summer issue may 2015
TRANSCRIPT
Care Matters Newsletter Issue No. 17 - Summer 2015
[email protected] www.carersoxfordshire.org.uk
Carers Oxfordshire Helpline:
0845 050 7666
8th - 14th June 2015
Creating Carer Friendly Communities
2
3. Catherine’s Column
4. Carers and the Care Act
5. Safe Places
6. Free E-Learning course for carers
7. SOCITM Better Connected /
Social Media
8. Reminiscence Boxes
9. Join Dementia Research
10. Oxfordshire Advocacy - Does the
fear ever go away...
11. Living with Dementia? Enjoy
Gardening?
12. Oxfordshire Young Carers Service
14. Carers Support Groups
15. Oxfordshire Carers Week
Event Schedule pull out
16. #Myrtle is coming!
17. Monday 8th June
18. Tuesday 9th June
19. Wednesday 10th June
20. Thursday 11th June
21. Friday 12th June
22. Older Carers Day
23. Time to de-stress and enjoy a
sense of calm
24. Community Adult Learning Vouchers / Rethink Mental Illness
Carers Support Group
25. Vectis Discount Card - Point of
Sale Discount
26. Reloadable Shopping Cards
27. Carers’ Essentials Checklist
28. Emergency Carers Support
Service
29. Free Training Opportunities for
Carers
31. New Outreach Worker / Oxfordshire Volunteer
Befriending Service
32. Carers Voice Oxfordshire
34. Parent Carers Voice
40. Useful Numbers
Contents
If you would rather not receive this newsletter, or your circumstances have changed, please let us know by calling:
01235 424 715 or you may email [email protected]
If you would like to feature in future issues please email the Editor: [email protected]
If you are interested in advertising please contact [email protected]
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Catherine’s Column
Welcome to this special bumper edition of ‘Care Matters’. I hope you will find lots to interest you in this publication which is packed with interesting articles full of information and advice. Hopefully there is something for
everyone.
In this edition you will find lots of information about National Carers Week which runs from 8th-13th June. Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the
UK
This year the theme is ‘Carer Friendly Communities’. Communities which support carers to look after their loved ones well, while recognising that they are individuals with needs of their own. The campaign gives us the opportunity to look at our communities, both at home and in the workplace and ask if they are truly ‘Carer Friendly’. Every day 6,000 people take on a new caring role in the UK. Up and down the UK there are 6.5 million people caring unpaid for an ill, frail or disabled family member or friend. These people are called carers but they would probably say "I'm just
being a husband, a wife, a mum, a dad, a son, a daughter, a friend or a
good neighbour."
Please check out the centre pages of this newsletter where you will find all the Carers Week activities and events we have planned or are aware of at the time of going to press. The list will be constantly updated in the run up to Carers Week, so do check the events page
on our website regularly.
We look forward to meeting many of you during Carers Week – please do come and talk to us at one of the events we are holding or look out for us travelling around the county in Myrtle – the Carers
Oxfordshire yellow campervan!
With very best wishes, Catherine Blaxhall, Head of Carers Support & OxBEL
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Carers and the Care Act
You may have already heard
about the Care Act; a new piece
of law which outlines how care
and support should be provided
in England. It replaces all
existing adult social care
legislation.
The new law places emphasis on
promoting the wellbeing of
carers. Wellbeing can relate to:
personal dignity (including treatment of the individual
with respect)
physical and mental health
and emotional wellbeing
protection from abuse and
neglect
control by the individual over day-to-day life (including over
care and support)
participation in work, education, training or
recreation
social and economic wellbeing
domestic, family and personal
relationships
suitability of living
accommodation
the individual's contribution to
society
From April 2015, when the law
came into effect, changes to the
way care and support are provided
in England will mean that carers
may be able to get support so that
they can look after their own
wellbeing while continuing their
caring role. Caring for someone
can mean many different things,
like providing support to a relative,
partner, friend or neighbour, such
as helping with their washing,
dressing or eating, taking them to
regular appointments or keeping
them company.
Carers’ assessments
To help determine a person’s
support needs, an assessment
must be carried out. A carer’s
physical, mental and emotional
wellbeing will be at the heart of the
assessment, which could result in a
carer receiving practical support
such as respite care, or a direct
payment to spend on the things
that make it a little easier to carry
on caring. There are several ways
you can complete an assessment
either online by visiting
www.carersoxfordshire.org.uk or
by telephone by calling 0845 050
5
Carers and the Care Act
7666 or to request face to face
help from an outreach worker to
complete the form.
Carers’ grants
Carers’ grants will change as of 1
April 2015 and will be replaced by
a direct payment, for carers who
are eligible. Eligibility will be
determined by the carers’
assessment of a carer’s needs,
which may lead to a support plan,
which could include a payment,
to help a person maintain their
wellbeing while continuing their
caring role.
Information and advice for carers
All carers are entitled to information
about ways they can maintain their
wellbeing while continuing their
caring role, including information
about benefits and entitlements and
local support groups. Carers
Oxfordshire, have a wealth of
information about support services
for carers in Oxfordshire. Browse
through our website:
www.carersoxfordshire.org.uk or
call 0845 050 7666 to find out
more.
If you would like to receive this quarterly newsletter regularly
through the post please sign up by:
Website: www.carersoxfordshire.org.uk Telephone: 0845 050 7666 Email: [email protected]
Safe Places
Safe places support vulnerable people whilst out and about in their local communities. Designated safe places, approved by the local police, displace a distinctive logo in their windows. Safe places could be doctors surgeries, community centres, shop and cafe’s. They provide support to vulnerable people, such as frail elderly people or people with learning disabilities or
dementia by contacting a trusted carer or support worker, keeping them safe
until help arrives.
To find out more about this scheme and how you can take part in the scheme, please visit the Oxfordshire Family Support Network stall in B o n n S q u a r e o n Wednesday 10th June or
email [email protected]
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Free E-Learning course for carers
Carers Oxfordshire is currently
working with Carers UK to
provide a free e-learning course
for carers. About Me: Building
resilience for caring explores
how you can cope with stress,
build support networks and get
information on services and
benefits.
About Me is an e-learning course
that carers can do online, on their
own computer or laptop. The
course is designed to help carers
cope with stress, recognise their
own health needs and maintain a
healthy lifestyle while caring.
It also shows carers how to build a
network of support with family,
local communities, employers and
external agencies, as well as
providing up-to-date information
on assessments, benefits, services
and support.
To access this course, just visit
http://ow.ly/MdgtU and follow
these simple steps:
1. Complete the form by adding
your personal details and
selecting a user name and a
password which you can later
use to access the course.
2. Once you have completed the
form click 'Submit'.
3. In the page that follows click
'Enrol' (top right corner of the
screen).
4. In the box provided enter the
code HXMPDB and then click
'Submit'.
5. In the next page you can access
the course. If you close the page
or want to revisit the course use
your user name and password.
Once you've signed up, your free
access to our e-learning is valid for
one year.
For more detailed instructions of
how to sign up, please visit Carers
Oxfordshire’s website:
www.carersoxfordshire.org.uk/cms/
content/free-elearning-carers
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SOCITM Better Connected
Carers Oxfordshire are proud to
have received recognition for
their website from the Society
for Information Technology
Management (SOCITM).
Better Connected is a yearly
review of all Local Authority
websites. As part of Oxfordshire
County Council’s website, Carers
Oxfordshire received the
maximum 4 star rating with
recognition being given to the
content for Carers in
Oxfordshire.
We are always looking at ways we
can continue to improve our
website. If you have any comments
or suggestions for the website,
please email:
Do you use Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn? Stay up to date with what we are doing by following us:
Carers Oxfordshire @Oxoncarers Carers Oxfordshire
Social Media
Throughout Carers Week 2015 (8th - 14th June) follow
#Myrtle’s progress on
Facebook and Twitter.
Find out more about #Myrtle
on page 16.
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Reminiscence has proved to be a wonderful aid to social interaction and a tool to become creative and practice memory skills. Reminiscence is of particular benefit to those individuals who are at various stages of memory loss and those who have communication
difficulties.
Building on the recent success of the Reading Well Books on Prescription for Dementia available through local libraries in Oxfordshire, there are now 16 different Reminiscence Boxes and 5 assorted Packs. Family members, friends, carers, activity co-ordinators, day centres or community groups may all find these packs useful in sparking conversations. These are now available through local libraries and can be requested by anyone who has a library card and
borrowed for an initial 3 weeks.
Reminiscence boxes contain about 10-15 items mainly picture books on a variety of themes such as Childhood, Britain Through The Decades, Fashion and Gardening. These are sometimes supplemented with a DVD, music CD, postcards or facsimile artifact that can enable people to connect with their memories through
different stimuli.
Reminiscence packs contain 2-3 items consisting of a larger picture book covering a decade of the 20th century. These are in a A3 plastic portfolio case with a handle which make them very portable from
library to home.
Reminiscence Boxes
For further details of who to contact to arrange to borrow boxes and packs or for more information about dementia services and support in your area please contact Oxfordshire’s
Dementia Information Line
0345 450 1276 [email protected]
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Join Dementia Research
You may have recently been
diagnosed with a form of
dementia or you might be caring
for someone with dementia. It is
possible that you are wondering
what you can do to help beat this
disease and help improve the
quality of life for people with
memory problems.
At Oxford Health NHS Foundation
Trust and Oxford University
Hospitals NHS Trust we
passionately believe that research
offers hope and provides
participants with the opportunity to
do something positive.
Within Oxfordshire and
Buckinghamshire we are running a
number of innovative research
studies that depend upon people,
such as yourselves, volunteering to
participate. Two of the clinical trials
currently running are:
The AFFECT Trial
The trial will recruit people with a
particular type of vascular dementia
called subcortical ischaemic
vascular dementia.
We are testing whether the existing
drug amlodipine (a drug commonly
used to treat high blood pressure)
can be used to treat dementia. By
testing a drug that is already widely
prescribed, it is hoped that is will
reduce the time and investment
required to develop new treatments
for dementia.
The RADAR Trial
We are conducting a research study
to investigate whether the
commonly used drug losartan (that is
normally used to treat high blood
pressure in people), can help slow
down damage to the brain in people
diagnosed with mild-to-moderate
Alzheimer's disease.
If you would like to volunteer for
research please register at
www.joindementiaresearch.nihr.ac.uk
Alternatively, please contact Jennifer
Potts on 01865223150 or
10
I was chatting with a friend the other day who has recently finished her chemo sessions and fingers crossed been given the all clear. But our discussion came around to the fact that my friend still had fear that arose when she felt slightly ill even though the possibility was the illness had nothing to do with the cancer she had faced. (Susan – OA
Fundraiser)
What can Oxfordshire Advocacy (OA) offer someone who is or has been affected by Cancer locally? Our Cancer, Older People and Advocacy project is not able to take away your fear but our volunteer advocates can be there for you when you need support such as preparing for and
attending a medical appointment.
‘my first experience of advocacy was the most precious gift I could have been given’ (Rosie Young, retired nurse living with cancer, advocacy client and
Cancer Champion for OA)
Our advocates can help support you with many issues that may arise when you have been diagnosed with cancer, including helping you to ask questions about your treatment, if appropriate, what care options are available to
you. We can also support you with financial, social, housing and
employment issues that may arise.
Oxfordshire Advocacy - Does the fear ever go away...
Interested in becoming a volu nt eer a dvo c ate in Oxfordshire? Our next training course takes place in June. You
can learn more about the role at:
www.gettingheard.org/volunteer/
Please get touch if you have any questions or to register your
interest.
Who can benefit from our services? You or someone you know may be able to benefit from our free and independent
advocacy services.
How to contact OA Cancer, Older
People and Advocacy Service:
Tel: 01865 230203
Email: [email protected]
www.gettingheard.org
(This project is supported by Macmillan, Older People’s Advocacy Alliance and the Big
Lottery's Silver Dreams Fund)
OA – Charity No: 1131403
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Thyme Together is a new service offering carers and those with dementia to take part in gardening activities with the support of a qualified Horticultural Therapy
Practitioner.
Through our research we have found that there aren’t enough services providing practical solutions for spending time together at home. As people lose confidence in their ability to do the things they used to do, including gardening, it gets increasingly difficult for both carer and those with dementia to spend Thyme Together doing meaningful activities, which strengthen the relationship, and the ability to cope with the inevitable impact of
the disease.
Gardening has many benefits, and research shows that it can improve
health & well-being.
These include:
Keeping us physically active
and improving mobility
Lifting our mood and helping us
feel more relaxed
Providing contact with nature, stimulating the senses and
evoking memories
Helping us to feel more positive
and optimistic
Thyme Together run sessions open to adults of all ages who are living
with the early stages of dementia.
For an application form, or to find out more about what we do please contact Sarah Durrant at dig n grow, on 01993 790430 (Mondays
only) or by emailing :
Audio Books Library
Age UK Oxfordshire have a selection of Audio Cassette books at their Abingdon Centre, St Edmund House, 39 West St
Helen Street, Abingdon.
The library has over 250 audio books available to borrow free of
charge.
For more information contact
Helen Sollis on 0345 450 1276.
Living with Dementia? Enjoy gardening?
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The Oxfordshire Young Carers Service works with schools, professionals and services to look at supporting Young Carers and their Families across the
County to 'Think Young Carer.'
This information is for Young Carers, Parent, Carers and or Professionals working with Young
Carers and their Families.
There might be a teacher, school nurse or a young carers group at your school where you can chat about how things are going at
home.
Your school might be part of our Young Carers Schools Standards and already be 'Young carers Aware'. There are an estimated 2 Young Carers in every classroom
so you are not alone.
You can talk to your GP or a professional in your local community such as a youth worker about the caring you do
and how you feel about it.
A Young Carer is someone under the age of 18 years who may physically or emotionally care for someone in their family because of an illness or disability. Some of the ways young people care for
someone are:
• Staying in the house a lot to be
there for them
• Helping them to get up, get washed or dressed, or helping
with toileting
• Doing lots of the household chores like shopping, cleaning
and cooking
• Looking after younger brothers
and sisters
• Providing emotional support or
a shoulder to cry on
As of the 1st of April the law changes for young carers and their families; covered in the Care Act 2014 and Children and Families Act 2014 these changes mean
that:
Young Carer's under the age of 18 years have the right to a Young Carers Needs Assessment, no matter who they care for, what type of care they provide, or how
often they provide it.
The assessment looks at appropriate levels of caring the
Oxfordshire Young Carers Service
13
Young Carer may be doing, the young carer’s needs for support, their other needs and wishes, their education or work, health, hobbies or activities and also looking at a whole family
approach.
Young Carers aged between 14 and 19 are entitled to a Young Carers Transition Assessment that will consider how to prepare for adulthood and how to raise
and fulfil their aspirations.
For any further information about the Young Carers Schools Standards or information on how to support Young Carers please call or text the Oxfordshire County Council Young Carers
Team on: 07919 298263
Or email: [email protected]
Oxfordshire Young Carers Service
Young Carers Needs
Assessment
If you are aged 18-25 years you are a Young Adult Carer and will be entitled to an Adult Self Carers Assessment through
Adult Social Care.
Oxfordshire County Council has commissioned Spurgeons to carry out the Young Carers Need Assessment for the County including information, support and advice available to Young, please contact them to make a
referral:
Address Spurgeons Oxfordshire Young Carers’ Service First Floor Office United Reform Church Oxford Road Cowley OX4 2ES
Email:
Website: www.spurgeonsyc.org
Office number: 01865 777224
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Would you like to join a free carers group near you? Please call 01235 424715 to find out details about the
ones near you.
Are you juggling work with a
caring role? NEW: Working Carers Group
1st Tuesday of the month 7.30pm
Place: Sainsbury’s Cafe, Kidlington
Please contact Christine on 07827 235456 or Wendy on
07557 430875
Tackley Carers Coffee & Cake Group
1st Wednesday of the month 10.30am - 12.00pm
Place: Tackley Village Shop Cafe, Medcroft Road.
Please contact Christine on 07827 235456
Henley Carers Support Group 3rd Tuesday of month 10.30am - 12.00pm
Place: Christchurch Centre, Reading Road, Henley.
Please contact Fiona on 07557 430873
Carers Support Groups
For people with Dementia
and their carers Dementia Cafe
1st and 3rd Fridays of month 2.00pm - 3.30pm
Place: The Health Education Room, Mably Health Centre,
Wantage Please contact Shirley Baker
on 07540 921040
"Caring for a disabled relative may not be physically demanding but what one needs is the reassurance that one is not alone in the task and that support and advice is available on a regular basis. This is where attending a monthly support group is invaluable."
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National Carers Week
8th - 14th June 2015
Oxfordshire
Carers Week Event Schedule
Details are correct at time of print. For further information and the most up to date listings please visit www.carersoxfordshire.org.uk or call 01235 424715
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#Myrtle is coming!
Throughout Carers Week 2015 Carers Oxfordshire are going to be touring Oxfordshire in #Myrtle the
VW Campervan.
Carers Oxfordshire team members will be onboard
to provide advice, information and raise the profile of carers.
Come along to one of the following locations to meet #Myrtle and collect free
information and promotional merchandise.
Monday 8th June
08.00 - 10.00: County Hall, New Road, Oxford, OX1 1ND
11.30 - 14.00: Templar Shopping Park, Cowley, OX4 3JP
15.00 - 17.00: Tesco Superstore, Retail Park, Cowley, OX4 6XJ
18.00 - 20.00: Sainsbury’s, Heyford Hill, OX4 4XR
Tuesday 9th June
09.30 - 11.30: Waitrose, Thame, OX9 3ZD
12.30 - 14.00: Notcutts Garden Centre, OX44 9PY
15.00 - 17.00: Waitrose, Wallingford, OX10 0EF
18.00 - 20.00: Tesco Superstore, Henley, RG9 4HA
Wednesday 10th June
09.30 - 11.30: Tesco Metro, Faringdon, SN7 7BP
12.30 - 14.00: Millets Farm Centre, Frilford, OX13 5HB
15.00 - 17.00: Sainsbury’s, Wantage, OX12 9AJ
Thursday 11th June
09.30 - 11.30: Tesco Superstore, Bicester, OX26 6WA
12.30 - 14.00: Sainsbury’s , Kidlington, OX5 2PE
15.00 - 17.00: Yarnton Nurseries, Sandy Lane, OX5 1PA
Friday 12th June
08.30 - 10.30: Tesco Extra, Abingdon, OX14 1TU
10.45 - 12.30: Market Square, Abingdon
12.45 - 14.00: Sainsbury’s, Orchard Centre, Didcot, OX11 7ND
15.00 - 17.00: Tesco Superstore, Didcot, OX11 9BZ
Keep your eye out on Twitter and Facebook for details of #Myrtle
competitions leading up to and throughout Carers Week!
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10.00 - 12.00 Coffee morning and activities for carers. Hosted by Health &
Wellbeing Centre, Audlett Drive, Abingdon OX14 3GD. 10.30 - 11.00 Seated exercise. 11.00 - 12.00 Neck/shoulder/hand massages, manicure & nail
paint, art classes. All carers welcome - just turn up.
10.00 - 16.00 Carers Oxfordshire representative manning the Information
Stand at Sainsbury’s, Bicester.
13.00 - 15.00 Headway Oxfordshire are hosting a carers tea at Age UK Oxfordshire, White Lion Walk, Banbury. Information and advice will be provided from Headway and Carers Oxfordshire
representatives.
18.30 - 20.00 A relaxing evening of pampering and therapies for carers at The Highlands Day Centre, 73 Burford Road, Chipping Norton. There will be Indian Head Massage, Hand Massage, Music Therapy, Organic therapies and mindfulness taster sessions along with refreshments. For more information and to book please contact Carers Oxfordshire Outreach Worker, Anney
Harris on 07557 430874.
Monday 8th June
Pharmacy Campaign 2015
Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group in partnership with Oxfordshire County Council Public Health and Carers Oxfordshire are working together to further support the relationship between carers and pharmacies and will hopefully launch a new venture for Carers Week. More details will be available in June -
please visit:
www.carersoxfordshire.org.uk
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10.00 - 12.00 Coffee morning and activities for carers. Hosted by Health & Wellbeing Centre, Audlett Drive, Abingdon OX14 3GD.
10.30 - 11.00 Seated exercise. 11.00 - 12.00 Neck/shoulder/hand massages, manicure & nail
paint, art classes. All carers welcome - just turn up.
10.00 - 15.00 Carers Oxfordshire representative manning the Information
Stand at Sainsbury’s, Heyford Hill, Oxford.
10.00 - 16.00 Carers Oxfordshire representative manning the Information
Stand at Sainsbury’s, Banbury.
10.30 - 12.00 Carers Cream Tea at Kidlington Methodist Church. Refreshments provided by Sainsbury’s, Kidlington. A Carers
Oxfordshire representative will be attending.
13.30 - 15.30 Pamper session for Banbury carers with Tracey at the Health & Wellbeing Centre, Banbury. Spaces are limited so please call
01295 263366 to book.
14.00 - 15.30 Carers Tea at St Mary’s Church, Market Square, Wallingford. A Carers Oxfordshire and Health & Wellbeing Centre representative will be attending. All carers welcome - just turn
up.
14.00 - 16.00 Carers Pamper session in Mably Way Health Centre, Wantage, OX12 9BN. To find out more information please call Kay on
07557 430876 or Cath on 07557 430877.
15.00 - 16.00 Carers Tea in Sainsbury’s Cafe, Heyford Hill, Oxford.
Tuesday 9th June
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09.00 - 17.00 Later Life Matters Carers Oxfordshire presentation and
Information Stand. Rye Hill Golf Club, Banbury, OX15 4RU. Places are limited and booking is essential. Please call 01728
605107.
09.00 - 10.30 South Oxfordshire HR Network Meeting to discuss supporting
carers in the workplace. Private event.
09.30 - 12.00 Wantage Heath and Wellbeing Centre and Carers Oxfordshire
are having a joint market stall in Wantage.
10.00 - 12.00 Coffee morning and activities for carers. Hosted by Health & Wellbeing Centre, Audlett Drive, Abingdon
10.30 - 11.00 Seated exercise. 11.00 - 12.00 Neck/shoulder/hand massages, manicure & nail
paint, art classes. All carers welcome - just turn up.
10.00 - 14.00 Carers Oxfordshire and Independent Living Centre information
event in the Methodist Church, Malborough Road, Banbury.
11.00 - 17.00 Information Fair at Bonn Square, Oxford. Around 16 different organisations offering specialist information and advice to
carers in Oxfordshire.
13.30 - 15.30 Cream Tea for Yarnton & Kidlington Memory Cafe carers in Sainsbury’s Cafe, Kidlington. Limited spaces available so booking is essential. Please call Christine on 07827 235456 to
book.
14.00 - 17.00 Free Film Club for carers at Bridge House, Abingdon, OX14 3UJ. Enjoy a film in their Riverly Club Cinema. Please call or email Chantelle on 01235 856002 or
14.00 - 16.00 Carers Tea in Chipping Norton. Please call Anney on
07557430874 for more information and to book.
Wednesday 10th June
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09.30 - 11.30 The Health Bus will be in Morrisons, Carterton. A Carers
Oxfordshire Outreach Worker will be on hand to provide
information and advice to carers.
10.00 - 12.00 Coffee morning and activities for carers. Hosted by Health & Wellbeing Centre, Audlett Drive, Abingdon OX14 3GD.
10.30 - 11.00 Seated exercise. 11.00 - 12.00 Neck/shoulder/hand massages, manicure & nail
paint, art classes. All carers welcome - just turn up.
10.00 - 16.00 Carers Oxfordshire representative manning the Information
Stand at Sainsbury’s, Didcot.
10.00 - 13.00 Information Stand at Templers Square Shopping Centre, Cowley. A Carers Oxfordshire Outreach Worker will available to
answer questions.
10.00 - 16.30 Carers Pampering Day at The Abbey, Sutton Courtenay. Free lunch and pampering sessions including massage and reflexology. Limited places are available so booking is essential. To find out more please call Wendy Ferguson on 01235
847401.
10.30 - 12.00 Pamper morning and refreshments for Bicester carers. Bicester Health & Wellbeing Centre, Launton Road, For more
information please call Christine on 07827 235456.
12.30 - 14.00 The Health Bus will be in Woodstock. A Carers Oxfordshire Outreach Worker will be on hand to provide information and
advice to carers.
15.00 - 16.00 Live Music from Jazz Pianist in the Bistro, Bridge House, Abingdon. Please call or email Chantelle on 01235 856002 or
15.00 - 16.00 Afternoon Tea in the Sainsbury’s Cafe, Didcot for local carers. A
Carers Oxfordshire Outreach Worker will be attending.
Thursday 11th June
21
09.30 - 14.00 The Health Bus will be in Banbury Sainsbury’s. A Carers
Oxfordshire Outreach Worker will be on hand to provide
information and advice to carers.
09.30 - 14.00 Information Stand at Asda George, Templar Shopping Park, Cowley. Carers Oxfordshire Outreach Worker will be available
to provide information and advice to carers.
10.00 - 12.00 Coffee morning and activities for carers. Hosted by Health & Wellbeing Centre, Audlett Drive, Abingdon OX14 3GD.
10.30 - 11.00 Seated exercise. 11.00 - 12.00 Neck/shoulder/hand massages, manicure & nail
paint, art classes. All carers welcome - just turn up.
10.00 - 16.00 Carers can enjoy the facilities at The Riverly Club, Bridge House, Abingdon. Free Tea and Coffee and 10% off beauty treatments in the spa. Please call or email Chantelle on 01235 856002 or
10.30 - 14.00 ‘Because I’m Worth It’ Older Carers Day event at West Oxford Community Centre, Botley, Oxford. Creating time and space to explore how we can create wellbeing in our lives as older carers. Tea, coffee and lunch will be provided. Aimed particularly at older carers of people with learning disabilities but all older carers are welcome. Places are limited so please book in
advance by contacting Jan Sunman on 07596 784947.
13.30 - 15.30 Coffee Afternoon at Didcot Health & Wellbeing Centre, Britwell
Road. All carers are welcome.
Friday 12th June
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Age UK Oxfordshire and Carers Oxfordshire are teaming up to host six Carers Cream Teas for Older Carers Day. Refreshments will all be provided. The local MP’s have also been invited to attend the Cream
Teas.
Are you a carer over the age of 50? Join us at your local colossal cream
tea to celebrate National Older Carers Day!
Spaces are limited and booking is essential.
14.00 - 16.00 Age UK Oxfordshire, 5 White Lion Walk, Banbury, OX16 5UD. Please call Kasia on 01295 278040 or 07827
235402 to book.
14.00 - 16.00 Carers Oxfordshire, The Charter, Abingdon, OX14 3LZ.
Please call Matt on 01235 520463 to book.
14.00 - 16.00 The Methodist Church, Witney, OX28 6HG. Please call
Stephen on 07827 235450 to book.
14.00 - 16.00 Richmond Villages, Letcombe Regis, OX12 9JY. Please
call Laura on 07827 235429 to book.
15.00 - 16.30 The County Common Room, New Road, Oxford, OX1
1ND. Please call Matt on 01235 520463 to book.
13.00 - 15.00 Christchurch URC, 46 Reading Road, Henley, RG9 1AG.
Please call Stacey on 07827 235460 to book.
Friday 12th June - Older Carers Day
Carers Colossal Cream Teas to celebrate
Older Carers Day!
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Our spring/summer focus is on Tai Chi, the ancient Chinese martial art that combines deep breathing and relaxation with slow gentle movements for a health-promoting form of exercise. Studies have shown that tai chi can help people aged 65 and over to reduce stress, improve balance and general mobility, and increase muscle
strength in the legs.
Why not come along and try one of the sessions below. Carers go
free.
Generation Games is the physical activity arm of Age UK Oxfordshire. We run over 45 classes and can signpost you to
over 1300 across the county.
We would like to provide activities and classes that you want. Why not give us a call and let us know what activities you would to see starting in
your area!
Time to de-stress and enjoy a sense of calm
Trinity church Abingdon Monday 09.30 – 10.30
Greet Hall, Thame Road,
Warborough Monday (from 11
th May) 11.00 – 12.00
Garsington Village Hall Tuesday 11.30 – 12.30
Witney Library, Welch Way Tuesday 14.00 – 15.00
Stoke Row Village Hall Thursday 10.00 – 11.00
Tetsworth Memorial Hall Thursday 10.30 – 11.30
North Leigh Memorial Hall Thursday 11.00 – 12.00
WI Hall, Carterton Thursday 13.00 – 14.00
Find out more and join Generation Games:
www.generationgames.org.uk
Telephone: 01235 849403
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @GenGamesUK Facebook: / generation games
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Carers Oxfordshire and Oxfordshire Skills and Learning Service are working together to promote the adult learning vouchers which offer eligible adults the opportunity to try out one free community learning class with Oxfordshire Skills and
Learning Service.
Subject areas include Languages, Arts and Creative, Cookery, Healthy living, photography, Exercise, Complementary
Therapies and Home Crafts.
Who is eligible?
Anyone who:
Is aged over 19 on the 31st
August 2013
Is not already engaged with learning or previously
benefitted from the scheme
Has been resident in the UK for three years or more or meets government eligibility criteria
to access learning or training
Is willing and able to commit to
full attendance of the course
F o r m o r e d e t a i l e d information and to take that first step please call
01235 520463.
Community Adult Learning Vouchers
Rethink Mental Illness Carers Support Group
Welcome to the Oxfordshire Carers Support Service, which exists to provide support, be it emotional or practical to family and friends of someone with a
mental health condition.
The service provides one to one support and support groups throughout the county and specialised training sessions
throughout the year:
Caring and Coping
Mental Health First Aid
If you are supporting someone with a mental health issue please do not hesitate to contact the
service on the details below:
For further information please contact the Oxfordshire Carers
Support Service on
01865 904499 or email:
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Make the Carers Oxfordshire Discounts website work for you. With the improved offers and discounts website just a couple of months old, be one of the savvy savers and take advantage
of your benefits site.
With fantastic additional features on your website, it’s easier than ever to access all of your savings. You can personalise your savings experience with the My Pad, here you can record your Reloadable Shopping Card Orders, searches and collect all of your favourite
offers in one place.
There are 5 ways to save £100s
and even £1000s every year:
Online Discounts
Telephone Shopping
Reloadable Shopping Cards
Vectis Cashback
Vectis Discount Card
To start saving please visit www.carersoxfordshirediscounts
.co.uk
Vectis Discount Card
Many of you have enquired about where you can gain instant discount by showing your grey Vectis Discount Card. Here are a few local independent businesses where you can gain point of sale
discount.
NEW: Vectis Discount Offer
10% off experiences at Millets Farm Falconry (Frilford, OX13 5HB) and discounted entry for carers. Simply show your Vectis
discount card at point of sale.
Other Vectis Discount Card
Savings in Oxfordshire:
20% off Tapas to share from the main menu at La Tasca, 5 Oxford Castle, New Road,
Oxfordshire, OX1 1AY
15% discount on GBK, 29-31 George Street, Oxford, OX1
2AY
Tell us what you want:
Recommend your favourite local independent businesses unique to your area and we will do our best to arrange a discount for you. Please visit the ‘Wishlist’ section on our website to send your requests in or send details
to:
FREEPOST RSBZ-BHGG-ZUYR, Carers Oxfordshire, The Charter, Abingdon,
OX14 3LZ
Vectis Discount Card - Point of Sale Discount
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If you would like to save money at any of the national retailers: ASDA, Argos, Currys, Sainsbury’s, New Look, Primark (and more), you will need a reloadable
shopping card.
Are you taking advantage of all the discounts available to you? With Reloadable Shopping Cards you can save at M&S, Costa Coffee, Primark, House Of Fraser,
Starbucks plus many others.
How Reloadable Shopping Cards
can help you
Reloadable Shopping Cards can help you save on your grocery, electrical and clothes shopping. They can save you £100s every
year!
They are just like using cash, which means they can be used on sale and promotional items saving you even more. Some cards including Debenhams, House Of Fraser, New Look, Arcadia and more can also be used online.
How to order your Reloadable
Shopping Cards
To order a Reloadable Shopping
Card on the phone:
STEP 1: Call 01709 242093 and
quote VECTIS
STEP 2: Order your chosen Reloadable Shopping Card or reload a card at the discounted
rate.
Please note, this telephone number is for Reloadable Shopping Cards and Gift Voucher orders and enquiries only. This number cannot assist you with
any other Carers Oxfordshire Discounts enquiries.
To order Reloadable Shopping
Cards online:
STEP 1: Visit - www.carersoxfordshirediscounts.co.uk
STEP 2: Register with your
Scheme ID Number
STEP 3: Visit the Reloadable Shopping Cards and click on the
retailer of your choice
STEP 4: Click the link on the offer to order your Reloadable
Shopping Card
STEP 5: Set up a Reloadable Shopping Card account to start
shopping
Reloadable Shopping Cards
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Carers’ Essentials Checklist Sign up with Carers Oxfordshire - your one stop shop for this
Quarterly Newsletter ‘Care Matters’ and Carers Discount Scheme!
Plan for help in a crisis if something happens to you, make sure you
are registered for the Free Emergency Carers Support Service.
Get an assessment and help for yourself and the person you care
for e.g. support at home, respite, day services.
Get support by meeting other carers and sharing information and
experiences: carers groups.
Need to talk face to face to an understanding and helpful Carers
Outreach Worker? Get information about home visits and carers
advice sessions.
Use training opportunities to give you ‘Confidence 2 Care’ to
manage stress and look after yourself, Moving & Handling training
and First Aid. Call 01235 520463 for further details.
Make your voice heard, campaign and influence change: Carers
Voice Oxfordshire, call Michelle on 01235 520440.
For more information about all of the above services please
call 0845 050 7666 or visit www.carersoxfordshire.org.uk
ALSO:
Check on the Benefits you or the person you care for could be
entitled to: Benefits Enquiry Line 08457 123456
Last but not least - Look after your own health! See your own GP
if your own health is not good and register as a carer with your
surgery.
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Emergency Carers Support Service
This is a FREE service which provides emergency care for the cared for in the event their carer has an emergency and is unable
to do so.
In order to use the service you must have joined before you have
an emergency.
The emergency care ranges from 1 to 48 hours depending on need. When someone rings the ECSS on 01865 849562 to activate the service an experienced, trained responder will visit the home in
order to carry out an assessment.
The assessment can take up to
one hour to complete.
Once it is established what care requirements are needed, appropriate care will be put in place for up to 48 hours, (there is provision to extend this to 72 hours if required). If care is needed for a longer period of time, provision will be made as
appropriate.
Signing up is simple, FREE and can
give you peace of mind.
We are very keen for as many carers as possible to join the scheme and take advantage of this FREE service, which can provide short-term replacement care in emergency situations for adult
carers of adults.
Already signed up?
Please check that you still have your card and keep it in a visible
place around the home.
If you have lost your card get in
touch to order a replacement.
Online registration process is also available for this service via our website. Go to Advice, then Caring with Confidence, then Emergency
Back Up.
Don’t Delay, Register today! To get more information and sign up to the Emergency Carers
Support Service please call 0845 050 7666 or email
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Confidence 2 Care Confidence 2 Care is a 5 week programme offered to unpaid carers in Oxfordshire. It aims to help and support them in their caring role and covers coping strategies and how to deal with emergencies at home. Advice and information will also be provided by professionals about Benefits, Powers of Attorney and Resources
available to carers.
Upcoming Programmes:
Abingdon, The Charter, OX14 3LZ beginning Thursday 21st May at
2pm
Henley, Christchurch, Reading Rd
beginning July 2015
Banbury, Health & Wellbeing Centre
beginning August 2015
Moving and Handling Carers Oxfordshire provide Moving and Handling sessions to unpaid adult carers in Oxfordshire. The session lasts for approximately 2.5 hours and provides advice on
the following areas:
Back Care
Chair to Chair
Pushing Wheelchairs
Walking Aids
Dealing with Falls
Upcoming Dates:
Henley - Tuesday 26th May,
2pm-4pm
Bicester - Wednesday 27th May,
10am-12pm
Abingdon - Thursday 25th June,
2pm-4pm
Beds and Hoists Advice on using specialised equipment to help people in and out of bed.
These sessions are organised when needed. Sessions run with 3-6 people due to the size of the room. If you are an unpaid carer and need specialised training, please get in touch and we will arrange something for you.
FREE Training Opportunities for Carers
“I no longer feel so alone and
recognise the importance of
making time for myself”
“I have been helping my father in and out of the car for months now and I didn’t realise that I have been
putting unnecessary pressure on my back.”
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First Aid
Carers Oxfordshire provide 2 hour Everyday First Aid training free to
registered carers.
The training covers many key skills
including dealing with:
Unconscious & Breathing Unconscious & Not Breathing Burns Bleeding Choking
Upcoming Dates:
Bicester - Wednesday 3rd June,
10am-12pm
Henley - Tuesday 9th June,
2pm-4pm
Faringdon - Tuesday 10th June,
1.30pm-3.30pm
Abingdon - Thursday 2nd July,
2pm-4pm
If you would like to attend a First Aid session near you, please call us and register your interest.
There is also a waiting list for all
three training sessions. As soon as
enough interest is shown in an area,
a course/session will be organised,
so please get in touch.
To register your interest or book on any of these training
opportunities, please call 01235 520463 or email:
FREE Training Opportunities for Carers
“I now feel confident I could
help someone in an emergency”
Coming Soon!
NEW to Autumn 2015
Great news - due to the popularity of Confidence 2 Care we are
putting it onto DVD.
For those who would struggle to attend face to face sessions or those who would simply like a
refresher.
Confidence 2 Care is coming to
DVD!
Complete the sessions at home
and at your leisure.
To put your name down to receive your FREE copy, please call 01235
520463 or email:
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Carers Oxfordshire
Out of Hours Service
In a crisis situation out
of hours please call;
0800 833408
Oxfordshire Volunteer Befriending Service offers Carers a regular short break from their caring role. A volunteer will sit with the person cared for, for 2-3 hours
each week or fortnight.
Volunteers do not administer medication, do personal care or moving and handling. They will make a cup of tea and ensure the cared for person remains safe. This is a free service, but Carers can make a donation if they wish.
If you would like to volunteer, you would receive out of pocket expenses. Elaine Gilbert is the Volunteer Coordinator and can be contacted o n : 07801 482408 o r [email protected] or [email protected]
Oxfordshire Volunteer Befriending Service
Hello, my name is Cath Evans, I have come to this new role following a job as a Scheme Manager for 20 years with Anchor Trust Retirement housing. I have also worked in a doctors surgery and for a company which
New Outreach Worker
sold products for the elderly and disabled. I am now delighted to be part of The Carers Oxfordshire Team and look forward to continuing the excellent support they provide to carers.
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Care Act Implementation
Following a period of consultation with Carers Voice the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) have invited the local authority engagement officer to tell them about the way that the Care Act Implementation Group Carers’ Voice Oxfordshire contributed to the development of the online self-assessment form and informed work on implementing the Care Act. An overview of the impact carers views had on the development of the online form, and how it led to a paper informing the impact
assessment will be given.
Thanks to carers in Oxfordshire having a voice we are hoping this
will inspire other local authorities.
Seldom Heard People Project
Carers Voice, Carers Oxfordshire and Oxford University Hospitals
have been working together. OUH are very keen to make it easier, accessible and purposeful for carers to give feedback – this isn’t just about feedback it’s much more about engagement, how carers can feedback about their experience in hospitals on a daily basis. Carers and professionals have been working together on this & have produced simple cards that will be available on pilot wards from June 2015, carers can very quickly comment about their experience (anonymously) and place it in a secure box on the
ward.
Carers Voice & Carers Oxfordshire will be in the JR piloting the project from June 2015. Look out for the
cards.
Telephone: 01235 520440
Twitter: @carersvoiceoxf
Facebook: Carers Voice Oxfordshire
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Health they will be assessed as to which package of care would best help them manage their
condition.
In Oxfordshire, the clustering process is being used as an approach to planning care - an outcome indicator, alongside the
recovery star, to help monitor
recovery.
Please contact Michelle if you would like further information
about any of the work we do.
Mental Health Care Clusters - in
Oxfordshire
The Adult Mental Health Carers Reference Group & Carers Voice Oxfordshire held an event on 18 March 2015 to provide information & open discussion between carers, commissioners and providers of Mental Health services in Oxfordshire about using Mental Health Care
Clustering and what it means.
“It had been thought for some time that there is an amount of confusion about clusters in Oxfordshire and we thought that this meeting would set aside some fears for carers and service users”.
Mike Wyatt (Chair CRG).
There are 20 Care Clusters or levels, set nationally. When someone is referred to Oxford
If you would like to become a member, more information or to give us your views about any of these issues please contact Michelle Evans
Telephone: 01235 520440
Twitter: @carersvoiceoxf
Facebook: Carers Voice Oxfordshire
Our website is currently being reviewed - to keep up to date
with our plans, please follow us on Facebook.
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Something amazing happened
today.
I was in a local coffee shop with my son (who makes unpredictable noises) and a friend. I was very aware that people behind us were looking, muttering, coming and going,
but shut it out.
Then I saw the manager approach a man behind me, and asked him if there was a problem and said she could show him to another seat, there was a kafuffle and the man left. My friend and I were a bit confused. We assumed he had complained about us and demanded a new table. I felt sad.
It's happened before!
As we continued talking a girl in her late teens or early twenties
came up to us.
‘Excuse me, I wanted to explain. Since you arrived the man who left was calling your son a little rat who should shut up. He had been waving his knife in a stabbing motion behind your back each time your sweet little boy made a noise. I complained to the management about him, he was being offensive. Management insisted he move
despite his denial. What he was doing was pathetic and it annoyed me.’
I was so shocked. I hugged and thanked her. No stranger has ever stood up for us before, and I thought it particularly brave of a young person. I feel so sad at the level of ignorance and resentment towards people with learning disabilities, but people
like that girl give me hope.
How often have all of us been in situations where we are aware of people's judgement of us and our children out of a place of ignorance, but this story can give
us all hope for a better world.
Naomi
Telephone: 01235 520440
Twitter: @carersvoiceoxf
Facebook: Parent Carers Voice
If you would like to become a member of Parent Carers Voice
please get in touch.
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Oxfordshire Local Authority join
Max Card
The Max Card is a discount card for foster families and families of children with additional needs. Families simply show their Max Card upon entry to a venue in order to obtain free or discounted
admission.
Designed to help families save money on great days out at castles, zoos, bowling alleys and
lots more.
Max is FREE to families in Oxfordshire it has been funded by Oxfordshire County Council working in partnership with Parent Carers Voice Oxfordshire. If you would like a card contact Michelle
to register.
Want to check it out first?
www.mymaxcard.co.uk/what-is
-max-card
Telephone: 01235 520440
Twitter: @carersvoiceoxf
Facebook: Parent Carers Voice
“It’s been a fantastic year for
Carers. We’ve seen the
introduction of two new Acts
which together encompass
new rights for all carers. The
new Care Act & Children &
Families Act (which includes
SEND reforms) have meant
that carers have been busier
than ever ensuring that local
provision is appropriate for
families. Carers have taken
part in more than 100
consultations & in addition
are involved regularly talking
to health and social care, at
staff inductions, education
sessions, assisting at
provider interviews and
much more.”
Thank you all - Michelle
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Oxfordshire Befriending for Life
Could you spare a couple of hours each week?
We are looking for volunteers to visit people with a life-limiting illness
Full training provided
See www.oxbel.org.uk Tel: 01235 849427 Email: [email protected]
Our service welcomes all and seeks to recognise, respect and
value each person’s individuality and diversity
OxBEL is part of Age UK Oxfordshire which is a Registered Charity. Number: 1091529
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We can provide a wide range of practical, domestic and handyman assistance to help you in your
home.
Our Home Support Services offer a wide range of services designed to he lp y o u m ai nt ai n y o u r independence. We understand that sometimes a little help at home can make an enormous difference to your quality of life. Our support and services are very flexible and designed to fit in with your lifestyle
and needs.
What is covered by our Home Support service?
Our Home Support services cover a
wide range of domestic duties.
Here is some of the work we do
regularly for our clients:
Light domestic duties (vacuuming, ironing, changing
beds, etc.)
Grocery shopping
Meal preparation and storage
Handyman repairs
Assistance with bills and
accounts
These services start from £16 per hour for Home Support. There may be additional charges incurred on services where transportation is
required.
Ask about our Companionship Service to help you remain independent and active for as long
as possible.
Home Support
Services
Operating throughout
Oxfordshire
Call us on
0333 577 1044 today
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40
Useful Numbers
Carers Oxfordshire 0845 050 7666
Emergency Duty Team (out of hours service) 0800 833 408
Carers Oxfordshire Training & Development Opportunities 01235 520463
Carers Voice Oxfordshire 01235 520440
Age UK Oxfordshire 0345 450 1276
OxBeL (Oxfordshire Befriending for Life) 01235 849427
Carers UK 0808 808 7777
Care Quality Commission 0300 061 6161
Citizens Advice Bureau 0844 4111444
Guideposts Trust – Independent Living Centre 01235 524857
South & Vale Carers Centre 01235 510212
Oxfordshire Volunteer Befriending Service 07801 482408
Oxfordshire County Council Young Carers Team 01865 323594
Headway 01865 326263
Spurgeons 01865 777224
Rethink 01865 904499
Oxfordshire Mind Information Service 01865 247788
Alzheimer's Society 0207 423 3500
Young Dementia UK 01993 776295
Benefits;
Attendance Allowance (Personal Independence Payment) 0345 605 6055
Queries, upgrades 0345 712 3456
Carers' Allowance 0345 608 4321
Tax Credit Helpline 0345 300 3900
Pension Service;
Applications 0800 991 234
Ongoing claims 0345 606 0265
Winter fuel payments 08459 15 15 15
NHS 111 111
Horton Hospital, Banbury 01295 275500
John Radcliffe, Oxford 01865 741166
Equality & Human Rights Commission 0845 604 6610
Asylum Aid 0207 354 9264
The Home Library Service 01865 810240
Listening Books 0207 4079417
SEAP Independent Health Complaints Advocacy 0330 440 9000
The Carers Oxfordshire website has many useful links visit www.carersoxfordshire.org.uk
Carers Oxfordshire is a joint project between Action for Carers (Oxfordshire), registered charity number: 1149577 and Oxfordshire County Council and both parties will store and process your information in accordance with the requirements of their Data Protection
Policies and in keeping with the Data Protection Act 1998.