Caring

Matters

March 2020

As we reach the end of another financial year I must share the news that

unfortunately, the CCG are no longer in a position to continue funding the post

of Carers Health Linkworker. With this in mind, I am sad to say, I will be

finishing working with the CCG on 31st March 2020. Bolton Carers Support will

continue to support carers outside of the CCG remit. I have thoroughly enjoyed

my time and would like to thank everyone who has supported me, in particular

the nurses at the CCG and all the Carer Champions within Primary Care. It has

been a pleasure working with you all. Melissa Taylor—Carers Health Linkworker

CARER CAFÉ CONNECT:

Demonstrating great partnership working, Bolton Carers Support have delivered a number of Carer Café Connect sessions within GP Practices. Over the last few months successful events have been held at Harwood Medical Centre and Crompton Health Centre (Dr Page & Partners & Crompton View).

Carers registered with each practice were invited to coffee mornings where they were given the opportunity to chat to other carers over a brew and biscuits and gather information on local support services. Those patients who hadn’t had a Carer Health Check in the last 12 months were also offered a review which included clinical checks such as height, weight, blood pressure and bloods as well as a 1:1 discussion about their caring role.

Staff from BCS, including the Health Linkworker, Outreach Worker and Benefit Adviser were in attendance along with representatives from Bolton Dementia Support. Staff at the practices including the Carers Champion and Practice Nurses and Healthcare Assistants were also on hand to support patients.

Feedback has been really positive. One patient who has been caring for her son for 37 years said she had no idea BCS existed. She’d often wondered if there was someone out there who she could ring for help with her caring role. Now aware of the 24/7 Helpline she is reassured that support is there should she need it. She also registered with BCS to receive the ‘Carers Contact’ newsletter and to get access to a whole programme of activities, events and workshops. She was also planning on attending one of the Carer Café Connects at Morrisons in Harwood to meet others in a similar situation. #ConnectedAndInformed

Melissa Taylor, Carers Health Linkworker

Bolton Carers Support / NHS Bolton CCG

Email: melissa.taylor2@nhs.net

Tel: 01204 363056 / 462157

www.boltoncarers.org.uk

Post funded by:

LIVING WITH SIGHT LOSS

Living with Sight Loss Programme

A 6 week programme 20th July to 24th August 2020, * including info & advice on a range of topics

from understanding welfare rights, staying independent, tips and gadgets for everyday living, eye

health to hobbies and interests and other organisations and services that can support you.

Stroke Living with Sight Loss

A programme tailored to those who have experienced sight loss as the result of a stroke. The

programme will be run over 2 weeks in May, with dates to be confirmed.

Groups and Activities

Social activities and hobby groups currently running: *

Braille Group 1pm – 2:30pm, every Tuesday

Luncheon Club 10:30am – 1:30pm, every Wednesday

Afternoon Tea 12pm – 1:30pm, fortnightly on Thursdays

Tech Talk 10:30am – 12:30pm, First Thursday of the month

Counselling

It can be difficult to come to terms with being diagnosed with sight loss. It’s perfectly normal to

feel overwhelmed, but it can help to have someone to talk to who can empathise and help you

process the many emotions you can feel after your diagnosis; that's why we offer counselling.

Our Community Counsellor, Deborah Haydock, offers both face-to-face and telephone sessions

for those unable to physically attend one of our venues. We are currently operating a waiting list;

please contact us on 0300 222 5555 for more details.

All of Henshaws Bolton services and activities are based at The Sensory Centre at Thicketford,

336 Ainsworth Lane, Tonge Moor, Bolton, BL2 2QL. For further info on any of the above or to

book your place call 0300 222 5555, email info@henshaws.org.uk or visit www.henshaws.org.uk

Bolton Carers Support - Opening Hours - Helpline & Appointments:

Our helpline is now open 24 hours, 7 days a week.

From 9am-5pm weekdays: call with any caring query or just talk to someone in confidence

about your caring role.

At all other times (evenings/weekdays/Bank Holidays): call if you have any

urgent issue or emergency.

Our helpline is currently being manned remotely but is still accessible on the times detailed

above. All support will be given over the phone until further notice

* Please note: Due to Covid-19 and the current lockdown which has been placed

on the country, please contact the relevant organisations for an update on current activities