News for Carers November 2011

KENSINGTONANDCHELSEACARERS’JOINTSTRATEGYREFRESH,2011-2014

As you will have seen in our last newsletter, the Royal Borough and the Inner North West London (INWL) Primary Care Trust have been reviewing the Kensington and Chelsea Joint Carers’ Strategy following consultation with carers, service providers and partners. The consultation highlighted the progress that has been made in the borough as well as the priorities still to be focussed upon, such as raising the status and recognition of carers, providing and helping carers access services and improving the life opportunities of young carers.

The refreshed priorities for 2011-2014 are enclosed with this newsletter. For further copies, please contact CarersKensington&Chelsea.

“MONEYMATTERS”:CARERSRIGHTSDAY,FRIDAY,2DECEMBER2011-ADATEFORYOURDIARY!

Are you struggling with your household bills or debt? Are the costs of caring and reduced household income due to illness and disability making it difficult for you to get by?

This year’s theme for Carers Rights Day is “Money Matters” and with this in mind, Carers Kensington & Chelsea is holding, in conjunction with the Kensington and Chelsea Forum for Older Residents, an InformationandAdviceEventintheSmallHall,KensingtonTownHallonFriday,2December2011between11.00amand3.30pm. There will be a wealth of information on such money-related matters as employment, benefits, banking, debt advice, healthy eating and housing. Furthermore, a variety of in-depth seminars and workshops will also be held across the day on subjects such as: • debt management• lasting power of attorney• fuel poverty• housing benefit.

So, if you’re looking for a solution to a money matter, this could be the place to be! For more information, please contact CarersKensington&Chelseaonfreephone08000321089oremailkandc@carersuk.org.We look forward to seeing you.

CARERSRIGHTS DAY

Newsforcarers|November2011

HAVEYOURSAYINTHEBOROUGH

HasthePersonYouCareForRecentlyBeeninHospital?

When a loved one is in hospital, it can be a worrying time. Many carers feel anxious about whether they and the person they care for will get the information and support they need, once they leave hospital.

Carers UK is currently conducting a survey, on behalf of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, to find out about carers’ experiences of hospital discharge and to identify ways of improving the service. If a person you provide regular, unpaid care and support for has spent time in Chelsea and Westminster or St Mary’s Hospital in the past 18 months, Carers UK would like to hear from you.

A survey form and freepost envelope have been included with this newsletter. Alternatively you may prefer to complete the survey online at www.surveymonkey.com/s/carershospitaldischarge. All completed responses received will be entered into a prize draw where five carers will win a £25 gift voucher.

StrokeSupportServicesFocusGroup

A Stroke Focus Group has been set up so that stroke survivors and their carers can have a greater input to stroke services in the health, social care and the voluntary sectors. The group covers Kensington and Chelsea, Westminster and Hammersmith and Fulham.Meetings are held every six weeks at various venues across the three boroughs. Members include stroke survivors, carers, Council andhealthcare staff and representatives from the voluntary sector.

If you would like to influence stroke service improvements, the group is encouraging more carers to join. For further information, please email Peter.McDonnell@rbkc.gov.ukorcall02073612715.

PatientReferenceGroupsinKensingtonandChelsea:StrengtheningtheCarer’sVoice

Kensington and Chelsea Local Involvement Network is an independent organisation made up of members from the local community who share a passion for influencing and improving health and social care services in the borough. Patient Reference Groups provide patients and practice staff with the opportunity to meet and discuss the standard of care and services provided by their surgery and are a valuable opportunity for carers to influence local services from their perspective. If you would like to be part of your GP Patient Reference Group or get more information about K&C LINK, please contact CharlesMeadatcharles.mead@hestia.orgortelephone02089687049.

HaveYourSayOnLocalHealthAndSocialCareServices:TheCarers’Forum

The dates for the 2012 Carers’ Forum meetings have now been set. Meetings will take place between 11.00amand2.00pmon19January,19April,19Julyand18OctoberattheLighthouseWestLondonCentre,111-117LancasterRoad,LadbrokeGrove,London,W111QT. If you are interested in attending, please contact CarersKensington&Chelseaonfreephone08000321089orbyemailonkandc@carersuk.org for further details.

Personalisation:AGuideforCarers

A guide, entitled Personalisation: A Guide for Carers. What You Need to Know, has been published by the London Councils. Copies are available fromhttp://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/policylobbying/healthadultservices/jip/resources.htm or alternatively, please contact Carers Kensington & Chelsea.

Newsforcarers|November2011

SpecialistFallsPreventionServicesinKensingtonandChelsea

Falls are one of the biggest causes of accidental death in the UK and are a major cause of disability and mortality due to injury for older people. People can fall for a variety of reasons, such as poor eyesight, a lack of exercise, medical conditions, anxiety, tiredness and poor diet and nutrition, to name just a few.

The Specialist Falls Prevention Service in Kensington and Chelsea can help in a number of ways, for example, home environmental risk prevention, bone health assessments, strength and balance training, nutritional assessments and education on falls awareness and falls coping strategies. Falls prevention groups and programmes are also on offer, either run at various locations across the borough or in the client’s home, aimed at improving balance, increasing endurance and reducing the overall risk of falls.

If someone you care for has fallen or is at risk of or fears falling, you can refer them to the KensingtonandChelseaSpecialistFallsPreventionServicesbytelephoning02073493239.

SERVICES, EVENTS AND NEWSINKENSINGTONANDCHELSEA

DoYouCareforSomeonewithDementia?

Caring for someone with dementia can be a long journey. Admiral Nurses are mental health nurses who offer individualised support for family carers and people with dementia, including practical advice, psychological support and person-centred needs assessments for both carers and the individuals with dementia.

There are currently two Admiral Nurses working across Kensington and Chelsea. If you would like to find out more about the services available, please contact DebbieHawkinson02082067133.

AreyouCaringforSomeonewithaLong-TermCondition?

Are you caring for someone with a long-term condition such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, HIV, mental illness or cancer? Would they like to acquire the knowledge, skills and confidence to deal with the impact of their health condition on their life?

The free Expert Patients Programme lasts for six weeks, with a two and a half hour meeting each week. The course aims to help people with long-term conditions to become more involved in the day-to-day management of their health condition. Carers are also very welcome to attend.

For more information, please contact JillWatsonon02073764668oremail:jill.watson@smartlondon.org.uk.

HealthandWellbeingSeminar

Carers UK will be holding a second afternoon seminar in its Health and Wellbeing series on “The Role of Health and Wellbeing Boards in Improving Health Outcomes for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Carers.” The event will take place on 6December2011between2.00-4.30pmatCarersUK,20GreatDoverStreet,London,SE14LX. Places are limited so if you would like to attend, please email DalveerKauratdalveer.kaur@carersuk.orgorcall02073784936.

Newsforcarers|November2011

CallingAllYoungCarers

Family Action offers a range of activities for young carers on a week by week basis. Recent events have included a Capoeira workshop, a Caribbean cookery night, a video night and a street dance workshop. Over the holidays, Family Action often arranges all days trips, most recently to Alton Towers. The organisation also works in conjunction with Portobello Green Fitness Studio so that young people can access the services on offer. Two young carers Activity Workers have also recently been recruited to conduct one-to-one work with Young Carers who may not wish to join a group. Whatever you fancy, there’s a place for you! For more information about Family Action’s programme of activities, please contact ThaisorIsabelatkandc.youngcarers@family-action.org.uk.

INSIDEHOMEServicesforCarers

As part of its Kensington and Chelsea INSIDEOUT Project, Third Age Counselling offers an INSIDE HOME Service for carers of elderly people and people with learning disabilities. Two counsellors can visit your home, the first offering wellbeing interaction with the person you care for and the second offering therapeutic counselling for you as a carer. The service can also offer Shiatsu, reflexology and threading hair removal and can be provided in English and Arabic.

Third Age Counselling also offers counselling to carers and to people over 50 at New Horizons on Wednesdays and at the Open Age Hub at Glastonbury House in Pimlico.

For more information, please go to the website www.thirdagecounselling.comortelephone02079766667.

Carers’CounsellingService

Funded by the Royal Borough, Primary Care Psychological Health are offering Carers in Kensington & Chelsea 8-10 sessions of individual counselling sessions. Carers receive a first assessment appointment to discuss their needs and how counselling might benefit them.

Sessions are available at various times Monday-Friday, including some evenings. Sessions can be offered on a weekly basis, or at longer intervals, if more convenient. The service will be provided at the St. Charles Centre in Ladbroke Grove and at 15 Gertrude Street (just behind the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital). Interpreting support can be provided if required.

Carers can self-refer or be referred. For more information, please contact SonjaWardenorMarkMcDonaghon02089624748 or by email: sonia.warden@clch.nhs.uk or mark.mcdonagh@clch.nhs.uk.

KensingtonandChelseaDisability&OlderPeopleAdvocacyService

On 1 August 2011, POhWER began providing an advocacy service to residents of Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea who are aged 18 and over and who have physically or sensory disabilities. The service is also available to people over the age of 50. Nicola is the advocate supporting residents in the Royal Borough, and has so far supported 27 residents with complex needs.

The service will support issues such as disputes about social care, support at DLA Appeals, complaints, safeguarding, Dignity in Care in the community or residential settings, and supporting personalisation/signposting to personal budgets.

If you would like more information about the service or feel you would benefit from Nicola’s support, please call POhWERon03004562370.

Newsforcarers|November2011

RespiteServicesInKensingtonAndChelsea

It can be hard finding time for yourself as a carer however there are organisations in the borough offering free respite care, helping you to have a break.

Crossroads is able to provide free tailor-made flexible breaks in the home for unpaid carers, allowing them “time-off” and a break from their caring responsibilities. For more information or a referral, please contact CarersKensington&ChelseaorJuliaWiggettorGabrielaSoltysikon02074857416oremailadmin@crossroadscarecnl.org.

Age Concern Kensington and Chelsea is also pleased to be able to offer free respite care to carers in the borough who care for an adult aged 55 and over. These breaks are flexible and can be tailored to meet the needs of the carer. For more information please contact Raquelon02089608137oremailhome@ackc.org.uk.

NBFACelebratesIts55thBirthday

The National Benevolent Fund for the Aged (NBFA) is turning 55 in 2012! Set up in 1957 to increase the independence of older people in the UK, services have changed over the years but the charity’s core commitment has remained absolutely steadfast. Current services offered to older people across the UK are day trips, free TENS pain relief machines, free emergency alarms, and free Breaks-Away.

NBFA is picking up from Chelsea in February 2012 to go on a Break-Away to Eastbourne. To qualify for a free Break-Away you need to be over 60, on a low income, and have not been away for 3 years or more.

For more information and to apply for a place on this Break-Away, please contact NBFAon02078280200orvisitthewebsitewww.nbfa.org.uk.

KensingtonandChelseaForumforOlderResidents

The Kensington and Chelsea Forum for Older Residents aims to give older people an active voice in the borough on local issues. The Forum holds regular afternoon tea sessions in StPeter’sChurch,NottingHillGatefrom1.30-4.00pm, to which both carers and the people they care for are welcome. On 30November, the session will see a presentation by contemporary British jewellery designer and maker, Jill Newbrook. The Forum will also be holding its festiveeventintheSmallHall,KensingtonTownHallon9December where Tony Benn will be giving a talk, followed by music and festive cheer! For more information, please contact Nour-eddineAboudihajon02073521336oremailkensingtonandchelseaforum@btconnect.com.

FreeYogaClassesforCarers

The Portobello Green Fitness Club, Ladbroke Grove, offers free Yoga classes for carers on Thursdays,11.00am-12.00pm. For more information, call Angelaon02089602221.

AWinterBall-9December2011

Mencap Hammersmith and Fulham is holding a SafetyNetPeopleFirstWinterBallattheIrishCentre,Hammersmith,Friday,9December2011,7.30-11.30pm.Tickets must be booked in advance and cost £12.00 however for carers, they cost £8.00. Although the event takes place in Hammersmith, it is also open to residents from Kensington and Chelsea. For tickets and more details, please contact KatieSnowballon02087485138oremailkatie.snowball@mencaphf.org.uk.

Newsforcarers|November2011

TimeForMeSouthKensingtonAndChelsea

Time for Me South Kensington and Chelsea similarly runs a wide range of trips and activities for unpaid carers over 50 in the south of the borough.

The provisional programme for January to March 2012 includes a trip to the Victoria and Albert Museum in February, First Aid training and a trip to a production of AIDA. BookingsfortheJanuary-Marchprogrammehowevercannotbemadeuntil5December2011. To find out more, please contact JudyGrahamon02075908970oremailjgraham@new-horizons-chelsea.org.uk.

Remaining activities in the October-December programme include StressManagementforCarerson23November,theGreatJoolsHollandBandattheRoyalAlbertHallon25November(£5.00aticket),atalkbytheCABon2DecemberforCarersRightsDay,theCologneChristmasMarketonLondon’sSouthbankon7December,LesleyGarrettsingingChristmasclassicsatthetheRoyalAlbertHallon13December(£5.00aticket),afestiveeveningmealouton15December,theNewHorizonsChristmaspartyon16DecemberandtheSlava’sSnowshowattheRoyalFestivalHallon20December(£5.00aticket).Many of these events are now full although you can still put your name down on the reserve lists.

TimeForMeNorthKensington

Time for Me North Kensington holds regular Friday morning activities for unpaid carers over 50 at the PositiveAgeCentre,DalgarnoWay,W105JWfrom11.00am-1.00pm. Activities over the forthcoming weeks include fabricpainting,ribbonweaveandcardmakingon25November,chairexercise/dance/pilateson2December,atriptoOxfordChristmasmarketon9December(advancebookingisessential)andaChristmaslunchattheLittleBay,Kilburnon16December(advancebookingessential). For more information or to book a place, please contact LizButterson02089641900oremailebutters@openage.org.uk.

SupportGroupForCarersOfOlderPeople

Age Concern Kensington and Chelsea is running a monthly carers support group for carers of older people. Upcoming meetings include theChristmasSocial,Tuesday,13December2011,6.30-8.30pmattheDukeofWellingtonPub,PortobelloRoad,W11;StressManagement,Friday,20January2012,12.00-2.00pm,NewHorizons,CadoganStreet,SW3; MeetingonWednesday,29February,2012,2.00-4.00pmatStPeter’sChurch,KensingtonParkRoad;and a socialget-together,Tuesday,27March2012,6.30-8.30pmattheDukeofWellingtonPub,PortobelloRoad,W11between6.30-8.30pm.For more information, please contact Caroleon02089608137.

CombatingIsolation

Open Age is currently offering two services aimed at reducing loneliness, isolation and depression amongst vulnerable older people. The first service provides free telephone conference discussion sessions - on such topics as current affairs, literature or film - for borough residents over the age of 50 who are housebound. The second service, “Link-Up” supports older people to attend Open Age activities, for example, by providing 1-to-1 support and encouragement as well as practical solutions to overcoming barriers to attendance. For more information, please contact LauraineRobinsonon02089641900oremailLRobinson@OpenAge.org.uk.

Newsforcarers|November2011

Campbell-TaylorSolicitors has an exclusive Legal Services Commission contract to provide community care advice in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. If you are resident in Kensington and Chelsea please call 08455672457 to book an appointment to see an advisor in Ladbroke Grove. The firm also provides home visits. Website:http://www.rhctlegal.co.uk.

SPOTLIGHTON...ADVICEAGENCIESINKENSINGTONANDCHELSEAIn the current climate of cuts, benefit changes and debt, it can help to know who to turn to for advice and information about problems and difficulties you may be having. You can find information about advice providers in the Borough at the AdviceHubKC(www.advicehubkc.org). Outlined below are some of the agencies available to people living, working or studying in Kensington and Chelsea.

ChangestoHousingAdviceKensingtonandChelsea(HASKC)

Following the end of the HASKC service in June 2011, the Home Improvements and Advice Agency (HIAA) service is now being delivered by StayingFirst. For information about the services provided and if HIAA can help you, call the AdviceLineon02089968900,Monday-Friday,10.30am-3.00pm. Drop-in sessions are also held at the WestwayInformationCentre,140LadbrokeGrove,W10,onTuesdays5.00-7.00pmandattheLearningSpace,BromptonLibrary,210BromptonRoad,SW5,onThursdays,3.00-5.00pm.

TheKensingtonandChelseaCitizensAdviceBureau offers practical up-to-date information and advice on a wide range of topics, including debt, benefits, housing, discrimination, employment, immigration and consumer problems. Offices are based at 140LadbrokeGrove,W10,andattheOldTownHall,KingsRoad,SW3. You can contact the CAB on 08448269708. For further information about advice sessions and telephone advice line times, please go to www.citizensadvice.org.uk/kensingtoncab.html.

TheNucleusLegalAdviceCentre, based at 298OldBromptonRoad,SW5, provides free legal advice, assistance and representation in the Royal Borough, in particular in the Earl’s Court area. The main areas covered are debt, housing and welfare benefit issues. Advice sessions are held on Mondays,TuesdaysandThursdaysandthereisalsoanAdviceLine(tel:02073734005)andHousingLine(tel:02073736262).Further information can also be found at www.nucleus.org.uk.

TheWorld’sEndNeighbourhoodAdviceCentre can be found at2World’sEndPlace,World’sEndEstate,SW10. The centre offers a drop-in service for quick queries, office appointments, home visits and phone advice (tel:02073515749). Areas covered include a specialised welfare benefits service and advice to tenants and owner-occupiers on rent or mortgage arrears, possession proceedings, eviction, repairs, homelessness and transfers. Further information can be found at the website www.wenac.org.uk.

TheNorthKensingtonLawCentre provides a free and independent specialist legal service in the areas of education, employment and discrimination, housing, immigration and welfare benefits. The centre is open MondaytoFriday,10.00am-5.00pm and can be found at 74GolborneRoad,W10(tel:02089697473).

AgeUKKensingtonandChelsea offers information and advice services to older people (55 plus), their family, carers and helpers. Areas covered include welfare benefits, care needs, health and disabilities, debt and housing. The services include drop-ins, appointments, telephone advice, outreach and a home visit service. Information is also available from the Wayfinders Service. For more information, telephone02089699105orgotowww.ageuk.org.uk/kensingtonandchelsea/Information-advice.

Details of events and information for carers can also be found at the Royal Borough’s brand new carers’ pages www.rbkc.gov.uk/healthandsocialcare/peoplefirst/newcarers.aspx.

Newsforcarers|November2011

CarersKensington&ChelseaisaprojectrunbyCarersUK.CarersUKisacharityregisteredinEnglandandWales(246329)andacompanylimitedbyguaranteeregisteredinEnglandand Wales (864097). Registered office is20GreatDoverStreet,LondonSE14LX.www.carersuk.org.CarersUK©(November2011).Theinformationinthisnewsletterisforguidanceonlyandisnotanauthoritativestatementofthelaw.TheinformationiscorrectasofNovember2011.

CARERS’INFORMATIONPACK 2011-2012

Details of the carers’ services provided in the Royal Borough are also available in the Carers’ Information Pack 2011-2012. This is produced by Carers Kensington & Chelsea in conjunction with Open Age. Please contact Carers Kensington & Chelsea if you would like a copy. An electronic version can also be found at www.rbkc.gov.uk/healthandsocialcare/peoplefirst/newcarers/carerskc/carersinformationpack.aspx.

Carers’ Information Pack 2011–12

CARERS UKThe voice of carers

CKC Carers uk4_Layout 1 20/04/2011 10:04 Page 1

Carers Kensington & Chelsea (CKC) is an advice and information service for carers in the Royal Borough. If you have queries about benefits, support available to you in the borough or want information about local events for carers, we can help!

Comingtoaplacenearyou!

CKC holds drop-in sessions at the CustomerServicesCentre,KensingtonTownHall,onMondays,10.00am-12.00pm and can offer appointments at the RedcliffeSurgery(SW109DT)onTuesdaysbetween2.00-4.00pm and at the PortlandRoadpractice(W114LA)onWednesdays,between2.00-4.00pm.

As of September 2011, Carers Kensington & Chelsea has also been holding drop-in sessions in the Cremorne Ward area of the borough. These sessions are held on Mondayafternoonsbetween2.00-4.00pmattheChelseaTheatre,World’sEndPlace,KingsRoad,SW100DR. If you would like some advice about the support and services available to you in the borough, please call by.

CarersKensington&Chelsea

In addition to the face-to-face sessions, Carers Kensington and Chelsea also offers a telephone advice line and email advice service. To contact us, please call our advice line freephone08000321089,emailkandc@carersuk.orgordropusalineat20GreatDoverStreet,London,SE14LX.

NewResourcesFromCarersUK

Carers UK and Nutricia have joined forces to raise awareness of the important role good nutrition plays when caring for someone. For information about caring and nutrition, please go to www.nutricia.co.uk/carewithnutrition.

The updated edition of Carers UK’s Looking After Someone: A Guide To Carers’ Rights and Benefits 2011/12 is also now available from www.carersuk.org/professionals/order-publications.