The newsletter of Carers Bucks

Dedicated to supporting carers

Autumn 2014

www.carersbucks.org

"So lucky to have Joy"- Michael's

story

Young Carers High Wycombe

Fun DayCarers Week success

CarersBucks

Autumn 2014 | 3

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It was fantastic to see so many of you during Carers Week in the summer

and particularly at our Connecting with Carers event in Aylesbury which gave carers the chance to raise issues and concerns about the health service in the county. You can read more about that on page 4. Carers Week was a great success, giving us the chance to reach out to new carers and let them know how we can support them. We are now gearing up for Carers Rights Day on 28 November which is all about making sure carers access everything they need to make life easier. It is also another opportunity to raise awareness

Foreword from the Chief Executive

of the needs of carers. Our carers have taken part in some great activities over the last few months. Young carers have enjoyed theatre trips, fun days and a visit to a farm (centre pages) whilst a group of male carers took to the river on a boat trip. As always, we are grateful to all those people and organisations who fundraise and support us with donations. You can read more about them on page 22.

Stephen Archibald Chief Executive

Carers Bucks and Carers MK stephen.archibald@carersbucks.org

News From Carers Bucks

Carers’ Stories

Money Matters

Young Carers

Mental Health Carers

Services & Information

Changing Faces

Fundraising & Events

Contents04

09

08

10

15

16

17

18

12 18

04 09

5

Chief ExecutiveStephen Archibald

Finance ManagerKirstie O'Sullivan

Adult Carers Service ManagerAnn Whiteley

Young Carers Service ManagerSally Mansi

Carers BucksArdenham CourtOxford Road Aylesbury HP19 8HTTel 0300 777 2722Email: mail@carersbucks.orgFacebook: www.facebook.com/Carersbucks

AdvertisingKevin MokTelephone: 01536 526678

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Meet the Team...

4 | Autumn 2014

NEWS FROM CARERS BUCKS

Autumn 2014 | 5

Carers WeekSome 100 carers took time out

to attend a special event Carers Bucks organised as part of Carers Week.

The Connecting with Carers event at Aylesbury’s Gateway Conference Centre gave carers the opportunity to raise issues and concerns with Colin Thompson, Director of Operations at Aylesbury Clinical Commissioning Group.

As well as asking questions about the county’s health service the audience enjoyed one to one information and advice sessions with a range of organisations.

Carers Week is an annual UK-wide awareness campaign, which takes place to celebrate and recognise

the vital contribution made by the UK’s 6.5 million carers. This year’s theme was Carers Week Quest – the greatest ever drive to reach out to carers.

Carers Bucks Chief Executive Stephen Archibald said: “There are some 49,000 young and adult carers in Buckinghamshire. We currently support some 6,500 so it’s those thousands of ‘hidden carers’ out there we are trying to reach.

“Our target is to double the number of young and adult carers we support by 2017. The Carers Week awareness campaign was just one way of helping us do that.”

Care ActThe 2014 Care Act which

received Royal Assent in May, took another step closer to being implemented next year.

The Care Act places care and support law into a single, clear, modern statute for the first time and puts people’s wellbeing at the heart of the care and support system.

An initial consultation on the regulations coming into force next year ended in August.

A further consultation on the reforms that come into effect from April 2016 is due to take place this autumn.

For further information visit www.careandsupportregs.dh.gov/uk/careact

www.carersbucks.org

Carers RightsCarers Rights Day on Friday,

28 November is about getting carers the information and advice they need to claim benefits, access practical support and find out how technology can help take the pressure off.

Each year Carers UK organises Carers Rights Day to:

Law changesChanges to employment law

came into force in June that extend the right to request flexible working to more carers.

Before the change, only those who have children or caring responsibilities for older or disabled family members had the right to request flexible working. Now, any staff member who has worked with their employer for more than 26 weeks will be able to request flexibility, for any reason.Carers UK estimates around 100,000 more carers will have the right to ask for flexible working arrangements that will enable them to manage both work and caring responsibilities.

Did you know?Cuts to social care funding have

reached £3.53 billion over the past four years, a recent survey published by the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) shows.

Responding to the new figures, Carers UK said the continuing reductions of local government funds alongside growing need for services is leaving families who

• Increase the take up of benefits. • Make sure carers know their rights.• Guide carers towards practical

support – it's not just about benefits. • Raise awareness of the needs

of carers.

This year’s theme is Looking after someone? Know your rights. Carers Bucks will be organising various activities in support of this event, Watch this space.

Its research has shown that flexibility from an employer makes a big difference in terms of helping the carer, reducing stress and ill health in the workplace, and increasing productivity gains for employers.

Requests can cover changing hours, times or places of work. Flexi-time or part-time working are just two examples of working patterns that can constitute flexible working. Employers can only refuse requests for certain specified reasons and should deal with requests in a reasonable manner.

are already struggling under impossible pressure.

The annual budget survey from ADASS shows that spending on social care has fallen by 12 percent since 2010, while the numbers looking for support has risen by 14 per cent.

The association says the savings local councils have had to make in their budgets are equivalent to £3.53 billion over the past four years.

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Male carersMore than four in ten (42 per

cent) unpaid carers in the UK are male, according to new research by Carers Trust and the Men’s Health Forum.

The report Husband, Partner, Dad, Son, Carer? was commissioned by Carers Trust to look into the experiences and needs of male carers, and to help raise awareness of the fact that they might not be getting the support they need.

Thea Stein, Chief Executive of Carers Trust said: “Caring is often regarded as a female issue but the statistics tell us differently. More than four in ten of the UK’s unpaid carers are male – which means an enormous 2.5 million men in the UK.

“Despite this they are often not recognised and go unsupported. Men who are caring often don’t feel able to ask for support at work, and often feel that support services are based around the needs of women. We need to

ensure employers, families and communities support the dads, brothers, partners and sons in our communities carrying out this vital role.”

Over half (53 per cent) of the male carers surveyed felt that their needs were different to those of female carers, many citing that men find it harder to ask for help and support and that balancing work and caring is challenging, particularly if they are the main earner.

Read Michael’s story page 9.

Group enjoy riverboat tripSome male carers

enjoyed a riverboat trip at Henley-on-Thames.

Ian Cormack, from the Male Carers Support group, said: “It was a lovely day and somehow time slows down on a river trip.

“Skipper Lucy Herbert and her crew made us very welcome, so we had a really relaxing, refreshing morning travelling on the Rivertime boat down the Thames from Henley through the lock to Shiplake and then back up again to Remenham. This was followed by an enjoyable lunch together at the River and Rowing Museum cafe. A great day out.”

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MONEY MATTERSCan the Legion help you?

Carer’sAllowance You can now claim Carer’s

Allowance (or report a change of circumstances) online. The online claim will:• Be received at the Carer’s

Allowance Unit immediately• Has fewer questions than the

paper claim form• Doesn’t require a signature

or printing

Claim at: www.gov.uk/apply-carers-allowance

If you or one of your family served, or is serving, in the armed forces

then the Royal British Legion may be able to help if you are going through a difficult time. In particular, the Legion can help with debt and emergency situations, and offers support through grants and loans. Its Benefits and Money Advisers offer impartial and non-judgemental advice about how to maximise your income by claiming the benefits and tax credits you’re entitled to and managing your debts - all completely confidential and free of charge.

Are you struggling to manage financially? Elizabeth Finn Care gives

money to help people who have less than £4000 in savings and, lacking enough household income, manage a hand-to-mouth existence.

In order to apply for assistance you, or your partner, need to have worked in one of the eligible professions – some examples are accountants, artists, writers, actors, civil servants, teachers, surveyors, police and fire officers, social workers, nurses.

Help for older people in financial hardship Many people are unaware

that there may be charitable support available to them in times of financial hardship. Charity Search offers a free service to those aged 50 and above, by searching for the most appropriate charities for them to contact for assistance. All enquiries are treated in the strictest confidence.

Contact 0117 982 4060 (Mon-Fri 9am to 2pm); email info@charitysearch.org.uk; visit www.charitysearch.org.uk

Seven years ago Michael Hall’s life came crashing

down when his wife Joy suffered a serious stroke and lost the use of her right side.

Joy, now 77, was in hospital for over six months and when she came home to Burnham in South Buckinghamshire, Michael, who is 73, took on the role of main carer.

He said: “We’ve been married for 53 years and have two sons but I was never a hands on husband. Joy did all the domestic stuff and I went out to work. I didn’t even know how to operate the washing machine. The only thing I could do was cook.

“Some people thought Joy would never be able to move about and would be better off in a home. I was anxious about whether I could look after her properly but she was always coming home and I was determined to care for her.

“The stroke paralysed Joy’s right side but her speech isn’t

Would you like to share your story with other

carers? Please contact us on 0300 777 2722

or email us at mail@carersbucks.org

too badly affected and she can remember everything about all the years we’ve been married!”

Michael, who ran his own sheet metal business before retiring, does all the cooking but has a cleaner who helps out twice a week – something his two sons initiated.

He’s grateful for the support he also gets from Carers Bucks and the Wycombe Different Strokes - a support network and social group for stroke survivors, their families and friends.

“I can’t praise Carers Bucks enough,” he said. “Our doctors put me in touch with the charity and people there have helped me so much. Every month I go to a support group and I learn something new, either about a new product, a new initiative or some extra support I can get.

CARERS’ STORIES

Michael’s Joy“Someone is always at the end of a phone and they understand what you are going through. I’ve never been very good at reading and writing and the charity has helped me with paperwork and filling out forms.“A couple of years ago I also joined a local stroke support group which has made a big difference to our lives. We’ve been on trips and it’s been fantastic to meet other carers who understand the challenges you are facing.

“When Joy had her stroke I couldn’t stop crying. It would have been easy to sit down and give up. But the sooner you accept this is your new life and start getting on with it the better it is. It’s no good thinking what life might have been.

“I’m so lucky to have Joy. She is still the same person I married all those years ago. She’s happy and we still enjoy our lives together.”

Unexpected and last-minute costs like funeral expenses or the need for a mobility scooter, stairlift or home adaptation are often impossible to meet without help. The Legion’s Immediate Needs Grants Scheme can help people through crises as well as helping them to remain independent for longer.

If you need help with money issues, call the contact centre on 0808 802 8080 to be put in touch with your local contact.

(see the full list at: www.elizabethfinncare.org.uk/get_support/elizabeth-finn-grants/who-can-apply/)

They help those whose career has been interrupted or ended through circumstances beyond their control, such as physical or mental illness, redundancy, family breakdown or those struggling on low income in retirement.

If you think you might be eligible for support contact the charity on 020 8834 9200 or visit www.elizabethfinncare.org.uk Pictures by Holly England-Achibald and Rebecca Eveleigh

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Young Carers High WycombeAround 100 young carers enjoyed

a family fun day organised by Marlow Rotary and Marlow Thames Rotary. Activities included sumo wrestling, a magician, bouncy castle, live music and food. Some ten young carers from young carers enjoyed a residential trip to London where they saw the musical Wicked and visited Camden Market.

Sarah Collin, Young Carers Personal Advisor, said: “We are very grateful to Amersham Rotary for making the trip happen. It was a very action packed 24 hours and everyone benefitted from the experience.” The Berkeley Foundation invited ten young carers to spend the day at Longridge Activity Centre in Marlow. The group enjoyed various activities including go karting, climbing and building rafts.

Twenty young carers had the chance to be taught softball by professional coaches at Farnham Park, home of the country’s first purpose-built baseball and softball complex.The trip was provided by South Bucks District Council and BaseballSoftballUK.

The youngest group of young carers visited Odds Farm Park near High Wycombe where they fed sheep and goats, enjoyed a tractor ride, had fun in the play barn and watched a circus performance.

Brighton was the destination for the group of oldest young carers. As well as enjoying a swim, they also had fun on the pier, shopping in The Lanes and relaxing on the beach.

NEWS FROM YOUNG CARERS BUCKS

Young Carers AylesburyRain failed to dampen the spirits

of young carers in Aylesbury when they went sailing and kayaking at Caldecotte Lake as part of a busy summer of activities.

Activity and integration worker Philippa Taylor said: “It poured all day. The children didn’t mind but there were some very cold and wet adults.”

A small group of 10 to 12 year olds enjoyed the Young Carers Festival at Southampton and several teenagers had a weekend on a canal boat.

There was also a family fun day organised which included a bouncy castle and nail bar.

“We wouldn’t be able to organise many of our activities without support and funding from a variety of organisations,” added Philippa. “We’d like to thank Carmichael UK for providing our family fun day, Princes Risborough Rotary Club for our sailing day, the London Narrow Boat Project for our canal boat weekend and Horses Helping People for riding activities.

“Kids in Sport funding also allowed us to take some young carers sailing and for a “crazy climb” at the Big Rock centre.

“For some of our young carers these are the only activities they do through the long summer holidays and it is not only fun for them but can have added benefits like raising their self esteem and giving them confidence that they can do things.

“Thanks to everyone who helped make this summer a good one for our young carers.”

Special assembliesNearly 5,000 schoolchildren in

Buckinghamshire were given an insight into the role of young carers – thanks to Carers Bucks.

Staff from the charity took part in special assemblies to explain the responsibilities and challenges some pupils face in their caring roles.

Pupils also pledged their support to young carers during Carers Week in June when, for the first time, they had their own day as part of the annual event.

Carers Week is a UK-wide awareness campaign, which aims to improve the lives of carers and the people they care for.As part of Carers Week Carers Bucks posted packs of flags inviting primary school pupils to decorate them.

Chief Executive Stephen Archibald said: “The schools’ flag initiative was one way of getting youngsters actively involved in Carers Week and promoting the work we do for young carers.

“Research shows there are more than 1,000 young unpaid carers in Buckinghamshire with most providing between one and 19 hours of care a week.”

New researchNew research shows that

young people providing unpaid care for friends and family have many fewer opportunities in education and the workplace as a result.

The research by Carers Trust and Nottingham University showed almost half who had left fulltime education were unemployed. More than half (54 per cent) felt they would have got better grades at school if it was not for their caring role and 87 per cent felt they had not received good career advice at school and that the advice did not take into account their caring role.

Of those who had been to college or university 29 per cent have dropped out because of their caring role – four times the national average.

Carers Bucks Chief Executive Stephen Archibald said: “These figures are extremely worrying and highlight the need for more awareness of the incredibly difficult challenges our younger carers face.

“Statistics show that if you are caring for more than 30 hours a week your health and well-being is likely to be affected in a negative way. We know that carers have an increased risk of mental illness.

“I urge all schools, colleges and universities to acknowledge the caring roles some students have and ensure they seek the sort of support we can offer here at Carers Bucks.”

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Who’s Who at Young Carers High WycombeJulie May Julie manages the Family Support Project within Young Carers. Julie supports adults and young people providing practical and emotional support. She’s a mine of information and always ready to help out however she can.

Sarah CollinSarah is a Connexions Personal Advisor. She works with teenagers at clubs and support groups and sees young carers for individual support. Sarah has been part of the team for some time, is very creative and organised and has done a great deal of work to develop small groups.

12 | Autumn 2014

Regan RogersRegan is a Connexions Personal Advisor. She supports teenagers in and out of school on a one-to-one basis as well as at clubs, activities and in small groups. Regan has a great deal of experience working with older young people.

Amanda Brackley

Amanda works with young carers who are under 12. As well as attending club nights and taking part in activities for the younger age groups, Amanda also works with young carers individually who need extra support.

Rahat Butt Rahat is an important member of the team working behind the scenes. Amongst other things, she organises the database and sends out paperwork. Rahat has been part of Carers Bucks in other roles for a long time.

Sarah Beavis Sarah manages the High Wycombe Young Carers team, organises all the clubs and activities, helps develop and runs small groups and occasionally offers one-to-one support for young carers of all ages.

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MENTAL HEALTH CARERS

Charity helpDo you know anyone who is

suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder? They could get help from the charity SSAFA.

The Solders, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association was set up in 1885 to look after the families of solders sent to fight in the second Sudan War.

A spokesperson for the charity said: “Anyone who has spent just one day in the Armed Forces is eligible for our help, as are their spouses, even if they married and the person had left the Forces. Reservists and their families are also eligible.”

In Buckinghamshire the charity has some 50 volunteer caseworkers and deals with more than 400 cases each year.

For more information contact 01494 538256 or visit www.ssafa.org.uk

Healthy mindsHealthy Minds is a service

for anyone experiencing anxiety, depression or stress and who is registered with an NHS Buckinghamshire GP.

It provides access to evidence-based psychological therapies recommended by NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) for generalised anxiety disorder, specific phobias, social phobia, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, health anxiety disorder, depression and peri natal.

For more information call 0844 225 2400 or visit www.healthymindsbucks.nhs.uk

Health groupAylesbury Mental Health

Group is now meeting on the last Thursday of the month from 1.30pm to 3.30pm at the Carers Bucks Aylesbury Office. Kate Norman, who ran the group, retired in June.

Free serviceCarers Bucks is continuing its

initiative with Healios, a new project that offers a unique, free service to carers or people with psychosis including Schizophrenia, Bipolar, Schizoaffective Disorder and Psychotic Depression

Experienced clinicians work alongside carers to provide tailored skills and education to help them:

• Better understand the illness and symptoms of their loved-one.

• Rebuild and strengthen their relationships.

• Find solutions to address their particular situation.

• Regain confidence and help with being able to move forward as a family.

The service is delivered via the internet by accessing the Healios website. No software is needed. If you don’t have a computer you can visit the Carers Bucks office or access the service over the phone.

Call 03303 350603 or visit www.healios.org

Carers across the UK are being pushed to the brink – suffering

exhaustion, physical and mental breakdown as they struggle to care for older or disabled loved ones.

Carers UK’s Carers at breaking point research – based on a survey of more than 5,000 carers – shows:

• Six in ten caring for an older, disabled or seriously ill loved one have reached breaking point.

• A quarter needing medical treatment as a result.

• 63 oer cent suffered depression and 79 per cent reported anxiety

The report also reveals:

• For one in nine carers who had suffered a breakdown, the person cared for had to be rushed to hospital or needed emergency social care while the carer recovered.

• 46 per cent in crisis had fallen ill but had no choice but to carry

on caring – unable to access additional help from social care services or the NHS.

Carers UK is calling on all political parties to take urgent action to:

• Deliver urgent new funding for social care services.

• Place a duty on NHS bodies to identify and support carers.

• End cuts to carers’ benefits and alleviate carers’ financial hardship.

• Implement a right to paid ‘care leave’ for those combining work and care.

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Services mentioned in this

newsletter do not constitute a

recommendation by Carers Bucks

Respite careA new initiative is being launched

by the Amersham and Wycombe Branch of Parkinson’s UK (PUK) to provide respite care to help people with Parkinson’s and their carers.

Care provider Universal Care will provide trained carers in response to requests from PUK.

PUK Branch chairman Tony Vaughan said: “The respite break could be just a couple of hours each week enabling the carer to play golf, visit the hairdresser or go shopping.”

The project is funded by the local Parkinson’s branch through a legacy and is free to the beneficiaries.

Join networkAre you a family carer

supporting someone with a severe learning disability whose behaviour is described as challenging?

Would you like to chat with other family carers in a similar situation? The Challenging Behaviour Foundation’s Family Carers’ Email Network could be for you.

The network is open to any family member caring for a relative with severe learning disabilities whose behaviour can be a challenge.

All messages are anonymous. To join the network email Jessica at network@thecbf.org.uk or visit www.challengingbehaviour.org.uk

RNIB boxDid you know that the RNIB has

a box at the world-famous Royal Albert Hall? If you are blind or partially sighted, you can apply for tickets and take a sighted friend or guide.

The cost of tickets is £15. For more details email royalalberthall@rnib.org.uk or call 020 7391 2063

Hope!I had a call!

Oh, he’s had a fall!Can I cope?Let there be hope!

No damage done,Though it made me run!Tension and stress?Well, I’ll let you guess.

With his alarm, I left him alone,For some time out on my own.Can I cope?When I have hope.

It makes me fearThat, when I’m not near,Just for how longBefore something goes wrong.

I want to cry,On my cheeks let them lie!Can I cope?If I have hope.

By Sadia Hersant

buddi deviceAre you looking after someone

who may become confused and get lost?

They could benefit from having a buddi – a personal locating device that uses GPS technology to accurately calculate location within minutes.

Carers Bucks and Buckinghamshire County Council have joined forces to promote the device, which can also send an alert if someone has fallen and is unable to get up again.

A buddi can be placed in a pocket or bag, or worn as a pendant. Battery life can last up to two days with charging time around four hours.

Carers Bucks is operating a free loan service on a limited number of devices so that carers can test the unit for a month – either at home or on holiday.

For more information call 0300 777 2722.

SERVICES & INFORMATION

CHANGING FACES

Sally Hearn, (below right)who has been supporting

working carers and working in the Buckingham area, has a new role with Carers Bucks. Sally has been appointed Adult Carers Support Team Co-ordinator. She said: “I’m looking forward to working with the team to grow the support we offer to carers right across the county.”

Carers Bucks has welcomed a new member of staff. Laura has been appointed Support Group worker. She said: “I’ve worked for several different organisations in a variety of roles. These have included building relationships for people

who find themselves isolated and connecting vulnerable young people with disabilities with their communities.”

“I’ve lived and worked in this field locally, in Scotland and in Australia and despite the differences in these areas there is one running theme throughout – people need other people in their lives to provide friendship, guidance and support.”

“I’m really looking forward to getting to know all the support groups and beginning to work alongside the members to ensure we are meeting everyone’s needs.”

Some 30 carers enjoyed afternoon tea and listened

to a harpist at the launch of Beaconsfield Carers Support Group.

Health liaison officer Val Dommett said: “This is a very positive partnership for Carers Bucks and

For saleScooter.PRIDE GO - GO 3 wheel small mobility scooter.Very good condition. Blue bodywork.Owner's manual available.Can be dismantled and put in boot of car.£100.00

Contact: Caron 07796897371

WritingAre you a budding writer keen

to talk about writing, share tips and boost your creativity?

The Carers Writing Group meets once a month and now has a membership of seven carers. It is facilitated by Margaret Morgan-Owen.

The group welcomes all carers.

we are very grateful to Sunrise for allowing us to hold the carers support group at their premises.”

The group meets on the first Friday of the month between 1.30pm and 3.30pm. For more information contact 0300 777 2722.

Members are hoping to compile a booklet to raise funds for Carers Bucks so even if you cannot attend the group but would like to see your name in print please submit your stories, poems or any other writing to Sally Hearn at:

sally.hearn@carersbucks.org

Music and afternoon tea

Do you want to write?

Sally’s new role

18 | Autumn 2014

FUNDRAISING AND EVENTSChristmasLunchBeaconsfield Masons

are putting on a special Christmas lunch for carers at The Masonic Centre in Beaconsfield on Sunday, 30 November.

Carers will be served with all the trimmings (compliments of Masons). New carers very welcome.

To book your place call 0300 777 2722 and ask for Timmi or Alex.

LegacyYoung carers support will benefit

from a £750,000 legacy.

Chief Executive Stephen Archibald said: “The money was left to us by a lady called Sylvia who lived in Beaconsfield but who wished to remain anonymous.

“Under the conditions of the legacy we cannot spend the capital but can use the income it generates for young carers support in Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes.

“We are extremely grateful for this generous gift which will enable us to provide new services for young carers in addition to those we currently provide.”

Donations

Carers and supporters have been busy fundraising

over the summer. Carers Bucks would like to thank all donors for their support and generosity:

£1100 – Summer raffle

£50 – Anonymous donation

£172.50 – Red Kite Dance Co

£319 – St Mary’s C of E School, Aylesbury

£20 – Mrs JP Canvin

£424 – Rotary Club, Winslow

£200 – Asda Foundaiton Community Award (High Wycombe)

£69 – Beechview School mufti day (High Wycombe)

£200 – Masonic Donation

Thanks also go to:

• Mark Willis (pictured left)who raised money for young carers by running the London BUPA 10k and Rosie Clayton who fundraised doing the London Triathlon.

• CarmichaelUK who paid for the Aylesbury young carers fun day.

• Marlow and Marlow Thames Rotary Club which financed the High Wycombe fun day.

• High Wycombe Rotary which paid for a young carers theatre trip to London.

CourseCarers Bucks is running a

course for Parent Carers called Confidently Managing Behaviour that Challenges.

The free course takes place on Thursday, 13 November between 10am and 2pm at the Aylesbury office.

It explores perceptions of what is challenging behaviour and looks at the reasons for it. It will help carers develop effective management plans and strategies for common challenges.

For more information and to book a place contact Timea on 0300 777 2722 or email timea.sharrad@carersbucks.org.