) Time | 1.30pm – 3.30pmLocation | Willesden Centre for Health & Care For carers who care for someone with a mental health condition.

Wembley Mental Health Carers’ Support Group Day | WednesdayFrequency | Monthly 3rd Wednesday of each month Time | 6pm – 7.30pmLocation | Wembley Centre for Health & Care

If you are interested in joining the Wembley Carers’ Support Group or any other support group we deliver, please contact us at Brent Carers’ Centre for information on the next sessions. All groups offer peer support for carers in a relaxed & friendly environment.

COMMUNITY NEWS

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Sufra Food Bank supporting Brent Carers

Food poverty is now a very real for concern for people on low incomes, and carers in Brent are particularly at risk of food poverty as they, alongside other people, are forced to pay higher prices for many essential goods and services than people who are better off. This is known as the Poverty Premium.

It is estimated by Save the Children that it costs the average low-income household an extra £1,300 a year, as they pay more for food, fuel, finance and other goods and services. (Source: www.church-poverty.org.uk/overtheodds Dec 2010) Local high street shopping has dwindled as the creation of large superstores and out-of-town shopping developments has driven local, independent retailers out of business and left the poorest people in ‘food deserts’ without access to affordable, healthy food.

Superstores can be difficult to reach for people on low incomes; 85% of households with weekly incomes under £150 do not have a car.

In these very difficult times Brent Carers’ Centre has teamed up with Sufra Food Bank to offer food bank vouchers to any carer in need of that extra support.

Carers are entitled to up to four food bank vouchers per year. Each Voucher will provide you with a range of staples such as rice, pasta and cereals, canned meat and fish, tinned fruit and vegetables, tea, coffee and long-life milk, in addition to a small selection of snacks and desserts. They also provide baby food and baby milk and can occasionally offer some fresh food supplies donated by local businesses.

Sufra food bank caters for a wide range of faith and culturally sensitive diets. Sufra is located in Kilburn, so Carers will need to travel there to collect their groceries. Unfortunately they are unable to offer a delivery service.

For further information about Sufra or to claim a food bank voucher, please call the Brent Carers’ Centre on 020 8795 6240

You can Turn to Turn2us!Turn2us is a charity that helps people in financial need to access welfare benefits, charitable grants and other financial help – online, by phone and face to face through their partner organisations.

Their website can help you find financial support quickly and easily, based on your circumstances. It features a free service which is easy to use; they have an online Benefits Calculator, a Grants Search and other information and resources.

If you are an individual seeking help for yourself or someone close to you, Turn2us aims to help you find the support available to you.

Turn2us helpline: 0808 802 2000 Check them out at: www.turn2us.org.uk

BRENT CARERS WANTEDEarn up to £66,000 a yearBrent council will be making a number savings to produce more cost effective services by reviewing some of its care provision and expanding others. Brent Shared Lives (BSL) is being expanded as it is seen as a value for money option that also offers vulnerable adults a community and family experience similar to fostering. Any one with the right attitude to care for our vulnerable adults can apply as we will offer training.

If you have a spare room, or up to 3 spare rooms call us below for more information: 020 8937 4159, 020 8937 4130 or 020 8937 4131 Brent Civic Centre, Engineers Way, Wembley HA9 0FJ BSL is a CQC registered service

MONEY MATTERS

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Discounts & Savings 4 CarersIt is stressful being a carer and can be a real financial struggle. To help ease some of the pressure off carers’ purses Brent Carers Centre and our partner Carers Trust UK have been working hard to negotiate and identifying discounts from local business for the benefit of carers.

Boots www.Boots.com/mobilityBoots will offer a discount of 10% on mobility products and daily living aids. The discount is available for products bought from the online Boots store at www.boots.com and is for internet shopping only.

To receive the discount: Go to www.Boots.com/mobility Select “homecraft” from the left hand menu (you may need to scroll down) and start shopping.Enter the code “CARERS” on the checkout to receive the 10% discount. It is important you enter “CARERS” in capitals, as it is a case sensitive password – it won’t work otherwise!

Cinema www.ceacard.co.ukThe Cinema Exhibitors’ Association Card gives one free ticket to the person accompanying a disabled person to the cinema. The card costs £5.50 for a year’s use.

There is an eligibility criteria applicant’s need to meet, all the details and the application forms are on the Cinema Exhibitors’ Card website. If you have difficulty accessing the website please get in touch with the Brent Carers Centre.Visit The Cinema Exhibitors’ Association website: www.ceacard.co.ukAll the cinemas in and around Brent accept the card including the Tricycle Cinema in Kilburn and the Lexi Cinema in Kensal Rise.

Vale Farm Sports Centre discount cardVale Farm Leisure Centre in Wembley offers a discount card for people with disabilities. The card costs £6.75 per year and gives 40% off activities. When applying for the card the centre will need to see two proofs of address and proof of disability.

Tenpin Bowling Carer ConcessionActon Tenpin Bowling offers a concession price for carers when accompanying a disabled person. Please let them know you are a carer when booking a game and bring proof of disability with you.

Dining out www.mymumz.comMy Mum’z Caribbean Restaurant & Cocktail Bar are offered to give a discount to carers in their own right. Carers can enjoy a sit down meal out on their own or with a friend and receive a 10% discount. Please quote “Brent Carers Centre” when booking and present our Brent Carers Centre ‘I Am a Carer’ card.

If you do not already have an ‘I Am A Carer’ card, then please call us and we will post one out to you!

My Mum’z is located at 453 Alexandra Avenue, Harrow, HA2 9SE. Bookings can be made on 0208 866 6479.

Bowel Cancer ScreeningDid you know that:

w Bowel Cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK

w Both men and women are at risk of developing bowel cancer

w Over 90% of those diagnosed with early stage bowel cancer are successfully treated

The Bowel Cancer Screening Programme helps to detect bowel cancer early. All men and women between the ages of 60-74 and who are registered with a GP will automatically be sent a screening kit. People 75+ who would like to take part in the Screening Programme can request a kit by calling Freephone 0800 707 60 60.

“You may think that doing the test sounds a bit embarrassing or unpleasant but it only takes a few minutes and is an effective way to detect bowel cancer early”If you would like further information please contact Davina Baptiste 020 8869 3376 davina.baptiste@nhs.net or visit www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk

Diabetes Awareness SessionBrent Carers’ Centre recently held a Diabetes Awareness Information Session for Carers. It was a fantastic opportu-nity to learn more facts about diabetes and dispel common myths. We had a chance to play with model foods and learned to make healthier choices when planning our meals.

Thanks to carers who attended this session and to our brilliant facilitator, Specialist Consultant Nurse Nin; we had really lovely time. General comments from carers were: “please organize more similar sessions at Brent Carers’ Centre”.

For up to date information on our training events for Carers, please turn to the back page.

The Alzheimer’s Show16 -17 May at Olympia, LondonIn association with the Alzheimer’s Society, this is the UK’s only dedicated exhibition and conference for carers, relatives and professionals living and working with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

DISCOVER over 60 dementia and care exhibitorsMEET Admiral Nurses in free, confidential 1-2-1 clinicsLISTEN to high profile speakers covering a range of topicsASK the experts in ‘Question Time’ panel sessionsHEAR personal experiences of caring for a person with dementia ATTEND sessions in The Alzheimer’s Talks & Topics TheatrePLUS much more!

Tickets £10* in advance. £16 on the door. To book tickets and for more information visit: www.alzheimersshow.co.uk

MONEY MATTERS contd HEALTH MATTERS

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SUPPORT ACTIVITIES

Yoga for CarersDay | ThursdayFrequency | WeeklyTime | 11.30 am – 1pmLocation | Stonebridge NW10

No previous experience required

Wear comfortable clothing, be ready to work in bare feet; Taught by a former carer who knows the benefits of yoga, especially in reducing stress

Relaxation Therapies for CarersDay | ThursdayFrequency | WeeklyTime | 1pm – 5pm (individual 45min sessions)Location | Wembley Central Fee | £2.00 per person

Phone us on 020 8795 6240 to make your appointment.

Massage, Indian Head Massage and Reflexology are currently available. We are always looking for more volunteers to ease the strains of caring.

Carers’ Music GroupDay | TuesdayFrequency | FortnightlyTime | 1pm – 2.30pmLocation | Willesden, NW10

Phone us on 020 8795 6240 to make your appointment.

Absolute beginners welcome. You too can play tunes and read music. We have recorders to lend but you are welcome to bring any instruments you wish: clarinet, banjo, guitar, violin…

Carers’ Book ClubDay | TuesdayFrequency | Monthly (2nd Tue)Time | 11am – 12.30pmLocation | Wembley Central

Phone us on 020 8795 6240 to make your appointment.

Do you love reading? Love talking about books? Then come along to Brent Carers’ Book Club. Its a fun, friendly and informal place to meet other carers and talk about books and reading.

SUPPORT ACTIVITIES

If you would like to join us or would like more information, please contact Brent Carers’ Centre 020 8795 6240.

Addaction 020 8459 9510

Age UK Brent 020 8965 7711

Asian People with Disabilities Alliance 020 8459 1030

Asian Women’s Resource Centre 020 8451 3822

Brent African & Caribbean Disabled People’s Association

020 8963 1731

Brent Bereavement Service 020 8459 6818

Brent Council – Customer Services 020 8937 4300

Brent Community Law Centre 020 8451 1122

Brent Indian Association 020 8903 3019

Brent Irish Advisory Service 020 8459 6655

Brent Mencap 020 8451 5278

Brent Mind 020 7604 5177

Brent Out of hours Social Services 020 8937 5250

Brent Samaritans 020 8961 6181

Carers UK 0808 808 7777

Citizens’ Advice Bureau (Brent) 0845 050 5250

Crossroads Care West London 020 8728 7000

Culture Dementia UK 0800 014 8682

Debt Advice Foundation 0800 043 4050

Elders’ Voice 020 8968 8170

Jewish Care 020 8922 2000

NHS Direct 0845 46 47

1Voice Parent Group 020 3556 0983

The Junction Drug & Alcohol Service 020 8961 7007

USEFUL NUMBERS

12

CARERS’ ACTIVITIES

Month Date & Time Details Location

April 2014

Friday 11th Horse Riding Ealing Horse Riding School

Thursday 17th 11am-1pm

Young Carers’ Peer Support GroupWembley Centre for Health & Care 116 Chaplin Road, Wembley HA0 4UZ

Monday 14th Cinema & MealRoyal Leisure Park Western Ave, Park Royal, W3 0PA

May 2014 Wednesday 28th Ice Skating Queensway

June 2014

Saturday 21st 2pm

Theatre “Thriller” The Lyric Theatre

Tuesday 24th 5-7pm

Young Carers ForumWembley Centre for Health & Care 116 Chaplin Road, Wembley HA0 4UZ

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Places for all the above are limited so will be offered on a first come first served basis. To confirm your attendance at any one of our activities, please call us on 020 8795 6240

Month Date & Time Details Location

March 2014Friday 21st

9.45am – 1pmBasic First Aid Training

Willesden Centre for Health & Care Robson Avenue, Willesden NW10

April 2014Monday 7th

9.30am – 1.30pmUnderstanding PIP

Wembley Centre for Health & Care 116 Chaplin Road, Wembley HA0 4UZ

May 2014

Thursday 8th 2pm – 5pm

Financial Management for CarersWembley Centre for Health & Care 116 Chaplin Road, Wembley HA0 4UZ

Friday 30th Day Trip to St. Leonards-on-Sea St. Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex TN38

June 2014

Friday 27th 9.45am – 1pm

Basic First Aid TrainingWillesden Centre for Health & Care Robson Avenue, Willesden NW10

9-15th

Carers Week: A week full of activities events to raise awareness & identify new and hidden carers. Watch this space!

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Brent Carers’ Centre Wembley Centre for Health & Care 116 Chaplin Road Wembley Middlesex HA0 4UZ

Tel: 020 8795 6240 Fax: 020 8795 6250Email: email@brentcarerscentre.org.uk Website: www.brentcarerscentre.org.uk

Opening Times: Mon to Fri: 9.00am – 5.30pm Wed: 9.00am – 8pmLast Saturday in every month: 12noon – 4pm

Charity No: 1066691 Limited Co. No: 3354038

Do you have some news for us?If you have any news, information or offers that would be of use to carers, then please let us know and we will try and include it in future issues of our Caring Matters Newsletter.

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