Welcome to the Winter Newsletter · 2018. 2. 1. · WINTER 2017 Welcome to the Winter Newsletter...

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SIGNAL for Bracknell Forest Carers WINTER 2017

Welcome to the Winter Newsletter

SIGNAL provides information, advice and support to adult unpaid

carers who live in Bracknell Forest.

Bracknell Forest Council gives SIGNAL the money to run the service.

To be an adult unpaid carer you must:

Be over the age of 18

Provide a friend or family member with help and support because

of their illness or disability

Not get paid for providing this help

What is help and support?

This could be help to do shopping, housework, providing transport or

even just visiting a person and having a chat.

It is important you know about people and groups that can help you

stay healthy and happy when you are a carer.

Support for young carers (people under 18) and parent carers of

disabled children are supported by other services. If you need to

contact them SIGNAL can provide you with their telephone numbers.

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Carers Lunch

Coming to the carers lunch can:

Give you a break from caring

Help you meet other carers

Give you the chance to talk to SIGNAL staff

Give you information

The next carers lunch is on Friday 21st January 2018.

It starts at 12 noon and finishes at 2.30pm.

It is at Easthampstead Baptist Church.

An invitation will be sent to you nearer the time.

Top of the Hops!

During Carers Week SIGNAL provided free activities in the

community for carers to try.

Peter, who cares for his wife, tried Tai Chi, Yoga and Tap Dancing.

He has decided to keep on doing the tap dancing as it helps to keep

him fit, gives him a break from caring and he gets to meet new

people.

Peter says “I would encourage all carers to try something new as

you never know what you may like.”

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Updates from Bracknell Forest Council

Conversations Model – Melanie O’Rourke, Head of

Adult Community Team

In November Bracknell Forest Council’s Adult Teams started a new way of

working called Conversations. There are 3 Conversations.

We have gone back to basics, there will be less processes and

administration, for example some of the forms we use have been removed.

This means we want to listen more and question less.

1st Conversation – We always start here

Aims

Regain control of your life

Help with independence

Early help and prevention

Equipment can be provided, such as medication dispensers

We will look, with you, what local community or support networks

could help you

http://helpyourself.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/

http://helpyourself.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/

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We will not focus on your eligibility for services.

If you still need support or are in crisis we go to the 2nd Conversation.

Conversation 2

We will work with you to identify all the issues and help you to order these

issues and think about where to begin.

Where needed we could provide short term support to get you through a

crisis.

Once the crisis is over we will develop a plan to help stop the same thing

happening again.

If after the second Conversation there are long term needs we would move

to the 3rd Conversation.

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Conversation 3

Complete the statutory assessment

Create a support package based on your long term needs

Changes

If your care needs change again, we do not want to guess what would help you so we will go

back to the 1st conversation.

Future Timings of Carers Assessments

If it has not happened already for you then we are aiming for your next

carers assessment to be completed after the assessment of the person you

look after. This is so that any changes are updated into your assessment.

The new approach to home-based social care – Rifit

Hussain-Curtis, Joint Commissioning Manager

Over the past 5 years the number of people needing social care services has

increased and the costs per person have doubled.

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To continue to meet people’s needs the council needed to do things

differently and selected five home care providers to work with.

The new contracts began in August. People had the choice to stay with their existing provider

through a direct payment if they wanted to or change to one of the new providers.

The five providers are:

Care 1st Ltd

Loving Angels Care Ltd

Oxford House Community Care

Q Care Ltd

Watershed Care Services Ltd

The new approach aims to;

Help people achieve their own goals

Enhance quality of life

Regain confidence and skills

Increase independence

Provide practical help such as personal care or shopping

Emotional support

It is not just about carrying out specific tasks it gives providers a more active

role in planning support and designing a wellbeing plan which could also

connect people with the community and voluntary sector.

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Having a Carers Emergency Card and making simple plans with family,

friends and neighbours who could help in an emergency can help give

you peace of mind.

What is the Carers Emergency Card?

It lets other people know in an emergency that you are a carer

It should be with you at all times, such as in your bag or wallet

A card can also be given to the person you care for with your

contact information

The cards are FREE

What have you received?

One card for you – To complete

One card for the person you care for – To complete

Two forms for you to fill out and give to your emergency contacts

CARER EMERGENCY CARD EASY READ

Carer Emergency Support

What would happen if an emergency meant that you

could not provide the care you usually do?

How would people know you are a carer?

Who would they call?

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Making your plans

Think about who your chosen emergency contacts are: do you or the

person you care for have family, friends or neighbours who could help?

Talk to them about what would happen in any emergency if they needed

to step in.

Complete the contact form and hand it to them.

How does the Carer Emergency Card work?

In an accident/incident, the emergency services would find your Carer

Emergency Card and contact your emergency contacts so they could step

in to provide support.

If your contacts are not available Adult Social Care or the Emergency Duty

Team would be contacted to ensure the person you care for is kept safe.

Need help with the cards or the forms?

Contact SIGNAL

01344 266088

[email protected]

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Other Emergency Plans

A Message in a Bottle?

Keep personal and medical details inside this and place it in the fridge for

the emergency services. Contact SIGNAL is you would like one of these.

A Keysafe?

This is a safe way of storing a key to your home so that it can be used in

an emergency.

“In case of emergency” (ICE) numbers in your phone?

You may be able to have emergency contacts and information show on

your phones lock screen. Visit the SIGNAL office if you would like help with

this.

Grants for individuals

Is there a piece of equipment that would help the person you care

for or help you to care for them?

Are you in financial need?

SIGNAL can now search the NCVO database of funders (people who give

money) who make grants (give money) to individuals.

SIGNAL can also help you with the paperwork if you apply to a funder.

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Support Groups

If you are involved in a group, please let us have the details so we can add them to the list.

Ascot Area Alzheimer’s (Triple A) Carers Lunch

Time: 12 noon – 2.30pm

Dates/When: Fourth Monday of the month

Where: Carnation Hall, 29 Chavey Down Road, Winkfield Row, Bracknell, RG42 7PU

Contact: 01344 486349 or 01344 621491

Ascot Area Alzheimer’s (Triple A) Lunchtime meeting, all welcome (Funded by SIGNAL)

Time: 12.30pm – 2.30pm

Dates/When: Third Monday of the month (Please check 2018 dates with organiser)

Where: St Michael’s Church Hall, Crowthorne Road, Bracknell, RG12 7ER

Contact: 01344 486349 or 01344 621491

Autism Berkshire

Time: 9.30am – 11.30am

Dates/When: Monthly on Mondays during school term times.

Where: Forest Park Community Centre, Horndean Road, Forest Park, Bracknell,

RG12 0XQ

Contact: 01189 594 594 [email protected]

Bracknell Forest Mental Health Carers Support Group

Time: 2.00pm – 4.00pm

Dates/When: First Tuesday of the month (excluding January & August) – Dates are subject

to change in 2018 so please check with organiser

Where: Coopers Hill, Crowthorne Road North, Off Bagshot Road, Bracknell,

RG12 7QS

Contact: 07972 609621

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Support Groups (continued)

Bracknell Forest Carers Support Group Coffee Evenings

Time: 5.30pm – 7.00pm

Dates/When: Tuesdays (Dates are subject to change in 2018 so please check with

organiser)

Where: South Hill Park Café, Ringmead, Bracknell, RG12 7PA

Contact: 07972 609621

Non-alcoholic drinks are paid for by the group organiser

Bracknell Forest Carers Support Group Coffee Mornings

Time: 10.00am – 12 noon

Dates/When: Wednesdays (Dates are subject to change in 2018 so please check with

organiser)

Where: Crown Wood Community Centre, Opladen Way, Bracknell, RG12 0PE

Contact: 07972 609621

These mornings are mainly for ex-carers but no carer is turned away

Coffee and Chat


Dates/When: Every Wednesday

Where: The Look In Café, Great Hollands Square, Bracknell, RG12 8UX

Contact: Bill on 01344 421292

If you, or anyone you know who is, affected by dementia, memory loss or confusion you are

welcome to drop in for tea and a chat

Coffee for Carers at Crowthorne Library

Time: 10.00am – 11.30am

Dates/When: Second Friday of the month

Where: Crowthorne Library, 162 High Street, Crowthorne, RG45 7AT

Contact: 01344 776431 No booking required, donations for refreshments

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Support Groups (continued)

Konnections Mums

A support group run by mothers for mothers of children with special needs or disabilities


Dates/When: Friday mornings during school term time

Where: K2 Lounge, Kerith Community Church, K2 Building, Bracknell, RG12 1EH

Contact: 01344 828802 [email protected]

Memory Café

For people with dementia and their carers run by The Alzheimer’s Society

Time: 11.00am – 12.30pm

Dates/When: Second Friday of the month

Where: Coopers Hill, Crowthorne Road North, Off Bagshot Road, Bracknell,

RG12 7QS

Contact: 01344 423583

Wokingham, Bracknell & District Mencap - Carers coffee mornings/lunches

For families and carers of people with learning disabilities and/or autism

Dates/When: Third Thursday of the month provide either a coffee morning or a lunch

Where: Coffee mornings: Suite 2, Oakmeade Place, Terrace Road South, Binfield,

RG42 4JF

Lunches: The New Priestwood Community Centre, Priestwood Court Road,

Bracknell, RG42 1TU

Contact: 0300 777 8539

Online forums or ‘virtual’ support groups can also help you meet other

carers and share and learn from each other’s experiences. Just remember

to stay safe online.

Carers UK Forum: http://www.carersuk.org/forum

http://www.carersuk.org/forum

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Accessible Information Standard

We produce information in the way people have told us is best for them;

easy-read, large print etc.

Some people have still not told us how they would like us to send them

information so we will be asking them again.

Community Knowledge Needed!

We now have an information bus so we can visit all areas of Bracknell

Forest. It has a lift and a private office so it is very big!

Do you know somewhere we can park it? This could be a community

centre or church hall car park.

Do you know somewhere we can put up a SIGNAL poster?

Do you know of a local newsletter or church magazine we can put an

advert for SIGNAL in?

If you have any information please contact the SIGNAL office.

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Save the Date!

We will be holding a social event for carers and the people they care

for in January.

Invitations will be sent in the new year.

Priority will be given to people who could not book for the tea dance.

Sunday January 28th in the afternoon

Ex-carers

If you would be interested in becoming a ‘Carer Buddy’, providing

friendly support for new carers, please let us know.

If we have enough interest we will hold a meeting in 2018.

Newsletters

If you have something to include in the next newsletter, please let us know by the start of

February 2018.

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Let’s talk about………

Protecting yourself from fraud, scams and cyber crime Tips to protect yourself (supplied by ActionFraud)

Do not give any personal information (name, address, bank details,

email or phone number) to organisations or people before checking who

they are.

Many frauds start with a ‘phishing email’. Remember that banks will not

send you an email asking you to click on a link and confirm your bank

details. Do not trust such emails.

You can always call your bank to check if you’re not sure.

Destroy receipts with your card details on and post with your name and

address on.

Make sure your computer has up-to-date anti-virus software and a firewall installed. Ensure your browser is set to the highest level of security.

Sign-up to Verified by Visa or MasterCard Secure Code whenever you

are given the option while shopping online.

If you receive bills or letters for things you have not bought, take action. Your identity may have been stolen.

http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/news/action-fraud-reveals-that-it-receives-8000-reports-of-phishing-scams-every-month-mar16

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You should regularly get a copy of your credit file and check it for entries

you do not recognise. Callcredit, Equifax, Experian, ClearScore and

Noddle can all provide your credit file.

Beware of post, phone calls or emails offering you business deals out of

the blue. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

If you have been a victim of fraud, be aware of fraud recovery fraud.

This is when fraudsters pretend to be a lawyer or a policeman and tell

you they can help you recover the money you have already lost.

If you need advice about fraud, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 to

discuss your situation with one of our specialist fraud advisers.

Visit the ActionFraud website for more information. https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/

Independent Age also produce a useful booklet called “Scamwise”. You can contact the SIGNAL

office for a copy.

Using ATM’s (Cash machines)

Do not tell anyone your PIN

Do not use the ATM if people are hanging around it

Do not use the ATM if there are signs it has been tampered with

e.g. a loose keypad. The safest ATM’s to use are inside banks.

http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/protect-yourself/fraud-recovery-fraud

https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/

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After our lunch a carer was concerned because they had heard that scammers could ‘read’

your contactless card with a portable reader and take money from your bank account. So we

asked Malcolm Phillips from Trading Standards (who gave the talk) for his advice.

To be able to receive money an account has to be setup with a bank

or financial organisation that processes credit or debit card

payments.

These organisations carry out security checks and look at the

transactions that are carried out to check that they are happy that

they are real transactions. Transactions means money moving

between accounts.

Every card payment can be tracked and followed.

If a thief was to steal your card details they would be easily tracked

down.

You are fully protected from this type of theft. Contactless cards are

safer than cash as it is unlikely you would get the cash back from the

thief or your bank.

Digital Resources from Carers UK

Carers in Bracknell Forest can access online

resources from Carers UK for free by visiting:

http://www.signal4carers.org.uk/bfcarers/bfnoti

ceboard/39-digital-resources-from-carers-uk

http://www.signal4carers.org.uk/bfcarers/bfnoticeboard/39-digital-resources-from-carers-uk

http://www.signal4carers.org.uk/bfcarers/bfnoticeboard/39-digital-resources-from-carers-uk

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Training

Working with iHasco, we can now provide the following training

online or at our offices.

Assessing Mental Capacity

Moving and Handling People

Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults

We are working with the British Red Cross to provide First Aid

training for carers.

Friday 8th December 2017, 10.30am – 12.30pm

Trax, Mill Ride (Off of Fernbank Road), North Ascot, SL5 8JW

Wednesday 24th January 2018, 10.30am – 12.30pm

Dedworth Green Baptist Church, Smiths Lane, Windsor, SL4 5PE

You can attend either session, there is car parking available but

please advise us if you have any communication needs. Places are

limited so you must call the office to book.

Karen White, Dementia Advisor, can also arrange a short course

for carers of people with dementia. You can call her on 01344

823220 to find out more.

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Healthwatch Bracknell Forest

Carers often have a lot of valuable

experience about local health and social

care services. If you, or the person you

care for, have any feedback – good or bad

– on services please let Healthwatch

Bracknell Forest know – 01344 266911

Healthwatch Bracknell Forest are also

looking for local volunteers for “Enter and

View” visits; opportunities to visit

services and talk to patients and clients.

NEW - Mental Health Forum

A place to talk about mental health issues. This is an independent forum, run by Healthwatch

Bracknell Forest and paid for by the Community Mental Health Team. It is for anyone concerned

with these issues, including carers.

The first meeting will be held on Thursday 18th January 2018, 11am-1.30pm at Easthampstead

Baptist Church. A free lunch is provided so it is essential you let Healthwatch know you are

coming and if you have any access or dietary requirements. 01344 266 911 or

[email protected]

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SIGNAL Evaluation Survey

In late August surveys were sent to everyone registered with SIGNAL in Bracknell Forest and in

Windsor and Maidenhead.

In Bracknell Forest it was sent to 577 people. Almost 1 in 4 people filled in and returned the

survey.

People could tell us their name to be entered into a prize draw to receive some shopping

vouchers. The winners were: M.Grant, S.Hesling and R.Carter.

The full 46-page report can be accessed on our website at:

http://www.signal4carers.org.uk/images/Results%20of%20the%20SIGNAL%20service%20eva

luation%20FINAL.pdf

or you can request a paper copy from the office.

These are the main things we found out from the survey:

Most carers provide more than 18 hours of care and support a week.

Some carers support more than 1 person who often live in different places.

Lots of carers are looking after someone with dementia.

People had found out about SIGNAL in lots of ways but almost half (1 in 2) of them had

found out about SIGNAL from Berkshire Carers.

Not all carers had received a Welcome Pack on sign up; this happened when SIGNAL first

started.

Most carers are happy or very happy with the help they receive from SIGNAL.

Carers who support and help someone who does not live in Bracknell Forest or Windsor

and Maidenhead were more likely to be unhappy with the help they receive from

SIGNAL.

http://www.signal4carers.org.uk/images/Results%20of%20the%20SIGNAL%20service%20evaluation%20FINAL.pdf

http://www.signal4carers.org.uk/images/Results%20of%20the%20SIGNAL%20service%20evaluation%20FINAL.pdf

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Some people cannot access SIGNAL’s services because of their caring role and lack of

respite care. For others it was because they had their own health problems or problems

with transport.

Some people felt SIGNAL’s services were too focused on older people and dementia.

Not all carers know about all of the services SIGNAL offers.

Ex-carers suggested we might want to run a social group for people whose loved one

has died and let ex-carers continue to come to carers lunches.

Only 1 in 10 professionals (people who work or volunteer for other organisations) replied

to the survey and not all of them understand what SIGNAL should be doing.

Other services carers think SIGNAL should be offering included:

o More face-to-face longer term emotional support/befriending

o Services for the cared for

o Respite and sitting services

o Services aimed at younger/working age carers

What are we going to do to make sure SIGNAL keeps helping carers and improves next year?

Make sure everyone knows about all the different services SIGNAL offers including

carers, professionals and the community and voluntary sector.

Make sure carers know that in times of need or crisis we can provides lots of help, not

just telephone support.

Try to reach more people on the internet and social media.

Work with the council to update the Welcome Pack and then send it to all carers.

Start sending an email bulletin every 2 weeks to people who have given us an email

address.

Find places to park the new mobile information vehicle so people all over Bracknell can

come and see us, find out information and get help and support. We will try to do this

on some evenings and weekends too.

Promote the new training course especially “Moving & Handling People” that some

carers have been waiting for.

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Help Bracknell Forest Council to launch the Emergency Card Scheme in November 2017.

Find existing groups and activities for carers, particularly those of working age (18-65)

and, if necessary, work with them to set up new activities if needed.

To make sure carers of people out of area know we can only provide them with a limited

amount of help and support and will refer them to the right carers support organisation.

Try to offer training and other activities at different times and at different places.

Make sure carers know we can meet them in the evenings and weekends.

To look at what help and support we can provide for ex-carers.

In March 2018 do a ‘professionals only’ survey.

SIGNAL is not funded to long-term befriending activities for carers. Carers have told us

for the last 18 months they would like this. There are other organisations like involve

who do this but they have a waiting list. SIGNAL will talk to Bracknell Forest Council about

this so they can think about more funding to SIGNAL and other organisations to do this

work.

SIGNAL’s supports unpaid carers but can signpost to other organisations that provide

services to the cared for.

Thank you to everyone who replied to the survey., for the lovely comments and for all your

feedback – SIGNAL can only improve and meet the needs of all carers if we listen to what carers

are saying.

Please get in touch if you need any type of help or support. If we are not in the office leave a

message and we will call you back. We can arrange to see carers at any time; evenings,

weekends – whenever it suits you!

“They are just a friendly first port of call and I have always gone back to them many times.

Always extremely friendly and a wealth of information.”

“Very caring and helpful advice. I appreciate the non-invasive approach by your staff.”

Our aim is that these are the experiences of everyone who uses the SIGNAL service

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Loraine provides care and support to her daughter Candice who has Prader Willi Syndrome.

She was referred to SIGNAL by Wokingham, Bracknell & Districts Mencap although The Ark,

who manage SIGNAL, knew Candice as she attends Friday Night Project.

Although Loraine is Candice’s carer, she also receives help and support from her too - as she

has mobility problems and has to use crutches and a mobility scooter. They care for each other.

Candice was very excited as she was due to start part-time work at the new Primark in Bracknell

but unfortunately her health took a turn for the worse and for the last 4 months she has been

experiencing absences and seizures. SIGNAL supported the family by communicating with her

GP to get an urgent neurology appointment and talking to Primark on Candice’s behalf.

After several trips to Accident & Emergency Candice was admitted to hospital and remained

there for nearly 3 months. SIGNAL has supported the family throughout that time including:

Contacting the Learning Disability Nursing Coordinator

Helping to arrange a reclining chair for Loraine, who stayed with Candice

Contacting social care and requesting a joint needs assessment

Referring Candice and Loraine to SEAP advocacy services

Providing emotional support through telephone calls, emails and hospital visits

Finding support groups when Candice was diagnosed with NEAD

Candice is now out of hospital but is in a

wheelchair for now. They pop into the

SIGNAL offices at least twice a week for a

cup of tea, chat and even some craft!

“We would never had got through this

without your kindness help and support” -

Loraine

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Community Events

Event details

Sunday 3rd December 2017

Starts at 5pm

Bracknell Leisure Centre, Bagshot Road, Bracknell, RG12 9SE

A Christmas carol concert featuring Corelli Orchestra from Bracknell Music Centre and massed choir of over 300 school children from Bracknell. Ticket price: £7 Box Office: 01344 782970

Wednesday 6th December 2017

Lunchtime (further details from organiser)

Lili Pottery, Unit 3, Fernygrove Farm, Hawthorn Hill, Warfield, RG42 6HN

Wokingham, Bracknell & Districts Mencap. A session for carers (of people with learning disabilities and/or autism) at Lili Pottery. The session, which will last 2-3 hours, will allow carers time to paint and decorate a bauble and/or an ornament whilst relaxing and chatting to other carers. Lunch including cake will also be provided. Cost: £5 per person. Call 0300 777 8539 for more information.

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Community Events (continued)

Event details

Tuesday 12th December 2017

Starts at 10.30am

Frost Folly Country Car Park. Map grid ref: 874 726.

A ranger led walk. This is a ramblers walk - it is up to 7 miles and will last up to 2 and a half hours.

Wednesday 20th December 2017

2pm – 4pm

New Priestwood Community Centre, Bracknell, RG42 1TU

Age Concern Bracknell Forest Aimed at local older people – carers welcome! Festive Fun – themed activities and entertainment Cost: £3.50 per person including refreshments, £1 for carers. No need to book – just turn up.

Thursday 18th January 2018

11am – 1.30pm

Easthampstead Baptist Church, South Hill Road, Bracknell, RG12 7NS

Mental Health Forum A place to discuss mental health issues. For everyone concerned with these issues – including carers. Lunch provided. Call Healthwatch Bracknell Forest on 01344 266 911 to book.

IF YOU KNOW OF ANY COMMUNITY EVENTS THAT MAY BE OF INTEREST TO CARERS PLEASE LET THE OFFICE KNOW SO THAT WE CAN INCLUDE THEM IN FUTURE

NEWSLETTERS, THE WEBSITE AND E-BULLETINS. THANK YOU

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Useful contacts

Adult Social Care, Bracknell Forest Council – 01344 351500

This will redirect to Emergency Out of Hours Service outside of office hours.

NHS Out of Hours call 111

SIGNAL Contacts

01344 266088

[email protected]

www.signal4carers.org.uk

The Space, 20/21 Market Street, Bracknell,

Berkshire, RG12 1JG

https://www.facebook.

com/signal4carers/

@Signal4BFC

https://www.facebook.com/signal4carers/

https://www.facebook.com/signal4carers/

Welcome to the Winter Newsletter · 2018. 2. 1. · WINTER 2017 Welcome to the Winter Newsletter...

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