WIRED Carers Support Carer Connectors Building Carer Friendly Communities Wirral Carers E-news Issue: 34 Date: 11/03/16 State of Caring Survey 2016: tell us what life is like Could you help us show the reality of what it means to care for a The survey covers: family member or friend in 2016? Our State of Caring Survey 2016 is now open. We run the survey each year to find out what life is like for people who are caring, and what needs to change to make life better. This year is particularly important in England as the cross-government Carers Strategy has been launched. By sharing your views and experiences you help us provide vital evidence for our campaigns and work with Government. As the most comprehensive survey into carers' views in the UK, it will take 20-30 minutes to complete. We are incredibly grateful to each and every person who takes the time to tell us about their experiences – good and bad. Complete the survey » If you have any questions about the State of Caring Survey please get in touch with Jenny Luckett, Policy, Research and Public Affairs Officer, by replying to this email or clicking here. Thank you for taking the time to help us – your responses make a real difference in helping us work together to make life better for carers. Places are strictly limited, so please book yours now Fo r more details visit Family Tree -http://www.familytreewirral.co.uk/care-well-cope- well-live-well/ Or call phone: 0151 488 8159 e-mail: [email protected] Has your life been touched by dementia? We are inviting carers, family members, friends and community vol- unteers to come along to the Museum of Liverpool to find out more about dementia and the resources and activities we can provide to support you and your loved ones. The ‘Buddy day’, which is specifically designed for family carers, will include high-quality theatrical experiences, a chance to try out our innovative My House of Memories app and a museum memory walk. This event is free to attend. Doors open at 10am for a 10.30am start, with free lunch provided and a prompt 2.30pm finish. To book please email learn- [email protected] or call 0151 478 4240 with your contact details and preferred date. House of Memories ‘Buddy’ days: Wednesday 27 or Thursday 28 April 2016 Venue: Museum of Liverpool, Pier Head, Liverpool Waterfront, Liverpool, L3 1DG www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/houseofmemories House of Memories ‘Buddy’ programme has been partly funded by a private bequest. Dawn Carroll HoM Relationship Programme Manager Education Administration National Museums Liverpool World Museum, William Brown Street. L3 8EN. Tel: 0151 478 4597 Calling residents of Wirral West: have your say on local projects As a resident of Wirral West constituency, you are being offered the chance to take part in a community vote to decide the allocation of £50,000 of funding for local pro- jects that will make a real difference by improving their area and peoples’ lives. You can now vote online to fund projects put forward by voluntary and community groups working in the area. The voting survey also provides you with an opportunity to tell us what’s important to you about the area. The money comes from Wirral West Constituency Committee, which has funded nearly 170 local projects in the last two years. The Wirral West Community Fund supports projects in Arrowe Park, parts of Barnston, Caldy, Frankby, Greasby, Hoy- lake, Irby, Meols, Newton, Overchurch, Pensby, Thingwall, Thurstaston, Upton, West Kirby and Woodchurch The voting deadline is noon on Friday 18 March 2016. Wirral West committee seeks community reps Community-minded residents from Wirral West parliamentary constituency area are being invited to apply for a place on a committee that plays a major part in local decision-making. Wirral West Constituency Committee is looking to recruit community representatives aged 18 or over. Applicants must either live in the communities covered by Wirral West Constituency or operate within one of those wards as a member of a community group or simi- lar. The wards covered by Wirral West Constituency are Greasby, Frankby and Irby, Hoylake and Meols, Pensby and Thingwall, Upton and West Kirby and Thurstaston. Cllr Jeff Green, who chairs the Wirral West Constituency Committee, said: “We are looking for enthusiastic people who want to make a difference in their communi- ty. The committee actively seeks the views of people in Wirral West in shaping its activities, and our community representatives are a hugely important part of this.” Community representatives provide valuable expertise and experience to help inform the discussion at constituency committee meetings and work with local councillors and the constituency team to actively engage with residents and communities and feedback local views into decision-making. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an informal interview. Those who are successful and co-opted by the Committee will be expected to attend four evening Constituency Committee meetings per year, held in public at venues across the con- stituency area. Existing community representatives are welcome to reapply. An application form is available to download at www.wirral.gov.uk/communityrepresentative Closing date is: 12 noon on Friday 31st March 2016. Memories afternoon: an event for those living with dementia and their carers Thursday 17th March 14:30-16:00, Wallasey Central Library Join us for an afternoon of music, reminiscence and a cuppa at Wallasey Central Library. This is a chance to interact with our new collection of Reminiscence Boxes, which contain items across a range of themes from times gone by, including ‘Childhood Memories’, ‘School Days’ and ‘Wash Days’. We will be joined by Sarah Murray from the Alzheimer’s Society Wirral, and other local families living with dementia. Entertainment will be provided by the Memories Choir. This is a free event and refreshments will be available. Please reserve your place by contacting Laura Pringle, Strategic Librarian at [email protected] Find out more about what the Library and Knowledge Service can offer you! A collection of articles, stories and events for services supporting Children, Young People and Families in Wirral Click here for more information MCTC’S PART TIME FOUNDATION COURSE One evening per week + two full days, one at the beginning and one at the end 65 Hours of training in Interpersonal Helping Skills 2nd April – 23rd July PLACES STILL AVAILABLE The course will be helpful for: Anyone interested in pursuing their own interior journey Anyone wishing to develop their listening and helping skills People in caring professions – social workers, nurses, carers, doctors… Those who hold pastoral roles - teachers, managers, chaplains, HR professionals, youth workers… Ministers, priests and people living in religious communities… Leaders of organisations or communities – police officers, council workers… Anyone considering further training in counselling or psychotherapy At MCTC, we believe that I must look at my own interior processes and do the work to repair the damage that I have sustained along life’s journey, before I can be of any help to others. If I do not do this constantly, then I am always in danger of projecting my own issues onto others and causing them further damage. It is for this reason that all our therapists and trainers at the Centre are in ongoing personal therapy them- selves. It is also why all our training has a strong experiential element and the Foundation Course is no exception. Topics on the course include The Dynamic Life Cycle What it means to be human Loss and Bereavement Sexuality Transference and Projection Self-care and many more … all in the context of group discussion, work in pairs, observed listening, role play, art work, meditation and sharing of personal journeys as well as the teaching input. There is no written work although participants are encouraged to keep a personal journal throughout. Click here for further information and application form Are you veteran of the armed forces do you need help in you day to day life or with a caring role? The Royal Air Force and Ssafa - the armed forces charity can help you They both provide a range of services ranging from benefits advice, support in the home , respite breaks, home adaptations So check their website for more information Click the logo to go to their page Have you applied for the Carers Grant yet? Are you an adult and do you provide care for someone over the age of 18? YES - Then you may be eligible for a CARERS GRANT! This is a one-off payment and could pay for: Training courses such as Manual Handling, educational, hobbies etc. Health therapies such as massage or podiatry or leisure activities Travel/ costs to visit family or even help toward a laptop or tablet to improve social isolation through social media To find out more about a Carers Grant and how the Carers Wellbeing Service can help you with your caring role contact the Carers Helpline on 0151 670 0777 or email: [email protected] Disclaimer: Every effort is made to ensure that the information in this E-bulletin is correct. Wired Wirral Carers can accept no liability for errors and omissions and cannot recommend products or services. Views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Wired Wirral Carers Question or comment? E-mail us: [email protected] why not visit our website: www.wirralcarers.co.uk .