SIGNAL for Bracknell Forest Carers Autumn 2019
Welcome to the Autumn Newsletter
SIGNAL provides information, advice and support to adult unpaid carers who live in Bracknell Forest.
Bracknell Forest Council gives SIGNAL the money to run the service.
To be an adult unpaid carer you must: Be over the age of 18 Provide a friend or family member with help and support because of their illness or disability Not get paid for providing this help
What is help and support? This could be help to do shopping, housework, providing transport or even just visiting a person and having a chat.
It is important you know about people and groups that can help you stay healthy and happy when you are a carer.
Support for young carers (people under 18) and parent carers of disabled children are supported by other services. If you need to contact them SIGNAL can provide you with their telephone numbers.
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SIGNAL for Bracknell Forest Carers Autumn 2019
Office move
x We have shut our office at The Space, Bracknell.
Our office is now at TRAX, Mill Ride (off Fernbank Road), North Ascot, SL5 8JW.
This is still in Bracknell Forest and some of you have already been to the building as it is where we hold the tea dances and some meetings.
If you need information or support you can also pop into Forget-me-Knot and speak to a member of staff. The address is 9 Wildridings Square, Bracknell, RG12 7SJ. You can also just pop in for a cup of tea and a chat.
Social Events – Tea Dance
People have told us how much they enjoy our social events. They also like that they can bring a guest. This can be the person they care for or someone else.
The next event is a tea dance on Sunday 6th of October.
These events are free but some people do not turn up after saying they will come. If you book onto the tea dance and do not come (without a good reason, such as being ill) we may ask you to pay a small charge of £5.
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SIGNAL for Bracknell Forest Carers Autumn 2019
World Alzheimer’s Month - September
The Dementia Advisory Service provides advice and support for people with dementia, as well as their carers, family and friends.
Available: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm Email: karen.white@berkshire.nhs.uk Phone: 01344 823220
Staff from the service will be attending most of the Carers Social+ events at the local libraries in September.
The service also holds information sessions at Forget-me-Knot on Tuesday mornings. These are for people who have recently been diagnosed with dementia and their family and carers.
Contact the service to find out more.
Introducing Tovertafel “Magic Table” sessions at Forget-me-Knot
A Tovertafel is a projector that produces images and pictures on a table (or even the floor) that people can interact with. For example, it can make
pictures of leaves. If you move your hand over the leaves and “wipe” them away it reveals hidden ladybirds.
It has over 35 different games and activities designed for people living with dementia.
Come along to the sessions; you can sit and have a cup of tea and a chat
while the person you care for plays – you can even join in as it is great fun!
The cost is £3 per session and we are grateful for any donations to help with refreshments.
When? Mondays: 1.30pm – 3pm, Wednesdays: 10am – 11.30am
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SIGNAL for Bracknell Forest Carers Autumn 2019
Carers Lunch Coming to the carers lunch can:
Give you a break from caring Help you meet other carers Give you the chance to talk to SIGNAL staff
Give you information
The next carers lunches are on:
th th Friday 20 September 2019 and Friday 17 January 2020.
We send invitations to you before each lunch; it is important to tell us if you are coming.
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
On the 25 May 2018, the law about how we collect, store and use
your personal information changed.
Because we have changed the information we collect and because
we need to have proof you gave us the information, we had to ask you to fill in a new form.
If you have received this newsletter from SIGNAL thank you for
returning your form.
If you have received this newsletter from somebody else, please visit our website to sign up.
https://www.signal4carers.org.uk/
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SIGNAL for Bracknell Forest Carers Autumn 2019
Support Groups
If you are involved in a group, please let us have the details so we can add them to the list.
Ascot Area Alzheimer’s (Triple A) Carers Lunch Time: 12 noon – 2pm th Dates/When: 4 Friday of the month Where: Carnation Hall, 29 Chavey Down Road, Winkfield Row, Bracknell, RG42 7PU Contact: 01344 486349 Cost: £6.00
Autism Berkshire Time: 10am – 12 noon Dates/When: Monday September 30th, Thursday November 14th. Where: Forest Park Community Centre, Horndean Road, Forest Park, Bracknell, RG12 0XQ
Contact: 01189 594 594 [email protected]
Bracknell Forest Mental Health Carers Support Group
Time: 2pm – 4pm Dates/When: 1st Tuesday of the month (not December) Where: Coopers Hill, Crowthorne Road North, Bracknell, RG12 7QS
Contact: 07972 609621
Bracknell Forest Carers Cream Teas
Time: 1.30pm – 4pm Dates/When: 18th October 2019 Where: Easthampstead Baptist Church, South Hill Road, Bracknell, RG12 7NS
Contact: 07972 609621
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SIGNAL for Bracknell Forest Carers Autumn 2019
Support Groups (continued)
Bracknell Forest Carers Support Group Coffee Evenings Time: 5.30pm – 7pm Dates/When: 3rd Tuesday of the month Where: South Hill Park Café, Ringmead, Bracknell, RG12 7PA Contact: 07972 609621 Non-alcoholic drinks are paid for by the group organiser
Bracknell Forest Carers Support Group Coffee Mornings
Time: 10.00am – 12 noon Dates/When: 2nd Wednesday of the month. Where: The Look In Café, Great Hollands Square, Bracknell, RG12 8UX
Contact: 07972 609621 These mornings are mainly for ex-carers but no carer is turned away
Coffee and Chat Held at local libraries for carers and the cared for. Starts in September 2019
Binfield: 2nd Monday of the month, 2pm-4pm Birch Hill: 3rd Tuesday of the month, 2pm-4pm Bracknell (main library) 1st Thursday of the month, 10am – 12 noon
Crowthorne: 2nd Friday of the month, 10am – 11.30am Great Hollands: 4th Wednesday of the month, 2pm – 4pm Harmans Water: 3rd Thursday of the month, 2pm – 4pm
Sandhurst: 3rd Thursday of the month, 10am – 12 noon Whitegrove: 3rd Tuesday of the month, 10am – 12 noon
Cost: 50p per person to cover refreshments
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SIGNAL for Bracknell Forest Carers Autumn 2019
Support Groups (continued)
Konnections Mums A support group run by mothers for mothers of children with special needs or disabilities Time: 10.30am – 12 noon
Dates/When: Friday mornings during school term time Where: K2 Lounge, Kerith Community Church, K2 Building, Bracknell, RG12 1EH Contact: 01344 828802 [email protected]
Memory Café For people with dementia and their carers run by The Alzheimer’s Society
Time: 10.30am – 12 noon Dates/When: 2nd Friday of the month Where: Coopers Hill, Crowthorne Road North, Off Bagshot Road, Bracknell,
RG12 7QS Contact: 0118 959 6482
Wokingham, Bracknell & District Mencap - Carers coffee mornings/lunches For families and carers of people with learning disabilities and/or autism Dates/When: 3rd Thursday of the month provide either a coffee morning or a lunch
Where: Coffee mornings: The Court House, Broadway, Town Square, Bracknell, RG12 1AE Lunches: The New Priestwood Community Centre, Priestwood Court Road,
Bracknell, RG42 1TU (next lunch is 19th September 2019) Contact: 0300 777 8539
Online forums or ‘virtual’ support groups can also help you meet other carers and share and learn from each other’s experiences. Just remember to stay safe online.
Carers UK Forum: http://www.carersuk.org/forum
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SIGNAL for Bracknell Forest Carers Autumn 2019
Community Outreach
Our mobile information bus has a private office and a lift.
You can find us at:
Tesco, Martins Heron on the 3rd Monday of the month 9.30am – 4pm. Moss End Garden Village, Warfield on the 4th Friday of the month 9.30am – 4pm.
Carers Social+
Coffee sessions for carers at most local libraries across Bracknell Forest every month.
When/Time : See schedule under Support Groups
Cost: 50p per person - includes tea, coffee and biscuits
You will be able to meet other carers and, if needed, you can be signposted to other services that can provide you with help and support.
You can also bring along the person you care for.
st Carers Rights Day 21 November 2019
The aim of Carers Rights day is to:
Make carers aware of their rights Let carers know where to get help and support Raise awareness of the needs of carers
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SIGNAL for Bracknell Forest Carers Autumn 2019
Let’s talk about……..
Every year about 30 people die of Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning.
4,000 people go to A & E and 200 people are admitted into hospital.
But it is suspected that many more (1000s) are affected by low level poisoning.
CO is often caused when carbon fuels (gas, oil, coal and wood) do
not burn fully.
Some common (and not so common) sources of CO:
CO is not just a risk at home; it can occur in caravans, tents, holiday rentals, restaurants that use charcoal grills or it may even be coming from your neighbour’s home. CO tends to rise
towards the ceiling/roof.
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SIGNAL for Bracknell Forest Carers Autumn 2019
Let’s talk about……..(continued)
Signs your gas appliances might be dangerous:
Yellow/orange flames (instead of blue)
Pilot light keeps going out
Excessive condensation – windows and walls
Sooty, brown marks around the fire/cooker/boiler
You cannot see, smell or touch CO and this makes it very dangerous.
Risks of CO poisoning are often higher in the winter when the heating is on and doors and windows are closed.
Symptoms – what to look for
At first you may feel very tired and it might feel like you have the flu or food poisoning (but you will not have a high temperature).
You may feel better when you leave your home.
Other family members, visitors and even your pet may also be feeling ill.
The symptoms will start to get worse - THIS MAY HAPPEN VERY QUICKLY
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SIGNAL for Bracknell Forest Carers Autumn 2019
Let’s talk about……..(continued)
What to do if you think Carbon Monoxide (CO) might be present:
1. Turn off gas supply if possible
2. Turn off appliances (cookers, boilers etc.)
3. Open doors and windows
4. Get everyone to leave the house
5. Call the emergency services on 999
6. If you or anyone else feels unwell, seek medical advice and attention
Protection
Fit at least one CO alarm. This should make a sound when it detects unsafe levels of CO. Beware of cheap alarms. It should meet the BS EN 50291 standard and kite mark.
Get advice from the Gas Safe charity or the Fire Brigade about the best location for your alarm(s).
Get all your gas appliances checked every year by a Gas Safe Registered engineer.
If you rent your home this is your landlord’s responsibility (but make sure they do it for your own safety and peace of mind)
Solid fuel and oil heaters and appliances should also be checked every year.
Where to go for more information:
www.gassafecharity.org.uk/
www.nhs.uk/conditions/carbon-monoxide-poisoning/
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SIGNAL for Bracknell Forest Carers Autumn 2019
Training
Working with iHasco, we can now provide the following training online or at our offices.
Assessing Mental Capacity
Moving and Handling People
Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults
Bracknell Forest consultations
Bracknell Forest Council runs consultation online on issues that affect local people.
Visit the website to find out more: www.consult.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/portal
Stay Up Late!
Stay Up Late! is a national campaign and charity helping people with learning and disabilities stay up late and have fun. Some volunteers, who work for Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, and staff and volunteers from The Ark Trust have formed a Stay Up Late! Group for Berkshire.
So far the group have held planning events, been to the pub and have visited Gravity Force in Camberley.
To find out more please contact The Ark on 01344 266899.
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SIGNAL for Bracknell Forest Carers Autumn 2019
Home Library Service
Love books? Can’t get out?
Try the Home Library Service!
A free service for housebound customers. Delivery and collection of books, audiobooks and DVDs.
Available to anyone living in the borough who, for physical or mental health reasons, is unable to visit a library.
Personalised stock selection and regular visits by a member of staff.
The service is also looking for volunteers.
To join or for further information ask in any Bracknell Forest library or telephone the Home Library Service on 01344 352406.
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SIGNAL for Bracknell Forest Carers Autumn 2019
Healthwatch Bracknell Forest
Carers often have a lot of valuable experience about local health and social care services. If you, or the person you care for, have any feedback – good or bad – on services please let Healthwatch Bracknell Forest know – 01344 266911
Healthwatch Bracknell Forest are also looking for local volunteers for “Enter and View” visits; opportunities to visit services and talk to patients and clients.
Mental Health Forum
A place to talk about mental health issues. It is for anyone concerned about these issues, including carers.
It is an independent forum run by Healthwatch Bracknell Forest and paid for by the Community Mental Health Team.
The forum is held on Thursdays at Easthampstead Baptist church between 11.30am – 2.00pm. The next date is:
Thursday 31st October 2019
A free lunch is provided so you must let Healthwatch know if you are coming at least 10 days before.
Please let them know if you have any access or dietary
requirements.
01344 266 911 [email protected]
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SIGNAL for Bracknell Forest Carers Autumn 2019
What does “Good Care” look like?
This campaign is aimed at people who are looking to use paid, professional care, at home or in a residential setting. This is especially important if you will be self-funding.
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SIGNAL for Bracknell Forest Carers Autumn 2019
Community Activities & Events
There are a number of websites you can visit to find out about groups and activities in Bracknell Forest and other useful information. If you do not have internet access please contact the SIGNAL office and we can look for you.
Bracknell Forest Help Yourself Connecting you to information and support to
stay independent and well. This includes a link to a community map with details of groups and activities.
Bracknell Library Service
Much more than places to borrow books and DVDs, our local libraries now offer sessions for all ages and activities range from carers coffee mornings to interactive story telling.
Involve The local community and voluntary sector umbrella organisation who have details of local volunteering opportunities. They also run a Befriending service.
Parks and Countryside (events) Events held in the parks and countryside in Bracknell Forest. Includes walks, talks, interactive events and even outdoor cinema.
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SIGNAL for Bracknell Forest Carers Autumn 2019
Useful contacts
Customer Services, Bracknell Forest Council – 01344 352000
Adult Social Care, Bracknell Forest Council – 01344 351500
Emergency Out of Hours Duty Service – 01344 786543
NHS Out of Hours call 111
SIGNAL Contacts 01344 266088
www.signal4carers.org.uk
TRAX, Mill Ride (off Fernbank Road), North Ascot,
Berkshire, SL5 8JW
https://www.facebook. @Signal4BFC
com/signal4carers/
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