Ch ices Issue 95 June 2016 Carers’ Resource€¦ · Issue 95 June 2016 Growing service brings...
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Ch ices The Newsletter of Carers’ Resource Issue 95 June 2016 Growing service brings peace of mind for more carers Support on offer is expanding after scooping the North Yorkshire Carers’ Sitting Service contract – and Carers’ Time Off in Harrogate has also joined us. It creates a strong platform to boost tailor-made services for carers across our patch. Delivered under our specialist care provider, care@ carers’ resource, the service enables adult carers to have a temporary break, up to four hours a week, so they can focus on their own needs, health and wellbeing. We merged with Crossroads Airedale and Bradford in 2013 and have since been developing care services in clients’ homes in those areas. This new contract allows us to now mirror this in Craven and Harrogate. Chris Whiley, Carers’ Resource Director, says: “Caring can be a demanding, isolating and all- consuming role and carers can often neglect their own needs and health. “We’re delighted to pool all our combined skills and expertise into a more integrated service that will generate benefits for both Harrogate and Craven’s caring communities. “It creates a strong platform to take sitting services into a new era and offers real potential to bring about improvements. “Once we are up and running smoothly, we will be looking at the service people receive and exploring ways of enhancing it to ensure that it is meeting the needs of carers. “This will include the development of initiatives that will pave the way for us to support more people who would benefit from it more quickly.” The service can include accompanying people requiring care on leisure activities, such as trips to the cinema, the library or going for a walk. It is open to anyone over 18 who is looking after someone with a physical, mental or learning disability; or suffers from substance misuse, dementia, or a life-limiting or terminal illness. All carers need to have had an assessment in order to be referred. • Contact our offices for more details. Harrogate 01423 500555 Skipton 01756 700888 Bradford 01274 449660 Ripon 01765 690222 Email [email protected] Web carersresource.org facebook.com/carersresource @CarersResource More breaks for carers on the cards, as Carers’ Resource wins new contract New care@team: (left to right) Registered Manager Debbie Fisher, Carers’ Time Off Manager Christine Boxall, Head of Care Sam Dawson, Craven Manager Sarah Hubert, Harrogate Manager Angela McKeown. Carers Week 6-12 June 2016 Join us to mark and celebrate this special awareness week which puts carers firmly in the national spotlight. We’ll be holding various events in the community as part of this year’s theme – Building Carer Friendly Communities – see you there! Check out our Carers Week special events calendar on page 5 – and more will be listed on our website.
Transcript of Ch ices Issue 95 June 2016 Carers’ Resource€¦ · Issue 95 June 2016 Growing service brings...
Ch icesThe Newsletter ofCarers’ Resource
Issue 95 June 2016
Growing service brings peaceof mind for more carers
Support on offer is expanding after scooping theNorth Yorkshire Carers’ Sitting Service contract – and Carers’ Time Off in Harrogate has also joined us.
It creates a strong platform to boost tailor-madeservices for carers across our patch.
Delivered under our specialist care provider, care@carers’ resource, the service enables adult carers to havea temporary break, up to four hours a week, so they canfocus on their own needs, health and wellbeing.
We merged with Crossroads Airedale and Bradfordin 2013 and have since been developing care servicesin clients’ homes in those areas.
This new contract allows us to now mirror this inCraven and Harrogate.
Chris Whiley, Carers’ ResourceDirector, says: “Caring can be ademanding, isolating and all-consuming role and carers can oftenneglect their own needs and health.
“We’re delighted to pool all ourcombined skills and expertise intoa more integrated service that willgenerate benefits for bothHarrogate and Craven’s caringcommunities.
“It creates a strong platform totake sitting services into a new eraand offers real potential to bringabout improvements.
“Once we are up and runningsmoothly, we will be looking at theservice people receive andexploring ways of enhancing it toensure that it is meeting the needsof carers.
“This will include the development of initiatives thatwill pave the way for us to support more people whowould benefit from it more quickly.”
The service can include accompanying peoplerequiring care on leisure activities, such as trips to the cinema, the library or going for a walk.
It is open to anyone over 18 who is looking aftersomeone with a physical, mental or learningdisability; or suffers from substance misuse,dementia, or a life-limiting or terminal illness. All carers need to have had an assessment in order to be referred.• Contact our offices for more details.
Harrogate 01423 500555 Skipton 01756 700888 Bradford 01274 449660 Ripon 01765 690222
Email [email protected] Web carersresource.org facebook.com/carersresource @CarersResource
More breaks for carers on the cards, as Carers’ Resource wins new contract
New care@team: (left to right) Registered Manager Debbie Fisher, Carers’ Time Off Manager Christine Boxall, Head of Care Sam Dawson,Craven Manager Sarah Hubert, Harrogate Manager Angela McKeown.
Carers Week6-12 June 2016
Join us to mark and celebrate this special awareness week which puts carers firmly in the national spotlight. We’ll be holding variousevents in the community as part of this year’s theme – Building Carer Friendly Communities – see you there!
Check out our Carers Week special events calendar on page 5 – and more will be listed on our website.
Page 2 Choices: Carers’ Resource – Harrogate | Craven | Bradford | Airedale
People with dementia in Ilkley and their carers are being consulted onhow to improve their experience of nature and the outdoors as part of a new study.
Dementia Outdoors is a project by Ilkley & District U3A, in partnershipwith The Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust and Dementia Friendly IlkleyAction, to establish the challenges people with dementia face whenaccessing outdoor activities and travel in the Dales.
The first stage will assess the level of interest; any barriers Ilkleyresidents identify which prevent them from enjoying the outdoors, andtheir preferred outdoor activities. Organisers hope to apply for fundingfor activities for summer 2017.
Questionnaires are available at: The Clarke Foley Centre, Cunliffe Road,Ilkley; Ilkley Library, and Ilkley, Burley and Addingham Medical Centres,online at www.surveymonkey.com/r/RBXNJSF For details [email protected] or phone Roger on 01943 839607.
FOR SALE:O-PAIR WHEELCHAIR BIKE £850 onoThe seller says: “We’ve had such funwith this trike, but our daughter is livingaway from home, so we hope someoneelse can enjoy it.” New model retails at£4,750. Carer spent £200 on new tyresand service to make sure it is safe andready for use. It has signs of wear andtear commensurate with its use. Apartfrom the style of the chair on newermodels, it is exactly the same as those onthe O-pair website.(Buyer may need tobuy a harnesssuitable forpassenger.) Pictured: Thewheelchair detachedand attached to thebike section. If youare out and about,you can lock up therear bike half and gooff walking with thewheelchair. Contact: Heather Lamborn (01904) 738317email: [email protected]
Dementia outdoors
CARER’S ADVERT
ACCOMMODATION VACANCY – House share,HARROGATE – My son lives in a property in Bogs Lane, Harrogate. He has specialneeds and is supported by carers. He is generally a quiet young man who enjoys sports,wildlife and being outdoors. We are looking for a second person to share the property withhim. There is a living room, kitchen/conservatory dining area, and ground-floor bathroom.The bedroom available is a double on the ground floor. For information please contact Sandie Wilkinson on 07988 546556.
CARER’S ADVERT
New lateropening timesCarers will be able to accesssupport in the evenings at ourBradford office.
Every Tuesday, from 14 June,we will be open until 8pm toenable carers who cannot visitduring the day to attend one-to-one appointments, specificworkshops or groups.
The first late-opening willinclude a workshop on DLArenewal form-filling for parentcarers, from 6pm, with NatalieBaxter, parent carer caseworker.
On 21 June the new ShipleyBook Group starts. If you are akeen reader and would like todiscuss books with others, thenplease join us.
Members will read popularnovels (not too high-brow) aschosen by the group and will meetonce a month, 6.30pm to 8pm.
For those who find it difficult toget to the group there will be theoption of e-mailing or postingcomments which will be readout. A resumé of the discussionwill be shared afterwards.
For more information emailDirector Chris [email protected] ortelephone the Bradford office.
Don’t be left in thedark – call 105The easy-to-remember phonenumber 105 is the new line tocall to report or get informationabout power cuts.
The Energy NetworksAssociation has introduced 105to give people a simple numberto call which will put themthrough to local teams who canhelp. Launched in Spring 2016,the free phone number will notaffect those on the PriorityServices Register.
Visit www.powercut105.com
HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE Carers can help future NHS leaders by sharing their healthcare stories.
NHS England invites people to take part in the professional leadershipdevelopment programmes, which involve listening to patients, carersand anyone who has used services.
Volunteers are required to share their experiences with specificexamples, to ask and answer any questions from participants, and takepart in discussions.
To register your interest, visit: www.leadershipacademy.nhs.uk/impact/patient-carer-communities/volunteer-recruitment/
Max cardsmean maxfunParent carers of children or youngpeople with special needs cansnap up discounts at attractionsand days out throughout the UK with a special card.
The Max Card gives money offor free entry – for up to two adultsand two children – at venues suchas Yorvik, Castle Howard andEureka in Yorkshire, and hundredsmore venues across the country.l The Parents Forum Bradford andAiredale processes the cards forfamilies within Bradford Councilarea. The child must be in receipt ofDLA at any level. Cards cost £2.50and are valid for two years. Formore details visit www.pfba.org.ukl For families in Craven andHarrogate, North Yorkshire PACTis providing the cards free to itsmembers. Telephone: 01765640552 or visit www.nypact.org.uk
The cards are availablenationally and differentorganisations administer them onbehalf of local councils.
Can you brew up for others – or spare the cost of a cuppa – to helpothers take time out from caring?
Invite your friends, family or colleagues to a tea party or coffeemorning and ask them to make a donation in aid of our annual Time outfor Tea fundraising campaign.
Anne Wells, our Fundraising Coordinator, says: “People can arrange anall-office tea party, or just a small get-together at home, or even justdonate the cost of a cup of tea – everything and anything can help so wecan support more carers to enjoy a break themselves.
“And if carers and their families can also spread the word about TimeOut for Tea among their friends, neighbours, social circles and networks,we hope to make this year a bumper onefor carers.”
We are asking for people to support thedrive during Carers Week (6 – 12 June),and submit your donation by Friday, 29July, to be entered in our prize draw towin £50 Bettys vouchers.
Donations can be sent by cheque,payable to Carers’ Resource, to ourHarrogate office (address opposite), oronline at carersresource.org or textTOFT16£5 (or another amount) to 70070.
For a fundraising pack and more infocontact Anne Wells at Harrogate office oremail [email protected]
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Carers’ Resource is an independentand nationally-recognised Yorkshirecharity which gives tailoredinformation and support to carers,those in need of care and support,and the professionals who workwith them. Our services supportpeople to remain independent, andhave choice and control to improvetheir lives or situations.
Carers’ Resource is a companylimited by guarantee.
Reg charity number 1049278.
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONSContributions (50-500 words) arewelcomed but may be edited. The views expressed do notnecessarily reflect policy of theCarers’ Resource. Reference to anyservice does not implyrecommendation.
The deadline for submissions fornext issue is August 1, 2016 and canbe sent to the editor, Carolyne Coyle,email: [email protected] or by post to the Bradford office(address below).
CONTACT USHarrogate11, North Park Road, Harrogate, HG1 5PD.Tel: 01423 500555 Fax: 01423 507777SkiptonGriffin House, Broughton HallBusiness Park, Skipton, BD23 3AN.Tel: 01756 700888 Bradford15, Park View Court, St Paul’s Road,Shipley, BD18 3DZ.Tel: 01274 449660Fax: 01274 449673RiponCommunity House, Sharow View,Allhallowgate, Ripon HG4 1LE.Tel: 01765 690222Emailinfo@carersresource.orgWebwww.carersresource.orgFacebookwww.facebook.com/carersresourceTwitter@CarersResource
Choices is produced by Carers’Resource and designed and printedby Avenue Printing House, 42-44 Wharfedale Avenue, Harrogate, HG2 0AU. Telephone 01423 562924. www.avenueprintinghouse.co.uk
Summer is on its way – at last!It’s with great pleasure and pride that I look forwardto my first Carers Week as Director at Carers’Resource. It’s a wonderful opportunity for us toraise the profile of the challenges carers face, aswell as recognising and celebrating their importantcontribution to our communities.
We hope to be able to offer our support to evenmore carers by highlighting our services at variouscommunity venues – reflecting this year’s theme ofBuilding Carer Friendly Communities. We have arange of events organised (page 5) and many morewill be confirmed and on our website in time for the special week, so please check it out.
This edition also features success stories. Our new sitting servicecontract means we can offer more breaks to carers (page 1), andhundreds have benefitted from the Carers Wellbeing Grant (page 8), andtwo carers have shared their stories about how the grant will help them.
And young carers have been partying to mark the 20th anniversary oftheir support – which is one of the longest-standing young carers’services in the UK. See the brilliant photos of the fun they had (page 11).
Thanks to those carers who have signed up for our new Carers Panel.As a member you are invited to share your ideas and opinions with us,and your comments will help us shape services and affect decisionsbeing made on your behalf. If you would like to join please [email protected] stating Carers Panel, or contact CarolyneCoyle on (01274) 449660. In our next edition we plan to launch our newCarers Forum so watch this space.
Wishing you all a sunny and healthy summer.Chris Whiley, Director, Carers’ Resource
Take a breakfor carers
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By helping carers and clients, and contributing to arange of services and support in and outside of ouroffices, their dedication deserves recognition allyear round – and especially so during Volunteers’Week (June 1-12).
Our volunteer team allows us to tap into a widerange of skills and experience that we would not beable to access normally. They also freely offer theirtime, which is a hugely valuable asset to anyorganisation. They spend time with our clients ingroups, allowing carers who can feel very isolatedto take part in an activity, such as knitting, or sit andchat over a cuppa or a meal.
They support individual clients by visiting them athome and helping them to overcome barriers whichwould otherwise restrict their access to the outsideworld or leave them feeling unable to cope. Forexample, our Home from Hospital volunteers helpclients settle back into home after a stay in hospital,while others have helped a client to work out how to
feed and care for a pet goat while the client wasattending regular hospital appointments.
Other tasks taken on include:l Regular phone calls to brighten an isolatedcarer’s dayl Helping at and organising information stands inthe communityl Taking the cared-for out for a walk so the carercan have a breakl Help with office work to free up staff timel Fundraising.
Volunteers are invaluable – a BIG THANK YOU toone and all – we couldn’t do it without you – from allthe staff, trustees and supporters at Carers’ Resource.
A special afternoon tea is to be held in each officeduring Volunteers’ Week, organised by staff, tothank our volunteers for a job well done!
For information about our volunteeringopportunities contact your local Carers’ Resourceoffice and ask for Val Stewart or Jean Eames.
Celebration ofdedicationVolunteers in Harrogate who have given more thantwo thousand hours to help carers get a break hadtheir dedication recognised at a celebration.
Hosted by Harrogate and Ripon CVS, HarrogateMayor Councillor Nigel Simms and Mayoress LynnSimms presented certificates to some of thevolunteers who provide our Carers’ Time Off service.
Last year the team gave 2,390 hours of support in980 visits to more than 60 carers – an average of 199hours a month.
Congratulations to all involved – this support ispriceless and means so much to carers.
For details about CTO contact Christine on (01423)500555 or email [email protected]
All hands on deck formail-outVolunteer co-ordinatorJean Eames reports:
For the past 20 years,the mailing out of ourChoices magazine hasbeen, and still is, doneby our dedicated teamof volunteers inHarrogate.
When I first started supporting the volunteers at mail-out about seven years ago we organised and completedthe event in one morning, or about five hours, fillingand sending between 4,000 to 5,000 envelopes.
For the last two years, because of rising clientnumbers, our volunteers now come in on twoseparate days, four times a year, to help make surewe get the newsletter to more than 10,000 clients –quite an achievement.
Room One at the Harrogate office is always buzzingwhen the volunteers get together for the task.
They enjoy the atmosphere, catching up with fellowcolleagues and staff, listening and laughing to talesfrom the Dales from a very informative volunteer,who always keeps us up to date with local andnational news, and there are often homemade cakesto tuck into at coffee break.l If anyone is interested in joining the mail-out teamfor a couple of hours, four times a year, pleasecontact Jean on (01423) 500555 or [email protected]
Our volunteers are pricelessAt Carers’ Resource we have more than 150 volunteers who give up their timeregularly to help improve the lives of others
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Carers Week is an annual campaign to help raiseawareness of caring, highlight the challenges carersface and recognise the contribution they make tofamilies and communities throughout the UK.
It is brought to life by the individuals andorganisations that come together to organiseactivities and events, drawing attention to just howimportant caring is.
Every week is ‘carers week’ for us at Carers’ Resourceas carers are always at the forefront of our minds. Thisyear’s national theme is Building Carer FriendlyCommunities – a theme we strongly uphold and onewe aim to endorse as we build local, regional andnational links to push for greater recognition of carers.Carers Week report 2015
Research was carried out during Carers Week 2015which looked at how ‘carer friendly’ differentcommunity services were and the impact they had oncarers’ lives. The research was based on responsesfrom almost 5,000 carers from across the UK.
Overall, it found there was huge variation in thesupport received by carers in their local communityacross a range of different services, from their localGP through to shops on the high street.
There were various examples of services not beingcarer friendly, damaging carers’ health and negativelyaffecting their ability to look after the person theycare for.
Two-thirds (65 per cent) of carers providing moresubstantial care to a friend or loved one said one ormore of their local services was not carer friendly.
The aim of this year’s dedicated week is to build andimprove carer friendly communities – giving all carersstronger recognition and support.
The full report is available on the Carers Weekwebsite: www.carersweek.orgLocal celebrations for carers
Staff across our large patch have been organisingevents and drop-ins for carers to join with duringCarers Week.
These are over and above the ‘regular’ sessions wehold to enable us to reach out to even more of thegrowing number of carers during the special week.
If you know someone who is a carer and has not yetbeen in touch with us for help or support, please letthem know about numerous events taking place.
CARERS WEEK – 6-12 JUNE, 2016
Monday, 6 June 9am-noon,*Cottingley Surgery, Littlelands,Bingley BD16 1AQ • Carerhealth checks • Meet the PatientParticipation Group
Monday, 6 June 2pm-4pm,*Moor Park Medical Practice,Bluebell Building, BarkerendHealth Centre, Barkerend Rd,Bradford BD3 8QH
Tuesday, 7 June, 8.30am-noon,*Sunnybank Medical Centre,Town Gate, Wyke, BradfordBD12 9NG • Meet the PatientParticipation Group
Tuesday, 7 June, 2pm-4.30pm,*Harrogate Carers’ Resourceoffice
Wednesday, 8 June 9am-noon,*Saltaire Medical PracticeRichmond Rd, Shipley BD184RX • Carer health checks •Meet the Patient ParticipationGroup
Wednesday, 8 June, 10am-noon,*Coffee morning and Open Dayfor carers, Lord Mayor ofBradford visiting, Carers’Resource office, Shipley, BD18 3DZ
Wednesday, 8 June,Dyneley House Surgery,Newmarket St, Skipton BD232HZ (details to be confirmed –please check our website)
Thursday, 9 June, 8.30am-11am,*Windhill Green MedicalPractice, Thackley Old Rd,Shipley BD18 1QB • Meet thePatient Participation Group
Thursday, 9 June, 11.30am-2pm,Information stand for staff onlyat Skipton Financial Services,Skipton
Thursday, 9 June, 2pm-4pm,Carers Dance, organised byCarers’ Time Off, St Paul’sChurch Hall, Harrogate –booking essential – a special tea
dance for carers and cared-fors,led by dance instructor SamLawrence, kindly funded byHarrogate Lions. ContactChristine Boxall, Carers’ TimeOff, at Harrogate office – placeslimited
Thursday, 9 June, 2pm-4pm*Thornton Medical Practice,Craven Ave, Thornton, BradfordBD13 3LG
Friday, 10 June, 8.30am-10.30am*Westcliffe Medical Centre,
Westcliffe Road, Shipley, BD18 3EE
Friday, 10 June, 10am to 12.30pm,*Harrogate Carers’ Resourceoffice
Friday, 10 June, 3.30pm – 5pm*Cowgill Surgery, Thornaby Drive,Clayton, Bradford BD14 6ES
EXTRA: Friday, 17 June, 12.30 –3pm,* Farfield Surgery, WestLane, Keighley BD21 2LD (forpatients at this surgery)
Special Carers Week calendar of events All events marked with* are drop-ins, free information and chat with Carers’ Resource staff.
Page 6 Choices: Carers’ Resource – Harrogate | Craven | Bradford | Airedale
AIREDALE AND SKIPTONSUPPER CLUBDates: Approximately every 6 weeksTime: Early eveningWhere: Various venues acrossSkipton and Airedale. Carers, cared-for and former carers– early evening meal out.Contact volunteer Tracey on 07497 4574687.
BINGLEY DROP-INDates: 1st Wednesday of themonth (1 June, 6 July, 3 August)Time: 10.30am – noonWhere: The Coffee Lounge, QueenStreet, Bingley, BD16 2JS.For carers.
CLAYTON MEN’S GROUP,CLAYTON, BRADFORDDates: Every FridayTime: 1.30pm – 3.30pmWhere: Clayton Village Hall, RevaSyke Road, Clayton, Bradford,BD14 6QN.Dominoes, cards, pool table andmore. £1 for refreshments.Transport can be arranged. Contact Carol on 07846 344071.
HAPPY MEMORIES,UNDERCLIFFE, BRADFORDDates: Every ThursdayTime: 1.30pm – 2.45pmWhere: St Andrew’s Church, Otley Road, Undercliffe, Bradford, BD2 4QP.Relaxed singing group run byAlzheimer’s Society for peoplewith dementia/memory loss andtheir carers, led by trained leader.Contact Stephanie Crabtree on(01274) 586008.
PARKLANDS EPILEPSYSUPPORT GROUP,UNDERCLIFFE, BRADFORDDates: 4th Tuesday of the month(28 June, 26 July, 23 August) Time: 1pm – 3pmWhere: Parklands Medical Practice,Park Road, Bradford, BD5 0SG.Contact: Stephen Greenwood(01274) 675721 [email protected]
ART GROUP, BROUGHTON HALLDates: Tuesdays in 4-week blocks:June 14, 21 and 28, July 5; nextblock – August 23 and 30,September 6 and 13.Time: 10am – noon
Where: Carers’ Resource SkiptonOffice, BD23 3AN.Carers only. Art work produced ofyour own choice, no experienceneeded.All materials/refreshmentssupplied. We do not work in oilsbut most other media catered for.Small, friendly group.Cost: £28 per 4-week block, fullcash payment required on firstday of the block.Contact Anne Brennand 01756 700888
UTOPIA LUNCH GROUP,BROUGHTON HALLDates: 2nd Tuesday of the month(14 June, 12 July, 9 August)Time: 10am – 11.30amWhere: Utopia, Broughton HallBusiness Park, BD23 3AN.Carers, cared-for, former carers andvulnerable adults coffee morning.
CEDAR COURT COFFEEMORNING, HARROGATEDates: 3rd Wednesday of themonth (15 June, 20 July, 17 August)Time: 11am – NoonWhere: Cedar Court Hotel, ParkParade, Harrogate, HG1 5AH.Carers and former carers.
DALES DINERS LUNCH,DARLEYDates: 1st Thursday of the month(2 June, 7 July, 4 August)Times: 1pm – 3pmWhere: Christ Church Hall, MainStreet, Darley, Harrogate, HG3 2QF.Carers and those they care forwho have memory problems.Social get-together. £4.50 for twocourses. Booking required.Contact Carol Lancaster on 01423 500555.
ALLSORTS AT WINKIES,HARROGATEDates: Every Monday includingschool holidays, except BankHolidaysTime: 3.45pm – 5.15pm Where: Unit 9 Provincial Works,The Avenue, Starbeck, Harrogate,HG1 4QEFree for children with specialneeds aged 0 – 11 years. Siblingswelcome at £2. Refreshments,books, information and supportfor parents and carers. Contact – 01423 886886.
FRIENDSHIP GROUP,HARROGATEDates: Last Thursday of the month(30 June, 28 July, 25 August)Time: 2pm – 4pmWhere: Carers’ ResourceHarrogate Office, HG1 5PD.Carers and former carers.
PINS AND NEEDLES,HARROGATEDates: 1st Tuesday of the month (7 June, 5 July, 2 August)Time: 10.30am – 12.30pmWhere: Carers’ ResourceHarrogate Office, HG1 5PD.Carers and former carers.
SUPPAUT, HARROGATEDates: 1st Wednesday of themonth (1 June, 6 July, 3 August)Time: 10.30am – 12.30pmWhere: Carers’ ResourceHarrogate Office, HG1 5PD.Support group for parents andcarers of people with autism.
SUPPER CLUB, HARROGATEDates: Every 4 – 6 weeksTime: Early eveningWhere: Various venues inHarrogate area. Carers, former carers, and cared-for. An opportunity to socialisewith other carers.Cost: Variable – we try to take ad-vantage of early bird/special offers.Contact Sheila Constable on 01423 500555.
GET TOGETHER, ILKLEYDates: Thursday, 30 June; Thurs,28 July; Friday, 19 AugustTime: 2pmWhere: Abbeyfield, 12 RiddingsRoad, Ilkley, LS29 9BF.Carers, cared for and formercarers get together.
LET’S SING TOGETHER, ILKLEYDates: First Tuesday of the month(7 June, 5 July, 2 Aug)Time: 2pm – 4pmWhere: Clarke Foley Centre,Cunliffe Rd, Ilkley LS29 9DZSinging group for people withmemory problems and their carers.Contact Janet Austin 01943 430207.
LUNCH GROUP, INGLETONDates: Last Mon/Tues (alternate) ofthe month (Tuesday 28 June,Monday 25 July, Tuesday 23 August)
Carers’ Groups and Activities: Airedale, Bradford,
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Craven, Harrogate, Ripon and districtsTime: NoonWhere: Three Horse Shoes, 41 Main St, Ingleton, LA6 3EHCarers, cared-for and formercarers.
COFFEE MORNING, KEIGHLEYDates: 1st Friday of the month (3 June, 1 July, 5 August)Time: 10am – 11.30amWhere: Poppy Field Tea Rooms,Cavendish Court, Keighley BD21 3DY.Carers, cared-for and formercarers.
CHATTERBOX, SILSDEN,NEAR KEIGHLEYDates: 1st Thursday of the month(2 June, 7 July, 4 August)Time: 10am – 11.30amWhere: Silsden Methodist Church,Kirkgate, Silsden, BD20 0PA.Carers and cared-for welcome.Contact Grace on 07932 848900 for details.
TIME FOR ME, STEETON,NEAR KEIGHLEY Dates: 2nd Tuesday of the month(14 June, 12 July, 9 August)Time: 10am – NoonWhere: The Hub, Stone Grove,Steeton BD20 6TQ.For carers and over 50s. Activities,speakers and company.Cost: £2, including refreshmemts.Contact Carolyne Coyle (01274) [email protected]
AFTERNOON TEA/COFFEE,KNARESBOROUGHDates: 1st Monday of the month (6 June, 4 July, 1 August).Times: 2pm – 4pmWhere: Hewitson Court, StockwellRoad, Knaresborough HG5 0QE.Carers and former carers.
BRUNCH GROUP, PATELEYBRIDGEDates: 1st Friday of the month (3 June, 1 July, 5 August)Times: 1pm – 2pmWhere: The Willow, Park Road,Pateley Bridge HG3 5JS.Booking required.Carers and former carers. ContactCarol Lancaster on (01423) 500555.
RIPON TEASDates: 2nd Tuesday of the month(14 June, 12 July, 9 August)
Time: 2.30pmWhere: Ripon Community House,Sharrow View, Allhallowgate,Ripon HG4 1LE.Carers support group.Confirmation of attendance requiredone week ahead of the date.Cost: £2Contact Carol Lancaster or JeanEames on 01423 500555,[email protected],[email protected]
LUNCH GROUP, SETTLEDates: 2nd Monday of the month(13 June, 11 July, 12 August)Time: NoonWhere: The Lion Hotel, Duke St,Settle BD24 9DU.Carers, cared-for and formercarers.
CARERS CAFÉ, SHIPLEYDates: 2nd Wednesday of themonth (on 8 June only group willbe meeting at Carers’ Resourceoffice, Shipley, for Carers Weekevent, then 13 July, 10 August)Time: 10.30am – NoonWhere: Interlude Tea Room & Café,27 Westgate, Shipley BD18 3QX.
CREATE WORKSHOP:MANAGING STRESS, SHIPLEYDates: Thursday, 9 JuneTime: 1pm – 3pmWhere: Carers’ Resource, ShipleyOffice, BD18 3DZ.An interactive workshop for carersto help you identify symptoms ofstress, how to manage it andcoping mechanisms.Cost: FREE. Contact Dan or Jennyon:01423 500555, [email protected]
EPILEPSY SUPPORT GROUP,SHIPLEYDates: Normally 2nd Wednesdayof the month but June meeting on
MONDAY, 6 June, then 13 July, 10 August.Time: 1.30pm – 2.30pmWhere: Carers’ Resource ShipleyOffice, BD18 3DZ.
KNIT TOGETHER, SHIPLEYDates: Every ThursdayTime: 2pm – 4 pmWhere: Carers’ Resource ShipleyOffice, BD18 3DZ.All welcome.
LUNCH GROUP, SKIPTONDates: 1st Wednesday of themonth (1 June, 6 July, 3 August)Time: NoonWhere: Bay Horse, Snaygill,Skipton BD20 9HB.Carers, cared-for and former carers.
SUPER STRIKERS, 10 PINBOWLING, SKIPTONDate: Last Wednesday of the month(29 June, 27 July, 31 August)Time: 6.30pmWhere: Matrix Superbowl,Skipton,BD23 2AA.All abilities welcome. For disabled adults with/withouttheir companions. Cost: £7.50 for 3 games. Contact 07795 388807
LUNCH GROUP, THRESHFIELDDates: 3rd Friday of the month (17 June, 15 July, 19 August)Time: NoonWhere: Gamekeepers, Long AshesPark, Threshfield, Skipton BD23 5PN.Carers, cared-for and former carers.
AFTERNOON TEA/COFFEE,WETHERBYDates: 3rd Monday of the month(20 June, 18 July, 15 August)Time: 2pm – 3pmWhere: Sant’ Angelo Restaurant,High Street, Wetherby LS22 6LTCarers and former carers.
All groups attached to Carers’ Resource are being allocated anamed member of staff who will liaise with the group
volunteer, and will occasionally attend meetings. The staff member will be the conduit for feeding any issues orconcerns expressed by carers back to the organisation, and forsharing news with the group. The staff member will not beresponsible for organising or running the group and will passany issues of this nature back to the volunteer co-ordinators.
Thank you.
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Lucy, 16, spent most of last yearin and out of hospital andspecialist units being treated forthe eating disorder and her ‘rock-bottom’ self esteem, which atworst made her actively suicidal.
“She’s been sectioned severaltimes; she’s had to be fed througha tube into her nose, and she’stotally obsessed with her weight.The disorder makes her constantlycount calories and exercise to loseweight,” says Helen, 49.
“With a physical illness at leastthere can be an acknowledgedtimescale as to when someonewill get better but with a mentalillness it’s not like that.
“Anorexia has such a hold onLucy. As long as it’s in control itwill never let her recover.”
Lucy’s illness started early 2014after a friendship breakdown. Shebegan missing meals and snacks,and refusing seconds or left-overdesserts at home – which she usedto love. She began self harming.
In October 2014, Helen, a formerlibrarian at Leeds City College,found it difficult to work as Lucy
was too unwell to be in school. On the advice of HR, Helen, of
East Morton, Keighley, applied fora career break in May 2015, whichwas cut short by redundancy inDecember.
“It’s a round-the-clock joblooking after her and supportingher to eat; planning meals andtrying to keep her occupied withgames and activities; trying tomake sure she’s not self-harmingor over-exercising.
“The impact of anorexia on herphysical and mental health hasmeant, at its worst, that she feelsconstantly cold, tired, irritable,irrational and unable toconcentrate. It occupies herthoughts constantly.”
A Skipton Girls High Schoolpupil, Lucy managed to achieveten GCSEs last summer, andintends to resume her studies inSeptember and do A levels,depending on her health.
Helen, whose husband Andrewworks long hours as Director ofMinistry for the Diocese of Leeds,first heard about Carers’ Resource
Helen Tawn feels life is on hold as full-time carer for herteenage daughter who is battling anorexia nervosa.
from a friend, and says she isgrateful for the emotional andpractical support. She will beusing her Carer’s Wellbeing Granttowards a music summer school.
“My music-making activitieshave been almost entirely put onhold since Lucy’s illness,” saysHelen who plays various windinstruments. “I know it will do memuch good, both in terms ofplaying and performing again, butalso giving me a break from mycaring role and building a bit ofresilience for the next phase ofthis long and stressful journeytowards recovery.”
GRANT ENRICHES CARERS’ LIVES
Helen Tawn
Paul Ferreycares full-timefor dad Maurice,91, who hasdementia.
His Carer’sWellbeing Grantis going towardstwo short
breaks. Paul heard about the grant when he took dadto a memory clinic at Shipley Health Centre, where hemet a Carers’ Resource caseworker.
The 55-year-old will be visiting family in Aylesbury,and having week’s holiday in Torquay.
“It’s a great treat and it will be lovely to get awayand get some sea air,” says Paul, of Shipley.
“Dad will be coming, too, as I know I don’t havemuch time left with him and the breaks will do usboth good, otherwise I wouldn’t get away at all.”
Paul, who also cared for mum Joan who died inOctober 2007 at 83 after a series of mini heart attacks,took voluntary retirement last summer from his 33-year role in the postroom at Bradford College.
“It was the right time to retire as dad couldn’t beleft for too long. He’s unsteady on his feet, gets out ofbreath and has panic attacks,” says Paul.
From spa days to days out – carers are treatingthemselves to some time off, thanks to a special grant.
Co-ordinated by Carers’ Resource, some 1,414people in Bradford District who look after a loved onehave been successful in gaining the Carer’s WellbeingGrant for 2015/2016. Formerly known as the Carer’sSmall Grant, eligible applicants could request up to£200 to give them a much-needed break.
The money was intended for a personal treat, suchas enjoying a hobby or leisure activity, or aneducational course to help make their lives easier.
The annual scheme is funded by Bradford DistrictCouncil with additional support from the three localNHS Clinical Commissioning Groups.
The Carer’s Wellbeing Grant fund wasoversubscribed this year. However, Bradford Councilwas able to source some additional funding,increasing the amount paid out to £273,221.78.
The most popular requests were for short breaksand pamper/treats, followed by computers and IT,fitness and hobbies.
We received 1,696 applications. Each applicationwas considered individually. (1,124 applications werefrom women and 290 from men.)
The grant will run again later this year. Informationwill be advertised in due course.
Choices: Carers’ Resource – Harrogate | Craven | Bradford | Airedale Page 9
The Warm Homes Healthy People Partnership(WHHP) helps vulnerable people stay warm andwell at home. Supported by Carers’ Resource, it includes:
l Fuel debt advicel Home energy efficiency checksl Practical supportl Home fire safety checks.
To make the most of a Home Energy EfficiencyCheck it is recommended it is carried out beforeautumn/winter. Eligibility criteria applies.
A WHHP spokesman told us: “One of our clientsrecently receiving this support has been able to save£800 on their current fuel bills.”
For details visit www.first4contact.org or contactCarers’ Resource Shipley office on (01274) 449660.
“Making things possible” – that’s thestrapline for Remap, a charity whichprovides tailor-made equipment to allowpeople with disabilities to carry out dailytasks and enjoy life.
Whether it’s a special control for a Scalextric set for achild with cerebral palsy, or a chunky key-holder for anelderly person with arthritis – skilled volunteerengineers will find a solution, no matter what.
Ian Midgley, Chairman of Remap Harrogate andRipon Group, is an IT manager for BT and began hiscareer as an engineering apprentice 30 years ago.And his ‘hands-on’ involvement with Remap helps tokeep his ‘engineering and fabrication skills sharp’.
“We concentrate on challenges where there is nocommercially-available solution, though sometimeswe are also called upon to modify standard productsso they are better-suited to the needs of theindividual,” says Ian.
A recent case was a bespoke stand to hold a tenorhorn to enable a young girl, who only has use of onehand, to play in a band with her dad.
Some 800 engineers across the country, of alldisciplines, give their time free – and many areretired – to create or modify equipment for peoplewith disabilities and those who are strugglingthrough age-related conditions.
The national charity was set up 50 years ago. Referralscome from healthcare professionals, individuals andtheir carers, and people can also self refer.
Bespoke equipment includes:l An iPad stand for ayoung boy’s special buggyl Fitting additional sidesupports to a bath chairfor a client with limitedmobilityl An adapted stool toallow an injured ex-serviceman compete inarcheryl Modifying a rollator –walking frame on wheels – to allow both brakes tobe applied using onestronger handl Enhanced cooker knobsand key holders – a coupleof simple devices for a ladywith arthritis, as standardgripping tools for controlswere not adequate – sheneeded chunkier versions. Remap contacts:Ian Midgley, Harrogate and Ripon, 01423 867000Alan Parker, Leeds and Bradford, 0113 268 5764Vaughan Stell, Airedale and Craven, 01756 710395All equipment is given free to the person it helps. For more information visit www.remap.org.uk
Anythingcan happen
Bradford and Airedale residents could besaving money on their fuel bills Warm and well
Knaresborough youngster Oscar, who hascerebral palsy, is all smiles thanks to Ian Midgleyworking his magic on his toys.Many toys for small children have an electronic
component requiring the child to operate a switch,which can be tricky for those with cerebral palsy.Ian fitted some disability-friendly switches toOscar’s toys, as well as special control adaptationsfor his junior Scalextric, allowing him to enjoy histoys to the full.
Alan Robinson is carer for wife Alison who has bipolar. Their eight-year-old son Riddick has autism.
“We can’t be spontaneous. Everything has to be planned, and eventhen it depends if Alison’s having a good day and a lot is determined byRiddick’s behaviour. He needs structure,” says Alan.
Riddick also has PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) and extremeanxiety. “Life for Riddick is very hard, especially dealing with noisysituations and changes in routine,” says Alan.
“He struggles with understanding feelings and empathy with others.When he doesn’t cope, this results in meltdowns and refusals to carryout small demands. Life is often spent treading on eggshells with Riddickas his anxiety is so high.”
Alan worked in IT for 20 years before life changed dramatically fouryears ago when Alison, a former cook, had a breakdown. “We call it her‘Britney Spears’ – she just shaved her hair off. And she wanted to sleepin the garden,” recalls the 39-year-old. Alison’s illness causes extremehighs when she becomes overconfident and outgoing, to deepdepressions when she can’t look after herself or the family.
“The challenges of Riddick’s autism also cause such a strain on mine andAli’s relationship, as well as the stress it causes the family,” says Alan. “It’sreally, really hard but being a carer has helped me grow as a person.
“Life can be quite refreshing – it’s definitely not run of the mill. But youdo feel like you’re living in a bubble, on the fringes of society. It tooksomething like this to wake me up from life really – I’m no longer part ofthe 9 to 5; our lives are so different but I’m much more involved in myfamily now.” Alison’s condition is gradually improving and Alan says shehopes to start volunteering. “We’re taking little steps so she doesn’t gettoo hyper,” he says.
A part-time support worker at Henshaws College, in Harrogate, Alanhelps young adults with disabilities to learn new skills and fulfil theirpotential. “I love my job. It gives me the positivity that I need,” he says.
An outreach worker, who supports the family with Riddick’s autism,encouraged Alan to contact Carers’ Resource. He’s submitted a CarersAssessment and found out about various autism support groups.
“They just get it at Carers’ Resource and know exactly we’re goingthrough,” he says.
As a family, with youngest son six-year-old Brennick, they enjoy movieafternoons and popcorn together.
“What keeps me going is my hobby restoring computers. I get on Ebayand look for ‘some dust’ – old computers and parts to buy,” says Alan.
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Social Work degreestudent Sian Jackson ison a 70-day placementwith our Home fromHospital service, based atthe Carers’ Resourceoffice in Bradford.
Having a good listening ear,finding specialist equipment –such as ramps, wheelchairs andcommodes – and helpingpeople get back into a routineafter a stay in hospital, aresome of the varied aspects ofSian’s role.
As ‘one of the team’ helpingvulnerable patients on theirreturn home from hospital inAiredale, Wharfedale andBradford, Sian says no twodays are the same as it dependson the needs of clients.
She completes assessmentsonce a patient returns homeand talks through the kind ofsupport the individual feels theyneed, and then helps themachieve it.
“Emotional support also helpstake the worry out of cominghome, especially if they’reconcerned about how they’regoing to manage,” she says.
She has supported clients tocomplete referrals for otherservices, such as fire safetychecks, Safe and Sound alarmsand the Access bus, as well asfinding relevant communitysupport groups, activities orbefriending projects.
“The thing that stands out themost for me is how the serviceuser is at the heart of theservice,” says Sian.
“I have learnt so much in sucha short time.”
Every day is different – it’s a mixed bag
WHEN our popular young carers’ service first opened its doors in 1996, Madonna and the Spice Girls weretopping the charts, and John Major was Prime Minister.
Now the service, which has supported manythousands of young people in Harrogate and Craven asthey juggle school with home life, is marking its 20thanniversary.
Celebrations have included a party at the youngcarers’ Budz club at St John’s Church Hall in Bilton,Harrogate. Attractions included a bouncy castle, facepainter and popcorn machine. A birthday cake andpizza were kindly provided by Daniella Luxford at LaBella Bottega, in Harrogate.Young Carers’ Resource supports young carers,
aged seven to 18, and young adult carers. A youngcarer helps look after a relative who has a condition,such as a disability, illness, mental health condition,or a drug or alcohol problem. Most young carers lookafter one of their parents, or a sibling.
Some eight per cent of school children are youngcarers – that’s two in every class.
Being a young carer can be tough, but having a funbreak and making friends with other young carersmakes a real difference.
We run activities and trips during school holidays,and regular support during term time – one-to-onementoring with young carer team members, or after-school and youth clubs. For details contact ourCraven or Harrogate offices.
Choices: Carers’ Resource – Harrogate | Craven | Bradford | Airedale Page 11
Young carers aiming highA group ofyoung carers isgearing up fora formidablefeat – to takeon the Three PeaksChallenge.
Aged 13 to16, the six-strong team from Harrogate will bewalking and climbing three of Yorkshire’s highestmountain peaks – a distance of 25 miles, and totalclimb of 7,000ft.
Accompanied by young carer workers, they aim tocomplete the trek within 12 hours on July 27, earningmembership in the Yorkshire Three Peaks Official Club.
YC worker James Woodhead-Dixon says theadventure also marks the service’s 20th anniversaryand will raise funds for young carers.
“Please spread the word of our challenge and howheroic our young carers truly are,” he says.
To show your support please donate online atwww.justgiving.com/youngcarersharrogate andfollow their progress atwww.youngcarersresource.org
For details contact James at the Harrogate office.
Ten out of tenYoung carers have thanked a recruitment company asit celebrates ten unbroken years of charity support.
Si Recruitment, in Cornwall Road, Harrogate, firststarted to back Carers’ Resource when it bought ourcharity Christmas cards in 2005.
Since then, the agency has helped young carers acrossNorth Yorkshire, from funding activities and outings toproviding annual festive hampers and presents.
Joint founding director Mark Sanderson also ranthe inaugural Yorkshire Marathon in support.
Mark says: “Young carers first appealed to us as adeserving cause as they were ‘under the radar’ – theywere very much hidden and carried out their vital roleaway from the public gaze. Yet their needs were, andstill are, very real.”
Two of the young carers to have benefited from SiRecruitment’s involvement are Rossett School pupilsStephen Kirk and Freya Prince, who presented ahome-made cake to mark the milestone.
“This company has put a lot of smiles on the facesof young people over the years. It would bewonderful if other organisations across NorthYorkshire feel inspired by Si’s efforts and follow intheir footsteps by supporting these young carers inwhatever way they can,” says Carers’ ResourceFundraising Co-ordinator Anne Wells.
Two decades of support for youngcarers – and still going strong
Page 12 Choices: Carers’ Resource – Harrogate | Craven | Bradford | Airedale
Holiday helpon offerDo you have caring responsibilityfor an adult friend or relative (notnecessarily living with you) andworry about caring cover whenyou are away on holiday?
Available for carers in Harrogatedistrict, the Carers’ Time Offservice can help out. Contact CTOahead of your holiday dates toarrange a preliminary meeting toorganise visits and calls to bemade for the duration of yourholiday – giving you peace ofmind while you’re away.
For details call Christine Boxallat our Harrogate office or [email protected]
Memory WalkCarers and their loved ones areinvited to join a Memory Walk inBradford.
Organised by a group of carers,and those they care for, the 5Kwalk on September 18, 11am, atLister Park, Manningham, will bein aid of the Alzheimer’s Society.
For details contact Pat Smith on07881 827230, or [email protected]
New servicefor young adultcarersThe Young Adult Carer project inBradford has been launched.
For carers aged 16 to 25, supportincludes employment andeducation guidance, finance andbenefit advice, health and socialactivities, respite breaks,campaigning and one-to-onementoring.
For information or to sign upcontact Samantha Bland at theShipley office or [email protected]
More details about the servicewill be featured in the Septemberedition of Choices.
Thanks – andkeep up thegood workA BIG thank you to all ourgenerous and hard-workingsupporters.
Your commitment and help isgratefully received and goes along way in helping the growingnumber of carers right acrossour patch.
Hats off to:l Volunteers who helped knit,decorate, stuff, transport, sell,and buy our Easter chicks, andcolleagues for finding newoutlets this year – we raised acracking £2,532.l Rotary Club of Keighley foronce again hosting amarvellous tea party for carersat Keighley Rugby Club in Utley.A wonderful time was had byall, thanks to everyone whohelped make it happen.
Feeling inspired by the LondonMarathon? Runners are beingurged to sign up for:Yorkshire Marathon, Sunday,
9 October, York – FOUR placesavailable £45 non-refundableregistration fee, plus acommitment to raise aminimum £200 sponsorship.Leeds 10k, Sunday, 10 July –
FIVE places available, £20 non-refundable registration fee andno minimum sponsorship – please raise as much as youcan for carers.
For info contact ourFundraising Coordinator AnneWells on (01423) 500555 [email protected]
Mud, sweat and grit for carersTwo Skipton daredevils will betaking on the Tough Mudderchallenge to raise money forCarers’ Resource.
Andy Conally, 33, (pictured left)and Kevin Preston, 34, (right) willhave their strength and staminaput to the test in the ten to12-milecourse at Broughton Hall Estate(home to our Craven office), nearSkipton, on 7 August.
The gruelling course features20 obstacles, rolling hills, darkwoodlands, ice, deep bogs andthick, swamp-like mud.
Andy, of Haworth, a keencyclist and runner with Keighleyand Craven Club, said hisdecision to take part confirmshe’s ‘as mad as a box of frogs’.
“I’ve had a quick look onYouTube and immediatelyregretted it. I think I would havebeen better going into it notknowing,” he says.
“It looks horrendous but does look like good fun, too.”Andy, Direct Business Centre Consultant at Skipton Financial Services,
has previously completed a Half Iron Man (1.9km swim, 55-mile bike anda 13-mile run), a marathon, and fell and road races over variousdistances, but never an assault course.
And Kevin, Business Standards Manager at SFS, says football traininghas been keeping him fit.
“I’ll have to look at the obstacles and consider what training is needed,and I’ve also entered a 10K in June so will be doing running for that,”says Kevin, who took part in a 120-mile charity cycle in 2014.
“It was very challenging, so I have a vague idea of what I’m lettingmyself in for.”
To sponsor Andy please visit www.uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ajconallyTo sponsor Kevin visit www.justgiving.com/Kevin-Preston1
