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13 www Funded by .ncompassnorthwest.co.uk newsletter! Hello and welcome to the n-compass Carers’ Services Contents Spring Newsletter. 3 n-compass Carers' Services I hope this newsletter finds you well and starting to warm up, dry out and 6 n-compass Mental Health spot the welcome signs of spring after some pretty terrible winter Carers' Support weather. 6 Mental Health Carers Coffee In this newsletter find out how we are marking Carers Week 2016, which and Chat (East Lancs) this year builds on the theme of last year, celebrating Carers and recognising what makes a Carer Friendly Community. You can see some 9 Meet the n-compass Teams interesting statistics about caring and Carers nationally on the front cover; 11 Creating Social Value for instance did you know that every year 2.1 million adults become Carers and almost as many people find that their caring responsibilities 12 n-compass Carers' Services come to an end. If you are someone who is new to their caring role take a Citizen Involvement look at the n-compass Carers' Services pages to make sure you are receiving all the support you can from us. And remember, if you are a 12 Carers' Services Questionnaire Former Carer, you are welcome at the Coffee and Chats, Carers Activities Feedback and Carefree Days for up to two years after you cease your caring role. 14 Introducing the Black and Thank you to all of you who completed and returned the Carers' Services Minority Ethnic (BME) Carers' Questionnaire. We received a fantastic response and you can read a summary of the feedback in this newsletter. It was wonderful to hear the Support Workers positive difference engaging with a Carers' Support Worker and the other 15 Carers Week 2016 services we provide has had for the majority of you. We recognise that we don't always get it right for every individual so it was also extremely 16 Carers' Coffee and Chats helpful hearing from those of you making suggestions for improvements. (Central & West Lancs)

As well as making the 'Meet the n-compass Teams' pages a regular 17 Carers' Coffee and Chats feature we are also putting the spotlight on a different set of specialist (North Lancs) Carers' Support Workers each quarter. This newsletter it is the turn of our Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Carers' Support Workers so turn to their 18 Carefree Days with Lancashire section to find out more about them, where you will find them out and Adult Learning about and also details of the Asian Carers' Forum. 19 Community Events and Courses Best wishes and enjoy the read, (North Lancs)

Asher Beever 20 Community Events and Courses n-compass Carers' Services Lead (Central & West Lancs) 21 Carers' Activities n-compass offers con fidential and secure services n-compass is registered in England and Wales as a Registered Charity 22 Useful Telephone Numbers No.1128809 and as a company limited by guarantee no. 06845210 n-compass is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare 23 Lancashire Wide Services of children, young people and adults 25 North Lancashire Services Central & West Lancashire 26 اﮔﺭ اﺱ اﺧﺑﺎﺭﮐﮯ ﮐﺱﯼ ﺣﺻﮯ ﮐﺎآﭖ کﯼ ﺯﺑﺎن مﯼﮞ ﺗﺭﺟﻣہ ﭼﺎﮨﺗﮯ Services هﯼﮞ ﺗﻭ ﻓﺭﺯاﻧہ آﺩم ﯼا ﺗﺳنﯼم ﺟﻭگﯼاﺕ ﺳﮯ 7113 668 0345 ﭘﺭ Working Together for Carers 27 ﺭاﺑطہ ﮐﺭﯼﮞ Group 28 Interest Form

Every care has been taken in the compilation and publication of the content of this newsletter. However, n-compass Carers' Services will not be held responsible for the content or services provided by any third parties or liable for inconvenience caused as a result of inaccuracy or error within these pages. The information contained in the newsletter is for general information only and does not constitute as advice on personal health or any other matter. Views expressed in articles do not necessarily represent those of n-compass Carers' Services. Comments, Complaints and Compliments To help us improve our service, if you have any comments, good or bad, please bring them to our attention. Our complaints procedure is available on request from the service. All complaints are responded to 2 promptly. If you have any compliments and you feel happy with the service you received please let us know. n c mpass Carers’ Services

Are you a Carer who Group Sitting In Service Volunteers If you would prefer to volunteer with others in a needs a break? group setting why not support the NEW Group Sitting In Service? Become part of a team of volunteers Then make use of our NEW making a monthly commitment to give Carers a Group Sitting In Service! break by supporting the person they care for.

Bring the person you care for to one of the venues below and leave them with trained volunteers while you have a well deserved break. We will ensure the person you care for is safe and well, although we cannot carry out any personal care or administer medication. This is a new Service so we are trialling it at two venues. If it is a success we hope to expand it to venues in other areas of Central, West and North Lancashire. The Sanctuary Community Café 12 – 14 Heysham Road, Morecambe LA3 1DG Tel: 01524 874100 2:00pm – 4:00pm Thursday 12th May 2016 Thursday 9th June 2016 For more details and to reserve a place call the Sitting In Service Coordinator, Sophie Smith, on 0345 688 7113, email Chorley Lifestyle Centre [email protected] marked for Sophie’s attention or Gillibrand Street, Chorley PR7 2EJ tick the box and return the Interest Form. Tel: 01257 267293 During the afternoon Please do get in touch if you would like to try the Group Sitting In Thursday 19th May 2016 Service but may not be able to transport the person you care for to a Thursday 16th June 2016 session as support may be available.

Sitting In Service Volunteering for the Sitting In Service The Sitting In Service engages volunteers to The Sitting In Service is something we would love to offer provide Carers with a break from their caring role to all the Carers who would like this Service. To do this we by providing support to the person that they care need more volunteers. n-compass Carers’ Services for. Volunteers can offer companionship by taking Would you, a family member or a friend consider part in activities such as listening to music, volunteering for the Sitting In Service? It would involve watching television, playing board games and going to a cared for person's home to sit with them while chatting. The Service is free and can be provided at their Carer takes a well-earned break for a couple of a time to suit, including evenings and weekends. hours. Or leave the Carer to put their feet up while you take the person they care for out for a walk or to pursue Please note, this Service is dependent on a suitable an interest or hobby. It is purely a companionship service volunteer match being available and there is and you would receive full training. You would be currently likely to be a significant wait. matched with someone who lives near to you so that you do not have to travel far. For more information or to register your interest For more information contact n-compass Carers' in receiving the Sitting In Service contact Services on 0345 688 7113, email n-compass Carers' Services on 0345 688 7113 [email protected] or tick the or email [email protected] box and return the Interest Form.

Follow us @ncompasscarers Like us /ncompasscarers Telephone: 0345 688 7113 www.ncompassnorthwest.co.uk 3 TIME OFF HELP Carer’s SUPPORT Assessments CARE BENEFITS Most Carers have a legal right to a Carer’s Assessment GUIDANCE of their own needs. Through their assessment Carers Peace INFORMATION have the opportunity to discuss how being a Carer ADVICE affects them and highlight any support which they may of Mind need. An assessment can result in a range of support being offered to Carers e.g. referrals for a home fire 4 Carers safety check, benefit check, condition specific Carer Through the Peace of Mind 4 Carers service Carers can support, modifications to the home, short break be sure that the person they care for is not left without services or a personal budget. help and support in the event of an emergency. Plans are free, provide 24 hour contingency and up to 72 hours of free care that will be in place within 1 hour of Carer’s Personal Budget the plan being activated. The changes required under the Care Act mean that Carers who have activated their plans have Local Authorities must provide a personal budget to commented that they were very impressed by the Carers who are eligible and Lancashire County Council service and that the staff who went in were exemplary; are working with n-compass Carers’ Services to make professional and always on time. sure this happens. For more information, to complete a plan or to Personal budgets are there to improve Carers' health review your existing plan contact n-compass and wellbeing and to support them in their caring role Carers’ Services on 0345 688 7113 or email and many Carers have already benefited from a [email protected] personal budget since they were introduced in April 2015. Eligible Carers have been provided a personal budget to spend on such things as a break away, gym or sports club membership, relaxation treatments, a washing machine or a computer. Hospital To access a personal budget you will need to have a Carer’s Assessment, which can be carried out by n- Passports compass Carers’ Services. A support plan will be n-compass Carers’ Services support Carers to developed with you and a personal budget applied for. complete Hospital Passports to be used in Blackpool If you are eligible for a budget, the money must then be Teaching Hospital and in Royal Lancaster Infirmary spent on the items agreed in your support plan. Hospital and are working with all local GP practices in North Lancashire to ensure that Carers can receive a At this stage, a Carer’s Assessment cannot be offered Passport for planned admissions to hospital. We hope by n-compass Carers’ Services to the following Carers: to expand this partnership working into Central and Young Carers (a Carer under 18 years old) West Lancashire in the future. Parent Carers (caring for a child under 17 years old The aim of the Hospital Passport is to give Carers the or under 16 years if the child is treated within steps opportunity to inform staff of their caring role, the 4 and 5 of the Step Care Model) support they are able to provide throughout the hospital stay and to identify what support the Carer will For these Carers, support will be given by n-compass be able to offer to the person they are caring for Carers’ Services to access their assessment. following their discharge.

For more information or to request a Carer’s Hospital Passports can be downloaded from Assessment contact n-compass Carers’ www.ncompassnorthwest.co.uk/wp- Services on 0345 688 7113 or email content/uploads/2014/06/Hospital-Passport- [email protected] Booklet.pdf

4 Follow us @ncompasscarers Like us /ncompasscarers Telephone: 0345 688 7113 www.ncompassnorthwest.co.uk Small Carer Profile Groups The Carer Profile, 'This is Me, I am a Carer', is a document set up by Carers for Carers to complete to inform others of their caring Fund role. It can include information about exactly how they support the person they care for, what might help them in their caring role and details of any professionals, other people and The Small Groups Fund can be applied for by services that support the person they care for. The Carer groups of Carers to set up or support a Carers' Profile should help the Carer to communicate with multiple support group or network. The maximum that services without having to say the same thing repeatedly and can be applied for is £500 which can be used to is also a way of letting professionals know things about the support the group in various ways including caring role Carers may not be comfortable speaking about in room hire, promotion, transport and equipment. front of the person they care for.

For more information or for an application For more information or for support to complete a Hospital form contact n-compass Carers’ Services Passport or Carer Profile contact n-compass Carers’ on 0345 688 7113 or email Services on 0345 688 7113 or email [email protected] [email protected] A Carer’s Story How n-compass Carers’ Services can provide support Jeffrey cares for his wife Susan. He has been caring for Jeffrey explained how he doesn't receive support from her for a year as Susan had suffered a double bleed on anyone else nor does he have anyone to help him if the brain and was left with stroke like symptoms. Jeffrey there was an emergency and he was unable to support was referred to n-compass Carers' Services by his Social Susan. The Peace of Mind 4 Carers Plan was discussed Worker who thought he could do with some extra with Jeffery and Susan, and they thought this would be a support. A Carers' Support Worker contacted Jeffrey brilliant idea and wanted to go ahead with setting this and after talking through the options of either a Plan up. The Carers' Support Worker set up the Plan and telephone appointment or a face to face meeting it was they now have peace of mind that if anything were to decided that Jeffery would like to arrange a home visit to happen to Jeffrey unexpectedly, care workers will take discuss support for his caring role. care of Susan, free of charge, for up to 72 hours continuous care. At the visit it was recognised that Jeffrey was not aware of any services available to support him in his caring role Jeffery was informed of the local Coffee and Chat and as a result he was struggling. A Carer's Assessment Support Groups and he knows that he can attend for was completed with Jeffrey to look at what support was further support. The Carers' Support Worker also required and how caring has had an impact on his contacted Adult Social Care on Jeffrey's behalf to make health and wellbeing. sure he and Susan were receiving the right support for their needs which included asking for a Care Needs It was identified through Jeffrey's Carer's Assessment Assessment for Susan. Jeffrey also knows he can access that one of the major impacts on his wellbeing was not any other n-compass Services at any time, and that a being able to go out as much together with Susan due to Carers' Support Worker is only a phone call away. her mobility. In view of that, options were discussed as to how this could be improved and Jeffrey suggested that Overall, this was a positive experience for both Jeffrey having a wheelchair would enable them to go out with and Susan and the support they have received has and ease and give them both more confidence if Susan was will make not only a difference to Jeffrey's caring role but struggling to walk. A personal budget of £399 was will improve their health and wellbeing. awarded to Jeffrey to purchase the wheelchair.

Follow us @ncompasscarers Like us /ncompasscarers Telephone: 0345 688 7113 www.ncompassnorthwest.co.uk 5 n-compass Carers’ Services Mental Health Carers Help and Talk Carers’ Support (CHAT) Line Are there times when you want The n-compass Mental Health Carers' Support to talk but feel there is Team consists of ten Carers' Support Workers no one to talk to? and a Senior Carers' Support Worker, all of whom share a strong desire to support Carers of people Do you want to unload, find out with mental health conditions. information, share experiences, talk about an interest or a hobby? The team is a diverse group in terms of experience and background and all have an Then call the Carers Help and Talk Line on understanding of the challenges facing Carers. 0333 103 9747

Volunteers who have caring experience or have experience supporting Carers who care for someone with a mental health condition are waiting to take your call and offer you a listening ear.

The CHAT Line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 365 days a year.

For more information or for details on how to become a CHAT Line Volunteer contact n-compass Mental Health Carers’ Support Service on 0345 688 7113 or email [email protected] The team can provide one-to-one visits to Carers in order to offer guidance with issues relating to the caring role, such as stress relief and NEW East Lancashire Mental Health wellbeing, provide information on local Carers Carers’ Coffee & Chats groups, Carers forums and other services that Meet and chat with others caring for someone with may be of benefit and offer a Carer's a mental health condition, speak to an n-compass Assessment to identify the Carer's individual Carers' Mental Health Support Worker and enjoy a support requirements. FREE (non-alcoholic) drink. The Coffee and Chats are an opportunity to take a break from your caring role In addition, the team can offer emotional support and are for Carers and former Carers who are by providing a safe and confidential opportunity registered with us. for the Carer to describe how their caring affects them personally, often providing an outlet that Community Room, ASDA otherwise may not exist for the Carer. Corporation Street, Colne, BB8 8LU 10:00am – 12:00noon th If you would like further information on Tuesday 26 April 2016 st the Mental Health Carers' Support Service Tuesday 31 May 2016 1pm-3pm (note time) th or would like to make a referral for Tuesday 28 June 2016 Tuesday 26th July 2016 support please call our Carers Help and th Information Team (CHIT) line (Monday to Tuesday 30 August 2016 Tuesday 27th September 2016 Friday from 8.00am until 6.00pm) on Tuesday 25th October 2016 0345 688 7113 or email Tuesday 29th November 2016 [email protected] Tuesday 20th December 2016

6 Follow us @ncompasscarers Like us /ncompasscarers Telephone: 0345 688 7113 www.ncompassnorthwest.co.uk My Carers’ Support Worker was based in the offices at West Strand and that she would refer me to the Carers' Service. I honestly Journey could not believe that I had gone this long without asking for help! How n-compass Carers' Services can provide support to Carers of people with a mental health When Lynne, a Mental Health Carers' Support Worker, condition. contacted me I thought that I may have scared her away. All I could do was cry and tell her how bad things were. My name is Carol and I am the main Carer for my After listening to my situation, Lynne offered me a Carer's daughter Kim, who has been treated for schizophrenia Assessment which I had not heard about before. We since she was first diagnosed at 22 years old. completed the assessment and I was relieved that

someone was taking an interest in me and my caring At first everything was OK; Kim enjoyed her school years role. As part of the assessment Lynne told me that I was and I worked for a firm of solicitors in Preston as a eligible to receive a personal budget because of the way secretary. When Kim began to struggle at school, her that being a Carer had impacted on me and my life. I father and I thought that she might be getting bullied. She hadn't had a holiday or break for 3 years and I was able seemed to 'go downhill' and we were becoming very to book a weekend away. Kim's Care Coordinator worried. She would stay in her room for most of the day arranged for her to go into respite so that I could go. and stopped seeing her friends. Her schoolwork suffered and we decided to take her to the GP, who Lynne also arranged for a plan called a 'Peace of Mind 4 seemed to think it was depression and prescribed anti Carers' which reassured me that if I fell ill or was unable depressant medication. to care for Kim, that I could activate the plan and Kim would be looked after for up to 72 hours. I simply had no Not long after this Kim told me that she had been hearing idea that such support was available for me. voices in her head which really scared me. I felt helpless and did not know what to do. Lynne carried on supporting me for several months. She would come to my home and listen to me. Although I had At this time my marriage was struggling and I felt very a couple of friends who I saw occasionally, I did not feel alone with Kim's illness. Although Kim was referred into that I wanted to constantly talk about my caring role and the mental health service for treatment I felt that no one Kim's condition. So to be able to talk to Lynne was was supporting me. amazing! She was also able to suggest some other organisations that could help me with counselling and At the time I had to look after Kim all day, every day, my own care. I often think what my life would be like now cooking and cleaning around the house, shopping and without the support from Lynne as she has made such a making sure that she took her medication. I had no time difference to me. for my own life. Unfortunately I had separated from Kim's father and he had moved out, stating that he could not Kim is now living away from home, supported by an cope with Kim's condition and behaviour. I also had to organisation called 'Integrate' which has given her a new give up work to be with Kim 'full time' as I could not trust lease of life and me some freedom. I still see her every her to be safe alone. day and help her with Fortunately, I was able to appointments. We also access the internet and go shopping and to the searched for any help cinema together. available for Carers in the Preston area. I also asked At the moment I don't Kim's Care Coordinator need to receive Lynne's from the mental health support but I know that team if she knew of any she is there for me to type of Carer support that c o n t a c t i f t h e r e ' s may be available to me. anything I need or I find She told me that an 'n- that I am struggling to compass' Carers' Support cope again. 7 Carer Led Support Groups

These Carers’ Support Groups have been set up by Carers who care for someone with a mental health condition. All of these groups welcome new Carers who feel they may benefit from meeting with other Carers, perhaps sharing experiences and peer support.

The Bay Mental Health Carers’ Group, Morecambe Mental Health Carers’ Contact 07475 948883 for information on Forums dates, venue and times The n-compass Mental Health Carers’ Forums offer Carers and professionals the opportunity to share their experiences and Fylde Mental Health Carers’ Group collectively influence the development of potential new and meets at the Woodlands Resource Centre, existing services relating to mental health in their local area. St Andrews Road South, St Anne's on the 2nd Monday of each month at 2pm The Forums are also an opportunity for Carers and Contact 0345 688 7113 for more information professionals to find out more about support services available both to Carers and the people that they care for.

Preston and South Ribble North Lancashire Mental Health Carers’ Forum – Mental Health Carers’ Group The Community Room, Oak Road Sheltered meets at the Beautiful Planet Café on Accommodation, Garstang PR3 1HT. Friargate in Preston on the 1st Monday of 10.30am-1.30pm every month from 7pm - 9pm Thu 21st April 2016 Thu 20th October 2016 Contact Richard Holdsworth on Thu 16th June 2016 Thu 8th December 2016 07539 775914 for more information Thu 18th August 2016 Thu 16th February 2017

Central Mental Health Carers’ Forum - Preston Mental Health Carers’ Group The Lancashire Archives, Lancashire Record Office, meets at The Sherwood Pub, Fulwood Bow Lane, Preston, Lancashire PR1 2RE on the 4th Tuesday of each month from 12.00pm-3.00pm 7.30pm - 9pm Mon 18th April 2016 Mon 17th October 2016 Contact 0345 688 7113 for more information Mon 20th June 2016 Mon 19th December 2016 Mon 15th August 2016 Mon 20th February 2017 BME Women's Mental Health Carer Support Group East Lancashire Mental Health Carers’ Forum - Burnley Fire Station, Ormerod Road, Burnley BB10 3AA meets at Pendle House, Leeds Road, Nelson 11.00am-2.30pm Contact 0345 688 7113 for more information Wed 20th April 2016 Wed 19th October 2016 on dates and times Wed 15th June 2016 Wed 21st December 2016 Wed 17th August 2016 Wed 15th February 2017 Fleetwood Mental Health Carers’ Group meets at Fleetwood Library on the first Refreshments and a light lunch will be provided. Tuesday of every month from 6.30pm - 8pm Simply come along on the day or for more information Contact 0345 688 7113 for more information contact n-compass Carers’ Services on 0345 688 7113 or email [email protected]

8 Follow us @ncompasscarers Like us /ncompasscarers Telephone: 0345 688 7113 www.ncompassnorthwest.co.uk n-compass Carers' Services Team

Carley Fanning Sharon James Charlotte Rose Lisa Cox Asher Beever Senior Carers’ Support Worker Carers’ Support Worker Carers’ Support Worker Carers’ Support Worker n-compass Carers' Services Lead (North Lancashire)

Karen Gillett Diane Armstrong Katie McKeever Bernadette Flanagan Wendy Foot Carers’ Health Worker Dementia Carers’ Support Worker Senior Carers’ Support Worker Senior Carers’ Support Worker Carers’ Support Worker (Central & West Lancashire) (Central & West Lancashire)

Tracey Dyson Dawn Hamer Deb Clark Sarah Lynch Natalie Hoy Carers’ Support Worker Carers’ Support Worker Carers’ Support Worker Carers’ Support Worker Carers’ Support Worker

Paula Fairclough Cath Moss Farzana Adam Tasneem Jogiyat Ian Scott Carers’ Support Worker Carers’ Health Worker BME Carers’ Support Worker BME Carers’ Support Worker Dementia Carers’ Support Worker

Sophie Smith Sheena Beever Joanne Manning Amy Smith Sitting-In Service Coordinator Carers' Services Casual Worker Carers' Services Casual Worker Carers' Services Casual Worker (Central, West and North Lancashire)

Rachael Wheeler Chloe Walmsley Susan Bailey Rukhsana Hussain Kristen Harper Carers' Services Casual Worker Carers' Services Casual Worker Carers' Services Casual Worker Carers' Services Casual Worker Carers' Services Casual Worker 9

Mental Health Carers’ Support Team Mike Winstanley Denise Johnson Jamila Rauf Senior Mental Health Carers’ Mental Health Carers’ Support Worker Mental Health Carers’ Support Worker Support Worker (Lancashire)

Diane Burns Jane Williams Sue Lee Lisa Bradley Lynne Wagstaff Mental Health Carers’ Support Worker Mental Health Carers’ Support Worker Mental Health Carers’ Support Worker Mental Health Carers’ Support Worker Mental Health Carers’ Support Worker

Development Team

Sarah Read Trudie Duffy Sylvia Gray Mental Health Carers’ Support Worker Mental Health Carers’ Support Worker Mental Health Carers’ Support Worker

Lorraine Morris Bev Sykes Triage Team Senior Development Officer Development Officer

Rachel Dawe Chibwe Mushibwe Margaret Hall Steve Varley Senior Project Support Officer Project Support Officer Development Officer Triage & Development Lead

Colin Bowman Michelle Hartgen Cory Lawton Fran Baker Rob Hardy Development Officer Development Officer Project Support Officer Project Support Officer Project Support Officer

Ian Leadbeater Ben Porter Bridie Hewitt Lesley Marsden 10 Volunteer Coordinator Triage Worker Triage Worker Triage Worker n-compass operates across the North West to make a positive difference and enhance life opportunities for adults and young people disadvantaged by disability, physical / mental illness, age or social exclusion.

Self Harm Service The Butterfly and Phoenix Projects provide early intervention support to young people who are self- harming or engaging in self-destructive behaviour.

For more information or to make a referral contact the Self Harm Service on 0800 988 8376 or 07815 723 564 or by email to [email protected]

Lancashire Wellbeing Service Who are we? to make positive changes to their lives. We then offer We are a new service funded by Lancashire County support in achieving these goals, signpost to Council made up of n-compass, Richmond Fellowship complimentary services and facilitate community and Age Concern Central Lancashire. We operate involvement. across the 12 districts of Lancashire empowering individuals to create positive change in their lives. Who can we help? Creating Social Value You may benefit from our service if you are What is wellbeing? experiencing low mood, anxiety, stress or mild Wellbeing equates to feeling good and functioning well. depression. It may be that you are feeling socially We all want to feel good about ourselves and the world isolated or lonely or you could be facing difficult around us, and get the most from our lives. Positively circumstances like problems with family, finance or working on our mental, physical and social wellbeing employment. You might be struggling to cope or helps us to achieve this. feeling overwhelmed or you might need some help to develop a healthier lifestyle.

How we can help? Our Wellbeing Workers work with individuals to address the underlying causes that are affecting their ability to If you believe you could benefit from our manage their health and wellbeing. wellbeing service please ask your GP, practise nurse, social worker or local Our mission is to help people lead healthier, longer support service to refer you. lives and build personal resilience to cope with life's challenges. We want people to feel included in their Alternatively, if you are not sure if this is communities, to be able to live independently and to enjoy a good quality of life. for you then you can phone the Lancashire County Council Customer What is provided? Access Service on 0303 333 1111 for Individuals participate in up to six sessions to work more information. together with our wellbeing workers on a plan of action n c mpass 11 looking towards a brighter future n-compass Carers’ Services Citizen Involvement Citizen Involvement

Following a meeting of our Citizen Involvement Board on the 24th February 2016, we are now in the process of developing a new strategy for Citizen Involvement across the County.

As it will take some time for the new structure to be Alternatively, you can email Lorraine Morris, Senior implemented, in the meantime we would welcome Development Worker on your feedback with regard to the Service and any [email protected]. Lorraine will ideas you may have for improvements. You can do also be visiting some of the 'Coffee and Chats' in this by speaking to a Carers' Support Worker about your area during the next few weeks. your thoughts and ideas at one of the well established 'Coffee and Chats' which are advertised As part of the strategy review, we are keen to expand in this newsletter or feedback to a Carers' Support our Citizen Involvement Board and more details on Worker whilst they are carrying out a Carer's this will be included in the next Carers' Services Assessment or providing other individual support. newsletter.

n-compass Carers' Services Questionnaire Feedback

A massive thank you to everyone who responded to our request for feedback by completing and Carer's Assessment returning the Questionnaire, it has been encouraging to hear so many positive statements. Very Satisfied: 89%, Somewhat Satisfied: 11%

All your thoughts, both positive and critical, are highly 'I found the assessment session very valued and all comments are taken on board to help rewarding, it helped to have someone visiting us continually improve the delivery of an efficient, me, and actually valuing what I do as a Carer. equality driven, first class Service. With our personal budget my sister and I were able to have a lovely time together in Below are some of the comments we received Manchester which strengthened our together with a summary of scores from a random commitment' 20% sample of the Questionnaires returned. It is great to hear that the majority of Carers who have 'The award was granted and very welcomed, I accessed our Service are satisfied. Where this is not was able to book a short break for mother and the case we do hope that our influx of new Carers' me, thank you so much' Support Workers has helped reduce waiting times 'Carer's Assessment has been the most helpful for one to one support and we continue to work hard service, the extra benefit has enabled the wife to recruit new volunteers to support Carers wishing and I to get out more together, thank you' to use the Sitting In Service. 'The Carer's Assessment was carried out in a Whilst we do try to address all feedback, if you feel clear understanding manner' you have any unresolved issues , are dissatisfied in any way, or would simply like to discuss something ‘The Carer's Assessment and the resulting further then please get in touch with n-compass personal budget I was allocated have been Carers' Services on 0345 688 7113 or email extremely beneficial to me, allowing me to [email protected]. have regular massage treatments and time away from my caring role'

12 Follow us @ncompasscarers Like us /ncompasscarers Telephone: 0345 688 7113 www.ncompassnorthwest.co.uk CHAT Line 1 to 1 Carer Support

Very Satisfied: 100% Very Satisfied: 75%, Somewhat Satisfied: 12.5% Somewhat Dissatisfied: 12.5% (time taken to 'The CHAT line has been particularly supportive access support). and helpful at times of stress' 'This service is great- helped a lot and the people 'The carers CHAT line helped when I felt out of who work here are friendly and fantastic' control and unable to cope with the anxiety of 'Being a Carer I have not had any previous caring for someone with mental health problems' Carer’s support. n-compass has been so helpful especially as my son has received more Peace of Mind 4 Carers Plan diagnoses, i.e. mental health issues. Previously it has been a lonely place for me to deal with this' Very Satisfied: 94%, Somewhat Satisfied: 6% 'Visits to home by worker enable us to talk' 'So happy with the Peace of Mind Plan, I have found this to be essential' ‘Just having someone to talk to. Knowing there is always someone there is very comforting' 'Knowing there is someone there for me gives me peace of mind, excellent!' 'The Carers Support Worker I was allocated, was very helpful and understanding. I can't fault the Sitting In Service service at all.' Very Satisfied: 75% (Carers receiving the service), ‘The Peace of Mind Plan does what it says on the Very Dissatisfied 25% (Carers on the waiting list). tin, it's very reassuring to know that there is a ‘n-compass individuals very professional, backup plan' courteous and helpful'

Coffee and Chat General Feedback Very Satisfied: 100% 'All the services which I have received have been I have enjoyed coffee and chat for about 2 years, excellent thank you' really nice to have someone to talk to' 'Workers have been very helpful and supportive, 'I have enjoyed attending the coffee and chat in especially regarding availability at weekends, Preston, having a cup of tea and a chat with which can be a difficult time. They listen to Carers’ people there every month, in similar situations as needs and give helpful advice and myself, it makes me feel better talking to others' encouragement' 'At coffee and chat I feel I can talk to someone on 'I am very happy with the Carer’s support I have a one to one basis, and ask questions. Thanks' received, and all the help I have had' Carers’ Forums 'I am always satisfied with the services offered- they are invaluable' Very Satisfied: 60%, Somewhat Satisfied: 20% 'I feel nervous and inadequate so am put off Somewhat Dissatisfied: 20% (unable to travel to Forum). attending new support services, but when I have it has been worthwhile and of good quality' 'The Asian Carers Forum does help, signposted me to the right destination, and updating me ‘All the care I have been shown from all right to the point' concerned has been brilliant. Thank you'

‘When you're feeling you don't know how to carry on, it was good that someone was able to put your mind at rest and show you the way forward'

Follow us @ncompasscarers Like us /ncompasscarers Telephone: 0345 688 7113 www.ncompassnorthwest.co.uk 13 Introducing the BME Carers' BME Carers’ Support Support Workers A Carer’s Story How n-compass Carers’ Services can provide support The following letter was written by one of the BME Carers we have supported:

“Dear Carers,

Farzana Adam Tasneem Jogiyat I would like to encourage others who feel apprehensive BME Carers’ Support Worker BME Carers’ Support Worker to open that door to the many networks of support who Hi! We are Farzana Adam and Tasneem Jogiyat – are willing to help you. I understand how difficult the your Black & Minority Ethnic (BME) Carers' Support first footstep outside of that door can be, but once that Workers. ball gets rolling, you won't look back.

Between us we have been supporting unpaid I have been that woman, that mother, that wife. And Carers in the voluntary sector for over 17 years. We can I say that I am also from an ETHNIC MINORITY too. provide support to all Carers alongside our But, don't let that hold you back because the staff specialism of working with Carers from a BME members from the Carers’ Service, such as the background. Like our Carers' Services colleagues amazingly friendly Farzana Adam, have the language we are able to complete Carer's Assessments and skills that really do make such a difference, especially Peace of Mind 4 Carers Plans with you but being when trying to get that understanding across. Having from a BME background ourselves enables us to someone with similar background and culture means offer you a greater understanding of the different that she understands me and you without having to say cultural and religious needs and the impact these a word. can have on BME Carers. Farzana and Tasneem each have the skills and the We know that Carers are generally isolated, yet as experience to deal with a plethora of problems and a BME Carer sometimes the isolation has a greater issues. It is this knowledge that always puts my mind at impact and you may find more barriers in ease as I place my trust in their hands. My daughter has accessing help or support that is available to you. If attended the Coffee and Chats which can I say is not there is a language barrier that may isolate you only great for getting those thoughts and worries out, further. Being bilingual we are able to offer all but sometimes there have been fantastic goodie bags information and support to Carers in English, available (what an incentive!) Gujarati and Urdu which gives us great satisfaction in knowing that your needs, views and issues are There is no such thing as “barriers” in the organisation, being heard and supported and as Carers it will and so I feel open and quite relaxed, especially over a make you feel less isolated and lonely. “cuppa”. Like they say, you shouldn't be afraid of asking any questions, and these are the people to ask them to.

Gujurati and Urdu Speaking So, they have … talked about where to go in regards to Carers' Coffee & Chat mental health, and yes I did say…mental health and If you are a BME Carer it would be lovely to meet you BME in the same context! I do not know what I would do at one of our 'Coffee & Chats' which are held at the without the accessible service and the BME workers. I Leaf or Bean Coffee Shop, Preston Guildhall, have always found it a warm, welcoming and friendly Lancaster Road, Preston PR1 1HT on the following environment. days from 10:00am – 12:00noon Farzana and the team have not just directly assisted us, Thursday 21st April 2016 but have linked and suggested other professionals who Thursday 19th May 2016 could advise us with practical solutions. I like to think of it Thursday 16th June 2016 as a tree branching out just like the “snowball effect”, and this team are the seed, the start of a new ﮐﺎفﯼ ﭘﺭ ﮔﭖ ﺷﭖ ﮐﮯ ﺩﻭﺭان ﮔﺟﺭاﺕﯼ ﺑﻭﻟﻧﮯ ﻭالﯼ .beginning کﯼﺋﺭﺯ ﺳﭘﻭﺭﭦ ﻭﺭﮐﺭ ﺩﺳﺕﯼاب ﮨﻭ گﯼ

From a Carer just like you.

1412 Follow us @ncompasscarers Like us /ncompasscarers Telephone: 0345 688 7113 www.ncompassnorthwest.co.uk n-compass Asian Carers’ Forum The Forum allows BME Carers to share their experiences as well as providing an opportunity to network with other BME Carers to help combat the isolation they may face.

The Forum also enables BME Carers to gain further information and support regarding current issues and changes affecting them. As the Forum is Carer-led the topic of each Forum will usually have been Refreshments and light lunch are available too. suggested by BME Carers in advance and information on the day is We would love to see you at our Forum! translated into Urdu and Gujarati. If you are a BME Carer and would like We have organised meetings of the Asian Carers' Forum on the more information about n-compass following dates for 2016 (times and venues to be confirmed). Carers' Services or if you would like to attend the Asian Carers' Forum please Wednesday 20th July 2016 call 0345 688 7113 and ask for Farzana Wednesday 21st September 2016 Adam or Tasneem Jogiyat or email [email protected] Wednesday 7th December 2016

Carer Friendly Communities

Carers Week is an annual campaign to carers week raise awareness of caring, highlight the 6-12th challenges Carers face and recognise June 2016 the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. Out and About Look for n-compass Workers out and about in Doctors' Surgeries This year Carers Week is focusing on across Central, West and North Lancashire during Carers Week; building Carer Friendly Communities. celebrating Carers and raising awareness of the importance of Communities which support carers to Carer Friendly Communities. look after their family or friends well, while recognising that they are A Big 'Thank You'! individuals with needs of their own. Come meet other Carers and an n-compass Carers' Support Worker at your local Coffee and Chat during June 2016 as we People can get involved by recom- would like to offer you a cake or other treat to say thank you mending organisations, services and personally for what you do in your caring role. employers who are already Carer friendly and inviting other organisations to use the checklist to commit to becoming Carer friendly.

Building Carer Friendly Communities is not instant, but we'll get there – brick by brick.

Visit www.carersweek.org for more information.

Follow us @ncompasscarers Like us /ncompasscarers Telephone: 0345 688 7113 www.ncompassnorthwest.co.uk 15 n c mpass Carers’ Services Central & West Lancashire carers’ coffee Groups Avant Garden Centre Massarella Coffee Shop Wigan Road, Leyland, Concourse Shopping Centre, chats PR25 5XW. Skelmersdale, WN8 6LN & 10:00am - 12:00noon 10:00am - 12:00noon Meet and chat with other Carers, speak th Tuesday 19 April 2016 Friday 1st April 2016 to an n-compass Carers' Support Worker, th Tuesday 17 May 2016 Note the change of day! enjoy a FREE (non-alcoholic) drink and st Tuesday 21 June 2016 Tuesday 3rd May 2016 take the opportunity to find out about our th Tuesday 19 July 2016 Tuesday 7th June 2016 services and other support available in Tuesday 5th July 2016 your area. The Coffee and Chats are an Woodchats Coffee Shop opportunity to take a break from your Chorley Interchange, Clifford St, Roccoco Coffee Lounge caring role and can only be accessed by Chorley, PR7 1AQ 41-45 Chapel Brow, Leyland, Carers and former Carers who are 10:00am - 12:00noon PR25 3NH registered with us. Wednesday 20th April 2016 10:30am - 12:30pm Tuesday 26th April 2016 NEW VENUE! Tuesday 31st May 2016 Dementia Drop-In Café Ambio Tuesday 28th June 2016 Come along and speak to an n- Astley Park, Chorley, PR7 1NP Tuesday 26th July 2016 compass Carers' Support Worker 10:00am - 11:30am th Memory Clinic Reception Friday 20 May 2016 St John's Baptist Friday 24th June 2016 Area th Church Café Charnley Fold, Cottage Lane, Friday 15 July 2016 School Lane, Burscough, Bamber Bridge, Preston PR5 6YA L40 4AE 9:30am – 12.30pm Brookes Bistro 10:00am - 12:00noon Tuesday 5th April 2016 Brookside Living, Aughton St, Thursday 14th April 2016 Tuesday 3rd May 2016 Ormskirk, L39 3BH Thursday 12th May 2016 Tuesday 7th June 2016 10:00am - 12:00noon Thursday 9th June 2016 th Tuesday 5th July 2016 Thursday 28 April 2016 Thursday 14th July 2016 NEW VENUE! If you have any questions, or for Leaf or Bean Coffee Shop more information please contact Ian Wellbeing Centre Preston Guild Hall, Lancaster Scott on 0345 688 7113. Moorgate, Ormskirk, L39 4RY Rd, Preston, PR1 1HT 1:00pm - 3:00pm rd 10:00am - 12:00noon Neuro Drop In Centre Monday 23 May 2016 th th Wednesday 6 April 2016 Based at Lancaster Farms, Stone Monday 27 June 2016 th th Wednesday 4 May 2016 Row Head, Lancaster LA1 3QZ Monday 25 July 2016 Wednesday 1st June 2016 Tel: 01524 840762 Wednesday 6th July 2016 2:00pm – 3:15pm Tuesday 12th April 2016 Tuesday 10th May 2016 th North Lancashire Groups Tuesday 14 June 2016 Tuesday 12th July 2016 Great Eccleston Village Booths St Annes Centre Main Drive (off Heyhouses If you are can't attend this Drop In 59 High St, Great Eccleston, Lane), St Annes FY8 3UT because you are unable to leave the Preston PR3 0YB 10:00am - 12:00noon person you care for how about 10:00am - 12:00noon Wednesday 20th April 2016 bringing them along to 'The Circle of Wednesday 6th April 2016 Wednesday 18th May 2016 Friends' group, a specialist group for Wednesday 4th May 2016 Wednesday 15th June 2016 people living with dementia, run by the Wednesday 1st June 2016 Wednesday 20th July 2016 Neuro Drop In Centre. If you have Wednesday 6th July 2016 any questions, or for more information please contact Diane North Lancashire Continued>> Armstrong on 0345 688 7113. 16 Preston & District Carers’ Support Carer and Group Museum of Lancashire, Stanley Volunteer Run Street, Preston, PR1 4YP carers’ Support A friendly group for Carers and coffee former Carers providing social Groups activities, Carer to Carer support, factsheets, information and chats networking. Please contact: AOK Club & Angela (01772 651733) or North Lancashire Lune Park Children’s Centre, Ryelands Park, Owen Rd, Peter (01772 729587) or email Groups Lancaster LA1 2LN [email protected] or [email protected] Silverdell Café & Bookshop For Carers of under 8s with disabilities and their families; the for further information. 61 Poulton Street, Kirkham, PR4 2AJ. AOK Club meets every Wednesday 1:00pm - 3:00pm Wyre Chat Group th from 1pm-3pm. Thursday 7 April 2016 The Village Practice, Thornton For more details phone 01524 Thursday 5th May 2016 Medical Centre, Church Road, 382818 or email Thursday 2nd June 2016 Thornton-Cleveleys FY5 2TZ [email protected] Thursday 7th July 2016 The group hold a Tea Bar on the 2nd and 4th Fridays in the month to which Peer Support Group for People The Cornerstone with Alzheimer’s and Dementia anyone is welcome to come along. Sulyard Street, Lancaster, LA1 1PX. The Meeting Room at ASDA, Calling in to the Tea Bar is the best 10:00am - 12:00noon Ovangle Rd, Lancaster LA1 5JR way to join the group. th st rd Friday 8 April 2016 Meetings are the first Thursday of The 1 and 3 Fridays in the month th st Friday 13 May 2016 every month 1:30-3pm. are members only and on the 1 th Friday 10 June 2016 For more information phone Friday of the month the members of Friday 8th July 2016 01524 580780. the group go out for lunch. Please speak to Pat Bonnar Burnside Garden Centre Lunch and Laughter Group (01253 897624) for more info. New Lane, Thornton-Cleveleys, Hartwood Hall Hotel, FY5 5NH. Preston Rd, Chorley, PR6 7AX The Fabulous Five Group 10:00am - 12:00noon Meet the 3rd Friday of every month Poulton Methodist Church, Wednesday 13th April 2016 at midday. Queensway, Poulton-le-Fylde Wednesday 11th May 2016 Come along and enjoy a lively FY6 7ST th The group meet every other Tuesday Wednesday 8 June 2016 lunch with other Carers (you must morning. For more info call Maureen Wednesday 13th July 2016 pay for your own lunch). Monaghan (01253 884937). Bay View Garden Centre Holmeswood Support Group Chorley and South Ribble Mill Lane, Bolton-le-Sands, LA5 8ET Holmeswood Methodist Primary Crossroads Friendship Circle 9.30am - 11.00am School, Chapel Lane, th Holmeswood, L40 1UD Do you care for someone with Wednesday 27 April 2016 th Meet the 3rd Tuesday of every dementia? Do you feel isolated and Wednesday 25 May 2016 nd month from 1.15pm - 3pm need friends to talk to in the same Wednesday 22 June 2016 situation? There are monthly Wednesday 27th July 2016 Brookes Support Group meetings, activities and outings. The Brookes Bistro, Brookside Living, cared for will be looked after by our The Sanctuary Aughton Street, Ormskirk, experienced care workers. There is 12-14 Heysham Road, West End, L39 3BH no cost to the cared for as this is Morecambe, LA3 1DG. Meet the 2nd Wednesday of every funded by charitable donations and 1:00pm - 3:00pm month from10am - 11.30am the local Council. th Tuesday 19 April 2016 For more information please ring th Tuesday 17 May 2016 Susan or Jean on 01257 230698. Tuesday 21st June 2016 (Registered charity no 1102796) Tuesday 19th July 2016 All the groups above are either run by Carers for Carers or by volunteers. Please note that whilst n-compass Details were correct at the time of going to print. For further information please Carers’ Services do our best to print contact n-compass Carers' Services unless otherwise stated although please accurate information, times, dates and note that a Carers' Support Worker is not normally present at these groups. If venues may be subject to change so you know of any other Carers’ Support Groups who would like to publicise in you are advised to check on our website this newsletter please do get in touch by phone 0345 688 7113 or email or call before attending. [email protected] 17 Lancashire Adult Learning Carefree Days Taking Care of the Carer

Meet other Carers, learn something new and enjoy a FREE lunch. Lancashire Adult Learning, in partnership with n-compass Carers' Services, have organised a series of Carefree Days.

The Carefree Days will include a session introducing you to finding and using Public Services online, and a session focusing on relaxation and wellbeing or crafts. Computers will be provided for the online session and the skills you learn will help you access services via a laptop, smart phone or tablet too. You Activities booked through n-compass Carers' can find out where to find important information, Services can only be accessed by Carers and former how to fill in forms and even pay bills online. Carers who are registered with us.

The Strathmore Hotel Brookside Living n-compass Carers’ Services East Promenade, Morecambe Aughton Street, Ormskirk, L39 3BH Office LA4 5AP Tel: 01695 585500 3 Errigal House, Avroe Tel: 01524 421234 Wednesday 6th July 2016 Crescent, Blackpool Business Wednesday 11th May 2016 10am – 4pm Park, Blackpool FY4 2DP 10am – 4pm Public Services Online & Crafts Tel: 0345 688 7113 Public Services Online & Therapies Wednesday 29th June 2016 Wellington Park Hotel & Public Services Online & Preston Masonic Hall Conference Centre Therapies 2 Saul Street, Preston PR1 2QU Burlington Gardens, Church Road, Tel: 01772 252170 Leyland PR25 3AB Wednesday 18th May 2016 Tel: 01772 432881 To book a place on one of the 10am – 4pm Wednesday 22nd June 2016 Carefree Days listed please Public Services Online & Crafts 10am – 4pm complete and return the Interest Public Services Online & Crafts Form at the back of this Tanhouse Community Centre newsletter. You should receive Ennerdale, Tanhouse, Lancashire College confirmation that your Carefree Skelmersdale WN8 6AN Southport Road, Chorley, PR7 1NB Day is going ahead. If you would Tel: 01695 720128 Tel: 01257 276719 like to attend a Carefree Day but Wednesday 8th June 2016 Thursday 26th May 2016 would have difficulty getting to 10am – 4pm 10am – 4pm your nearest venue please let us Public Services Online & Therapies Public Services Online & Crafts know as transport can be arranged.

Please note Lancashire Adult Learning requires a minimum number of Carers to attend in order for each Carefree Day to run. If this minimum number is not reached, Lancashire Adult Learning will cancel the day.

Lancashire Adult Learning Carers’ Residential Courses Waddow Hall, Waddington Road, Clitheroe BB7 3LD Please contact Mark Roberts, Tuesday 19th - Thursday 21st April 2016 Community Learning Tuesday 3rd - Thursday 6th May 2016 Development Officer, Tuesday 31st May - Thursday 2nd June 206 on 01257 276719 for Tuesday 19th - Thursday 21st July 2016 details of courses.

18 Follow us @ncompasscarers Like us /ncompasscarers Telephone: 0345 688 7113 www.ncompassnorthwest.co.uk Community Events & Courses North Lancashire

Archives of the Morecambe Jazz King’s Own Royal Regiment Festival 2016 Lunchtime Talk Friday 6th May 2016 at 1:00pm Friday 29th July and Saturday 30th July 2016 Regimental Curator gives an illustrated talk on the archive collection held by the King's Own Museum See the finest Big Band Swing Orchestras, which includes documents going back to the classiest Quartets, Trad and Vintage Jazz 1680s, and includes such things as the Freedom of and Jazz Funk players hit town. Lancaster charter presented by the City to the Morecambe Jazz is always staged on the Regiment in 1953. first full weekend in July and is now in its 9th great year in the town. It is extremely Location: Lancaster City Museum Meeting Room, successful with the artists, public & press Market Street, Lancaster LA1 1HT and features over 100 individual musicians Contact: 01524 64637 to book your seat in more than 12 bands each year.

And it's all FREE!

St. Anne’s Kite Festival All the fun of the air! Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st July 2016 11:00am – 5:00pm Cleveleys Classic Car Show 2016 The festival will feature single line kites of all Sunday 5th June 2016 10:00am – 4:00pm shapes and sizes and during the weekend Now in its 5th year, the Cleveleys Car Show is a there will be lots of entertainment for "kids town centre display of sports, classics, American of all ages" including market stalls and face

and interesting cars which is free to enter. There painting. Community Events & Courses will also be cars on the New Promenade as well as a display of model aircraft. A programme of live Bring your teddy bear to take part in the music and entertainment is planned for the Plaza teddy parachute drop sponsored by meaning that the Show should provide something Storytellers Inc. Book Shop. Each brave teddy for everyone. will receive a very special certificate of achievement. The event promises a thrilling Location: Victoria Road West, Cleveleys FY5 3LG and thoroughly enjoyable day out for young Contact: 07854 865807 and old alike. So pack a picnic, gather together family and friends, and head down.

Location: St Anne's Beach, North Promenade, Lytham St Annes FY8 1LW

1919 Community Events & Courses Central & West Lancashire

Lancashire Science Festival Saturday 2nd July 2016 Rockprest Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd July 2016 Over 10,000 people attended the science festival last year which has a variety of shows, workshops UK's biggest free rock tribute festival comes to and drop in events across the UCLan campus in Moor Park, Preston! A family friendly festival with Preston. The 2016 theme is 'Goes beyond' and will a variety of acts and entertainment. include an extreme sports battle. Contact: see www.rockprest.com for more Location: various UCLan sites in Preston information Contact: 01772 894288 for more information Website: www.lancashiresciencefestival.co.uk

Picnic in the Park West Lancashire Sunday 26th June 2016 from 12 noon – 5pm Walking Festival Pack a picnic and get the family together for a fun Saturday 30th July – Sunday 28th August 2016 day out in Astley Park. The Festival will provide a variety of short to long walks and rambles for all abilities. Free for all the family there will be lots of great Contact: www.visitlancashire.com/whats-on activities to keep everyone entertained including or pop in to your local Tourist Information Office for live performances, sports, games, children's more information. entertainers, face painters and much more.

Location: Astley Park, Chorley, PR7 4HZ Contact: visit chorley.gov.uk or call 01257 515151 Leyland Festival for further information Saturday 18th June 2016 The ever popular Leyland Festival returns in June with a variety of parades, fairground rides and activities for all the family.

More details will be available nearer the time.

Website: www.leylandfestival.co.uk

20 Activities Come and join an n-compass Support Worker, meet some other Carers and have some fun with a game of bingo or enjoy one of our day trips in your local area.

Gala Bingo Club 3000 Bingo Market Street, Chorley PR7 1BD 53 Tithebarn Street, Preston PR1 1DJ Tel: 01257 274796 Tel: 01772 251152 Tuesday 7th June 2016 Thursday 16th June 2016 12:30pm 12:30pm Cost: £3 Cost: Free (option for £5 Superbook)

Empire Bingo Club Gala Bingo Haweside Lane, Blackpool FY4 4AJ Marine Road East, Morecambe LA4 5HY Tel: 01253 768638 Tel: 01524 411409 Thursday 9th June 2016 Wednesday 22nd June 2016 1:00pm 12:30pm Cost: £10 for 8 games Cost: £3 main event

To book please complete the Interest Form on the back of this Newsletter and return it at least two weeks in advance of the activity date.

Activities booked through n-compass Carers' Services can only be accessed by Carers and former Carers who are registered with us.

Please come and share your ideas and suggestions for future activities at your local Coffee and Chat, call 0345 688 7113 or email [email protected] Carers’ Activities

Chapel Gallery Tour 'Pirates, Pants and Wellyphants; the illustrated world of Nick Sharratt' St Helens Road, Ormskirk L39 4QR Tel: 01695 571328 Tuesday 21st June 2016 11.00am Cost: Free

Lancaster Castle Tour Castle Park, Lancaster LA1 1YJ Tel: 01524 64998 Wednesday 13th July 2016 11.00am Cost: Adult £8, concession £6.50

Follow us @ncompasscarers Like us /ncompasscarers Telephone: 0345 688 7113 www.ncompassnorthwest.co.uk 21

Z Useful Telephone Numbers

Adult Social Care Customer Service Centre (24 hours) 0300 123 6720 Emergency Duty Team 0845 602 1043 (5.00pm - 8.45am weekdays, 24 hours weekends and bank holidays)

n-compass Carers’ Services (part of Carer’s Lancashire) 0345 688 7113

Attendance Allowance Helpline 0345 605 6055 Barnado's Lancashire Young Carer’s Service 01254 504 930 Blue Badge Applications 0300 123 6736 Carer’s Allowance Unit 0345 608 4321 Carer’s UK Advice Line 0808 808 7777 Citizen’s Advice Bureaux: - Fylde 01772 682 588 - Lancashire West (South Ribble, Chorley and West Lancs) 0344 245 1294 / 0300 330 0650 - Preston 01772 822 416 - North Lancashire (Lancaster and Morecambe) 03444 889 622 - Wyre 0344 245 1294 / 0300 330 0650 Disability Living Allowance Helpline 0345 712 3456 Job Centre Plus 0800 055 6688 Lancashire Care Wellbeing & Mental Health Helpline 0300 222 5931 NHS 111 Service 111 NHS Carers Direct Helpline (confidential information and support) 0300 123 1053 NoW Card Helpline 0300 123 6737 PALS (Patient and Advice Liaison Service): - Blackpool Teaching Hospitals 01253 655 589 X - Lancashire Teaching Hospitals 01772 522 972 - University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay 01539 795 497 Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Enquiries 0345 850 3322 Salvere (Direct Payment Support) 01772 535 683 Samaritans 08457 909 090 LCC Special Educational Needs and Disability Service 01772 532 509 Welfare Rights 0300 123 6739

Fylde Borough Council 01253 658 658 Lancaster City Council 01524 582 000 Wyre Borough Council 01253 891 000 Chorley Council 01257 515 151 South Ribble Council 01772 421 491 Preston City Council 01772 906 900 West Lancashire Borough Council 01695 577 177

22 Follow us @ncompasscarers Like us /ncompasscarers Telephone: 0345 688 7113 www.ncompassnorthwest.co.uk

Reablement Service

The Reablement Service is a non-means tested specialist service provided by Lancashire County Council that assists people who may have experienced any of the following, to relearn some of the skills they may have lost and regain confidence in the home: · a stay in hospital, a rehabilitation unit or a stay in a care home · a temporary illness or permanent disability · a fall at home · a crisis at home · a change in circumstances relating to care

The Reablement Service is provided by care staff who support people in their own home and local community Revitalise to: · regain skills and confidence in completing Specialised respite holidays just for people living everyday tasks and activities such as making with dementia and their Carers meals, washing and dressing, shopping and Sandpipers Revitalise Centre in Southport has getting out Alzheimer's weeks on 1st October 2016 and 14th · support to gain new skills to help manage in the January 2017. home Our charity has over fifty years' experience in · help avoid unnecessary admission to hospital, providing respite holidays for disabled people or long term residential care and their Carers. Every year we provide three · help people to get back on their feet after a stay weeks at each of our centres specifically for in hospital people with Alzheimer's and other types of · ensure equipment or telecare is provided to dementia. Our centres are fully accessible and help people live independently every detail of each guest's holiday is tailored to · put people in touch with other services that can their individual needs.

help Lancashire Wide Services Our breaks include accessible activities and For more information email: excursions in a friendly and relaxing [email protected] or phone: 0300 123 6701 atmosphere. This gives Carers and their loved ones space to reconnect and recharge their batteries, safe in the knowledge that our dedicated care team and trained nurses are on Dementia hand 24 hours a day. Emergency App For those guests that need help with funding, we are able to offer advice on a number of Dignity in Dementia working with Cumbria Police have helpful charities and organisations, as well as developed a new free app called 'Dementia Emergency' our own Revitalise Support Fund and existing which is free to download from the Apple and Android Joan Brander Memorial Fund which are also app stores. available to those that need them.

It provides simple guidance on how to respond to a range For more information about Revitalise call our of dementia emergency scenarios and is useful for friendly bookings team on 030 3303 0145 emergency service personnel, family Carers and others. quoting AZOUT, or email The development of this app has been funded by Skills for bookings@revitalise,org.uk or visit Carers Workforce Development Innovation fund. www.revitalise.org.uk

Follow us @ncompasscarers Like us /ncompasscarers Telephone: 0345 688 7113 www.ncompassnorthwest.co.uk 23 United Utilities Help to Pay Scheme CEA Card Scheme The CEA Card is a national card scheme developed for UK cinemas by the For some customers, meeting UK Cinema Association (UKCA), formerly the Cinema Exhibitors' Association regular water bill payments can be (CEA). The scheme was introduced in 2004 and is one of the ways for difficult. That is why United Utilities participating cinemas to ensure they make reasonable adjustments for have introduced a new scheme to disabled guests when they go to the cinema; in particular it ensures a help those customers who are complimentary ticket for someone to go with them. amongst those most in need of financial support. Called 'Help to You don't need to have a CEA Card for a reasonable adjustment to be made Pay', customers accepted on to the and cinemas still have to make reasonable adjustments. If you require an scheme will have their annual bill adjustment to visit a cinema because of your disability, the UKCA's policy is capped at a set amount. cinema staff should make them for you.

Are you eligible for the The card's development was overseen by the UKCA's Disability Working scheme? Group, whose members included people from the major circuits and film To be accepted onto the Help to Pay distributors, independent exhibitors and several national disability charities scheme you, or a person living with such as Action on Hearing Loss, the RNIB and the National Deaf Children's you, must meet the following criteria Society, along with the UKCA's specialist disability advisers. to apply: · be in receipt of Pension Credit Who is eligible for a card? (either Pension Guarantee Credit or Pension Savings The eligibility criteria are kept under review and maybe updated from time Credit); to time; currently people who receive one of the following benefits are · live at the address which is on eligible: your water bill; and · meet the affordability criteria. · Disability Living Allowance (DLA); · Attendance Allowance (AA); As part of the application process · Blind Persons Registration; you must provide income and · Personal Independence Payment (PIP); and expenditure information for the · Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP). entire household so we can carry out an affordability assessment. Additionally, limitations placed on Cinemas by their local licenses require children and young people under 8 years of age to be accompanied by a In addition, water supplied to the responsible person; consequently applications for cards can only be premises is not used for: considered for people who are 8 years of age or older. · watering a garden (other than by hand) by means of any For more information visit www.ceacard.co.uk or phone 023 9224 8545. apparatus; or · automatically replenishing a pond or a swimming pool with a n-compass Carers' Services capacity greater than 10,000 litres. Don't forget you can engage with us online Visit our website If you meet the eligibility criteria ncompassnorthwest.co.uk/our-services/carers-point/ download the application form www.unitedutilities.com/document Follow us on Twitter s/Help_to_pay_scheme_applicatio @ncompasscarers n_form.pdf) and return it. Like us on Facebook

24 Follow us @ncompasscarers Like us /ncompasscarers Telephone: 0345 688 7113 www.ncompassnorthwest.co.uk Galloway’s Making Space Society for Hearing Voices Group the Blind

Galloway's Society for the Blind are a local charity based in the North West of England that supports people living with blindness or a visual impairment. Operating out of their four regional centres, they provide vital help and services including: specialist equipment and advice, talking newspapers, training and support groups as well as escorted holidays and outdoor activities. Befriending Sessions are available as well as friendly advice and support As from 12th January 2016 Making Space's Hearing provided over the phone by volunteers. Voices Group will no longer be meeting at Central Library. The groups are now being held fortnightly in Call 01524 414846 for more details the Conference Room at the new Sainsbury's on Talbot or visit www.galloways.org.uk Road, Blackpool FY1 3AJ. The group are quite happy for support workers and family members to attend. Fylde Coast Women’s Aid HELPLINE 01253 596699 For future meeting dates and for more information Domestic abuse is common; 1 in 4 women in the please contact Emma Heaps or Rachael Tillett on UK experience domestic abuse at some point in 01253 596334. their lives. Abuse is not just physical. It can be psychological, emotional, sexual and financial. The effects can be devastating. Fylde Coast Women's Aid promotes and encourages survivors of domestic abuse to make their own choices about their future. They have a range of services and projects supporting women, children and young people, and now men, across Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde. They support their service users through court proceedings, offer peer support within the North Lancashire Services community, temporary refuge accommodation, prevention and education work in schools, support in the community for children and young people, support and information around online Person centred care dangers and risks to women, children and young All aspects of personal care Highly trained caregivers people and recovery work with women ready to Vast choice of daily move on. prepared meals Community drop-in support groups provide a Flexible care sessions warm and friendly welcome which offer peer Daily live entertainment & craft Our own hairdressing salon support and a chance to meet others with similar Independent family run service 22 experiences. For details of times and locations And much more contact their helpline above. Their helpline is staffed Monday-Friday: 9.30am – 9.30pm Saturday-Sunday: 12 noon – 9.30pm Main office: 01253 752014. www.fcwa.co.uk Please use their online forms to make any referrals.

Follow us @ncompasscarers Like us /ncompasscarers Telephone: 0345 688 7113 www.ncompassnorthwest.co.uk 25 Central & West Lancs Services West Lancs Dial-a-Ride Autism Initiatives UK Association Autism Initiatives mission is to meet the needs of people West Lancashire Dial-a-Ride provides community with autism, their families and Carers by providing a transport services to residents of West range of services which are personal, professional and Lancashire who find it difficult to use public innovative. transport. The charity provides services to children and adults, and All our services are door-to-door. Our vehicles encompasses education, residential houses, supported are fully accessible and our drivers are all too living and outreach services. The organisation prides pleased to help you on and off the bus. West itself on its person-centered approaches. Lancashire Dial-a-Ride services are suitable for a wide range of activities including access to social Throughout our organisation we consider it vital that we clubs, shopping, leisure or visiting friends and get to know the person with an autism spectrum family. condition, and also understand how their autism impacts on their life. We feel that every person with We offer individual members three types of autism is unique, and that their autism impacts on them service: uniquely. · Scheduled services: regular services that operate over popular routes. These services For more information visit www.autisminitiatives.org, run to a published timetable. phone 0151 3309500 or email · On Request services: we will take you to and [email protected] from any address in West Lancashire at a time to suit yourself. The service is subject to availability. · Excursions: services to popular shopping destinations outside the borough which run to a published timetable. We also offer qualifying community groups a group transport service available by the hour at competitive rates. Please ring for details. All our services must be pre-booked and are subject to availability. Normally we ask for 48 hours notice. Before using any of these services you must register as a member. Booking Line: 01704 893373 Central Lancs Dial-a-Ride Ltd Central Lancs Dial-a-Ride Ltd is a door to door service providing accessible transport for shopping, visiting friends, social activities, medical appointments, educational classes and access to work placements. We also run day trips out to places like Southport, Fleetwood, Bury Market and Boundary Mill. We provide accessible minibuses and trained Midas drivers for group transport. Tel: 01257 260488

26 Follow us @ncompasscarers Like us /ncompasscarers Telephone: 0345 688 7113 www.ncompassnorthwest.co.uk Mindfulness for Carers: Carers’ How to manage the demands of Caregiving Book while finding a place for yourself Corner by Cheryl Rezek Carers are particularly vulnerable to feeling stressed, worried and worn down by the vast demands that often come with caregiving, be they physical, psychological or emotional. Mindfulness can be positive and balanced outlook. The book includes enormously beneficial to Carers, whether easy-to-use and enjoyable mindfulness exercises, professional or voluntary, as a means of developing short enough to fit into a busy day, as well as greater inner stability, resilience and gaining more accompanying audio tracks to support and guide the control over their thoughts, feelings and emotions. reader through these exercises. Mindfulness is an evidence-based approach that is proven to help protect against stress, anxiety, Paperback: 96 pages, publisher: Jessica Kingsley depression and burnout. Publishers (21 May 2015), ISBN-10: 1849056544, ISBN-13: 978-1849056540 Available to borrow from Dr Cheryl Rezek provides an accessible introduction Lancashire Libraries to mindfulness, and explains how simple mindfulness practices and psychological concepts www.lancashire.gov.uk/libraries-and-archives/ can be used to manage the day-to-day demands of Do you have a book which has helped you manage caring effectively, helping caregivers to gain a your caring role? Let us know and we'll feature it in greater sense of control and maintain a more the next newsletter.

Working Together for Carers The first meeting will take place on Wednesday 18th May 2016 10.30am to 12.30pm After the review of the Lancashire Carers' Forum in at: November 2015, and following a meeting in January Chorley & South Ribble CCG 2016 attended by Carers and professionals from Carers Chorley House Lancashire, Lancashire County Council and the NHS, it Lancashire Business Park has been decided that the Lancashire Carers' Forum in Centurian Way its current form will no longer take place. Leyland PR26 6TT Instead, a new group has been formed which will focus on making sure that the commitments made in the new Staff from Carers Lancashire will attend and take a lead Carers' Multi-Agency Strategy 2016-18 are role at the Working Together for Carers meetings and the implemented. The new group is called 'Working Group are also keen to ensure that Carers voices are also Together for Carers' and its creation recognises that, heard in person. If you are interested in attending this despite cuts to Lancashire County Council Services, meeting and can talk about the needs and rights of Carers Carers and their rights remain a priority. on a Lancashire wide level, please complete and return Working Together for Carers will meet four times a year the Interest Form on the back page of the newsletter. at various venues across Lancashire and aims to look If you would like to attend the Working Together for Carers strategically at services available for Carers across meeting but would struggle to get there please let us know Lancashire. as transport may be available.

Follow us @ncompasscarers Like us /ncompasscarers Telephone: 0345 688 7113 www.ncompassnorthwest.co.uk 27 Interest Form Activities can be accessed by Carers and former Carers FREEPOST RRUJ-ABCZ-TEUE, n-compass Carers' Services, 3 Errigal who are registered with us at n-compass Carers' Services House, Avroe Crescent, Blackpool Business Park, Blackpool, FY4 although please note transport is only provided when 2DP. stated. Please book for Carefree Days by Friday 29th April 2016 and for If you wish to attend any of the activities below please tick Carers’ Activities at least two weeks in advance of the activity date. the appropriate box and return this form to: Y ou should receive confirmation in writing that the activity is running.

TICK I would like to be contacted by Ian Leadbeater, n-compass Volunteer Co-ordinator regarding volunteering for n-compass Carers' Services I would like to be contacted by Lorraine Morris, n-compass Senior Development Officer, regarding n-compass Carers' Services Citizen Involvement

I would like to be contacted by Sophie Smith, Sitting In Service Coordinator, regarding the Group Sitting In Service

I would like to be contacted by a BME Carers' Support Worker regarding the n-compass Asian Carers Forum

CARERS’ ACTIVITIES DATE & TIME TICK TO BOOK Gala Bingo, Chorley Tue 7th June 2016 12.30pm

Empire Bingo, Blackpool Thu 9th June 2016 1.00pm

Club 3000 Bingo, Preston Thu 16th June 2016 12.30pm

Gala Bingo, Morecambe Tue 21st June 2016 11.00am

Chapel Gallery Tour, Ormskirk Wed 22nd June 2016 12.30pm

Lancaster Castle Tour, Lancaster Wed 13th July 2016 11.00am

TICK TO TRANSPORT CAREFREE DAYS BOOKINGS DATE & TIME BOOK PLACE REQUIRED? The Strathmore Hotel, Morecambe Wednesday 11th May 2016 10am - 4pm Public Services Online & Therapies

Preston Masonic Hall, Preston Wednesday 18th May 2016 10am - 4pm Public Services Online & Crafts

Tanhouse Community Centre, Skelmersdale Wednesday 8th June 2016 10am - 4pm Public Services Online & Therapies

Brookside Living, Ormskirk Wednesday 6th July 2016 10am - 4pm Public Services Online & Crafts

Wellington Park Hotel, Leyland Wednesday 22nd June 2016 10am - 4pm Public Services Online & Crafts

Lancashire College, Chorley Thursday 26th May 2016 10am - 4pm Public Services Online & Crafts

n-compass Carers’ Services Office, Blackpool Wednesday 29th June 2016 10am - 4pm Public Services Online & Therapies

Please make any suggestions here:

All Carers ticking to attend any of the events above need to state an Emergency Contact:

Your Name Your Contact Number

Emergency Contact Name Emergency Contact Details

Please note, you DO NOT need to send money to n-compass Carers’ Services to secure a place on any of the above

28 activities. Please note all Carers must state an emergency contact when booking. Produced by ZPQ Designs - Lancashire. 01253 728088