Issue 2 of 2018 www.carersinherts.org.uk

A Newsletter for Family Carers and Caring Friends

Find out about our free courses for carers on the back pages and about the impact our work, in including training, has on carers on page 4. charity registration number 1085491 A warm welcome 3 Contents Firstly, I wanted to say hello and thank you to the carers, staff and volunteers I have met who have made me feel so welcome since August when I started Pages 4 – 7 News as the Interim Chief Executive, covering Michèle Stokes’ maternity leave. Page 8 Carer stories It has been a busy time and a steep learning curve but one I’ve enjoyed Page 10 Spotlight on … our Information and Carer Planning immensely. I have worked in senior management roles for over 20 years, Service primarily in community development and straddling health, education and social services. Page 12 Carers Support Hubs I’m looking forward to meeting as many of you as Page 14 Young Carers I can over the next year and I hope you will see Pages 16 – 19 Carers Rights Day 2018 and the Carer’s Assessment me as a safe pair of hands. Page 20 Review of our Annual Event for Carers I was particularly moved by the work with young carers when I attended a Young Carers’ Page 22 Mentoring Council planning meeting and saw the young Page 24 Have your say (Involvement) people there grow in confidence during the Page 28 Our Crossroads Care Service day. Some young carers produced the collage, pictured, at an event. It’s an excellent example Pages 30 – 34 Fundraising of young carers working together to be Page 35 Carers’ Passport Update creative and enjoying a break from their caring Page 36 Volunteering responsibilities. Page 38 Useful Contacts It’s been a time of change for the charity as we have a new Chair and Vice Pages 39 & 40 Free courses and workshops Chair for our Trustee Board and the Young Carers’ Council – you can read about this on pages four and five. I’d like to thank Mike Ormerod for his hard work and dedication as Chair of the Board for the last three years and About Us Disclaimer wish Slava Budin-Jones, the new Chair every success in her new role. is the Every effort is made to ensure the Carers in Hertfordshire Carers often face changes in their caring roles and I appreciate how leading countywide charity for information in Carewaves is correct resilient they have to be to cope. It’s vital that carers receive the services unpaid carers looking after a loved at the time of publication. However, they are entitled to and that we as a support organisation are helping to one, friend, neighbour or relative Carers in Hertfordshire is not liable for highlight and facilitate this. In this issue you can learn about the support due to illness, frailty, mental health any incorrect information or errors. our Information and Caring Planning Service provides, our mentoring needs, disability or substance Don’t forget you can receive regular service and about the Carer’s Assessment. misuse. We support all carers, updates via email. Please call As always you can find out about our free courses children and adults, either living or 01992 58 69 69 if you would like to working in Hertfordshire. be added to our mailing list. and events, our upcoming Involvement Forums, Hub Carers do not have to live with the support groups and our plans to mark Carers Rights Join the online conversation! Day on Friday 30th November 2018. person they are looking after to Find us on Facebook and follow us receive help and advice. on Twitter @CarersinHerts Finally, if you need advice or want to get in touch For more information about our about our work, you can write, email or call us (see services or how you can support back page for our full contact details). our work, see Contact Us on the Red Cross trainer Steve Delaney, Interim Chief Executive back page. Front Cover Photo: James teaches carer Keith CPR at one Making Carers Count of our First Aid workshops. 4 News 5 Our impact on carers – the difference we make! Changes at Carers in Hertfordshire Every carer’s situation is unique to them, but one thing that is consistent It’s also been a time of change for us at Carers in Hertfordshire as our is that we at Carers in Hertfordshire are there to provide advice, training Board of Trustees has been refreshed and our Young Carers’ Council and a listening ear to carers. We support people in Hertfordshire that care has a new Chair and Vice Chair – Annie and Joshua. We also welcomed for someone, unpaid, due to illness, disability, age or substance misuse a new Interim Chief Executive, Steve Delaney, in August 2018, who is and those who live elsewhere but care for someone in the county. covering for Michèle Stokes whilst she is on maternity leave. We continue to reach more carers and now have more than 29,600 Our Board is a team of volunteer Trustees, many of them with experience children and adult carers registered with us. of caring for someone. The Trustees have a legal responsibility for Carole Whittle, our Health and Wellbeing Manager, said: “We cannot the charity, ensuring it does what it was set out to do. They also be complacent as it is estimated that there are over 115,000 carers in make decisions about how Carers in Hertfordshire is run, its financial Hertfordshire and we’d like to reach more carers who require support. We management and future developments. must also meet the challenge that when more carers register with us we After three years as Chair Mike Ormerod completed his term in increase and develop our services to meet carers’ needs, within limited September 2018 and is now Vice Chair. He will support new Chair Slava budgets.” Budin-Jones. We support carers in different ways – here are some examples of the impact we had on carers last year (April 2017 to end of March 2018). Slava has been a Trustee for two years and she said: “I feel privileged to have been elected as Chair of the Board of Trustees. I’m hoping my experience as an IT Director and as Chair of a secondary school Training governing body for many years will stand me in good stead for this role. Carers in Hertfordshire is a wonderful organisation and I will continue to 461 carers took up places support staff and volunteers to ensure its ongoing success.” at the 57 free courses and Break from caring workshops we provided. As a result: We have also said farewell to Alan Weston who was a Trustee for almost carers had support 96% carers felt more confident 148 three years and Chris Watts, who had been a Trustee since 2016 when through our Make a and 93% felt less isolated. Crossroads Care Hertfordshire South was incorporated into our charity. Difference Service, giving them an activity In September, 2018, we welcomed Lucinda Beesley to the Board. Lucinda or something to provide has a range of experience across the NHS, the Civil Service, local a break from caring and government, and charities in various aspects including strategy, stakeholder improve their health and engagement, communications and organisational transformation. wellbeing. Lucinda said: “I’m delighted to be given this opportunity to use my As a result professional and personal experience there was a to contribute to the continued success of the Carers in Hertfordshire family.” Support We now have eight Trustees – Slava, Mike, Lucinda, Mark 10,898 carers received advice Montgomery (Treasurer), Albert and guidance through our information and 23% reduction Binns, Andrew Mills, Janice Guerra carer planning service when they needed it. in depression. and Santo Mann. Steve Delaney and Slava Budin-Jones 6 7 Connecting carers to support during Carers Week and beyond New app helps young carers access information and support Thank you to everyone who helped with our events during Carers Week Children in a caring role can get help and advice through a free app – Young in June 2018. We were involved with 34 events – 4 more than in 2017. Carers in Hertfordshire – that was launched in June during Carers Week. The theme of the week was helping carers to be healthy and connected. The app is aimed at young carers aged 11+. It provides them with We connected with over 380 carers at our events and the information and information and advice, including where to get support and what to expect fundraising stands in the community. in the county’s hospitals with pictures of equipment and wards to make them feel more comfortable if the person they are caring for is admitted. During the week our Borehamwood Carers Support Hub met for the first time. We also held a Picnic and Play afternoon for our parent carers and The idea for the app came from some young carers who attended a their families, a pamper day and an information event where carers could young carers’ residential break we held in October 2017. speak to representatives from Hertfordshire County Council and other organisations to find out about different accommodation options for the Young carers were involved in developing the app, which was a joint person they care for. You can read more about this on page 24. project between Carers in Hertfordshire, East and North Hertsfordshire NHS Trust and their Carers Lead Jodie Deards and three students from Roma Mills, our Policy and Engagement Manager, said: “Carers Week is North Hertfordshire College, who created the programming. a valuable opportunity to raise awareness about the support available to unpaid carers and as a means of identifying carers, so they access the Young carer Tia, who helped design some of the artwork in the app and services and benefits they need or are entitled to. We were pleased to meet suggested content, said: “I feel proud to have been part of developing the so many carers during the week and look forward to Carers Week 2019.” app and I’m pleased with how it looks and the information on it. I hope it will benefit young carers like me and help them understand they do not have to be alone.”

The app is available on android (Google Play) and a version for Apple devices is in the pipeline.

Carer Lesley said: “I went to the Practical Caring Course that started during Carers Week. The sessions I attended were useful, in particular the moving and handling one. I care for my Mum and she doesn’t walk very well, but I learnt how to help her without hurting myself. I also received tips for getting to sleep. It’s great to have Carers in Hertfordshire to turn to for help if we need it and the support they provide makes us feel important and valued.” 8 Carer Stories 9 Supporting carers through times of change me advice about preparing for university and about adult services. I know I can contact you anytime if I need information or help.” We all experience change, you may have read about our developments on pages four and five. Carers can experience changes in their caring Annie also became Chair of the Young Carers’ Council earlier this year situation and helping them through these times and with transitions is one and said: “I’m pleased about the role and I’m hoping I can make younger of the objectives in our business plan. carers feel like they can share their feelings and ideas and that people working in local care, health and education services will listen and take Transitions could be: on board experiences and suggestions to improve support for children in • Preparing for a change in your work or education situation, including a caring role.” returning to employment or reducing your hours; • Moving from one service to another – within Carers in Hertfordshire, Anne’s story between organisations or from Children’s to Adult Services; Anne has been a full-time carer to her husband for four years, but • Planning or experiencing change in your caring role due to the person she’s been supporting him for 18 years, since he was diagnosed with you care for moving into their own home, residential care or similar Parkinson’s. He now has dementia too and can need help with tasks such accommodation; or as eating and drinking. • Bereavement as the person you care for has passed away. Anne said: “I came into contact with Carers in Hertfordshire about seven Here two carers have shared their stories about how we have supported years ago as I went to a Dementia Carers’ Forum. The Forums are useful them in their caring role and with transitions. If you’re caring for someone to find out about local services, but the best source of information is and need support contact us on 01992 58 69 69. speaking to other carers.” Annie’s story Through a carer Anne learnt about the Make a Difference service and it was agreed she would benefit from a bike. Anne said: “I was going to the Annie cares for her Mum and supports her two brothers as they have gym, but it was restrictive in nice weather. I enjoy cycling and the bike various health conditions or learning difficulties. Annie, who turned 18 this has given me freedom in the fresh air.” Summer, said: “I help with practical things such as washing Mum’s hair as well as shopping and chores around the house.” Anne can go out cycling or have a break thanks to a Care Support Worker from our Annie explained that Carers in Hertfordshire has Carer’s Breaks service looking after her husband been a real support to her since 2010 when she three times a week. She said; “If they didn’t come I joined the Young Carers’ Council. She said: “I’ve wouldn’t get out. My husband needs to be watched grown in confidence and speak out more about as he is prone to getting up and falling. Caring how I feel and my experiences. I’ve met other can be lonely, but the support I receive gives me young carers and made friends.” a balance to be myself and not just a wife and She continued: “The activities the Young Carers carer. It’s great to have a charity like Carers in Service arrange for us are brilliant. They enable Hertfordshire providing a range of support to help carers like me to try new things or develop our carers like me so we don’t feel isolated.” skills as well as provide a break from caring. I took Anne also appreciates being a Carer Trainer, part in a skiing course this year, which was great using her experience of working as a trainer and fun and something I’d not done before.” in social work, to talk to students or staff in health It’s been a busy time for Annie as she has moved or care services about being a carer and good from school to university to study nursing. She is communication. She said: “I feel I’m giving something also moving from Children’s to Adult Services. She back and hope I influence professionals’ behaviour said: “People at Carers in Hertfordshire have given so they are more considerate of carers’ views.” 10 Spotlight on… Our Information and Carer Planning Service 11 Our Carer Support Advisors are there to listen and help you How can I contact a Carer Support Often, when a carer contacts Carers in Hertfordshire the first service Advisor (CSA)? they are put through to is our Information and Carer Planning Service. You can phone the team on 01992 58 69 69. The service is staffed by trained Carer Support Advisors (CSAs) who The CSA team are on hand from 9.30am – 5pm understand the pressures of caring and will be able to help you with any Monday to Thursday and 9am – 4pm on Fridays. aspect of your caring role. Alternatively, you can email your query to Our Advisors, pictured, have a wealth of knowledge and can help with a [email protected] wide range of issues relating to your caring role, such as: • Your rights and entitlements as a carer; The Advisors also regularly attend our • How the social and healthcare system works; Carer Support Hub meetings throughout • Requesting a Carer’s Assessment or a Contingency Plan, detailing what Hertfordshire and the Carers’ Forums to will happen if you cannot provide care; provide support face to face. • Respite services and taking a break from caring; and • Benefits and financial matters. Can health and care professionals refer people they are You can also contact the service just to talk about your caring role – the working with for help? team is here to listen to you. Professionals can refer to our The team is supported by volunteers who process requests for our service using our referral form. Carers’ Passport Discount Card and check details of carers registering This can be found on our website for support. They also make keep in touch calls with carers who haven’t www.carersinherts.org.uk accessed our services for a while to see if they are OK and update them about the support available. Carer Feedback Last year the team supported 10,898 carers by providing advice and “Thank you for all the support and information. advice you gave me while trying to Christine Gillham, Information and Carer Planning Service Manager, negotiate my mother’s transfer from said: “We encourage carers to contact us early in their caring journey, Devon to Hertford. I managed to get to learn about how Carers in Hertfordshire can help and ensure they transportation from her old home have access to the support and benefits they are entitled to. We want to her new residence, where she is to be there for carers at key transition points, helping to maintain carers’ now settled. We are very fortunate to wellbeing so they can carry on caring for as long as they wish to do so.” have your services in Hertfordshire.”

A carer who is supporting a son with a learning disability and a sister with cancer said: “I called to talk through the support available to me as my health was suffering. As a result of the conversations with the Carer Support Advisor I was offered some mentoring and I was referred to Hertfordshire County Council for a Carer’s Assessment and review with the Money Advice Unit. This made such a difference as I was awarded a Direct Payment and could book my son into a day centre and befriending service, which gives me a break and time to relax and look after myself.” 12 Carer Support Hubs 13 Upcoming topics and speakers for our Hub groups Name of Group Meeting Details Swan Youth Project, 137 – 139 High Street, Carers attending our Hubs have been enjoying a variety of speakers and Berkhamsted Berkhamsted, HP4 3HH. topics such as information about Hertfordshire Health Walks and benefits Second Tuesday of the month 10.30am – 12.30pm and finances from the Money Advice Unit. If they haven’t already been to Bishop’s Bishop’s Stortford Baptist Church, Twyford Road, Stortford Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3LJ. your local Hub meeting speakers from these services will visit soon. First Wednesday of each month 10.30am – 12.30pm One session that has been useful is a ‘Healthy Hub’ where carers Allum Manor House & Hall (Room 3), discussed their experiences of GP practices. It has helped us identify Borehamwood 2 Allum Lane, Elstree, WD6 3PJ. Second Thursday of each month 10am – 12pm noon topics we could cover in training for surgery staff. Carers were told about Buntingford Buntingford Library, 77 High Street, Buntingford, SG9 9AE the support GP practices can give carers such as an annual health check Last Tuesday of the month 10.30am – 12.30pm and flexible appointments. The session has been run at three Hubs – Christ Church, The Common, , Potters Bar and Welwyn Garden City - and it will come Chorleywood & Rickmansworth Rickmansworth Road, Chorleywood, WD3 5SG. to more Hubs during 2019. We will share details as and when planned. Third Monday of each month 10.30am – 12.30pm Hemel South Hill Centre, Cemetery Hill, Carer Brigitte said: “The GP Hub session was interesting and an Hempstead Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1JF. opportunity to suggest improvements. I was able to talk about the Second Wednesday of each month 10.30am – 12pm noon different support I had received - my old practice didn't seem to record Hoddesdon Baptist Church, Hoddesdon Burford Street, Hoddesdon, EN11 8HX. me as a carer, but my new one does and I can get appointments Last Friday of each month 10.30am – 12.30pm easier, which makes things less stressful.” Letchworth Garden House Hospice, Gillison Close, Letchworth, SG6 1QU. Third Wednesday of each month 10.30am – 12.30pm Other sessions coming to future Hubs include sepsis and guided King Charles the Martyr Church, relaxation. We will share details with you in the usual ways. Potters Bar Mutton Lane, Potters Bar, EN6 3AS. Last Wednesday of each month 10.30am – 12.30pm Also coming up is our final Hub launch as part of the Caring Communities St Albans St Paul’s Church, Blandford Road, St Albans, AL1 4JP. project supported by money from the Big Lottery Fund. The last Hub will be Third Tuesday of each month 10.30am – 12.30pm in Royston. There is an Information Event on Thursday 8th November 2018 Stevenage Stevenage Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, SG1 1LZ. at Royston Town Hall from 10.30am - 1.30pm. If you wish to attend please Last Thursday of each month 10am – 12pm noon contact us on 01992 58 69 69 or email [email protected] Ware Salvation Army Hall, Baldock Street, Ware, SG12 9DH Third Friday monthly, 10.30am – 12.30pm Our Harpenden Hub Watford Peace Hospice, Peace Drive, Watford, WD17 3PH launch in September Second Monday of each month 10.30am – 12.30pm 2018 was a success United Reformed Church, Church Road, and 24 carers attended. Welwyn/Hatfield Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6PS. Third Wednesday of each month 12pm noon – 2pm They enjoyed a seated yoga and This is some of the groups - a full list is online at relaxation session and www.carersinherts.org.uk/how-we-can-help/carer-services/carer-support-hubs a discussion about the If you want to go to any of the groups please email [email protected] or phone support they would want 01992 58 69 69 and let us know which group you are from a carers’ group interested in. We can then put you in touch with the group (shown in the picture lead, who can confirm timings, dates and venues as these below on the left). sometimes change. 14 Young Carers 15 Young Carers Service supporting more young carers Introducing the Young Carers’ Council Vice Chair Joshua Our Young Carers Service continues to support more youngsters in a caring Vice Chair Joshua is 13-years-old and role. Last year (April 2017 - March 2018), the team identified an extra 328 has been a member of the Young Carers’ young carers, bringing the number of 4 to 18-year-olds known to us to 1,422. Council for two years, since he was 11. Jackie Graham, one of the Young Carers Team Leaders, said: “We Joshua helps care for his older brother provided one to one support to 245 young people and their families who has Autism. He supports his family last year and identified any help they needed to give the young carer by helping supervise his brother and the same opportunities as their peers. For 47% of young carers our facilitating communication for him as he is involvement helped reduce their caring role.” non-verbal. In the Spring, the Young Carers’ Council chose a new Chair and Vice Chair – Annie and Joshua. You can learn about Joshua on page 15. Joshua said: “I feel proud about being Vice Chair of the Young Carers’ Council. The The Council is currently planning the 2019 Young Carers’ Conference Council is important to young carers like that takes place on Thursday 21st February 2019 in Welwyn Garden City. me because it helps us meet other young The theme the Council chose is ‘Can you hear us now?’ Some of the people in a similar situation. Being a carer workshop activities young carers have suggested include song writing, can be isolating so it’s nice to know you are photography and a graffiti wall where they can share their thoughts. eW not alone.” will keep you updated about the event in the usual way. Mum Kate said that the family learnt about Carers in Hertfordshire at a Young Carers Awareness Day is on January 31st 2019. The focus is local library event about four years ago. She said having the help from mental health and we’ll be doing something to mark the day. the charity has been invaluable. Kate said: “They are a source of advice Over the school Summer holidays 20 young carers aged eight to 12 and support in a variety of situations. I’m often telling other parents of the attended our residential. They enjoyed activities including archery, pedal charity and the help that can be offered.” karting and human table football. Joshua has enjoyed meeting other young carers at some of the activities we Young carer Laura said “I enjoyed the residential, the activities were have organised such as trampolining and a first aid course. He said: “The fun. It was nice to meet other people of a similar age with caring activities are good to meet others, but also essential is the time set aside for responsibilities and to stay up late chatting with them.” me to develop myself when often my time is spent supporting my family.” When he is not caring, at school or involved with the Council, Joshua likes football, cooking, cycling and design. Finally, Joshua said: “Whilst Vice Chair I’m looking forward to helping others build confidence and gain friends whist in a safe supportive atmosphere.” If you are or know a young person under 19 in Hertfordshire helping care for someone then please let them or their parent/guardian know about our Young Carers Service. They can contact us on 01992 58 69 69 or visit www.ycih.org 16 Carers Rights Day 17 Carers encouraged to plan for the future this Carers Rights Day In our survey to find out the caring situation in Hertfordshire we were surprised to learn that only 45% of the 1,434 carers that responded said People do not usually plan to become a carer, it’s something that happens, they’d had a Carer’s Assessment. This is reflected in as a fifth of so to encourage people to prepare for the future the carers haven’t had one so the Local Government Association (LGA) has focus of this year’s Carers Rights Day (Friday 30th called on the Government to commit money for Carers Assessments – an November 2018) is Caring for your Future. estimated £150 million is needed. To help carers make plans we are holding an Roma said: “More carers should be having their needs assessed so they Information Event on November 30th at the BioPark get the help they require to make their caring role easier. Assessments in Welwyn Garden City. and outcomes should be consistent, something we know is not always Carers attending the event will be able to connect with happening as carers’ tell us about delays and mixed experiences.” local care, health and voluntary services to learn about the support they provide and obtain advice about benefits, relevant legal matters and more. In Hertfordshire, the average waiting time for a Carer’s Assessment The event takes place from 10.30am – 3.30pm. You can book a place by from Hertfordshire County Council is 18 days and from Hertfordshire calling us, email or online via our events page - details on the back page. Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (HPFT), which does assessments for carers of adults with certain mental health conditions, Roma Mills, our Policy and Engagement Manager, said: “When you're the target is 28 days. caring, getting the information you need at the right time can make all the difference. We’re continuously trying to reach carers so they are James Holland, Inclusion & Engagement Team Manager at HPFT, said: identified and aware of available support. The annual Carers Rights “Whilst we are working to make improvements to our services for carers, Day puts the spotlight on carers’ needs and rights.” the introduction of our carer pathway has seen our wait times improve. Where there is an increased risk to the carer services are instructed One right all carers are entitled to is a Carer’s Assessment – an opportunity to prioritise them for assessment. Where we have situations of carers to discuss their caring role with a professional, usually from the local waiting longer than a month for an assessment we’re looking at how we council with Social Services responsibility, to identify what help they need. improve the other support we can put in place while they wait.” The format, outcomes and who carries out the assessment will depend on whether the carer is an adult or child and if the person they care for is over You can learn more about Carer’s Assessments – what they are and how or under 18. to get one if you live, care or work in Hertfordshire – on the next pages. Government publishes Carers Action Plan Actions in the Plan include: • A new scheme to improve employment support for carers, promoting The Government has published its Carers flexible working to enable people to work and care; Action Plan that sets out a two-year • A £500,000 Carer Innovations Fund to promote creative ways to support programme of work to support unpaid carers. This could include technology to assist caring responsibilities carers. and crisis prevention help; • Funding for a review of best practice to identify young carers; and The plan, published in June 2018, was • Working to get more Changing Places toilets in healthcare settings informed by the views of over 6,800 (facilities with extra space and equipment to meet the needs of people people, including carers. with severe and multiple disabilities). You can read more about the Plan at www.gov.uk/government/publications/carers-action-plan-2018-to-2020 18 Carer’s Assessment 19 What is the Carer’s Assessment? • What support the Council can offer; The Care Act 2014 entitles adults who care for an adult to a Carer’s • A Contingency Plan in case you are unable to care, although one can be Assessment. In Hertfordshire a Carer’s Assessment is an opportunity to have produced without a full assessment; a conversation with a professional from Hertfordshire County Council’s Adult • How to prevent or delay things becoming more difficult in the future; and Care Services or Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust • An assessment or review of the care and support the person you care (HPFT) about your role as a carer and what this means to you. for receives. Ted Maddex, the Council’s Lead Commissioner for Carers, said: “We’re committed to supporting carers and we want to make sure that we are Possible outcomes of an assessment supporting you in line with the objectives of the new Hertfordshire 2018 After the Carer’s Assessment you should be told about the outcome and Carer Strategy.” the reasons for any decision. You might be offered: The Council wants to enable carers to: • Money to pay for things that make caring easier; • Continue caring if they want to; • Respite care when you need a short break; • Get good quality information and advice when needed; • Support so you can attend any medical appointments or go into hospital • Be recognised, feel respected and heard as carers and partners in care for an operation (including recovery afterwards); and and experts in the needs of the person they care for; • Equipment to support you in your caring role. • Have a life outside of and after caring, including working or volunteering and be able to fully access their local community and local services; Although not all carers are eligible for ongoing support most still usually find it useful to talk through their caring role and receive advice and • Stay mentally and physically fit and healthy; signposting to other services. • Be safe; If you are eligible for ongoing support the Council or HPFT can work with • Access full benefit entitlements and financial advice; and you to identify and agree a plan about the help you need. Carers are not • Receive consistent joined up services. charged for the assessment or support. What does a Carer’s Assessment involve? How can you get a Carer’s Assessment? The assessment may be by phone call or a visit. An assessment can If you’re caring for an adult with dementia, a learning disability or a last from 30 minutes to two hours depending on the individual and what physical health problem, contact Hertfordshire County Council by: they want to discuss. You may want to have someone with you such as a friend or relative or the organisation carrying out the assessment should • Telephone: 0300 123 4042 be able to help arrange an independent advocate. • Email: [email protected] During the assessment you will be asked about: If you’re caring for a child under 18 or are a young carer • Your situation and how you help the then call 0300 123 4043 person you care for; If you’re caring for an adult with • What you want to achieve; a mental health issue (excluding • What you and any family or friends dementia) contact HPFT by: can do to achieve this; • Requesting an assessment from the team supporting the person you care for. • What help may be available from your • If you are not in contact with a team email [email protected] or call networks, local community services or 0300 777 0707. charities; • You can email [email protected] with general queries regarding caring. 20 Review of our Annual Event for Carers 21 Carers get connected to information and support • Looking at training for carers and also NHS staff to better support carers. She said: “If you build carers skills and knowledge you give Almost 130 unpaid carers attended our Annual Event for Carers and back more to the community as it enables them to continue caring and enjoyed time together away from caring and could find out about health, care and community services that can support them in their caring role. reduces their need to turn to health or care services that cost more.” The theme of September’s event was connecting carers to services and Iain MacBeath, Hertfordshire County Council’s Director of Adult Care support to help ease their caring role, which followed on from the focus of Services, spoke about the work being done to address the funding Carers Week in June 2018. challenges for social care. He explained the various options that the Government will be consulting on in their upcoming Green Paper – including Carers learnt about our work over the last year, including that we had reached an additional 4,063 carers. They also heard from carers about their new insurance schemes and encouraging innovative new housing models. stories and how we had helped them, which highlighted some of our services such as the Admiral Nurses who support dementia carers’ and mentoring. Carers’ comments Eighteen carers registered for our Carers’ Passport Discount Card at “It was a helpful event and I came away with a few tips such as the event and now have access to savings and offers in restaurants and information about benefits and finances and where to go for different other businesses in Hertfordshire. types of support from the resilience workshop. We were also told about Steve Delaney, our Interim Chief Executive, said: “I was pleased to see assistive technology devices and services that can help keep people so many carers and professionals at the event and hope everyone went independent and safe.” Carer Jane. away with information to support them. We valued the opportunity to obtain carers’ views and experiences about a range of topics that we will review to see if any action is needed. We were pleased to welcome Carer Steve (pictured in bottom left photo talking to Emily Holzhausen speakers from Carers UK and Hertfordshire County Council to talk about OBE) said: “The event was as good as ever and I appreciated being able what is happening locally and nationally in health and social care and for to catch up with carers and professionals. I spoke to Emily from Carers carers or the people they look after.” UK about the need for hospitals to provide better information for carers, The national and local picture particularly before discharging the person with care needs. We discussed the Carers’ Handbook that East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust has Emily Holzhausen OBE, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Carers produced with carers. It contains information about what to expect during UK, explained that Carers UK, the national charity for carers, is: a hospital stay, the discharge process, transition into community care, • Campaigning for dedicated carer’s rights and contact details for community support services. I think employment rights for carers such something like this would be useful across the country.” as paid leave – ideally five to 10 days a year, which is similar to countries like Australia and the Netherlands. • Calling on the Government to increase Carer’s Allowance by at least £8.50 a week so it is in line with Jobseekers Allowance (with people on means-tested benefits keeping the difference). 22 Mentoring 23 Mentoring provides a chance to talk, gain advice and It means so much that unpaid carers like me have an organisation like guidance to help you with your caring journey Carers in Hertfordshire to turn to for advice and range of support, and all free to us. We could easily be forgotten or struggle to navigate the Carers tell us they learn so much from other carers and that’s why we plethora of information and organisations that claim to be able to help, but continue to develop our mentoring service. We now have 66 Mentors – you are my first port of call if I need assistance with my caring role.” up from the 36 in 2015! Brian, pictured talking to a carer, has been a Mentor since 2013. He said: A Mentor can share knowledge and provide an objective sounding board “I am pleased to be able to support other carers by sharing my knowledge. for the Mentee. Mentoring is important for carers as it provides them with emotional Our mentoring service matches a carer with a Mentor who has support at a difficult time in their lives. They can talk freely about their experience of looking after someone with a similar condition or care need caring role and how it impacts on their social life and wellbeing without to the person they support or have faced a particular issue or decision being judged. that they require guidance with. In addition, practical tips are passed on from one carer to another to help Here, carer Premi shares her experience of mentoring. Premi has been them understand where to go for additional advice. This all helps them to supporting her Mum, who has Alzheimer’s, since January 2017. regain the confidence they sometimes need to rebuild their personal lives alongside their caring role.” Premi explained that she found out about mentoring following a call with one of our Carer Support Advisors. She said: “I’d been on one of your Caring with Confidence courses and found that hugely useful as I learnt about the Carer Support Hubs. I now attend my local Hub and am building up a network of friends that understand what caring is like, so I don’t feel so isolated. I thought mentoring could be helpful to me as it would be someone outside the family that I could talk to that had the time to listen.” She was paired with Brian, who supported his late wife who had dementia. The duo met at a café near their homes every two to six weeks for about a year. Premi said: “I looked forward to our meetings. I could talk to Brian in Interested in becoming a Mentor or being mentored? confidence and I knew that from his experience he understood where I was If you’re finding caring tough or want to talk to someone with experience at. He was encouraging and understanding and would help me set goals.” of caring, in confidence, then please ask us about mentoring. We have “He encouraged me to think about myself too and making time to see Mentors from different caring backgrounds – supporting someone with dementia, a learning disability, mental health condition and more. We friends. He also told me about the Message in a Bottle scheme to keep also have several parent carers trained as Mentors with experience of essential information in a bottle in the fridge and helped me get a place at a caring for children with autism, Down’s Syndrome, physical disabilities, Carers in Hertfordshire pamper event, which was lovely,” Premi continued. mental health conditions and other needs. Finally, Premi said: “I’m grateful to Brian and Carers in Hertfordshire for We’re also looking for more volunteer Mentors. If you’ve got at least providing such valuable help. It has meant so much having you rooting for two years’ caring experience and want to be a Mentor our next me, listening and letting me offload. Knowing there’s someone impartial training session will be in the Ware/Hertford area in early 2019. To but experienced and understanding to help me with my journey as a discuss becoming a Mentor or a request for mentoring please call carer, through the fog of Alzheimer’s, has been an enormous blessing. 01992 58 69 69 or email [email protected] 24 Have your Say 25 Our Involvement Team gives you the chance to meet other carers People at the and have your say on the planning and development of services in Accommodation Event Hertfordshire. During the year the team organise forums or invite carers (pictured right) were to get involved in surveys, campaigning or our Carers’ Involvement told about the Council’s Network. Please see the Have your Say section on our website for more Supported Accommodation information www.carersinherts.org.uk/have-your-say Strategy to 2027. HCC has Alternatively, get in touch using our contact details as listed on the back page. identified a need for: • 1,500 residential beds Carers discuss Supported Accommodation needs (21 homes), but it plans In response to carers’ requests for information about the housing options to provide 600 residential for the people they support we held an Accommodation event. Carers beds (8 homes) and that attended learnt about the alternatives to residential and nursing care invest in more community based care or other housing options; from representatives of Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) and housing providers. • 1,200 nursing beds (17 homes), although initial plans are for 1,000 nursing beds (14 homes); Accommodation could be for older people (over 65s), for adults with a mental illness, physical or learning disability, people in recovery from • 875 supported living places, but it is going to provide over 1,000 places substance misuse or following a hospital stay. instead; and • 1,200 flexicare places, but the Council is looking at providing1,500 places. Options include: • Sheltered housing – self-contained units like a flat or bungalow with Carers told the representatives that there needs to be a clear pathway communal areas (lounge or laundry). They may have alarms if people and guidance for how to find out about places and apply for housing or be need to call for help and care staff or wardens on site or visiting to registered for a future need. support residents; They also expressed concern about the difficulty recruiting Care orkersW • Supported housing – this combines housing and care support and said that would need addressing and requested clarity about the dependent on a person’s needs. They could have a room or self- eligibility criteria for schemes and financial support available. contained unit with some communal areas and receive help with personal care, finances or pursuing hobbies, education or employment; The Council recently met with carers to discuss what they would want • Flexicare housing (Extra Care housing) – This is like sheltered housing, from Extra Care Housing e.g. number of bedrooms, facilities, location, but with more care support the level of parking and if parking was more important than bigger units provided and facilities such or garden space. as a restaurant/dining facility; a hair salon and It was clear carers felt security was important and that housing is also more; needed for people under 55, which could be for mixed age groups • Shared Lives – If someone and needs. cannot live alone they can You can learn more about housing options at stay with an approved www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/adult-social-services or carer. call HertsHelp on 0300 123 4044 or us on 01992 58 69 69. 26 Upcoming Involvement Forums 27 Hertfordshire’s Drug and Alcohol Services set to continue Learning Disabilities Mental Health and grow Tuesdays 4th December 2018 and Thursday 15th November 10.30am 5th February, 2nd April, 4th June, Hertfordshire County Council has awarded the contracts for the provision – 12.30pm (coffee or tea from 6th August, 1st October and of Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services in Hertfordshire. 10am and a light sandwich lunch 3rd December 2019. afterwards) From April 2019 the All Age Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services will Held from 10am – 12.30pm At the meeting there will be a speaker be provided by CGL (Change, Grow, Live). CGL will provide structured at Birchwood Leisure Centre, from Hertfordshire NightLight Crisis treatment to children and adults in Hertfordshire with drug and/or alcohol Longmead, Hatfield, AL10 0AN Service, which provides out of hours misuse issues. They already provide a service in the county. (except the February and August weekend support for people in The Community Rehabilitation Services for Adults will be provided by 2019 meetings that are at Howe Dell Hertfordshire feeling distressed or The Living Room (Hertfordshire) to assist adults to achieve and maintain Community Centre, The Runway, experiencing a mental health crisis. abstinence and to support carers. Hatfield, AL10 9AH.) They will talk about the services they provide. There will also be a speaker Some of the aims of the services are to: C4A (Carers of adults with from the New Leaf College talking Asperger Syndrome/High • Deliver drug and alcohol treatment which is outcome focused and about their free courses. Functioning Autism supports people to achieve and sustain recovery or reduced usage. Tuesday 22nd January 2019 Mondays – 5th November 2018 1pm – 3pm (sandwich lunch from • Have treatment services which improve the health, wellbeing and quality of and 7th January, 4th March, 12.30pm). life of the young people and adults affected by drug and alcohol misuse. 13th May, 1st July, 2nd September • Protect children by supporting and treating their parents and carers to and 4th November 2019. Wednesday 20th March 2019 10.30am – 12.30pm (coffee or tea reduce/abstain from substance use. All held from 7.30pm - 9.30pm at from 10am and a sandwich lunch • Work with relevant partner organisations to ensure effective recovery Oxlease House, Travellers Lane, afterwards). outcomes including access to wrap-around support for people with Hatfield, AL10 8TJ. multiple and complex needs and housing related support. Thursday 23rd May 2019 1pm – 3pm • Ensure that services are developed in a way that fully involves service users. Family Carer (Drug and Alcohol) (sandwich lunch from 12.30pm). Tuesdays 4th December 2018 Tuesday 16th July 2019 7pm – 9pm The Living Room will provide a third centre in Watford to go with those in St and 29th January, 26th February, (tea/coffee and cakes from 6.30pm). Albans and Stevenage. It will also partner with relationship charity Relate 7th May, 2nd July, 3rd September, and Family Lives, which supports families in crisis, to provide support to All sessions at Oxlease House, 3rd December 2019. Hatfield. families impacted by substance misuse. This service should mean families At Oxlease House, Hatfield, and can access counselling support quicker and nearer to them. from 10am - 1pm, a light lunch is If you wish to attend a Forum served at 12.30pm. please book a place by contacting Su Bartlett, our Family Carer us (details on the back page). Development Worker, Drug and Alcohol, said: “Carers whose lives are Dementia affected by the substance use of a At the time of printing we were loved one will still be able to access reviewing our Dementia Carers’ our services as usual, including our Forums and whether to continue Involvement Forums which provide with them in 2019 or have events opportunities to share information, and workshops. raise concerns and to hear from and We are working with carers to get talk to decision makers and service their views and will share details when providers.” we have finalised arrangements. 28 Crossroads Care Service 29 Breaks vital in helping carers refresh and continue caring people involved. The consistent support means they notice any changes in Mum and tell me about them so I can address them if needed.” Carers often put their own health and wellbeing needs behind that of the person they look after, but, time away from caring can make you Finally, Deborah said: “If you look after someone, you shouldn’t have to happier, healthier and better able to deal with the demands of caring. The care alone. I couldn’t look after Mum full-time as I know it would affect my Crossroads Care Service could provide the support you need to have a health. I would recommend contacting Carers in Hertfordshire to find out break whilst feeling reassured there is someone qualified with the person about the Carer Breaks service and other support.” you look after. Cheryl Rawlinson, Registered Manager for our Care Service, said: “A The Crossroads Care Service has a Carer Breaks service that involves few hours break from caring can boost a carer’s morale and wellbeing a Care Support Worker looking after the person requiring care for an and set them up to be better able to cope. Without time out a carer can agreed amount of time to enable the family member/carer to have time reach breaking point and may be unable to continue caring, impacting on to themself. Our service is available in the boroughs of Hertsmere, Three other health and social care services that may need to step in.” Rivers and Watford and is regulated by the Care Quality Commission. Cheryl explained that carers are waiting for support or additional breaks A similar service is provided by Crossroads Care Hertfordshire North for but there is a shortage of Care Support Workers. If you are looking for people in the rest of Hertfordshire. work or a change of job, then please consider becoming a Care Support For some carers having a Carer’s Break alongside other care means Worker. You can learn more about the role in the box below. they can continue working. For other carers it enables them to get out or To discuss receiving support from our Crossroads Care Service undertake tasks they wouldn’t normally be able to do unless someone please call 020 8905 1158. was keeping an eye on the person they care for, ensuring they are safe. If you live in Broxbourne, , East and North Herts, Stevenage, Deborah, a full-time Registered Care Manager and currently on maternity St Albans and Welwyn/Hatfield, Crossroads Care Hertfordshire North leave following the birth of her daughter, cares for her Mum who has provides similar services, also regulated by the CQC. Please call dementia. They have had help from a Care Support Worker for five years. 01462 455578 or visit www.crossroadshn.org.uk for more information. Currently, her Mum receives support twice a week for 2.5 hours each time. We’re recruiting Care Support Workers – could you help Deborah said: “Without the Carer’s Break and other support I have in place I give carers a break? would be unable to work. A Care Support We need more Care Support Workers to meet the increasing demand for care. Worker takes Mum shopping once a week, something I was struggling to do If you are interested in this rewarding job, as I couldn’t take her until the evenings or we can offer flexible hours and full training is weekends when it was too busy for Mum provided. We ask that you are able to drive to feel comfortable. and have access to a car as the role requires travelling to people’s homes. They also take Mum to health appointments as well as to garden centres, Sara Knight (pictured supporting Mary) has out for tea and to other places, which she been a Care Support Worker for five years. enjoys. It enables Mum to have her own She said: “I love the job, making a difference experiences, a change of scene and social interaction.” to peoples’ lives. If you’re looking for work with Deborah continued: “We have regular Care Support Workers that come job satisfaction this role will give you that.” to be with Mum, which is important as we know she gets on with them Please get in touch to learn more, call us on and her condition means she doesn’t cope well with too many different 020 8905 1158. 30 Fundraising 31 Supporter shares tips to organising a successful Alison said: “This charity event was our most successful and we’re fundraising event planning on it being a yearly event. I work with a great bunch of people who are supportive of me. I would recommend organising a charity event, Planning a fundraising event can be fun and simple with the right not only does it raise vital funds but it also brings people together.” resources. If you’ve been thinking about doing something to support us we Linda Cudmore, our Community Fundraising Lead, said: “Thank you to hope you will get some inspiration and tips from supporter Alison, who talks Alison and her colleagues for supporting us. If you want to hold your own about her recent cake sale at work. She raised just over £350 with Gift Aid. event we can give you guidance and materials such as collection tins and leaflets. If you’re not sure what to do, we suggest basing your activity on an Alison explained: “I care for my partner who is severely sight impaired interest or talent you or your friends have.” and registered disabled. Towards the end of 2017, when I was at my lowest, I was pointed in the direction of Carers in Hertfordshire to support For advice please contact Linda on 01992 58 69 69 or me with being an unpaid carer. My local hub group is in Ware and email [email protected] everyone there is amazing. Everyone has ideas to share to help make Entrepreneurial students take on charity business challenge being a carer a little easier. The support has been a real lifeline and when I heard about Carers Week I decided to give something back. We’re excited to be working with two teams of students in this year’s I decided on a cake sale at work because we have some good bakers in Dragons Apprentice Challenge – an the office and everyone loves cake! I set the date and started organising. initiative to help youngsters develop I had a lot of help and support from two colleagues. We put a list together their business skills and raise money of what we needed to do and went from there.” for charity. Tasks included: This year we’ve been paired with a team from The Bishop’s Stortford High School (pictured) – one of 12 • Choosing the cakes. I sent an email to staff and responses came teams taking part in the Community Voluntary Services for Broxbourne flooding in. I just had to ensure we had enough to feed everyone! eW and East Herts contest. We’re also working with a team from the Kings also had some savoury items, a raffle with items donated by staff and a Langley School that are involved in Connect Dacorum’s challenge. Name the Unicorn game to win a toy unicorn. Each team was given £100 in October and a set time to develop a • Spreading the word. I put up posters in our building and sent emails to the business plan and attempt to make a profit, ideally £1,000 or more for staff. I added my partner’s story which tugged at peoples’ heart strings. I their charity. A business mentor (their Dragon) helps them. also invited our suppliers, clients and the other companies in our building. Linda Cudmore, our Community Fundraising Lead, said: “Good luck to • Organising equipment and items needed for the day such as napkins, a the teams, we look forward to working with you.” float and leaflets. Last year, three teams completed the challenge and raised funds for us – almost £3,800 – fantastic! The results were: • Team À La Carte from the North Herts Education Support Centre, Hitchin, won best poster, best innovative business ideas, most money raised and were the overall winners in North Herts CVS challenge. • Team Carers@Heart from Adeyfield School, Hemel Hempstead, won best display in the Connect Dacorum challenge; and • Team Brainstormers from Samuel Ryder Academy won the entrepreneurial award in St Albans CVS Junior Dragons Apprentice Challenge. 32 33 Help us bring support to carers this festive season and beyond Carers in Hertfordshire Festive Appeal 2018 As a registered charity, we rely on the generous support of a wide range I would like to make a gift of £ of people and organisations in order to continue to deliver our services. This festive season, if you, your family or friends, are thinking about I enclose a cheque payable to Carers in Hertfordshire. making a donation to charity, please consider supporting Carers in Hertfordshire. For example, you might consider donating the money you Name (first and surname please print) would usually spend on sending cards. Your donation could help us to:

Address:

Be at the end of the phone for a carer who is overwhelmed to guide them to the help they Provide a break to an Postcode: need or just listen. exhausted parent carer who hasn’t had any time for themselves for Signature: a long while. Your gift can be worth 25% more – at no cost to you Gift Aid allows Carers in Hertfordshire to claim an extra 25p from the UK government for every £1 you give. Please tick the boxes to consent to Gift Aid. Run activities for young carers so they I am a UK taxpayer and I wish to give Gift Aid to Carers in can get together, have Hertfordshire fun and a break from Introduce an isolated caring. carer to a support group so they can I would like Carers in Hertfordshire to treat all donations I have made meet other carers and for the four years prior to this tax year and all donations I make from not feel alone. the date provided, until I notify you otherwise, as Gift Aid donations. I understand that I must have paid an amount of income tax and/or If you would like to donate, you can visit capital gains tax at least equal to the tax that all charities or Community www.mydonate.bt.com/charities/carersinhertfordshire Amateur Sports Clubs will reclaim on my donations for that tax year. or fill out the slip on the next page and send a cheque payable to Please note that VAT and Council Tax do not qualify to ‘Carers in Hertfordshire’ to: Carers in Hertfordshire, The Red House, cover Gift Aid claims. 119 Fore Street, Hertford, Herts, SG14 1AX. Please return this form and your donation to: Your support, whether as a donor, a reader of Carewaves or the Carers in Hertfordshire, The Red House, 119 Fore Street, Hertford, countless other ways that you help us is hugely appreciated. May we Hertfordshire, SG14 1AX. wish all of our readers the very best for the festive season ahead.

Date✂ completed: 34 Thank You Carers’ Passport Update 35 Thank you to all the individuals, businesses and organisations who have Pharmacies support carers’ health and finances supported us so generously through fundraising. We depend on your Pharmacies are a good place to identify and reach carers as they access support to help fund the free advice and services we provide to carers them to obtain medication and more for themselves or the people they across Hertfordshire. Here are some examples of how you have been care for. We’re working on recruiting more pharmacies to support the supporting us: Carers’ Passport Discount Card. Carer and supporter Currently, 47 pharmacies give carers a discount. Most of the pharmacies Norman Phillips organised are offering 10% off items excluding prescriptions and promotion lines. a sponsored walk around Graham Phillips, who owns Manor Pharmacy the lakes at Fairlands Valley Group (pictured), said: “Pharmacies Park, Stevenage. More than touch everyone’s lives – patients, families 70 people took part including and formal and informal carers. We are Stevenage Mayor, Cllr passionate about supporting carers and are Margaret Notley, Mayoress aware they can feel unsupported and face Cllr Laurie Chester, carers their own struggles. If they lack support they and staff from local NHS can become patients themselves, causing services and Nationwide. So increased costs to the NHS. far more than £1,400 has We support the Carers’ Passport to give been raised. something back to carers, it’s about Staff and customers at showing kindness and connectiveness. We three Sainsbury’s stores know it gives carers a sense of value too.” have chosen us as their The pharmacies providing a 10% discount, unless stated, are: Local Charity of the Year – • Abbey Pharmacy, Abbotts • Manor Pharmacy Group – seven Sainsbury’s Marshalswick Langley; premises; Local, St Albans, Letchworth • Bell Pharmacy, Sawbridgeworth; • Markyate Pharmacy, St Albans; (Third Avenue), Stevenage (Magpie Crescent). We • Bell Chemist, Hitchin; • M D Chemist, Stevenage; have already had collections • Hintons Pharmacy, Watford; • Niti Pharmacy, Waltham Cross – in store in August and the • LloydsPharmacy – with 29 up to 20% off; Stevenage store offered outlets in Hertfordshire including • QEII Hospital, Welwyn Garden cupcakes that could also Sainsbury’s stores; City; be decorated for a donation, which proved popular. The partnership has • Lister Hospital Pharmacy, • Stearns Pharmacy, Stevenage; already raised over £500. Stevenage; • Triangle Healthcare, Bushey; We’d also like to thank the 2018/19 Mayor of Stevenage, Cllr Margaret You can apply for a Carers’ Passport and keep updated about new offers Notley, for choosing us as one her Charities of the Year and also Hertford in the Carers’ Passport section of our website www.carersinherts.org.uk Town Council for selecting us as the beneficiary of this year’s Rock at the To learn more about the Carers’ Passport or discuss how to get your Castle at Hertford Castle. Around 10,000 people attended the live music business involved contact Karen Denny, our Carers’ Passport Officer, event and generously donated almost £6,000 for our work with young on 01992 58 69 69 or email [email protected] carers. 36 Volunteering 37 We are fortunate to have nearly 250 volunteers who help us with a wide Volunteer vacancies, could you help us fill them? variety of roles to support carers throughout Hertfordshire. Whether you • Keep in touch team members in our Hertford and Borehamwood offices. help in the office, at events or supporting carers directly, any time you The role involves making calls to carers new to Carers in Hertfordshire give makes a difference. to let them know what services are available. We record the hours that • Carers’ Passport Service support – this volunteers give to us and for the involves issuing new and renewed Carers’ first six months of the year you Passport Discount Cards. donated around 4,400 hours • Fundraising and event support – this could of your time. This equates to a involve holding a collection tin, being donation of £39,600, based on £9 on a fundraising stand or handing out an hour. Amazing! information about how we support carers. To recognise the huge (As in the picture on the right taken by Steve Beeston at Rock at the Castle at contribution that volunteers bring Hertford Castle) to Carers in Hertfordshire as a charity and share information we are holding our second Volunteer Conference on 6th November 2018. To learn more about volunteering with us or apply for a role please contact Julie Hayes, our Volunteer Co-ordinator, on 01992 58 69 69 The Volunteers Conference will give us the opportunity to provide training or email [email protected] as requested by some of our volunteers. We will also share the results of a Volunteer Impact Survey we carried out in September 2018. Upcoming fundraising events

The survey looked at what volunteers get from offering their time and why Throughout the year there are plenty of events raising funds for us that they support us. Fewer volunteers responded than last year, just 19, but you can attend as a visitor or help us at. Here is a selection of some initial findings show that: coming up - to learn more about any event or offer to help call us on 01992 58 69 69 or visit the fundraising section of our website for a full • Two-thirds felt their health and wellbeing had improved as a result of selection www.carersinherts.org.uk volunteering; and Fireworks Display on Saturday 10th November 2018 • 90% felt more confident because of volunteering. Little Heath Primary School, School Lane, Potters Bar, EN6 1JW. In addition to the upcoming Volunteers Conference, volunteers will be 5.30pm – 9pm. Tickets available in advance at a discount or on the gate. invited to our festive celebration and there will be volunteer meetings in The Rotary Club of Brookmans Park are supporting us with various the East and West of the county in early 2019 – we will share details with events and are holding this fireworks event and also a Christmas tree you in the way we usually communicate with you. lighting and Santa sleigh collections in December. For details call us or Julie Hayes, our Volunteer Co-ordinator said: “Events like our Volunteers visit www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/homepage.php?ClubID=1708 Conference and meetings are important to us as they enable us to find Christmas Market on Saturday 24th November 2018 out about peoples’ experiences of volunteering with us. This information Hampson Park Community Centre, Webb Rise, Stevenage, SG1 5QU. helps us shape the support we provide volunteers and the way we deliver 1pm – 4pm. services for carers. We look forward to welcoming you to our future events.” Inner Wheel Hertford Coffee Morning on Saturday 13th April 2019 at the Café at Hertford Methodist Church, Ware Road, Hertford, SG13 7DZ. Julie added that we continue to need volunteers. Details of some of the 10am – 12pm noon. vacancies we have follow on the next page. Useful contacts for carers Free Courses and Workshops Age UK Hertfordshire Hertfordshire Independent COURSE DATE(S) VENUE 01707 323272 or 0300 345 3446 Living Service (HILS) www.ageuk.org,uk/hertfordshire 0330 2000 103 Indoor Boccia Every Thursday Hertford Bowls Club, Advice, information and practical www.hertsindependentliving.org A chance to enjoy this sport 10am – 12pm noon Wallfields, support for older people and their Provides the county’s meals on while meeting up with other Just turn up! Pegs Lane, carers. wheels service and more. carers. It is similar to bowls and Hertford, SG13 8EQ. pétanque. Herts Mind Network Carers UK Manual Handling Workshop Thursday 22nd Herts HomeCare, 020 3727 3600 0808 808 7777 If you are caring for someone November 2018 123 Lawn Lane, www.hertsmindnetwork.org www.carersuk.org Supporting people with mental health with limited mobility this 10am – 2pm Hemel Hempstead, National organisation providing issues and their families/carers. workshop will teach you how HP3 9HS. advice and support to carers. to move them safely without Mencap hurting your back. Carers Trust 0808 808 1111 Resilience Workshop Tuesday 4th Cedars Park Café 0300 772 9600 www.mencap.org.uk Learn techniques to build up December 2018 and Meeting Room, www.carers.org Supporting people with learning resilience and reduce stress as 1pm – 3pm Theobalds Lane,

Works nationally to improve support difficulties to live life as they choose. a carer. Cheshunt, EN8 8RU. services and recognition for carers. Samaritans Thursday 7th Allum Hall & Freecall number: 116 123 February 2019 Manor House, Hertfordshire Citizens Advice www.samaritans.org 10.30am – 12.30pm 2 Allum Lane, Bureau (CAB) Provides confidential 24/7 Elstree, WD6 3PJ. 03444 111 444 emotional support Everyday First Aid Workshop Thursday 6th St Joseph’s (Roman www.hcas.org.uk Learn how to help someone December 2018 Catholic Church), Wellbeing Team at Hertfordshire The CAB provides free, confidential, in an emergency. You will be 10.30am – 12.30pm 23 St John’s Street, Partnership University NHS advice on a range of issues such as taught 5 – 7 skills such as care Hertford, SG14 1RX. Foundation Trust (HPFT) employment, housing, human rights for burns and cuts. and welfare benefits. 0300 777 0707 Wednesday 23rd www.hpft.nhs.uk/wellbeing-service The Stanborough January 2019 HertsHelp The Service offers free and Centre, 0300 123 4044 confidential talking therapy and 10.30am – 12.30pm 609 St Albans Road, Watford, WD25 9JL. www.hertshelp.net support for Hertfordshire residents Hertfordshire County Council experiencing mental health service helping you find the right problems such as worry, low Wednesday 13th Tilehouse Street support or group near you. mood, insomnia and stress. It also February 2019 Baptist Church, supports carers and relatives. 10.30am – 12.30pm Upper Tilehouse Street, Hitchin, SG5 2EE. Hertfordshire Action on We have a lot of other information Health and Wellbeing Talk Friday 14th Elm Court Disability (HAD) about local groups and 01707 324581 Learn about what makes for a December 2018 Community Centre, organisations, so if what you are healthy lifestyle such as sleep, 1pm – 3pm 363 Mutton Lane, www.hadnet.org.uk looking for is not here, please call Helping older and disabled people nutrition, emotional and mental Potters Bar, 01992 58 69 69 and speak to a health, genetics, environment EN6 3BP. stay independent. Carer Support Advisor. Your cut out and keep guide Your and more. Free Courses and Workshops Writing for Wellbeing Course Tuesdays The Old Monastery, Writing can help calm the mind 15th January – Windhill, and emotions. On this course 12th February 2019 Bishop’s Stortford, you can learn about effective 10am – 12pm noon CM23 2ND. methods of writing, whether you are creating fiction, non-fiction, poetry or something else. Mindfulness Course Fridays St Mary’s Church Hall, This course will provide an 18th January – High Street, introduction to mindfulness and 15th February Hemel Hempstead, meditation. You must be able to 2019 HP1 3AF. attend all five sessions. 10am – 12pm noon Caring with Confidence Wednesdays Stevenage area Carers can learn skills to make a 30th January – (Venue to be confirmed) positive difference to their lives. 27th February 2019 Course runs over five weeks. 10am – 1pm Your Colours Workshop Wednesday Bishop’s Stortford Learn about what colour tones 30th January 2019 Baptist Church, work for you, how to dress for 10.30am – 12.30pm Twyford Road, your body shape and make- Bishop’s Stortford, up tips to suit you. Run by a CM23 3LT. professional stylist. Tablet Computer Course Tuesdays Shephall Community (Intermediate Level) 26th February – Centre, If you have a tablet computer 26th March 2019 Shephall Green, and are familiar with basic 10.30am – 12.30pm Hydean Way, functions but want to get more Stevenage, out of using it this course is for SG2 9XR. you. It will follow on from our Beginners Course. Immune System Talk Tuesday 26th South Hill Centre , Learn how to adapt your lifestyle, February 2019 Cemetery Hill, diet and exercise to improve the 10.30am – 12.30pm Hemel Hempstead, health of your immune system. HP1 1JF.

To book a place or register an interest in any of our courses or events visit the events section of our website www.carersinherts.org.uk Email [email protected] or call 01992 58 69 69. Contact us Write to: The Red House, 119 Fore Street, Hertford, Herts, SG14 1AX Email: [email protected] Tel: 01992 58 69 69

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