Spring/Summer 2019

A FREE magazine for carers in Primary care is a key focus of new national plan for carers NHS ’s Long-Term Plan for carers emphasises the importance of developing primary care services to cater for their needs. To help this happen, Quality Markers are being developed with the Care Quality Commission. These will identify Carer-friendly GP practices that promote: l the identification of carers among their patients l health checks l flu jabs l referral/signposting to advice and support. The aim is to reduce carer breakdown and improve quality of life. Cont’d on P 4 CARERS LEAD: Claire Downton-Jones

It’s Carers’ Local Government in Dorset Week from June 10-16. underwent a major change You can read on April 1. Find out if it will more on P 16. affect you as a carer on P 7. Training for carers Training for carers

The sessions look at practical tips and Tips on coping with guidance to assist in managing changes Oakley Friends dementia changes in understanding and behaviour associated with dementia. offer support, THE St Ambrose Cottage Carers Centre in Westbourne offfers free monthly work- Course content includes helpful tips advice and a shops for carers looking after people with for communication, managing general warm welcome dementia who live in the , confusion, low mood, apathy, anxiety and agitation. CIVIC THANKS: From left, the then Mayor of , Christchurch and Poole Council area. OAKLEY Friends is a Cllr Lindsay Wilson, Oakley Friends Ann Nicoll The workshops are for small groups There are also follow-up sessions for volunteer group of carers of carers and run by qualified health carers, to share what worked and what and former carers who have (holding the presentation clock), Wendy Barnes professionals. they might try in the future. experience of looking after and Jennifer Seymour and the then High Sheriff of people with dementia. Dorset, Jacqueline Swift DL. Emotional support to The key aims of the training are to: They offer support to people who are Carers certainly feel they benefit from l support carers by providing training currently looking after someone with the attending the courses. For example: reduce isolation and advice on caring for a family disease, helping them to cope with the difficult tasks ahead of them. I cannot thank Oakley Friends enough NINE Carers Emotional Support training member with dementia Last year their contribution was for their loving support. courses are being held from April 2019 l support carers’ wellbeing through to March next year in the Dorset Council various means recognised with a Civic Award (see Its a lifeline for me and the course has area. The course teaches carers how to: picture). been wonderful. l improve access to carers training in Oakley Friends meet on the last l understand the common symptoms of the north and west of Dorset k k k dementia Wednesday of each month at The l improve carers’ understanding of Canford Magna Centre, Oakley Lane, Lovely experience, very friendly l how to cope and manage common dementia: diagnosis, types, stages, Canford Magna, near Wimborne. Carers challenging behaviours specific to the changes in care needs, behaviours and are welcome wherever they live. and most sessions had person they care for end-of-life care Meetings starts with a friendly get- a light-hearted element. l recognise stress in themselves and l to provide emotional support so that together followed by discussions, either For information about future courses, the impact it has on both them and the carers feel less isolated. with a professional speaker or just self- contact: person they care for help advice. If you would like to find out more aout the Judy Barnes 01202 021705 l develop helpful strategies and learn courses, please call 01305 214500 and Twice a year there is a 10-week training Ann Cole 01202 631356 about services that could help. ask for Christina Whitchelo. course on offer, covering a wide range of topics, including: Ann Nicoll 01202 690554 l Memory Assessment Service or email: If you require Caring Matters information in an alternative format, l Medical aspects [email protected] please call: 01202 458204 for carers of people living in Bouremouth l Poole Lifeline There is no annual membership fee, but Christchurch and Poole Council area and l Legal matters a voluntary donation of £10.00 is grate- 01305 221016 for carers of people living in the Dorset Council area. l Continence problems fully received. 2 3 Plan focuses on WORKING TOWARDS CARER-FRIENDLY GP PRACTICES primary care CLAIRE Downton-Jones Providing support Cont’d from front page is Carers Lead at the It is not obligatory for Eagle House practice for Carers Leads and Families Medical practices to adopt the NHS Centre in Blandford. Lizzie Adams (pictured) took England Quality Markers for up her new role to support GP supporting GP practices to Claire explained: practices to become more carer become carers friendly, but ‘Having Carers Leads friendly in October last year. at GP practices is vitally they could be used towards important in supporting As a Carers Engagement CQC inspections if they do. carers with early infor- Facilitator, her first point of call mation and signposting. with practices is the Carers The plan says that around 5.5 Lead that each one has (see million unpaid carers in the ‘Patients caring for a story opposite) loved one need to be UK will benefit from greater CARERS LEAD: Claire aware of what their ‘A key part of my role is to recognition and support. Downton-Jones. practice can offer to help make sure that Carers Leads in It pledges to identify and them manage their own health and caring role. all of Dorset’s practices are support them, particularly well supported,’ she said. ‘Alongside this, most practices have support for carers those from vulnerable to be involved and informed about the person they are ‘They are very important in communities. caring for.’ helping to improve the service that GPs and their staff can The adoption of carers’ Claire sends out carers information packs and will offer carers which make such a passports, through the often be a port of call for advice from other members difference to carers’ lives.’ pan-Dorset Carers Card, will of the practice staff to help them when they are work- In some areas, Carers Leads be encouraged. This will ing with carers. CARERS ENGAGEMENT meet together to exchange FACILITATOR: Lizzie Adams identify someone as a carer, ‘The practice wants to keep carers well, as they play ideas, which Lizzie says works and will be complemented by a vital part in the support and care of someone,’ said brilliantly and which she would like to see happening across the county. developments in electronic Claire. health records. ‘Knowing that someone is a carer can help them get Joining forces to help people with multiple needs The plan also pledges to better support for their physical and mental health MANY carers are looking after someone workers and admin coordinators are help health and social care wellbeing. with both health and social care needs. based there to make sure care is joined organisations to support ‘So please let your practice know that you are caring Having to deal with many different up. The hub has one point of access carers, including young for a loved one so that they can ensure that your services makes life more difficult and with three health and social care co- carers, to avoid them reaching caring role is noted on your patient record.. complicated. ordinators taking calls seven days a week. There is input from social care, breaking point and ending Now services are far more integrated, ‘And be sure to keep the practice up to date with any community nursing, community therapy, up in hospital. changes in your situation or contact details so that as demonstrated at the Weymouth Hub, staff are in the best position to help.’ based at Westhaven Hospital. Duty Cont’d on next page.

4 5 Joining forces to help people with multiple needs Weymouth & Portland Purbeck Cont’d from previous page the ambulance service, the consultant geriatrician, local GPs, community psychiatric nurse, community matrons and the voluntary sector. With access to all IT systems for all teams and a strong belief that this is everyone’s hub, there is a ‘can-do’ attitude. Twenty local nursing and residential care These 6 authorities homes also have direct access. form Dorset Council For local teams it’s a central point of co- ordination where they can easily access Transformation of services has been information, care resources and support. achieved using existing resources. All change, but carers need not worry Leonardo Trust offers Questions to help staff MAJOR reorganisation of local govern- of Adult Social Care, said: ‘A top priority financial help ment in Dorset came into operation on for us has been to ensure that all carers identify carers April 1. living in Bournemouth, Christchurch and THE Leonardo Trust is a registered A NEW scheme to help health and social Poole have continuity of services when Nine original councils have now formed charity providing financial assistance care staff identify someone as a carer is we start the new BCP Council. two unitary authorities: Bournemouth, to unpaid carers. to be launched in June. Christchurch and Poole Council and ‘Carers and the people they care for will ‘We know that being a carer is hard A card that will fit into the back of the Dorset Council, for the rest of the county. not experience changes in the services work and finding time for yourself staff identity lanyard prompts them to ask Each authority will deliver all local which they are receiving as we move into can be difficult, that’s why we are the four questions: government services in their areas. the new council. Carers Emergency Service,’ says new manager Donna Blanche. l Do you look after someone? This change is designed to help protect ‘We place great value on the role that local services, generate further economic carers provide and will be ensuring that ‘Whether you need a short break, l Are you looking after yourself? growth, reduce costs, and provide more we engage very closely with carers domestic help, sitting service, urgent l Do you have all the help and support efficient councils. so that we continue to provide quality repairs, furniture, domestic applianc- you need? services, which meet the needs of carers es, gym membership, driving lessons, But how will it affect services for carers? across the Bournemouth, Christchurch l Are you (or the person you care for) counselling, advocacy or something Jan Thurgood, BCP Council’s Director and Poole area.’ else, we can help. We can also well? support carers groups with seed fund- Debbie Hyde, Carers Joint Commis- ing, trips out, meals and so on.’ sioning Manager for Bournemouth, New Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council For more information or to download Christchurch and Poole Council, said: an application form, please go to: ‘We hope this will help staff to identify Bournemouth Christchurch Poole www.leonardotrust.org. Alternatively someone as a carer so that we don’t you can email [email protected] miss an opportunity to offer them the or telephone 01202-698325 help and support they are entitled to.’

6 7 PRAMA charities - providing support to many people in many different ways PramaCare came into existence in 1982 when GP Dr Chris Moran formed a group of volunteers to help people when they left hospital to go home. Thirty-seven years later there are now three linked Prama charities, speaking up for - and providing services for - older and vulnerable people in the community in Poole, Bournemouth and East Dorset. The aim is to reduce isolation and enable them to stay independent for as long as possible. The original handful of volunteers has has now grown to more than 200 and there are 300 paid staff. Take a trip - it will do you good and others too IMAGINE if you could set off on a Sara added: ‘Our team at the Barrington wonderful holiday abroad, a refreshing UK Centre in works tirelessly to short break or even a fascinating day trip, ensure we cover all your travel needs. knowing that you would be sure of a great ‘There is a dedicated tour guide and the time and that vulnerable people would itineraries are carefully reviewed so we benefit too. can advise on concerns such as mobility You can - if you book with Ferndown-based problems. PramaTRAVEL or Barrington Tours, part of ‘Our UK destinations include places the PramaLIFE charity. of historical significance, for example As Sara Keets, of PramaTRAVEL, ex- Bletchley Park, cultural trips to plained: ‘These services have become just theatres and museums, experience one of a number of innovative ways to help days, river cruises, steam trains, castles raise funds for our local charitable work.’ and country houses, as well as local l sites of interest. chaplaincy and befriending It is a fully-fledged travel agency which PramaLIFE, working l carers’ support groups provides some package holidays as ‘We even cater for specialised requests in the community well as organising bespoke trips to a such as the Olympia Horse Show, l local community activities and PramaLIFE is a community outreach destination of your choice. Cont’d on page 10 programme across the Bournemouth, l inter-generational programmes. PramaCARE PramaCARE offers support at home when some of life’s day-to- Poole and East Dorset areas, including Some clubs focus on specific hobbies like day tasks like dressing or cutting your nails becomes difficult or the Barrington Centre. gardening, sporting memories or keep fit. impossible. Each package of care is tailored to the individual and at home A wide range of activities and services there is a sitting service to give carers a break. Some support people living with is on offer to tackle social isolation and Five hundred clients now receive care and 800 use the toe-nail cutting service. Support dementia, others simply provide a space support independence, self-sufficiency is also given to people with an acquired brain injury. where you can natter over coffee! and dignity. Activities include: The Care Quality Commission rated the ‘care’ category in its inspection as ‘oustanding’. There are also social group trips out by l dementia and age-friendly clubs To find out more Tel: 01202 207300 or visit pramacare.org.uk minibus.

8 9 Mental health help ‘on the go’ for young people News for young carers YOUNG people in Dorset will have Kooth has been commissioned by Dorset improved access to mental health Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), Megan snaps up a photography prize services through a new online resource Dorset Healthcare University NHS Trust, which has been commissioned by local the former , health and care organisations. Bournemouth Borough Council and the Proud young carer The service – Kooth – will give young Borough of Poole. Megan receives her award from Roz people between the ages of 11 and Public Health Dorset’s Head of Scammell, President 18 (up to their 19th birthday) unlimited Programmes Jo Wilson said: ‘We know of Bournemouth access to professional online counsellors that around one in 10 young people are along with moderated forums, self-help Rotary, organisers of experiencing mental health issues. It’s the competition materials and a mood journal, where important that those who need help can they can record their thoughts and get the support when and where they feelings. need it. Young people are encouraged to identify A step towards ‘Young people have been telling us they their own goals and monitor progress independence with their counsellor, charting movement want to be able to access advice on the as progress is achieved. go, so it’s great we’ve now got Kooth, at age 18 which they can use from any device The Kooth site is accessible at any time, connected to the internet.’ MEGAN is 15 and a young to attending Saturday art via any connected device, helping to carer for her mum who has classes at Bournemouth POOLE’S young adult eliminate the stigma often associated Log on to the Kooth service at various health problems. University to strengthen her carers can attend with asking for help. www.kooth.com. art skills. regular groups, giving She is currently in year 11 them an opportunity to studying for her GCSEs She enjoys attending the socialise, have a break and is very passionate young carers group every away from caring, have Why not take a trip with PramaTRAVEL? about cooking and week and being able to fun and meet other Cont’d from P 8 photography. spend some time with young carers in a friends. Widecombe Fair and a visit to Recently Megan entered similar situation. the Poppy Factory in Richmond. the Young Photographer of She has been involved in For young adult carers the Year competition run by various sessions of box- who are approaching ‘Our upcoming short UK breaks Bournemouth Rotary. include and North Wales. fit activities and helping the age of 18, the On a trip out to Lulworth and learning new skills in prospect of these ‘For those wishing to travel Cove, she took some cooking. regular meetings further afield there are guided stunning pictures, which coming to an end can package holidays to Italy, Paris, She is looking forward to went on to win her a summer to enjoy some be daunting. USA, Dubrovnik and Israel,’ said category prize in the Sara. more activities and hopes This is especially so competition. to attend the Young Carers’ as some of them have For further information please visit https://www.thebarrington.online/ Megan is looking forward Festival. Cont’d on P 12 barrington-coach-tours or call today on 01202 894858 and start travelling! 10 11 l control the flow of information so you Register as a carer Online space for choose who sees what and when with your local council l keep track and be reminded of appoint- you to keep your ments, assessments and health patterns for information and You can get help as a carer regardless information l share your care information with those advice of whether the person you care for gets ONE mother’s experience as the who support you support from the council or pays for their carer of a disabled child has led to her l hear about new technology solutions REGISTERING as a carer with the own care. developing an online space where and how they can help Carers Information Services provided by personal health and wellbeing One of the benefits of registering is the l read informative articles on care and local councils will help you to keep up free Carers Card. information can be stored together. to date with all the local carers events, wellbeing Nicola Murgatroyd says that My Liferaft training courses and more. It’s quick, This card offers a range of discounts on l save time so you can enjoy doing the provides comprehensive support for easy and free to join. goods or services including: things you like with the people you love. carers and the cared-for person. All your l days out and activities When you join you will receive a information will be stored safely and MyLiferaft collates information to create welcome pack that includes information l travel and holidays easily, allowing only people chosen by a hospital passport and an ‘all about me’ and advice about carers services sheet of information, enabling carers to l health and beauty the cared-for person to access it. including local support groups. know the likes and dislikes of the cared- It’s not just about the facts and figures; l sport and fitness for person. You should join with the council you can store information about you responsible for the person you are l places to eat and drink. such as “I love a cup of tea with my There is also a journal to record feelings caring for (even if this is not your Information about where you can use medication!” or “I’m scared of injec- and goals and measure achievements. local council). your card is available on the Carers Card tions!” This allows those who care for The standard service is completely The person you are caring for should be website and new information is added you to know what helps free.To create your free aged 18 or over if they live in the Dorset regularly. you and makes you feel account, go to www. Council area or can be any age to join better. Please turn to pages 14/15 for MyLiferaft.com and click in the Bournemouth Christchurch and contact telephone numbers for local MyLiferaft is designed for on Try Now. Poole Council area. authorities. people with a disability You can also join the or long-term medical MyLiferaft community and Taking a step towards independence at 18 condition. It helps with the receive regular news- management of critical letters, as well as reading information that carers need to know, for Cont’d from previous page This will give them the opportunity blogs on different care, wellbeing and example appointments and paperwork. health topics. been attending group meetings regularly to make their own decisions about for years. continuing to meet with their peers Using the platform joins everything up in A premium account costs £12 a month once the time comes for them to one easy-to-access place, avoiding con- but holders of the Dorset Carers Card To combat this, and with the support from move on from the Young Carers stant repetition, and allows for a data trail (see page 12) are offered a 20 per cent CRISP Carers Support Service and Service. to help ensure that vital health and care discount. Details are on Nando’s in Poole, Poole Young Carers information isn’t lost. MyLiferaft allows www.mycarerscard.co.uk are working towards providing CRISP Carers Support Service will also you and your care circle to: opportunities for these young people to be able to continue to support these l store your health and care information For more information about MyLiferaft go meet socially and independently away young adult carers as they move forward in one secure place to https://www.myliferaft.com from the normal group. into adulthood. 12 13 Help and where you can find it Help and where you can find it Social services for carers are provided by the councl where the cared-for person lives: l Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council l Dorset Council (for the rest of the county).

Social Services Helpdesk for any Care Direct provides information to help enquiry about Social Services in Poole for people find the services they need in an adult: Christchurch and Bournemouth: call 01202 633902 call 01202 454979 text relay 18001 01202 633902 minicom 01202 454874 e-mail [email protected]. email [email protected] To find support for young carers call: DORSET support to carers is available To make a comment or complaint in person call at the office. Mon-Fri from several sources. about Social Services in Poole: Town Hall Annex, St Stephen’s BOURNEMOUTH and CHRISTCHURCH: If you, or the person you care for, call 01202 261159, Road, Bournemouth, BH2 6EA. Sarah Norris call 01202 456230, is already in contact with Adult and e-mail To make a comment or complaint about Community Services, you can speak to comments.adultsocialcare@ poole.gov.uk Social Services: email your social worker or care manager for Children’s Social Services duty desk: call 01202 458953 [email protected] further information and advice. Each local office has a carers’ caseworker who call 01202 735046 e-mail POOLE: [email protected] is there to support carers. Maggie Harris Children’s Services: call 01202 261550, If you are not receiving any support from On the web: www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk Adult and Community Services, and are Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) email [email protected] not sure what to do next, contact: call 01202 458101 DORSET: The Adult Access Team, Dorset Direct, Bournemouth Christchurch email [email protected] 01305 221016, and Poole Carers’ Service On the web: www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk call 01305 225677 email [email protected] or write to: Adult Access Team, Dorset To find out about support for carers Direct, Dorset Council, County Hall, of people living in Bournemouth Emergency Duty Service number Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1XJ. Christhurch or Poole contact the Carers St Ambrose Cottage, Alumhurst Road, for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Centre: Westbourne, BH4 8ER. To register as a carer go to Poole is 01202 657279 www.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/carers call 01202 458204 Carers Support on the web: go to e-mail carersupport @bcpcouncil.gov.uk www.CRISPweb.org to find local support The Our of Hours Emergency NB Some new numbers are included Drop in on Tuesdays between 2 and 4. and to join the Carers Information Service number for Dorset is and Fridays between 10 and 12 at online. in this directory. Others will remain the 01305 858250 same as before until the autumn. 14 15 Carers Week - June 10-16 Connections that can make all the difference NATIONAL Carers Week this year takes place between June 10 and 16. The theme is Getting Connected. The charity Carers Uk, which organises the week annually, says that everyone has a part to play in connecting find others who will understand. carers and helping them to get the support they need. Connect to technology This could include an employer creating Technology could help make your home carer-friendly policies by listening to safer and your life as a carer easier. the experiences of their workforce, a Technology can also help carers connect GP practice offering an annual health with each other through online forums check or alternative appointment times providing emotional support. or a leisure centre offering special deals. For contact numbers, see pages 14/15 Connect to advice and information Find out about the different ways you Come for tea and cake can get advice and support including The Carer Support Service for Bourne- what financial help is available. mouth, Christchurch and Poole is inviting Connect to services carers to call in at the Carers Centre on Tuesday June 11 from 2pm to 4pm for A carer’s assessment looks at what a cup of tea and piece of cake, no need support you might need as a carer and to book, just call in. The centre is at St is a great start when you take on a Ambrose Cottage, Alumhurst Road, caring role. Westbourne, BH4 8ER. Connect to friends and family There is also a trip to Bucklers Hard Greater understanding from friends, Maritime Museum in Hampshire on colleagues and the public can make all Thursday 13th June. the difference. Bookings for this will be taken from 9am Connect to other carers on 14th May by calling the Carers Centre on 01202 458204. Carers’ groups are an ideal way to 16