Liberty Link The newsletter from Independent Living Council Summer 2014 Chair’s Remarks WelcomeW to SILC’s Summer newsleer. II’d like to start by saying a huge thank you tto all the staff at SILC for organising such aan amazing event! Choice Unlimited ttook place at Downs Racecourse oon the 19th of June 2014 and from what II’ve heard, so many people found the eevent so useful, they’d like to see it The Pegasus scheme is aimed at all oorganised again! people who have a communicaon impairment/disability and focuses on helping with their interacon with police and emergency services. In this issue: Full arcle on page 2

PAGE 2 The enre day had a great, posive vibe • Pegasus Scheme to it. I would like to say a special thanks to Sally Brooks, who led the organising of the enre event, while greatly increasing PAGE 3, 4 & 5 • Choice Unlimited: our presence and engagement with so a great success! many companies and organisaons during the event planning stages. PAGE 6, 7 & 8 Amazing work! • Pugsley’s Patch • Healthwatch Surrey Just a short remarks from me this me. However we will be having this newsleer four mes a year now instead PAGE 9 Over 900 people came through the doors to of three, so i’ll see you again in the • Job Vacancies the Choice Unlimited event • Crossroads Care Autumn! has a new website! I’d like to thank all the exhibitors for Jason Vaughan making the day a huge success (there SILC Chair PAGE 10 & 11 were over 85 exhibitors on the first • SILC PA and floor!), as well as all the organisers of the Employer training SILC is managing its art acvies, sing volleyball, boccia, as Carbon Foot Print well as para-rowing and so many other PAGE 12 SILC recognises the importancee ooff acvies. It wouldn’t have been the environmental concerns and ourur • Hub Redhill printers at Blackdown Fernhurst Ltd. Independent Living same without all your hard work and ensure compliance with all currentent Shop contribuons! environmental legislaon.

SILC, Astolat, Coniers Way, Burpham, Guildford, Surrey GU4 7HL Tel: 01483 458111 Fax: 01483 459976 Text: 07919 418 099 Email: [email protected] www.surreyilc.org.uk www.PAfinder.org.uk Facebook: surreyilc.org.uk/facebook Twier: surreyilc.org.uk/twier Peoning to stop the introducon of SILC AGM car parking charges for the disabled The SILC Annual General Meeng is coming! Our vice-chair Brenda wishes to inform our Leatherhead Leisure Centre readers that a peon has been created. It is for people to show the NHS Trust how unfair Thursday, 18th September 2014 the changes to parking charges are to blue Please see the sign-up form accompanying badge holders needing to park at this newsleer for more details. Surrey hospitals. Alternavely, you can email: If you’d like to sign the peon, visit: [email protected] for a form! hp://bit.ly/silclink1

• Pegasus is not just about contacng the police by phone, you can also show your card to a police officer, member of police staff or other emergency services staff if you require assistance in person. • When producing the card to someone in person, this will let the officer or emergency services worker know that you may require What is the Pegasus addional help and support. ‘Help Me Help You’ scheme? Some addional info: • Pegasus is a database that helps people • Your informaon will be stored on a with certain disabilies and other vulnerable database that is owned by Surrey Police. people, contact Surrey Police. • The database will be secure. • The database contains details of people with physical and learning disabilies, or • Only some people will be able to access it, mental health problems, who have including police officers and staff working registered because they have difficulty giving within the Control Room. their details when making contact. Want to register or find out more? • When you register with Pegasus you will be issued with a personal idenficaon Telephone 101 or 01483 571212 number (PIN) you can use when calling the Police. Textphone 18001 101 • When you make the call and use your Email Pegasus PIN, we can respond by geng your [email protected] informaon from the database. Website • This means that you don’t have to spend www.surrey.police.uk/contact-us me giving your name and details and you Post can quickly get on with telling us why Pegasus, Surrey Police, PO Box 101, you called. Guildford, GU1 9PE

Page 2 www.SurreyILC.org.uk The Choice Unlimited event hosted by SILC was held on the 19th of June 2014 at Racecourse, and it turned out to be a great success with over 900 visitors throughout the day!

Many feel the staging of this event represented a realal milestone for the county, and have requested that it be hosted again next year! That’s great feedback!

We brought this diverse showcase together to demonstrate what’s available in Surrey to help achieve the aspiraon of independent living, which many disabled people, older people and carers have.

01483 458 111 Page 3 OnO the first floor, over 85 exhibitors, ranging from ssmall local voluntary organisaons to public bodies, sets up their stands. Throughout the day, there were workshopsw running – these covered a variety of topics,to from the Care Act to personal health budgets.

You can visit the SILC website; www.SurreyILC.org.uk IfI you wish to download the presentaons from the event, in PDF format (links on the Home page).

Page 4 www.SurreyILC.org.uk Downstairs in the magnificent Oaks Hall, as well as a few exhibion stands, there was an enormous variety of acvies going on.

There were art acvies, first aid demonstraons and acvies, sing volleyball, para-rowing and para-canoeing as well as boccia and wheelchair racing.

The Firestone Rock Band played for two very popular sessions, and in the a ernoon Sunny Arts put on their play about demena, ‘Caring for the Queen of Surrey’.

If you did not manage to come to the event, you can see the event guide on www.SurreyILC.org.uk – if you would like a copy, please contact us on 01483 458 111, [email protected], or pick one up from the Hubs in Epsom, Redhill, or Dorking.

01483 458 111 Page 5 Back again for some more focus on carers! Pugsley’s“with Patch carers in mind” Stephen

Facts about caring Extension to the GP Carer Support Payments Programme now referred to as What is a carer? (Carers UK) the ‘Carers Prescripon’: Carers provide unpaid care by looking a er an ill, As part of the connued recognion of Paents frail or disabled family member, friend or partner. who are Carers, GP’s now have access to a fast Carers give so much to society yet as a referral mechanism to third party organisaons. consequence of caring, they experience ill health, This includes a referral for pro-acve contact with poverty and discriminaon. the Paent/Carer from their local Carer Support Group (there are 10 of these based around the Caring in numbers County - so always one near you!). • There are over 6.5 million carers in the UK GP requests to SILC for a Carer Informaon Book • Every day 6,000 people take on new caring and Carer’s Emergency Card to be sent to a responsibilies Paent/Carer. • Every year two million people take on new Onward referrals (via SILC) from GP’s to the caring responsibilies Crossroads Carer Service, Moving/Handling/Backcare Services, Surrey Young • Most carers (5.7 million) are aged over 18 and Carers and the Learning and Work Team (both at the peak age for caring is 50 to 59 Acons For Carers). • 1.5 million carers are over the age of 60 Also a GP is now able to refer a Paent/ Carer • There are 175,000 young people under the age (without lengthy bureaucracy) via SILC to other of 18 who provide care, 13,000 of these provide organisaons such as the Carer’s Support Mental care for 50 hours or more per week Health Groups (3 in the county), the Mencap Leisure Service and the Giving Carers • One in nine workers in the UK combine work a Voice Team. with caring responsibilies for a disabled, ill or frail relave or friend. (Talk to your GP about these opportunities)

CARE ACT 2014 (CA) and CHILDREN & FAMILIES ACT 2014 (CFA) Both these Acts will be implemented in April 2015

I menoned in last quarter’s arcle that these new Acts were about to receive Royal Assent - In April they did! Just a few more observaons, now I have had more me to read them in detail: Both Acts refer to; • ‘promong and having regard’ to the wellbeing of Carers • a DUTY to ASSESS Carer’s needs (and this inc. Parent/Carers and Young Carers under the CFA and Young Carers if they are likely to have needs post `18 as well as other Carers under the CA)

Page 6 www.SurreyILC.org.uk • ‘Best Outcomes’ and consideraon of needs and ‘wishes’ of Carers • a DUTY to provide informaon, advice (and relang to support) to Carers The Care Act also makes provision for what is called the “Beer Care Fund”. This will be the pooling of some NHS funding with Social Care funding (£3.8bn naonally) and I believe the ‘pool’ will be held by the Local Authories. Local areas will use the funds on ensuring health and care and support work together in improving connuity of care and ‘outcomes’. Also ‘acng earlier’ in assessment and intervenon and delivering care that is centered on individual needs.

This new Fund will include connued NHS funding for Carers’ Breaks. (The Dept. of Health has published a set of fact sheets on their website - No 19 addresses the ‘Beer Care’ fund).

(The Great thing here is the DUTY by the Social Services Dept to ASSESS Carers’ needs!)

CARER SUPPORT PAYMENTS (July has seen the GP Programme compleng the 5555th payment since it began)

Here are just a few extracts from the many leers arriving at SILC’s offices from Carers during the past few months, who have been referred for, and received, a Carer Support Payment:

From a Young Carer: “Thank you for sending me the carer payment. I have used the money on horse-riding and I am going to see ‘Wicked’ in ”. Time for ‘me’!

And from other Carers: “I have found a fantasc second-hand Motability Scooter (I am disabled) which I have put the Carer Support Payment towards. My old one is worn out. It is my lifeline to the outside world. I need to do all my daughter’s shopping, banking etc. for her as she cannot get out of the house. Thank you very, very much”.

“I long for space to myself and silence from the perpetual repeang of the same quesons which sadly my sister cannot avoid. Some short respite from the connual concern for her wellbeing. I have booked myself into a Retreat for a week – recharge”.

“I would like to use the money towards a ‘live-in’ carer for my Mum, whilst I have to go into hospital for a hip replacement. It will be so helpful to us”.

01483 458 111 Page 7 ‘TAILPIECE’ - Feeling Older! An occurrence a few weeks ago has made whilst his ‘mate’ pulled me across the road. me realise the person l see in the mirror Now with both sides of traffic stopped and each morning, whilst shaving, is looking one driver shaking his head - I arrived safely much older than he thinks! on the other side, whilst the ‘lead’ Scout stepped out into the road again to wave the I had stopped on the pavement to look cars on - shoung “Thanks Mates”! across the busy road at something that had caught my eye, when I heard “Oi Mister, “You’ll be alright now Mister - do you know don’t worry we’ll help you”. how to get home?” to which I smiled and nodded. Standing now by my side were two Cub Scouts in uniform. “You take his arm Jake, I'll Before you - No! I was not returning from stop the cars”, the more vocal of the two the pub! ..... and - No! I did not wish to cross said, as he stepped fearlessly into the road - I the road. reached out to prevent what I visualised as These two uniformed lads obviously thought a tragic pedestrian accident and started to I looked elderly and vulnerable! As they uer some ‘protecve exclamaon’ - “it’ll be disappeared down the road, I re-crossed the ok, Mister”, said the intrepid Scout. road thinking - the future is secure if we have Traffic now halted on one side, the young more ‘caring’ youngsters like these! man moved into the opposing lane,

We are hoping to be joined by staff and volunteers from local Cizens Advice on tour! Bureaux, User-led Hubs and other partners. 15-21st September 2014 Sight for Surrey will be joining us in Healthwatch Surrey is coming to a town near Camberley and at Asda, Burgh Heath to offer you this September. We want to meet as free sight checks. More venues will be many residents as possible and find out your confirmed shortly so check our website for views on health and social care services. more info. www.healthwatchsurrey.co.uk Date Time Locaon Monday 15th 10am - 12pm Park Street, Camberley 1:30pm - 4pm High Street, Leatherhead Wednesday 17th 10am - 12pm Tesco, Caterham Thursday 18th 9:30am - 3pm Market Place, Epsom 3:30pm - 6pm Asda, Burgh Heath Healthwatch Friday 19th 9:30am - 1pm Surrey is your local consumer Saturday 20th 10am - 12pm High Street, Godalming for health & social 1pm - 4pm High Street, Guildford care services. Call Sunday 21st 12pm - 5pm Epsom & Family Fun Day, Hook Road Arena, Epsom us: 0303 303 0023

Page 8 www.SurreyILC.org.uk LAUNCHES CROSS BRAND NEW ROADS WEBSITE Crossroads Care Surrey is proud to announce that our new website: CARE www.crossroadscaresurrey.org.uk has gone live! Surrey

Crossroads Care Surrey, a registered charity, is the leading provider of respite breaks to Carers in the county. Visit our new, easy to navigate website to:-

• See how we support Surrey Carers • Learn more about our Core Service, Clubs, Packages of Care and unlimited End of Life Carers Support Service • Make a referral • Access a fantasc range of informaon and The website is an excing development for the whole resources for Carers organisaon and we hope that you enjoy discovering • See what jobs and volunteering opportunies all that it has to offer. are available For more informaon visit • Donate online or become a Member www.crossroadscaresurrey.org.uk, • Learn about Crossroads news, events and Telephone 01483 447770, or email developments [email protected] • Get in touch with us Charity number: 1125048

Would you like to www.thesurreyhubs.org.uk work for SILC? We currently have two vacancies: Volunteer Development Worker – Hub Dorking Mobile Volunteer Development Worker – East Surrey Both posions are part-me (25 hours) Salary: £22,000 pro-rata • Are you a champion for great customer service? For more details and an applicaon pack please • Do you have experience of developing and contact Rolfe Showell: supporng volunteers? • Email: [email protected] • Do you know how to get the best out of people? • Tel: 01483 458111 • Are you creave and have experience of promoon? • Text: 07919 418099 • Do you have an interest in social equality and Closing date for applicaons: 26th August 2014 disability issues? • Can you work to deadlines and meet targets? SILC is an equal opportunies employer and acvely • Are you highly organised and flexible? encourages applicaons from disabled people. If so, one of these jobs could be perfect for you!

01483 458 111 Page 9 FREE Personal assistant ‘Support with Confidence’ training 5-Day Support with Confidence accredited training for PAs

This course is mapped across to the mandatory This course also provides excellent units of the new Health and Social Care evidence of the knowledge PA’s need to Diploma and includes the following standards; achieve the Health and Social Care role of the health and social care worker, Diploma at level 2 or level 3. personal development, equality and inclusion, effecve communicaon, principles for Places are available on: implemenng duty of care, principles of • September 27th - September 30th, 2014 safeguarding in health and social care, & 5th day on November 1st, 2014 person-centred support and health and safety in an adult social care seng. • February 2nd - February 5th, 2015 & 5th day on March 21st, 2015 Each standard contains a number of areas of knowledge that PA’s should understand, to All 4 days must be aended consecuvely, and PAs are required to complete a them to provide high quality workbook prior to aending the 5th day. person-centred support to their employer.

Being a ‘Good Boss’ training for Employers A FREE course for people who employ a Personal Assistant(s). Places are limited, so book early!

Last one in 2014 First one in 2015 • October 1st (Day One) • January 20th (Day One) • October 16th (Day Two) • March 20th (Day Two) • October 29th (Day Three) • April 17th (Day Three)

Some messages from previous aendees;

“So useful to learn of other aendees experiences, good “It has changed my life” and bad, posive and negave and the ways and means to turn negaves into posives and enabling and “It has helped me grow in confidence” empowering for future use” “The group was a safe non-judgemental environment”

For more details on any of the training courses, and/or an applicaon form, please contact Bob on;

075140 093 616 [email protected] All courses are held at Astolat, Coniers Way, Burpham, Surrey, GU4 7HL. Page 10 www.SurreyILC.org.uk FREE Single day training courses in 2014 and January 2015

Health & Safety Awareness Safeguarding Tuesday 14th October 2014 Wednesday 12th November 2014 09.45 to 16.00 - The Boardroom 09.45 to 16.00 - The Boardroom

• Hazards in the home/work • Role of the PA environment • Legislaon and policy • How to minimise risk • Concept and definion of abuse • Slips trips and falls • Categories of abuse • COSHH • Signs and symptoms of abusive behaviour • Basic Moving & Handling principles • How to respond and report allegaons • Fire Safety of abuse • Infecon control • Stress • Personal Safety Principles of Person Centred Care Thursday 13th November 2014 Wednesday 21st January 2015 Emergency First Aid at work 09.45 to 16.00 - The Boardroom Thursday 30th October 2014 Saturday 10th January 2015 • Introduces PA’s to the values that 09.45 to 17.00 - The Boardroom underpin Person Centred Care • Explores the values of individuality, rights, • What is first aid? choice, privacy, independence, dignity, • Assessing the scene respect and partnership • CPR • Assists PA’s to develop their • Allergic reacon understanding of how the principles of • Burns care should be reflected • Choking • Heart aack / Stroke • Severe bleeding Effecve Communicaon • Shock Wednesday 17th December 2014 09.45 to 16.00 - The Boardroom These courses are funded by Skills for Care. • Why do we communicate? There is backfill and travel costs available. • Verbal, non-verbal and behavioural communicaon Addional courses are listed on our website • Responding skills at: www.surreyilc.org.uk/events • The use of touch Alternavely, you can see more courses in • Communicaon aids the Summer edion of Liberty Link!

SILC’s Twier feed will keep you up to date with all the latest training available @SurreyILC

01483 458 111 Page 11 The Hub Redhill Independent Living Shop launched its own catalogue in June, just in me for Choice Unlimited.

The 84 page catalogue is packed with over 600 products that provide ideas and soluons to help people stay independent, including secons on:

• Geng out and about • Comfort, rest and relaxaon • Handy home helpers • Eang and drinking • Help in the kitchen • Health and wellbeing • Acvies, games and leisure • Dressing & grooming and personal care • Bathroom soluons and safety

Many of the items are available to “try before you buy” in store at Hub Redhill at our amazingly low prices.

If you can’t visit the Independent Living Shop in person, why not browse our catalogue at your local Hub: • Hub Dorking - Mayflower Centre, Lyons Court, Dorking. RH4 1AB. Tel: 01306 886280 • Hub Epsom - 131 High Street, Epsom. KT19 8EF. Tel: 01372 744479 • Hub Walton - Elmbridge Community Hub, 72 High Street, Walton, KT12 1BU. Tel: 01932 220450

Volunteers at Hubs Dorking, Epsom and Walton can help you order items in the catalogue direct from Hub Redhill. It couldn’t be simpler – place your order and pay by cash, cheque or card, and then all you have to do is wait for a phone call to collect your order from your local Hub.

We understand what customers are looking for because we are customers ourselves, we buy and use the same equipment.

In the run up to Christmas we’ll be holding Hub Redhill Christmas shopping events for SILC members. Keep 41 High Street, Redhill. RH1 1RX an eye out for more details in Liberty Link later in the year. There’ll be a chance to come and enjoy Tel: 01737 761614 mince pies and fesve punch, meet the volunteers Text: 07704 288772 and browse the shop for Christmas gi s ideas. Email: [email protected]

Page 12 www.SurreyILC.org.uk