www.carersbucks.org

The newsletter of Carers Bucks Autumn/Winter 2016

Money and Legal Matters

New Learning & Development Programme Young Carers

Support Group Diary Staying Healthy for Autumn/Winter this Winter

Autumn/Winter 2016 | 1 Dedicated to supporting carers Registered Charity No. 1106745

Meet the www.carersbucks.org Team... Foreword by the Chief Executive Stephen Archibald Chief Executive

Finance Manager elcome to the Autumn/Winter As the winter months draw closer, Kirstie O’Sullivan W issue of Carers News – I hope ensuring you look after yourself as Adult Carers Services Manager you all had an enjoyable summer. well as the person you care for is Ann Whiteley We’ve had a busy few months here vital. On Page 8, local Nutritionist at Carers Bucks with the increasing Nikki Brown talks about the sorts of Young Carers Services Manager numbers of carers getting in touch, foods our body and immune system Sally Mansi the launch of our Carers Discount needs to stay strong with the Communications Manager Card, Carers Week 2016, summer seasonal changes. Hayley Mountstevens holiday activities for young carers, and continuing our work with local We also look at the importance of Community Fundraising GP surgeries and hospitals. getting your free seasonal flu jab Sandy Briscoe to help protect you and the person Beth Sawyers In this issue of Carers News, we you care for. Make sure you tell your take a look at some of the money GP that you are a carer so they can Carers Hub Co-Ordinator at and legal issues affecting carers, and update medical records. Stoke Mandeville Hospital Carol Aspinall focus on some of the questions which carers most frequently ask us, On Pages 10 & 11, you will find Adult Carers Support Worker - including how you apply for Carers our latest Support Group Diary for GP Clinics Allowance and other benefits. September – March 2017, and on Lucy Martin Pages 12 & 13, details about our We also look at other financial and new Learning and Development Young Adult Carers Project Lead legal issues including Paying for Programme. Sarah Collins Care and information about Lasting Family & Friends Support Service Power of Attorney. As a carer it’s Save the date! Carers Bucks AGM for Drug & Alcohol Misuse really important to understand about will take place on Friday 4th Julie Fincham the different benefits and financial November at The Gateway, support available and your legal Aylesbury from 10am – midday. To see details of the full Carers rights. Carers Bucks is here to Bucks team visit support you, and our team of Stephen Archibald www.carersbucks.org dedicated support workers can help Chief Executive answer any questions you might Carers Bucks & MK Carers Bucks have, and point you in the right [email protected] Ardenham Court direction! Oxford Road Aylesbury, Bucks, HP19 8HT Tel: 0300 777 2722 Email: [email protected] Facebook: www.facebook.com/Carersbucks Contents Twitter: @CarersBucks Practical & Emotional News from Carers Bucks 04 05 12 Programme Printed Lance Print Ltd 06 07 Money & Legal Matters 13 Fundraising 29/30 Stapledon Road, Staying Well During Orton Southgate, Young Carers Peterborough PE2 6TD 08 the Winter 14 Tel: 01733 390564 www.lanceprint.co.uk 09 Support Groups 15 Young Adult Carers

10 11 Support Groups Diary 16 17 Services and Information Carers Bucks is the operating name of Carers Trust Bucks and Milton Keynes. Registered Charity No. 1106745. Front Cover image: The Mayor of Wycombe, carer Bernice Modeste and Company No. 4941481 Chief Executive Stephen Archibald at the launch of Carers Bucks Discount Card during Carers Week 2016. Autumn/Winter 2016 | 3 NEWS FROM CARERSBUCKS WELCOME TO NEW STAFF MEMBERS

We are delighted to welcome new members of staff to In Wycombe we also welcome new members of staff the Young Carers Bucks team in Aylesbury: who have recently joined the Young Carers Bucks team:

Claire Brialey Olivia Cichon Maxine Lansdell Family Support Young Carers Young Carers Worker Personal Advisor Activities Worker

Ray Layton Ingrida Sipaviciute-Edwards Young Carers Young Carers Support Worker Personal Advisor

We also welcome new members to our Prevention Matters team who are based at our Wycombe office:

Lucy-Ann Julie Nisbet Helen Sharon Thomas Mathews Community Robinson Community Community Practice Worker Community Practice Worker Practice Worker Practice Worker The Prevention Matters service is a free and friendly advice service linking eligible adults (over 18) in Bucks to social activities, volunteers and community services. Prevention Matters can support you regarding your confidence, independence and getting out and about if you are struggling to remain independent in your own home, having difficulty getting out and about, feeling lonely and isolated or recovering from an illness. For further information contact Prevention Matters on 0300 666 0159.

4 | Autumn/Winter 2016 www.carersbucks.org

CARERS BUCKS AUTUMN BALL

On Saturday 1st October, Older Carers Project Carers Bucks is hosting Hundreds of carers aged over 75, its first Autumn Ball at who devote their lives to looking Wycombe Heights Golf after their loved ones at home, are to Centre in High Wycombe. be supported by a ground-breaking The evening will include a new pilot project run by Carers Bucks. delicious three course meal Thank you to the Greater Aylesbury and live music from Tom Cary Eid Party in Wycombe Local Area Forum and the Rothschild (Voice of South Bucks 2015) Foundation for funding this scheme. www.voiceofbuble.co.uk We had a fantastic time at the Eid Party at Wycombe Museum this The aim of the initiative is to support summer, which was organised jointly older carers with expert guidance with Dosti Group. We had 8 carers about financial support, friendship Carers Choir from Aylesbury and 15 carers from groups and how they and their loved Wycombe & discussed what future ones stay well and active. The Carers are welcome to join our Carers projects we could do for carers in support service is being rolled out Choir which meets on the first and Wycombe & Aylesbury. across the County from September, third Tuesday of the month at 10.15am starting in Aylesbury Vale. for tea and coffee followed by singing between 10.45am – 11.45am. The choir meets at Chalfont St Peter Christmas Opening Hours Community Centre, Gravel Hill, Gerrards Cross, SL9 9QX. You do Carers Bucks offices will be closed not need to be an experienced singer from 24th December - 3rd January to join, just to enjoy singing and 2017. having some fun! Email laura.troll@ Emergency Contacts carersbucks.org for further details. If you call our offices during the Christmas period when our offices BBC South Today news covered the are closed, you will receive a launch of this project on air on Friday message with emergency contact 19th August and interviewed carer information: Velda Ifill, who cares for her husband • Bucks County Council – Adult with Alzheimer’s and our Chief Social Care ‘Out of Hours’ Executive Stephen Archibald. emergency: 0800 9997677 Stephen was also interviewed by Mix • If you have a NHS non medical 96FM and Carers Bucks had a news emergency call 111. 112 will work on article in the Bucks Herald. any mobile phone anywhere in the Carers world. Medical emergencies call 999. Dates for Discount Supporting someone the Diary with Mental Illness Card and/or Drug or Alcohol • Carers Bucks AGM - Fri 4th Nov at The Gateway in Aylesbury This summer we launched our Carers misuse issues? from 10am – 12pm Discount card for carers registered Guest speaker will be Lou with us. The card gives carers some We are running a new support group Patten,Chief Officer, Chiltern and great discounts at a range of local for people supporting or affected by Aylesbury Vale Commissioning businesses and services in Bucks someone’s mental illness and/or Group including Arriva, Lloyds Phamacy & substance misuse. The group will be Virgin Experience Days. The scheme on the last Monday of each month • Carers Rights Day - Fri 25th Nov has been really successful and we from 6pm - 8pm at our Carers Bucks are continuing to add new businesses Aylesbury office. Please contact • Carers Christmas Lunch - Sun to the scheme. Call us on 0300 777 Jo Puddephatt or Julie Fincham on 27th Nov at Beaconsfield Centre 2722 or visit www.carersbucks.org 0300 777 2722 or 07958 539590. to register for a Discount Card or To book a place call 0300 777 2722. email [email protected] to recommend a business/service to join the scheme. Autumn/Winter 2016 | 5 It’s important to understand the main benefits you are entitled to and the MONEY legal issues affecting carers. As a carer there are a range of benefits and financial support including Carers LEGAL Allowance that you may be able to & receive as a carer. We also have a volunteer who works MATTERS with our adult carers support team Here we look at some of who can offer help at our Aylesbury the most frequently asked 1) Can I receive Carers Allowance? office, over the phone or a home visit. questions carers ask which Carers Allowance is the main benefit For more information/advice please you might find useful: for carers, paid at £62.10 a week if call us on 0300 777 2722. you meet the following criteria: 3) How do I get a Blue Badge? • You look after someone who gets a qualifying disability 2) Am I eligible for Attendance The Blue Badge Scheme helps benefit Allowance? people with severe mobility problems. • You look after that person for at It allows Blue Badge holders to park least 35 hours a week Attendance Allowance is available for close to where they need to go. The • You are aged 16 or over people who are aged over 65 and who rules and criteria are set at national • You are not in full time need help with personal care due to level by the Government but local education an illness or disability. Attendance authorities are responsible for • You earn £110 a week (after Allowance isn’t means tested. managing the scheme in their area. deductions) or less Buckinghamshire County Council • You satisfy UK presence and You are eligible for Attendance is responsible for administering the residence conditions Allowance if you: scheme, assessment of applications • You are not in full time • Have a physical disability and enforcement for residents and education (including sensory disability, organisations in Bucks. You are • You earn £110 a week (after e.g. blindness), a mental eligible for a blue badge if you: deductions) or less disability (including learning • Are registered blind • You satisfy UK presence and difficulties), or both • Receive War Pensioners’ residence conditions • Your disability is severe enough Mobility Supplement for you to need help caring for • Receive the higher rate of the If your State Pension is more than yourself or someone to mobility component of Disability Carer’s Allowance (more than £62.10 supervise you, for your own or Living Allowance (DLA) per week) you cannot be paid any someone else’s safety • Receive the mobility component Carer’s Allowance. However it might of Personal Independence still be worth claiming, as you can You must also: Payment (PIP) and you scored still get an ‘underlying entitlement’ to • Be in Great Britain when you at least 8 points in relation to Carer’s Allowance. claim the ‘moving around’ activity in • Have been in Great Britain for at the PIP assessment If the person you care for lives alone least 2 of the last 3 years • Have been awarded a lump sum and claims means tested benefits • Be habitually resident in the UK, benefit from the Armed Forces then take advice before applying for Ireland, Isle of Man or the Compensation scheme (tariffs Carers Allowance as it could affect Channel Islands 1 to 8). You have also been their payments. • Not be subject to immigration certified as having a control (unless you’re a permanent and substantial For more information and to apply for sponsored immigrant) disability which means you Carers Allowance go to www.gov.uk can’t walk or find walking very To apply for attendance Allowance difficult go to www.gov.uk • Receive a government grant towards your own vehicle. Age UK also have a number of welfare benefits advisors around the Visit: www.buckscc.gov.uk/transport/ County who will visit people in their disabled-persons-car-badges to homes and do benefit checks and apply for you Blue Badge or to read help with some forms. They also more information about the scheme. offer free phone advice on 01296 431911. The claimant needs to be over 60 years old. 6 | Autumn/Winter 2016 www.carersbucks.org

Some Citizens Advice Bureaus also fill out forms and do benefit checks in 7) What is a Lasting Power of their branches. Some provide Attorney? outreach services, either in GP surgeries etc, or at your home. Visit A lasting power of attorney (LPA) is It can be used as soon as it’s www.citizensadvice.org.uk a way of giving someone you trust registered, with your permission. (attorney) the legal authority to make 4) How do I get a Council Tax decisions on your behalf if you lack You can restrict or specify the types Reduction? mental capacity at some time in the of decisions your attorney can make future or no longer wish to make or you can allow them to make all Council Tax Reduction is available to decisions for yourself. This gives you decisions on your behalf. those who need help towards their more control over what happens to Council Tax bill. You may be entitled you if, for example, you have an When is a Lasting Power of Attorney to a Council Tax Reduction but if accident or an illness and can’t make Valid? An LPA will only be valid if your income or savings are too high decisions at the time they need to be you: you may not qualify for help. made (you ‘lack mental capacity’). • Have the mental capacity to set For further information visit: What types of Lasting Powers of it up www.buckscc.gov.uk/about-your- Attorney are there? There are 2 types • Have not been put under any council/finance/council-tax of LPA (you can choose to make one pressure to create it. type or both): • Are over 18 years of age 5) Will I need to pay for Care? 1. Health and Welfare: This LPA It must be your decision and you Whether or not you will need to pay gives an attorney the power to must be able to trust your attorney, for care will take the following into make decisions about things as you’re giving them extensive consideration: about your health and care, e.g. power to make decisions about your • Your savings and capital – if this • Where you should live life. The LPA must be registered with is over £23,250 you will • Your medical care the Office of the Public Guardian normally be required to pay the • What you should eat (OPG) before it can be used. full cost of your care • Who you have contact with • Income including pensions & • What kind of social activities Thank you to Pictons Solicitors for benefits you take part in providing this information • Some income will be www.pictons.com. disregarded such as Mobility It can only be used when you’re Allowance and Personal unable to make your own decisions. Allowance • Property – if you own or have 2. Property and Financial Affairs: interest in more than one This LPA gives an attorney the property it is very likely your power to make decisions about capital assets will be over money & property for you, e.g.: £23,250 • Buying and selling property • Paying the mortgage 6) What happens to my home if • Paying Bills my partner needs to go into a • Investing money care home? • Arranging repairs to property • Collecting benefits or a If you own the home you live in this pension is normally regarded as an asset. It can be disregarded in the following Edward Briscoe MIPW of LPA circumstances if it occupied by a: Consultants specialises in making • Partner applications for Lasting Powers of • Former partner who is a single Attorney. He is a Dementia Friend parent and holds the Alzheimer Society’s • Relative aged 60 or over Foundation Certificate in Dementia • Disabled younger relative Awareness as well as being a • Dependent child under 18 professionally qualified Will Writer.

For further information about paying Edward offers a 10% discount to for care and support visit: Carers Discount Card holders www.careadvicebuckinghamshire resulting in a charge of £225 per .org or contact Buckinghamshire individual (OPG where applicable County Council on 01296 383204, or are extra). Call 01491 638075 or Carers Bucks on 0300 777 2722. 07962 Autumn/Winter 157843 for an 2016 initial | chat. 7 Staying Well During the Winter Heartfelt Nutrition: Preparing for Winter

We often associate the colder Aim to eat a wide variety of foods vitamins (A, C, E, D and B vitamins). temperatures of autumn and winter and avoid processed foods/products Plain probiotic yoghurt, miso soup with colds and flus, perhaps also as much as possible, choosing fresh, and sauerkraut will also support the reduced energy and feeling low. But natural and wholesome produce gut and immune system. If you are it doesn’t have to be this way. By instead. Include good quality dehydrated you are more likely to eating healthily we can support our protein (such as fish, lean white feel tired, so drink lots of water and immune system, energy and mood. meat, eggs, beans, lentils, peas, nuts herbal teas and limit coffee, tea and and seeds), essential fats (such as alcohol because of their dehydrating If 80% of what we eat is rich in oily fish, avocado, nuts and seeds, effect. nutrients it will give our body what it and olive/flax/coconut oils) and needs to function well and the complex carbohydrates (such as If you do get a cold or flu, vitamin C, immune system will be strong brown rice, brown pasta, whole zinc and Echinacea tincture can help enough to cope with the seasonal wheat, oats and quinoa). to boost the immune system and changes in temperature and energy. reduce severity of symptoms. Keep The immune system requires many Fill up on a wide variety of rainbow warm and rest to allow the body to different nutrients to function well, coloured vegetables and fruit recover. especially when we are busy or because they provide essential stressed, or recovering from accident immune boosting nutrients, such as Nikki Brown, Heartfelt Nutrition or illness. zinc, selenium, iron, copper and www.heartfeltnutrition.co.uk Get Your Free Flu Jab Protect Yourself & the Person You Care For The seasonal flu jab is the best way likely to develop potentially serious If you have your flu jab with the to protect yourself and the person complications of flu, e.g. bronchitis local Pharmacist, they may ask you you care for from flu. Carers are and pneumonia are identified as some questions to confirm you are eligible to receive a free NHS at-risk and are advised to have a flu the carer e.g. your address and who seasonal flu jab each winter. jab each year. Carers are identified your GP practice is, so that they can as one of the at-risk and are eligible inform your GP that you’ve received A main concern for carers is for a free NHS flu jab. This is to the flu jab. Take your Carers Bucks becoming unwell e.g. getting the flu. ensure carers are protected from newsletter and the envelope with Protect yourself against this by taking catching flu and developing serious your name & address with you as up the offer of a free flu jab. complications and to protect the evidence that you are registered with vulnerable person who you are Carers Bucks. If you are the main carer for someone caring for. who is ill, disabled or elderly who may For more information visit the NHS be put at risk if you fall ill, and/or Free flu jabs are offered every year Choices website: bit.ly/1CRWECz you are in receipt of Carer’s from late September to the end of Allowance you’re eligible for a free flu March the following year. You can For carers of those with a learning jab. get this jab from your GP or from a disability, read the ‘All about flu and Community Pharmacies near you. how to stop getting it: EasyRead For most people, flu is an unpleasant It’s important to let your GP know version for people with learning illness, but it’s not serious. If you are that you are a carer so that you’re disabilities’ pamphlet from the NHS otherwise healthy, you will usually added to the carers register at your by visiting: bit.ly/2baZSL4 recover from flu within a week. GP surgery and update your medical However, certain people are more records. 8 | Autumn/Winter 2016 www.carersbucks.org SUPPORT GROUPS Carers Groups are facilitated by Carers are invited to attend groups as Here some carers share their Carers Bucks across and when is convenient to thoughts on the benefits of Buckinghamshire. Groups are themselves. They are welcome to attending our support groups: designed as a local support network drop in as often or as little as suits for carers and are all facilitated by the individual as we understand Support Workers who are available that the caring role can be at times to discuss your caring role, within the unpredictable. The groups are free to groups or on a one to one basis. attend and you do not need to book a "I don't know what I would place to attend, simply turn up when The groups welcome anyone in a you can. Excluding males carers group have done without the caring role. Support is provided for which carers do need to confirm groups, speaking to other by meeting together and sharing attendance. experiences, information and offering carers in similar situations peer support to one another (as well This programme on P.10 - 11 is accurate to me really helps!" as the much needed cup of tea of at time of print however there may be course). Carers have reported that updates over coming months. Please the group gives them the opportunity visit our website www.carersbucks.org for a much needed ‘break’ from their or phone our office on 0300 777 2722 caring role. Groups are carer led and for up to date information. have their own programme of events – many of the groups invite guest speakers with expertise on relevant issues. "The support groups make a massive impact in providing not only the help and guidance on all the practical issues that have to be dealt with but more importantly "Carers Bucks support provide a network of carers whose understanding and groups have been invaluable experiences can be shared for the mutual benefit of to me with helping me cope the whole group whether it's a regular support group, in my caring role for my male carers group or carers choir." husband, sometimes your meetings have been my only social outlet."

Autumn/Winter 2016 | 9 SUPPORT GROUP DIARY Support Groups September October November 17th Oct Amersham Third Monday 19th Sept 21st Nov Amersham Free Church (Carey Room), REMAP: Custom-made 10am - 12pm Medical Detection Dogs Carers sharing experiences Woodside Road, Amersham, HP6 6AJ equipment to aid independence 13th Sept 8th Nov Aylesbury Second Tuesday 11th Oct Carers Bucks Aylesbury office, Ardenham Basic First Aid for those you Christmas 11am - 1pm Dementia Friends Training Court, Oxford Road, Aylesbury, HP19 8HT care for Card Making

Aylesbury LD First Thursday 8th Sept 6th Oct 3rd Nov Carers Bucks Aylesbury office, Ardenham 10.30am - 12.30pm Court, Oxford Road, Aylesbury, HP19 8HT

Working Carers Second Wednesday Carers Bucks Aylesbury office, Ardenham 14th Sept 12th Oct 9th Nov 7pm - 9pm Court, Oxford Road, Aylesbury, HP19 8HT Beaconsfield 1st Sept First Friday 6th Oct 3rd Nov The Parish Hall at St. Teresa’s Church, Dream Analysis 1.30pm - 3.30pm Lasting Power of Attorney Mindfulness with Sally Hearn 40 Warwick Road, Beaconsfield, HP9 2PL with Rod Mackenzie Burnham Last Friday 30th Sept 28th Oct 25th Nov The Youth Centre, Minniecroft Road, 12pm - 2pm Oral Health with Katy Kerr Seated Zumba Breathing for Stress Relief Burnham, SL1 7DE 16th Nov Third Wednesday Chesham 21st Sept 19th Oct Topic to be 1.30pm - 3.30pm Chesham Town Hall, Chesham, HP5 1DS Seated Yoga with Sally Brandon Safeguarding confirmed Denham 25th Oct 29th Nov Last Tuesday 27th Sept St. Marks Hall, Green Tiles, Lane, Breathing for Stress Relief & Topic to be 2pm - 4pm Safeguarding and a cream tea Denham Green, UB9 5LF Relaxation with Sally Brandon confirmed Haddenham 12th Sept 10th Oct Second Monday 14th Nov Haddenham Medical Centre, Stanbridge Rd, Coping Strategies and Stress Afternoon Team at Haddenham 1.30pm - 3.30pm REMAP Haddenham, Aylesbury, HP17 8JX Relief with Sally Hearn Garden Centre 26th Oct 23rd Nov Fourth Wednesdays 28th Sept Iver Heath Topic to be confirmed & Cream Breathing for Stress Relief St. Margarets Close, Iver Heath, SL0 0DA 10.30am - 12.30pm Energy Saving Clinic Tea from Tesco with Sally Brandon Male Carers 27th Sept 25th Oct 29th Nov Various locations Usually last Tuesday Wycombe Wanderers Trenchard Museum Safeguarding at Carers Bucks These groups need to be booked by carers. football match at RAF Halton Office in Aylesbury 8th Nov Marlow Second Tuesday 13th Sept 11th Oct Dreams The Community Lounge, Brooke Furmston 10am - 12pm Power of Attorney Telecare Place, Little Marlow Road, Marlow, SL7 1GN Analysis

Wendover Second Thursday 13th Oct 10th Nov The Wendover Library, High Street, Wendover, 8th Sept 1pm - 3pm First Aid Dementia Friends Aylesbury, HP22 6DU

Wycombe Third Friday 16th Sept Pusey House, 9a Amersham Road, 21st Oct 18th Nov 10am - 12pm Oral Health High Wycombe, HP13 6PN

Wycombe LD First Monday Carers Bucks Wycombe office, 39 Queens 5th Sept 13th Oct 7th Nov 10am - 12pm Road, High Wycombe, HP13 6AQ

Wycombe MH Third Tuesday Telephone Exchange, 16-18 Easton Street, 20th Sept 18th Oct 15th Nov 12pm - 2pm High Wycombe, HP11 1NR Young Onset Dementia Second Tuesday 13th Sept 11th Oct 15th Nov Jackson Court, Hazelmere, High Wycombe, 10.30am - 12pm Oral Health with Katy Kerr REMAP Sharing carer experiences HP15 7TZ

Aylesbury Drug & Alcohol & MH First Monday Carers Bucks Aylesbury office, Ardenham 13th Sept 11th Oct 8th Nov 6pm - 8pm Court, Oxford Road, Aylesbury, HP19 8HT

Burnham Drug & Alcohol Third Tuesday The Youth Centre, Minniecroft Road, 20th Sept 18th Oct 15th Nov 1pm - 3pm Burnham, SL1 7DE

Wycombe Drug & Alcohol First Tuesday 6th Sept 4th Oct 1st Nov Carers Bucks Wycombe office, 39 Queens 11am - 1pm Road, High Wycombe, HP13 6AQ 10 | Autumn/Winter 2016 www.carersbucks.org SUPPORT GROUP DIARY November December January 2017 February 2017 March 2017 Dec 21st Nov Christmas Celebration to be 16th Jan 20th Feb 20th Mar Carers sharing experiences organised

8th Nov 13th Dec Christmas Christmas Celebration to be 10th Jan 14th Feb 24th Mar Card Making organised Dec 3rd Nov Christmas Celebration to be organised Dec 9th Nov Christmas Celebration to be 5th Jan 2nd Feb 2nd Mar organised

3rd Nov 1st Dec 6th Jan 3rd Feb 3rd Mar Mindfulness with Sally Hearn Christmas meal out

25th Nov Dec 27th Jan 24th Feb 31st Mar Breathing for Stress Relief Christmas Shared Lunch

16th Nov Dec Topic to be Christmas Celebration to be 18th Jan 15th Feb 15th Mar confirmed organised

29th Nov Dec Topic to be Christmas Celebration to be 31st Jan 28th Feb 28th Mar confirmed organised

Dec 14th Nov Christmas Celebration to be 9th Jan 13th Feb 13th Mar REMAP organised 23rd Nov Dec Breathing for Stress Relief Christmas Celebration to be 25th Jan 22nd Feb 22nd Mar with Sally Brandon organised 29th Nov Dec Safeguarding at Carers Bucks Christmas Celebration to be 31st Jan 28th Feb 28t Mar Office in Aylesbury organised 8th Nov 13th Dec Dreams 10th Jan 14th Feb 14th Mar Christmas lunch at Cote Analysis

10th Nov 8th Dec 12th Jan 9th Feb 9th Mar Dementia Friends

18th Nov Dec TBC 20th Jan 17th Feb 17th Mar

7th Nov 5th Dec No meeting 6th Feb 6th Mar

15th Nov 20th Dec 17th Jan 20th Feb 21st Mar

13th Dec 15th Nov Christmas Celebration to be 10th Jan 14th Feb Sharing carer experiences 14th Mar organised

8th Nov 13th Dec 10th Jan 14th Feb 14th Mar

15th Nov 20th Dec 17th Jan 21st Feb 21st Mar

1st Nov 6th Dec 3rd Jan TBC 7th Feb 7th Mar

Autumn/Winter 2016 | 11 LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME Caring For You Our Caring for You programme has Our practical & emotional support Money Matters been running successfully for the last programme is aimed at helping 4 years. The Caring for You sessions support you in your caring role, Do you have too much month left at aim to help you gain knowledge and giving you the opportunity to gain the end of the money? Would you a better understanding of support knowledge and share information like to know more about: available that may help you, as well with others. • Budgeting: Struggling to pay as making a positive difference to your rent or mortgage? your life and an opportunity to meet To book on any of the sessions run Want to learn how to stop that and share with other carers. by Carers Bucks or for further happening? information, please call us on 0300 • Debt: Are you in debt and want These 3 sessions encourage you to 777 2722 or email us at to find out how to clear it? Do look at the balance between your [email protected] you want to learn to stay out of caring role and the rest of your life, debt? managing the stresses and thinking When you book, further details will • Credit: Need to learn how to about looking after yourself. Carers be sent to you to when we confirm borrow money safely? Want to who attend all 3 of these sessions your booking. Unless otherwise stat- understand what credit is all have said how helpful they have ed, courses are free for carers. about? found it. If you are able to, book onto • Banking: Want to open a bank all 3 sessions. Planning for Emergencies account & not sure how? Want to move the one you have? These sessions will be held in: As a carer have you considered what Understand banking rules? Chalfont St Peter from 10am - 1pm could happen if you were to suddenly • Saving: Want to learn how to on a Friday for 3 weeks. become unable to carry out your find money in your budget to caring role? save? Know where is the best 1. Caring and You place to save your money? 27th January 2017 Putting an emergency plan in place Take time to look at the balance can ease concerns for you and other Carers Bucks are working with between your caring role and family members and give you peace Buckingham Winslow & District CAB other aspects of your life. You of mind about the future. We will to offer this new, fun and friendly will be encouraged to make guide you through this process and course to help you and improve small but significant changes to help you to create an emergency plan. you skills in managing your money. your life. This is a 2 sessions course and it’s This session is being held in: best to attend both sessions to get 2. Managing the stresses Buckingham from 10am - 12pm on the most from it. When you have 3rd February 2017 Tuesday 25th October completed the sessions there’s an This session looks at the opportunity to book 1:1 sessions to emotions involved in caring for Caring for Someone with Dementia deal with specific financial issues. someone, what strategies you use and how to cope more This workshop will look at the These sessions are being held in: effectively with stress. support available caring for someone Aylesbury from 10am - 1pm: with dementia. It will also look at • Session 1 Thurs 17th November 3. Looking After Yourself understanding dementia and how • Session 2 Thurs 24th November 10th February 2017 this can affect people, helping us Think about how you can look better understand the meaning Buckingham from 10am - 1pm: after your own health by building behind uncharacteristic behaviour, • Session 1 Thurs 1st December on existing skills and learning look at situations we find difficult to • Session 2 Thurs 8th December new ones. deal with and ways of helping you to deal with these. It will also be an Further details will be Parent Carers opportunity to share and meet with available on booking. other carers. If you are a parent carer and Money Matters is a interested in knowing more about This session is being held in: project helping people what we have happenng, email us Chalfont St Peter from 10am - 1pm improve their money at [email protected] to join our on Friday 9th December management skills. mailing list.

12 | Autumn/Winter 2016 www.carersbucks.org FUNDRAISING Race to the Stones Challenge 2016

On 16th & 17th July, a team from Carers Bucks walked/ran a combined distance of 100km along The Ridgeway, Britain’s oldest path as part of the Race to the Stones challenge. They raised over £3,300 which will towards helping run groups and activities for young carers, as well as the Young Carers in Schools programme which provides support and guidance to help schools identify young pupils who have a caring Left & above pictures: responsibility at home. Carers Bucks team

Thank you to the following individuals & organisations Christmas Cards! Fundraising in for their kind donations over the past six months: This Christmas, we will be selling the community packs of Christmas cards designed  • Chalfont St Peter by young carers in Bucks and Milton We are always on the look-out for Parish Churches Keynes. All proceeds raised from the new ideas to help Carers Bucks raise • Mrs N Leighton sale of the cards will go to Young funds for adult and young carers. If • Judith Lucas Carers Bucks and Young Carers MK. there are any particular events or • Bourne End & Cookham The cards will go on sale in activities that you would like to see Rotary Club Sainsbury’s Beaconsfield from in your local area, or to take part in a • Alex and Kevin Farrier for October 2016, and they will be focus group with our Community completing their Zip Wire Challenge! available directly from Carers Bucks. Fundraising Team then call 0300 777 • London Marathon For further details call 0300 777 2722. 2722 or email • Christine Gerson & Judy Lucus [email protected] from Beaconsfield Golf Club • Relief in Sickness Charity for Marlow Half How can you help us raise funds?: Marlow & Bourne End Suppor Group • Hold a Fundraising event • Sainsbury’s High Wycombe Marathon • Giving a regular monthly gift • Sainsbury’s Beaconsfield • Get your company/organisation • Asda High Wycombe We have been selected as one of the involved in fundraising • Carmichael’s chosen charities for the Marlow Half • Take part in a challenging event • Classic Car Show & Wimbledon Marathon on Sunday 6th November. • Give a gift in memory of a loved Screening at Chalfont Lodge All proceeds from this event will go one • Aylesbury Tangent Group to Carers Bucks, Thames Valley Air • Wycombe LAF Ambulance and Marlow Sports Club. • Rothschild Foundation If you’re interested in taking part visit Fundraising • Those who supported the Race to http://bit.ly/2cpURj0 the Stones team Spotlight: • Fulmer Fete Wasim Shaid • Morrisson’s Foundation • Wycombe Round Table Charity of the Year for Earlier this year, Wasim • Sean Baylis, MK Marathon Sainsbury’s Beaconsfield Shaid completed the • Devon Perfect, Tough Mudder London Marathon to • Wasim Shaid and Mark Willis, Virgin We’re delighted to have been selected raise funds for Carers Bucks. Wasim London Marathon as Charity of the Year for Sainsbury’s raised over £604, and his employer • D C Kaye & Co Solicitors in Beaconsfield. As part of the DHL Luton match funded this amount partnership we will be organising in- to bring the total to over £1200. store collections, information events Thanks so much Wasim for all your and on the run up to Christmas the help & support and for completing store will be selling our Christmas the marathon in a good time! cards, designed by young carers. Autumn/Winter 2016 | 13 Young Carers Bucks Young Carers in Schools Project Following from our successful ‘Young schools in Aylesbury Vale and We are now hoping to source further Carers in Schools’ Awards ceremony surrounding areas. Schools nominate funding for this project and looking in January, at which 15 local primary a staff member to become a ‘Young forward to awarding more schools schools were presented with a Gold Carers Champion’ who works with on Young Carers Awareness Day in Award for their commitment to Young Carers Bucks’ Support Workers January 2017. supporting and identifying young to initiate regular support groups. carers in their school, we have The groups enable young carers to For further information continued our work in setting up discuss any worries they might have call 0300 777 2722 or groups at primary schools across with their school work, self-esteem email [email protected] Aylesbury Vale and Wycombe. issues or caring role.

Carers Bucks’ Young Carers in Schools programme offers schools guidance and practical tools to identify and support young pupils who have a caring responsibility.

The project has already helped to identify many young carers attending

Young Carers Media Training Day at Carers Trust

In August, a group of young carers of talking to journalists either on TV, to become ambassadors for Carers had the opportunity to attend a radio, newspapers or online (by Trust’s Babble website. The group media training day in London run by conducting mock interviews), found the day really useful and are Carers Trust. The purpose of the day guidance on how to write blogs, film hoping to put their new found skills was to give young carers experience vlogs (self directed video diaries) and into practise soon!

Scout Camp with Stokenchurch Scout Group This summer a group of 11 young carers had a great time staying in yurts at the Scout Camp at Paccar Scout Camp in Chalfont St Peter, with the Stokenchurch Scouts. This is our 5th year camping with the group, who want to help give young carers a break by sharing their camp with them. The young carers had a fantastic time mixing with the scouts, all the outdoor activities and camping outdoors.

14 | Autumn/Winter 2016 www.carersbucks.org Young Adult Carers Bucks

A group of young adult carers (YACs) The YACs involved received 2 AQA’s enjoyed a three day residential at each and a relaxing time away Caldecott Xperience in August as together! part of our Lifeskills programme. A special thanks to the Youth Service There are a number of events for at Bucks County Council for working YACS taking place this Autumn and with us to run a really insightful Winter including Lifeskills workshops, programme on Independent Living, social outings around Bucks & other which covered three evening sessions interesting events and activities. and the residential.

For more information contact: Wycombe & Chiltern District • Sarah Collin 01494 463536 or 07555 100728 [email protected] Aylesbury Vale • Emma Tanner 01296 392711 or 07555 100746 [email protected]

Visit www.carersbucks.org/services/ young-adult-carers where you can also see a video about the YAC support service produced by a local young adult carer.

If you are a young adult carer or know someone who is the please do not hesitate to contact us.

Autumn/Winter 2016 | 15 SERVICES & INFORMATION Headway Aylesbury Vale ‘Hundreds of carers for ABI can be caused by an illness or brain injury survivors an accident, and can devastate the life of a previously healthy person. miss out on vital respite’ Headway currently opens two days a week, Mondays and Wednesdays, Charity Chairman Phil Simmons behind the Co-Op in Wedgewood says hundreds of families of brain Street, offering therapy, information injury survivors are missing out on and meaningful social activities. The much-needed respite because they intention is to increase the days it Phil Simmons are unaware of the services offered operates to widen the range of Chairman by Headway Aylesbury Vale. services, especially to fit the needs of younger clients. And she urged other surviors of Headway, based in purpose-built acquired brain injury to seek out the premises in Fairford Leys, offers In a documented case study for the charity’s help. “I would recommend it individually-tailored support charity, one carer told how her to anyone in a similar position. He’s programmes to clients as well as previously happy family life had made friends there and looks activities such as art & photographic disintegrated overnight when her forward to it.” classes. But, probably due a lack of husband suffered a serious illness in knowledge of the charity, only a his 40s. It meant that even going out Phil Simmons added: “There are so fraction of Aylesbury Vale’s estimated for a day was difficult and required many similar stories to this one and 1,500 population of people with extensive planning. we have ample evidence that we do Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) are make a difference to the lives of the currently attending the sessions. “This has put a massive strain on our brain injury survivors and to their family and changed our lives families who need a well-earned Mr Simmons said: “Our charity is completely,” she said. break. extremely well-liked by its users and their families so it’s a real pity that But things improved radically when “I would urge everyone with even more people don’t take advantage the husband joined Headway. a passing interest in this to get in of what we offer. We know the ABI touch and give us a try. What have survivors generally take a lot from “From the start it was an absolute you got to lose?” being here – but we also know their Godsend. He went for two days a families and carers really benefit week and it gave me a bit more time For more information on Headway as well. In particular, we are not for myself. He loves it and socialises Aylesbury Vale, please call Karen on reaching the younger generation. there. He even went out bowling the 01296 415469 or email We know there are a lot of survivors other week with Headway. It was so [email protected] between 18-30 out there with ABI, nice. If he could go there every day, I and we are convinced they and their would love it.” loved ones would really benefit from them joining us.”

To improve the patient experience If anyone has a relative with a learning LEARNING when visiting hospital, disability and wishes the alert to be Buckinghamshire Healthcare Trust added to the Buckinghamshire are in the process of adding an alert hospital computer system please on to the records of individuals with contact Karen Howsam, Learning DISABILITY a learning disability onto the hospital Disability Liaison Nurse at Stoke computer system. This will then send Mandeville Hospital on 01296 316991 prompts to staff to recognise that an or 07876 231051. LIAISON individual may need additional support with communication or This system covers Amersham, reasonable adjustments need to be Thame, Wycombe, Marlow, & Stoke made when visiting the hospital. Mandeville Hospital.

16 | Autumn/Winter 2016 www.carersbucks.org Transforming Care Workshops

Buckinghamshire’s Transforming The benefits will be: For further information about Care plan takes an all age and whole • More support in the community Buckinghamshire’s Transforming systems approach to the health and • A strengthened intensive support Care plan, sign up to a Carers forum social care needs of people with a function, that will eventually move taking place throughout November: learning disability and/or autism who from 5 days to 7 days a week display behaviour that challenges, • A reduced need for specialist Thurs 3rd Nov 10.30am - 12.30pm including people with mental health inpatient admissions Carers Bucks’ Aylesbury office conditions. We are also developing: Thurs 10th Nov 1.00pm - 2.30pm The overall aim is to achieve positive • Co-production of services with Holy Trinity Church, Amersham outcomes for people as evidenced carers and service users with Road, Hazlemere, HP15 7PZ by lives that are: lived experience • Healthier • Opportunities to increase Thurs 17th Nov 11am - 12.30pm • Offer more choice and control collaborative working between Buckingham Opportunities Centre, • Greater support & independence health & social care professionals Well Street, Buckingham, MK18 1EN within local communities • Clearer & more robust pathways for young people and adults Wed 23rd Nov 10.30am - 12.30pm As a first step to achieving these • An innovative shared ownership Amersham Community Centre, outcomes, Bucks’ specialist learning housing initiative to improve the Small Barn Hall, Chiltern Avenue, disability health service for Adults quality of life for individuals and Amersham, HP6 5AH will be transferring to a new provider repatriate people back into the from the summer of 2016. community from hospital settings • Workforce development so that staff are better able to deliver interventions earlier and prevent placement breakdowns

Volunteer for Carers Bucks Volunteering is a great way to meet and some school holiday outings new people and learn new skills. – whatever time you can spare. There’s also the satisfaction of Volunteer drivers are vital as they knowing that you’re doing something allow our young carers to attend the useful and worthwhile. It should also club nights and outings organised by be fun! You can choose the type of Carers Bucks, giving them a chance role that you want at a time to suit to have some fun and spend time you. away from their caring role. You just need to be over 21 years old and We are always looking for people to have a clean drivers licence. You will help with bucket collections to also need to have a DBS check and support our Community Fundraising attend a short training session. team. For more details call our Volunteer If you volunteer an hour of your Co-ordinator on 0300 777 2722 or time you will receive a Time Credit email [email protected] which you can spend in a variety of ways from days out in London, to “I can see how much benefit the gym sessions and the theatre. Time children and young people get from Credits never expire and they don’t the activities. Several children have cost any money. told me they have made good friends through Young Carers and that it We are currently looking for really helps to meet others who have volunteers drivers to collect and drop to deal with the same issues as they off young carers at their club nights do.” - Volunteer driver in Aylesbury and Wycombe

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