Network Meetings

For your Diary:

Network Meetings: December 11th………...Carnegie Conference Centre, Dunfermline AGM September 25th………..Kingswood Hotel, Burntisland

Chairperson’s Report Welcome to the Summer 2013 edition of Disabilities Fife’s newsletter as we continue to strive to end social exclusion through supporting all disabled people in Fife. Our mantra is Disability not Inability.

Disabilities Fife has held Network meetings in Balmullo and Kirkcaldy and appreciated the talks and presentations given by Patrick Nyamurundira, ScotRail’s Access and Inclusion Officer; Carla Donnachie Scottish Ambulance Service’s Fife Area Service Manager; Pamela Munro, Guide Dogs Association; Jess Wade, Manager of Self Directed Support Scotland; and Jackie Maceira, Convener, and Stephen Cruickshank, Access Panel Director of the Scottish Disability Equality Forum. We shall be having further Network meetings on 25 September (in tandem with the AGM) and on 11 December in Burntisland and Dunfermline respectively. Further details will be issued in due course.

Disabilities Fife’s main focus is to ensure that we represent disabled people’s interests at all times and to this end, we work with associated disability rights organisations to influence policy makers and statutory bodies such as Fife Council, NHS Fife and Police Scotland to include the rights and needs of disabled people in all their work. Accordingly I am a member of the joint NHS Fife/Fife Council Public Reference Group on the Integration of Adult Health and Social Care and a member of the Queen Margaret Hospital Development Project Board. Similarly my Management Committee colleagues are members of Organisations and Groups concerned, amongst other things, with physical disability, sensory impairment and access issues affecting disabled people.

In particular, I should highlight that Disabilities Fife is now a 3rd Part Reporting Centre for Hate Crime or Hate Incidents. If you, or anyone you know, wishes to report something of this nature, please visit our office at West Bridge Mill, Kirkcaldy, where Muriel MacGregor, Daniel Easton and I will be able to help you.

Finally, we need more people to assist us in taking forward Disabilities Fife’s work. In addition to seeking young people to shape our agenda in addressing their specific needs, we need volunteers who have skills which would enhance our capabilities in helping Fife’s disabled people. Please contact our office if you can help or know of someone who might be able to do so.

John Stirling

Mr D Campbell Mr Campbell took part in a Can Day in Kirkcaldy on the 1st June, collecting on behalf of Shopmobility. Phyllis McIntyre, Manager, Fife Shopmobility Ltd got back to Mr Campbell saying that he had contributed £45 of the total raised of £323.46. Mr Campbell was thanked for his time and assistance.

ScotRail: Access Improvements The current access improvements are at Ladybank railway station which will deliver two ramps, one to each platform, and a car park providing parking spaces for Blue Badge holders.

ScotRail has installed Lowered ticket counters at Dunfermline Town, Kirkcaldy, Inverkeithing, and Leuchars railway stations.

Access for All has already delivered improvements at Cupar and Kirkcaldy railway stations. Also, under the Access for All Main Programme, Network Rail will deliver access improvements to Rosyth railway station. The work is expected to start on site in August 2013.

Lastly, subject to funding being made available, ScotRail would like to install a Lowered ticket counter at Ladybank railway station when the ramp is completed.

Information provided by Patrick Nyamurundira, ScotRail’s Access Officer

Moving and Handling Training for Carers The award winning Moving & Handling for family carers project team, of which Fife Carers Centre is a part, is anticipating a further year’s funding to allow them to continue with providing both one to one and group training as appropriate.

Until further funding is confirmed they are keeping a register of interest so that they can get cracking quickly when money becomes available.

So if you are a carer in Fife who is caring for someone who needs assistance when moving around call Fife Carers Centre on 01592 642999 or email to Cindy at mailto:[email protected] to register your interest.

As part of previous funding the team have produced an excellent Moving & Handling Guide DVD that is designed to help all family carers to learn about safe moving & handling reducing the risk of injury to themselves and the person they care for. There’s also a booklet to accompany the DVD.

If you are a family carer and would like to request a copy of the Moving & Handling Guide DVD and the booklet that accompanies it please get in touch with Fife Carers Centre.

From the Fife Carers Centre, Newsletter, Issue 61 Summer 2013 Hospital at Home

It’s well recognised that many people recover more quickly from illness or minor injury if they are able to be treated and nursed at home As a result of the increasing numbers of elderly population in Fife we are also seeing an increasing number of hospital admissions for frail elderly patients who have become unwell. NHS Fife has recently introduced a new concept in nursing care and treatment of the elderly. Hospital at Home aims to treat more patients in the comfort of their own home, reducing the amount of time that patients spend in hospital being treated for ailments that are able to be successfully managed at home. Hospital at Home uses specialist nurse practitioners supported by a full team of healthcare professionals.

The kind of things that might well be treated at home could be:  Delirium as the result of things like chest infection or urine infection  Dehydration  Reduced mobility  Chronic disease e.g. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease becoming worse  Diabetic foot infection  Falls that haven’t resulted in fractures

When someone becomes poorly but is thought to be a suitable candidate for Hospital at Home care it will be offered as an option. If the patient is too unwell or suffering from something that is not suitable for treatment at homes, such as  Stroke  Heart Attack  Long bone fractures  Excessive bleeding  Head injury with loss of consciousness then Hospital at Home would not be considered as a suitable course of action until the patient is on the road to recovery and could then be offered as an option.

As with all things new there are some significant challenges to be faced by the new service – with no previous model of the service to follow the teams have to be prepared to change and adapt to different circumstances as they arise. The new service challenges everyone to change the way they think about Hospital treatment. It will probably take time to become something people are confident with but with the aim being to keep frail elderly patients as well as possible for as long as possible in their own home and enjoying life it’s something many will welcome. From the Fife Carers Centre, Newsletter, Issue 61 Summer 2013

Personal Independence Payment This information is taken from the Gov.uk website where you will also find the PIP Checker (http://www.gov.uk/pip-checker) an online tool to help you find out how and when PIP will affect you.

Universal Credit Universal Credit is a new benefit that has started to replace 6 existing benefits with a simpler, single monthly payment if you’re out of work or on a low income. Universal Credit will help you to be better off in work, start a new job or work more hours. Universal Credit will eventually replace:  Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance  Income-related Employment and Support Allowance  Income Support  Working Tax Credit  Child Tax Credit  Housing Benefit The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has produced a separate guide to Universal Credit for employers. Universal Credit was introduced on 29 April 2013 in selected areas of Greater Manchester and Cheshire. At this time, your eligibility to claim Universal Credit depends on where you live and your personal circumstances. If you already claim a benefit, you’ll continue to do so as normal and you’ll be told when Universal Credit will affect you. Universal Credit will be gradually rolled out to the rest of the UK from October 2013 and will be completed by 2017. Making work pay There are no limits to the number of hours you can work a week. Your Universal Credit payment will reduce gradually as you earn more, so you won’t lose all your benefits at once if you’re on a low income. How much you’ll receive depends on your personal circumstances. Universal Credit will be paid on a monthly basis, and will include any support for housing costs you’re entitled to. How you’ll be paid Universal Credit is paid differently to current benefits. It’ll be paid once a month into your bank, building society or Post Office account. Any help you get with your rent will be included with your Universal Credit payment and you’ll then pay your landlord yourself. The Fife Housing Partnership It can be is delighted accessed via Fife Direct or to present the Specific just “click here” to Needs Housing download. Approach 2013-2016. The Approach examines the changing context and profile for specific housing needs in Fife, illustrates the established partnership structures, and the agenda for improvement. For more information contact Lucy Fernie Rothesay House Rothesay Place Glenrothes KY7 5PQ

Tel: 08451 55 55 55 Ext: 444 548 Email: mailto:[email protected]

Short Breaks Funding If you are a Carer living and caring for an adult in Fife, a funding stream is now available to help with the costs of taking a break from caring. The funding stream is called Time to Live, and this funding is part of the Short Breaks Fund - administered by Shared Care Scotland on behalf of the national carer organisations and the Scottish Government. Locally-based organisations have been asked to manage the fund and Fife Voluntary Action is working with Fife Carers Centre, Crossroads and Fife Young Carers to make sure carers know about the fund and are encouraged to make applications. You can apply at any time - there are no deadlines, however this Fund is currently scheduled to end in September 2013. For more information and to download an Application Form and Guidance Notes please visit our website: http://www.fifevoluntaryaction.org.uk/short_breaks_fund.asp. If you have any problems downloading the form or have any initial queries regarding the Time to Live Funding, please contact Isabel Ritchie on 01592 567001.

From Fife Voluntary Action www.fifevoluntaryaction.org.uk

The Scottish Welfare Fund What is the Scottish Welfare Fund? From 1 April 2013, changes to the Social Fund scheme mean that Crisis Loans for Living Expenses and Community Care Grants will stop. In their place will be a new scheme called the Scottish Welfare Fund. It will be delivered by local Councils and will provide two types of grant:  Crisis Grants Providing you with a safety net in the event of a disaster or emergency  Community Care Grants Helping you to leave care and live independently, or to continue living independently.

Crisis Grants A Crisis Grant may help if you are in crisis because of a disaster like a fire or flood, or an emergency such as being robbed or burgled. It may help with costs that have arisen as a result of the disaster or emergency, to keep you and your family safe from harm. Usually you will be on benefits before you can get a Crisis Grant. If you qualify for a Crisis Grant, the help you receive will depend on the particular difficulties you face. You may be given money or another form of support. For example, a voucher, fuel card, travel ticket or furniture.

Community Care Grants A Community Care Grant may help if you are on benefits, and about to leave care to live on your own in the community or face going into care because you don’t have the support you need to continue living at home. A Community Care Grant may also be able to help if you are a family facing exceptional pressures and need an essential item like a cooker or washing machine but don’t have the money to buy it. As with the Crisis Grant, if you qualify for a Community Care Grant the help you receive will depend on your circumstances. You may be given money or you may receive support another way. For example, a voucher, fuel card, travel ticket or furniture. Excluded Items There are items for which an award from the Scottish Welfare Fund cannot be made. You can find a list of these excluded items here. Summary of the Scheme For further information you may find the summary of the scheme helpful. Guidance You can find out more about the Scottish Welfare Fund from the guidance on the scheme. How to apply - find details of your Council here. Fife Council, Revenue Section, PO Box 18015, Glenrothes, PY7 5YJ 0300 555 0265

The True Colours Trust Individual Grants UK In April 2012, The True Colours Trust launched a small grants programme for young people between the ages of 18 to 26 who have a disability and/or complex health care need. Applications are welcome from or on behalf of any young person in this age group. Support will also be considered for families (including siblings) who care for a young person who falls within this age bracket.

Applications can only be made by completing this application form. Each applicant must be referred by a medical professional, social care worker, key worker or family support worker. This may be a doctor, nurse, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, GP, social worker, hospice worker, key worker or family support worker. The referrer must specifically endorse the item(s) requested. Any professional assessments, supporting statements/letters, quotations are welcome. The application must be signed by the applicant (or parent/ carer on their behalf), the referring person and the referring person’s senior colleague.

Applications can be for household items (kitchen appliances, furniture, clothing, beds, bedding and carpets), play & exercise equipment, music equipment, computing and games equipment, mobile phone, leisure activities, hospital visits, driving lessons, sensory items, jet baths, holiday, removal costs and funeral expenses. Other items, recommended by a medical professional or social care worker, may be considered at the Trustees’ discretion, and are subject to the Conditions of the Award.

Conditions of the Award – The True Colours Trust Small Grants to Individuals Applications will only be accepted from or on behalf of any young person aged 18 to 26, their carers and families who are on low incomes, and which are submitted via a ‘referrer’ as outlined above.

Applicants’ household must be on one of the following benefits: Income based Job Seeker’s Allowance

- Housing Benefit - Income Support - Council Tax Benefit - Income related Employment Support Allowance - Disability Living Allowance - Pension Credit - Tax Credit

And/or be able to demonstrate that the household is on a low income. The referring person must have seen evidence of these benefits or evidence of all income into the household. The referring person must ensure that all criteria have been met and that applicants are in receipt of all Statutory Benefits to which they are entitled before making the application. The referring person must be prepared to take responsibility for the application through to completion. Any grant made must only be used for the purpose given in the application form and for which it is awarded. Grants cannot be awarded for items that have already been purchased, or bills that have been paid. The majority of awards are unlikely to exceed £500. Please note we cannot contribute to trips overseas, structural building works, private treatment or the purchase of vehicles. The True Colours Trust is governed by charity law and it is a condition of any grant made that the funding must be used for exclusively charitable purposes as part of the trust’s broader goal of supporting those with disabilities and/or complex health care needs. Payment of the grant can only be made to a third party i.e. the referring person’s practice, a charitable organisation or CAB. If you are applying for help with equipment or similar we will make the cheque payable to the supplier. Grants are discretionary and the trustees’ decision is final. Please return the completed form to the address below or by email to: [email protected] The True Colours Trust The Peak 5 Wilton Road LONDON SW1V 1AP The True Colours Trust | The Peak | 5 Wilton Road | LONDON SW1V 1AP | Tel: +44 (0)207 410 0330 | Fax: + 44 (0)207 410 0332

Queen Margaret Development Project: Public Information and Engagement Consultation 2013

Proposed relocation of health care services from Carnegie and Abbeyview Clinics to Queen Margaret Hospital.

If you require the information in a community language or alternative format e.g. Braille, easy read, audio, please contact the Equality and Diversity Department at: [email protected] or phone 01383 565142.

The development of a Primary Care Resource Centre at Queen Margaret Hospital was agreed by NHS Fife after wide public consultation in 2002 as part of ‘Right for Fife’.

This centre will have the following services: • Podiatry • Dietetics • Physiotherapy • Speech & Language Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Clinical Psychology • Diabetic services • Specialist Dental services • Anorexia Nervosa Intensive Treatment Team (ANITT) • Mental Health outpatients for adults, adolescents and children • And the development of a Carers Information Point. The aim of the Primary Care Resource Centre is to: • Bring services closer together to the benefit of the patient ensuring better access to a wider range of services. • Improved environment for patients and staff. • Reduce waiting times. • Increase the time specialists are available. • Make sure we have efficient services and increased appointments. • Improve existing lines of communication with secondary care.

It is proposed that these services will move to new facilities within the Queen Margaret Hospital in 2014.

NHS Fife has three Public Partnership Forums. Their aim is to ensure that local people are informed about the range and location of services in their area. The proposal requires NHS Fife to actively engage, consult and inform the local public. The consultation will give you the chance to tell us what matters to you, learn more about the proposal and have your questions answered.

This will be done through the engagement events and information. From June 2013. Information will be available from the website: www.nhsfife.org/queenmargaret

Details of the engagement and information events are below:

Type of Event Venue Date Time  Open Event Lynebank Hospital, Main Hall, Tuesday 6th August 10:00 to 12:00

 Open Event Carnegie Library, Exhibition Room 1, Thursday 15th August 18:00 to 20:00

 Open Event Queen, Margaret Hospital, Main Entrance, Wednesday 21st August 13:00 to 15:00  Displays: Abbeyview Clinic, Carnegie Clinic, Carnegie Library, Duloch Library

If you would like to come along to attend any of the open events, please feel free. This invitation is open to everyone and NHS Fife will be happy to answer any of your concerns regarding the proposed moves.

To find out more about the proposal to relocate services from Carnegie and Abbeyview clinics to Queen Margaret Hospital, you can view information at www.nhsfife.org/queenmargaret

NHS Fife would welcome, also, your comments in writing to the following address: Public Partnership Forum Administrator Lynebank Hospital Halbeath Road Dunfermline KY11 4UW Closing date is 30th September 2013

Your feedback will be used in a paper for consideration by NHS Fife later in the autumn of 2013.

The Minor Injuries Service at Queen Margaret Hospital

The Minor Injuries Service at Queen Margaret Hospital operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and provides treatment for a wide range of less serious and minor injuries. The Service is staffed by specially trained nurses called Emergency Nurse Practitioners who have a great deal of experience and have to undergo specialist training.

What a Minor Injuries Service can treat Examples of the injuries a Minor Injuries Service can treat include: • Simple fractures • Back, shoulder and rib injuries • Ankle, knee and wrist sprains • Minor head and neck injuries • Cuts and grazes which may need dressing and stitches • Minor burns and scalds Patients presenting with minor injuries can also be referred to a specialist if required. However, some patients can’t be treated by staff in the Minor Injuries Service either because they would be more appropriately treated by their local GP or because there are symptoms of a more serious injury which requires further assessment or treatment by medical staff in the Emergency Department at Victoria Hospital or treatment by another specialist What a Minor Injuries Service won’t treat • Illnesses where you feel unwell or are in poor health which a GP would normally treat • Gynaecological problems • Pregnancy problems • Alcohol and drug related problems • Mental health problems • Drug overdose • Severe allergic reaction • Breathing problems • Chest pain Choosing the most appropriate service for your needs ensures you receive the best treatment in the shortest possible time and also helps NHS services to run more efficiently. For further information on health care services and choosing the best health service for your needs visit www.nhsfife.org/knowhototurnto or pick up a booklet available in GPs and pharmacies. Helping you get to your healthcare appointments

Since October 2012 patients in Fife who need help in getting to/from their healthcare appointments due to a medical condition or a mobility need have been able to book patient transport directly by contacting the Scottish Ambulance Service contact centre on 0300 123 1236.

This service is for patients who:

 require assistance from skilled ambulance staff  have a medical condition that would prevent them from travelling to hospital by any other means  have a medical condition that might put them at risk from harm if they were to travel independently  have mobility difficulties that require the assistance of ambulance care staff  are attending hospital for treatment that might have side effects and require ambulance care on the return journey

If you do not meet these requirements you will need to find alternative transport to your appointment.

If you need help in booking transport you can ask a carer or your GP to make the request on your behalf. If you are hard of hearing, deaf or speech impaired, you can contact the Service through Text Relay on: 18001-0300 123 1236.

When you contact the Contact Centre you will be asked for your Community Health Index number (CHI) and a number of questions to assess your clinical or mobility needs and to make sure that you we send the correct transport to take you to/from your appointment. The CHI number is a ten digit number which starts of with your date of birth and four other numbers. You will usually see this on your appointment letter. Having this number will help us book your transport, but we can still book your transport without this number. It is very important that you contact us as soon as you receive your appointment letter. The Contact Centre is open between 8am – 6pm Monday – Friday. You may find it easier to call us in the afternoon as the Contact Centre can be very busy in the mornings due to the amount of calls.

We are continuing to work on improving patient transport by making it more flexible to better meet your needs, making it more punctual and improving journey times. To help us achieve this we need your help. We would like to hear from you if you any feedback on the service or suggestions about what improvements you would like to see. You can do this at one of our public meetings, by writing to us at Viewpoint, Scottish Ambulance Service National Headquarters, Gyle Square, 1 South Gyle Crescent, Edinburgh, EH12 9EB, by emailing us at [email protected], through our patient engagement website http://your.scottishambulance.com or through our Twitter or Facebook pages. If you would like us to come along and speak to a group of people about the Patient Transport service, please call Chris Conroy on 0131 314 0105 or at [email protected].

Get advice From a Citizens Advice Bureau

Citizens Advice Bureaux offer free, confidential, impartial and independent advice to the Scottish public from over 250 locations. These include high streets, community centres, doctors’ surgeries, courts and prisons.

Our advice helps people resolve their problems with debt, benefits, employment, housing, discrimination, and many more issues. It is available to everyone.

Advice may be given face-to-face or by phone. Most bureaux can arrange home visits and some also provide email advice. A growing number are piloting the use of text, online chat and webcams. Search for your local bureau to see the full range of services it provides.

What to expect from a visit to a CAB

When you arrive at the CAB we will welcome you and let you know what services we have available. These include a wide range of factsheets and leaflets for you to browse. Please tell us about any language or access requirements you have and we will do our best to accommodate them.

Depending on your particular needs, we may make an appointment to discuss your problem further – in person, by phone or on email. Alternatively, we may provide you with information to take away, or direct you to a different organisation that is better placed to help you.

By phone Advice by phone for people who live or work in Scotland is available from Citizens Advice Direct. The service is available Monday - Friday 9am-8pm and Saturday 10am-2pm. Call 0808 800 9060. This number is free from a landline and most, but not all, mobiles. Please check with your service provider.

By email Advice by email is available from many Citizens Advice Bureaux. Search for your local bureau and check what services they provide. Email advice is also available from Citizens Advice Direct via their website at www.citizensadvicedirect.org.uk

New National SDS Interactive Tool A self-directed support (SDS) information and support database has recently been launched by Self Directed Support Scotland (SDSS). This fully accessible online tool will allow individuals to search the available support and find information providers to answer their queries around SDS throughout Scotland. This, in turn, will enable individuals to have more choice and control over their own care. The website is a vital tool for anyone to use to get the information and support they need to navigate self-directed support (SDS) any time in their lives, whether they are disabled people, people with long term conditions, older people, carers or professionals. SDSS would really encourage people to use the fully accessible website (www.sdsinfo.org.uk) as one of their first points of call in their SDS journey so they are able to get the right information and support to achieve independent living.

The website was developed based on the research findings of a report which maps self- directed support information and support services in Scotland. This project identifies the gaps and maps organisations that currently provide information and support around SDS, direct payments, individual service funds and related areas. The findings were that the greatest concentration of information and support providers were in the Glasgow and Edinburgh council areas and accounted for 44%, with significantly fewer agencies located in Scotland’s other cities and towns. This may lead to a gap in supply and demand if information requirements around SDS grow in areas outside of Scotland’s two major cities.

Jess Wade, Manager of SDSS, said ‘In terms of gaps, the report highlights the relatively low number of user-led organisations working in this area, and that fewer organisations are operating outwith Edinburgh and Glasgow’.

The research showed a good provision of general information on SDS from the organisations that took part, specifically in regards to helping service users setting up a SDS package. 80% of this information is provided in either telephone advice, appointments, home visiting or practical hands on support, with 20% provided in alternative formats such as leaflets or web based communications. However, information and advice on funding for SDS and clarifying to service users how to spend their individual budgets was limited, as was support on managing personal assistants and direct payments.

Chair of SDSS, Florence Garabedian, said ‘This highlights the continued need for capacity building, particularly of user-led and Disabled People’s Organisations, to ensure everyone can access quality SDS information and support, including peer support, wherever they are in Scotland.’

The research shows that though some information and advice is available across all areas relating to SDS, the extent to which this information is available is not extensive. Only 60% of organisations are providing general information on SDS and the percentage is much lower for specific elements of information and advice regarding SDS. The conclusion of the research is that further investment is needed to enhance the number of organisations that can provide a full information and advice service around SDS.

SDS aims to provide individuals with freedom, choice, dignity and control. It is key to achieving a Scotland where disabled people live independently and with the right support. SDS is when you arrange some or all of your (or your child’s) support instead of receiving services arranged by your local authority. It is for people who would like more flexibility, choice and control over their care so they can live more independently.

The SDS options are: Option 1 – direct payment (this is when you are given a sum of money and direct what you want to do with it as long as it meets your assessment outcomes)

Option 2 – the person directs the available support (this is when you choose the support you want and the local authority or another agency will put it into place for you)

Option 3 – the local authority arranges the support

Option 4 – a mix of the above

For more information regarding the different options, you can visit SDSS’ website to access our information sheets: http://www.sdsscotland.org.uk/resources/reports.php Self Directed Support Scotland (SDSS) is a national membership organisation which actively promotes Independent Living by supporting, working with and championing the aims of Self Directed Support disabled people's organisations. SDSS develop resources, material and training for member organisations and regularly deliver presentations which show that the social model is at the heart of self-directed support and independent living. We also work with local authorities, voluntary sector organisations, NHS health boards, universities and colleges to influence and guide the implementation of the Social Model within their own policies and programmes. For further information regarding SDS please visit www.sdsscotland.org.uk or contact 0131 516 4195.

To search the SDS information and support database, visit: www.sdsinfo.org.uk

The work of PAMIS: Promoting a What does the Fife Family More Inclusive Society Support Service Coordinator of PAMIS do? Well, I am not sure where to begin! The PAMIS Family Support Service is for children and adults with profound learning disabilities and their families. In practice, this covers a huge variety of things! Perhaps the easiest way to let you know about the work of PAMIS in Fife is to give you a glimpse into my diary:

It’s a Monday - met with Janice from RNIB and we mapped out dates for our inclusive swimming sessions in Dunfermline for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) / complex needs. For more information contact [email protected] The rest of the morning was spent responding to emails and phone calls. Many were about the PAMIS/SENSE Scotland Fun Day, 13 July at Lochore Meadows. Should be great day, we have adapted bikes/ boats, a drumming workshop, face painting and much more... see www.pamis.org.uk

Monday afternoon – met with the Fife Home Based Moving and Handling Project steering group (NHS, Fife council, Fife Carers Centre & PAMIS). This project is for unpaid carers, it offers free information and training in the safest ways to move & handle the person you care for. If you want to know more, email: [email protected].

It’s a Tuesday … I sometimes feel I cannot keep up when it comes to technology so I attended the CALL Assistive Technology event in Glasgow. I learnt lots about the new version of “Boardmaker” and there is some amazing software on “eye control mouse movement” for people with disabilities. Well worth the visit. www.callscotland.org.uk

It’s a Wednesday…. I met with a family who care for their two children, one of whom has PMLD. This family are dealing with many issues at once, the impact of the “under occupancy tax”, a school transition, return to work issues, equipment issues, respite provision and more... PAMIS can give practical support with such issues and sometimes it helps to have someone to talk to.

Thursday & Friday….. Attended meetings and training on Self-Directed Support (SDS). Care packages in the future will look different. For example, some PAMIS families are contemplating employing Personal Assistants (PAs); some already have PAs; many families are well versed in the art of managing a “direct payment”; whilst others are content to retain their current day service provision. The SDS Bill is designed to give families/carers/ the cared for person, more choice and control but change can be scary and the “new landscape” of “outcome focused” care planning can be daunting. Part of my role is to advice and support families with SDS. For more information on SDS go to: www.sdsscotland.org.uk

It’s the following Tuesday… I attended “The keys to life” launch at Murrayfield in Edinburgh with a Fife Family who care for their teenage son with PMLD. “The keys to life” is the new learning disability strategy for Scotland. This is an important document. To check it out go to: www.scotland.gov.uk

Later that day… I spoke to Robert Ferguson (Fife Council Access Officer) about Changing Places. In PAMIS it is a standing joke that we spend a great deal of our time talking about toilets!

PAMIS campaigns tirelessly to ensure that families are not reduced to changing their daughters or sons on toilet floors. The lack of suitable changing facilities in toilets for people with disabilities is one of the most restrictive practical problems facing our families. Fife is leading the way in Changing Places, to view the Scottish Directory of Changing Places toilets see the PAMIS website or contact me for a hard copy.

It’s later in the week …I have a meeting with a new family who care for their daughter with PMLD. Making a referral to PAMIS is easy. If you think PAMIS could be of help to you contact me on 01592551310 or email [email protected]

Life at PAMIS is never dull. Oh, I must remember to organise the wheelchair ice skating sessions! My aim is to work in partnership with people with profound and multiple learning disabilities and their carers/professionals for: “A Better Life” for people with disabilities.

Free Creative Classes in Fife

Have you spoken to your GP about stress, anxiety or depression? Maybe you see a Psychologist, CPN or Occupational Therapist to help you with this. Sometimes doing something creative can help to lift our spirits or take our mind of our worries. If you think you would enjoy attending a series of creative classes then why not give us a call or drop us an email.

Fife Cultural Trust’s Cultural Partnerships team, working in partnership with NHS Fife, offer a choice of creative classes which are free to attend. The classes offer you an opportunity to learn new skills in a fun and relaxed environment. Many people find attending the classes helps with their confidence.

Classes include:

 Pottery – learn traditional hand-building methods such as pinch pots, modelling and slab rolling, which you will use to make your own pots, ornaments and plaques.  Painting & Drawing – explore different techniques, themes and materials involved in creating original pieces of art.  Arts & Crafts – have fun exploring various types of arts and crafts like glass painting, felt making, decorative paint effects and paper crafts whilst making something for yourself or as a gift.  Jewellery Making – learn about wire and bead jewellery creation using a variety of different styles to make complete new pieces of jewellery for either yourself or as a gift.  Wellbeing Through Meditation – this is a great opportunity to learn relaxation techniques for you to use at home. The class includes meditation and breathing exercises along with some gentle movement. IA – the Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Support Group  Digital Photography – learn some skills on practical photography as well as the editing and adjusting of photographs using a photo editing package. Your own camera is a must.  Cookery – develop new skills and confidence in your cooking as well as gaining some knowledge on cooking on a budget, your 5 a day, healthy eating and family favourites.

These classes are held on a weekly basis during the school terms (dates vary). All materials are provided (except for cameras).

To book your place call Karen at the Cultural Partnerships team on 01592 583255 or send an email to [email protected] . Spaces must be booked in advance and will be offered on a first come, first served basis.

What is IA?

IA is a national support group for people with ileostomies and internal pouches.

 Listen

 Inform

 Support Established in 1956 as the Ileostomy Association by a group of people with ileostomies and some members of the medical profession, the organisation now has 54 member organisations in the UK and Ireland. These local groups are: managed by volunteers, most of whom have an Ileostomy or internal pouch. Ileostomy Certain Inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, sometimes cause such damage to the large intestine (colon) that it becomes necessary for this to be removed. The lower end of the small intestine which is called the ileum is then brought out through the abdominal wall, forming an Ileostomy, so that bodily waste matter can be collected in an externally attached bag.

Ileo anal pouch With the advances in modern surgical techniques some people now have an internal pouch formed. This surgery involves removing the colon and rectum and a reservoir (pouch) is constructed from small intestine. A temporary Ileostomy may be necessary whilst healing of the pouch takes place. Temporary Ileostomy This is often referred to as a ‘loop’ Ileostomy, as it is formed by bringing a loop of small intestine out onto the abdominal wall. A temporary Ileostomy may be formed to enable an Ileo-anal pouch to heal, or to allow a join between two ends of large intestine to heal, when a section of intestine has been removed, most commonly for bowel cancer.

What does IA do? Listen-Inform-Support Although major surgery of this nature, with a change of bodily function, will disrupt a person’s lifestyle, especially if the illness has lasted for many years, recovery will often be assisted by contact with people who have been through a similar experience.

The following core activities are provided by IA for people of all ages with an Ileostomy or internal pouch:

 Visiting  Members’ meetings  IA Journal  Website  Young IA  Internal Pouch  Advisory services  Medical research

IA’s core objectives are to help those facing these operations to return to a normal active lifestyle as soon as possible after surgery. IA is totally funded by donations and subscriptions and most of the 10,000 members have either an Ileostomy or an internal pouch, allowing us to use the 'because we know, we care’ strapline with confidence.

Fife IA - My name is Betty McNeil and I am secretary of the Fife IA Support Group. We meet three times a year at The Staff Club, Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy. Our members consist of people who have ileostomies, pouches, colostomies and urostomies. We also have members who are family or friends of our ostomists and come along to support them. Our meetings are very informal and friendly with lots of talk and discussions. Everyone is welcome. If you wish to find out more about the Fife IA group please contact me at the address, telephone or e-mail below. I will be more than willing to help with information or support. Mrs B McNeil117 Primrose AvenueRosyth Fife KY11 2TXTelephone 01383 416320 E mail [email protected] IA Open Day Disabilities Fife was invited to have a display st