November 2019

Charity No: 1069278 Caring Company No: 3534933 Your local charity supporting carers Matters

For a chance to win £50 see page 8 See page 3...

Christmas Office Closure: The office will be closed from 2pm on 24th December and will re-open on Thursday 2nd January at 9am. In an emergency contact Social Care Direct on 03000 267979 or Samaritans on 116123.

Telephone: 0300 005 1213 Text: 07860 017 632 Contact us: Email: [email protected] Web: www.dccarers.org Head Office: Enterprise House, Enterprise City Meadowfield Avenue, www.facebook.co.uk/durhamcountycarerssupport Co Durham DL16 6JF @dccarers Sage Gateshead Access Register Sage Gateshead want to make sure that everyone can enjoy going to Sage Gateshead. They have an access requirement register to help them to make sure that they can find the best seats for you to make Sage accessible. You can also have a personal assistant or carer attend with you free of charge. You will need some evidence to get The Max CardThe Maxis designed Card is to designed make days to out more the free ticket for a carer or personal assistant. financiallymake accessible days out for more families financially of children with The evidence can be: additional needs. Please visit • Front page of DLA (Medium or Higher rate) accessible for families of children • Front page of Attendance Allowance letter (no http://www.mymaxcard.co.uk/browsewith additional needs. specific rate required) • Front page of PIP (no specific rate required)To enquire about obtainingPlease avisit Max Card please email • Evidence that you are registered severely sight Childrenwww.mymaxcard.co.uk/browse and Young People’s Network impaired (blind) [email protected] • Recognised Assistance Dog ID Card To enquire about obtaining a • CredAbility Access Card Max Card please email Children You can join the register by getting a form at the box office, box office telephone 0191 443 4661. and Young People’s Network Or download the form here http://bit ly/ [email protected] 2VLjQ3G

Telephone 0191 338 5155 to see how you can join our caring workforce and be part of a team that makes a real difference to real lives in your area

Rates of pay up to £8.60 an hour. Full training provided.

www.dalecare.co.uk

2 You can’t pour from an empty cup ooking after your own to attending a Pilates this newsletter to refill your Lhealth and accessing course to improve your cup. Or if what you need the skills and knowledge to posture and reduce back isn’t included, contact your help yourself is the theme pain. We highlight the Carer Support Coordinator of this newsletter. We have importance of protecting to help you find something packed it with opportunities yourself from winter flu, that is going to help you to attend a range of training getting a “Carefree Break” prepare for winter and the and support opportunities. or attending a Christmas stresses of the Christmas From dealing with a child afternoon tea. Whatever it season. Call us on 0300 with challenging behaviour is, use the information in 0051213.

New Care Academy Launches A new Care Academy aims to Social Care programme. programme will be guaranteed an improve skills in the adult social The free, six-week programme interview with a domiciliary care care sector by providing a range developed with employers includes: provider. of flexible learning opportunities • Level 1 Preparing to Work There are also other qualifications from entry-level to recognised in Adult Social Care which to choose from which are suitable management qualifications. covers for those wanting to start a career With over 100 independent care • Employability and Personal in care as well as those who are providers in the county the Care Development including already employed in the sector. Academy aims to create a skilled interview skills and For more details on the and valued adult social care opportunities 'nosnikraP s available rewoP go preparation for work gnitroppuS tcani evi elpoep htiw s'nosnikraP ni eht htroN tsaE dega 55 dna workforce through the provision of • Level 2 Food Safety to: revo www.durham.gov.uk/ ot emoceb dna yats syhp laci yl tca evi flexible learning opportunities that careacademygnieB syhp laci yl tca evi nac eb fo taerg feneb i t ot elpoep l gnivi iw ht 'nosnikraP s yb • Emergency First Aid gnivorpmi ibom l i yt dna ,ecnalab gnikam yadyreve sksat sae rei dna yb gnivah a sop i t evi respond to employer need. The capmi t Care no Academy tnem a l aeh l ht . also recognises • Elements of the Care We offer entry-level training for thateW unpaidwonk taht carersenoyreve i s id f need tneref , os training eht kraP nosni ' s rewoP tcejorp fo sref a rav i yte fo Certificate for tpo theirsnoi ot caringteg tca evi roletaht era andelbatius we rof are ruoy egats fo 'nosnikraP .s sihT thgim eb gniklaw individuals who are new to the ro lbmar ,gni detaes ,yrehcra iat ihc , ytinummoc gninedrag ro sesicrexe uoy nac od ta .emoh county’s adult social care sector • FREE DBS working closely with Durham CountyehT tcejorp Carersnac osla Supportreffo reetnulov to developseiddub ot pleh uoy a ekat eht tsrif spets sdrawot which includes an accredited The training is open to anybody gnimoceb erom tca evi , ro uoy thgim tnaw ot emoceb a ov reetnul esruoy l f ot eh l p rehto Routeway into Adult Health and and those who complete the range poep l e iw of ht relevant kraP i nosn ' s . courses for carers.

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3

Parkinson’s UK is the operating name of the Parkinson’s Disease Society of the United Kingdom. A charity registered in England and Wales (258197) and in Scotland (SC037554). © Parkinson’s UK ome and join us for some festive fun this December at Beamish Hall and Raby Castle. You can choose either Beamish CHall which includes a showing of the film

Carers Christmas‘A Christmas Carol’ and a Eventsdelicious afternoon tea or an interesting talk on Raby Castle with your afternoon tea. These events have proven to be extremely popular so book now to avoid disappointment. Both events are to be held from 2pm on Thursday 5th December and are £10 for Carers and £15 for 1 additional guest place. Transport can be provided from local pick up points for an additional charge of £5 per person. Booking closes at 5pm on Friday 15th November. Cheques and postal orders made payable to DCCS or you can contact us for payment details via bank transfers or PayPal. If you have any questions, please email [email protected]

Yes, I would like to attend one of your Carer Christmas Events: Beamish Hall with Afternoon Tea and film # Carer place: £10.00 Additional place: £15.00 Transport place: £5.00 per person Pick up points: Chester le Street Durham Stanley Raby Castle with Afternoon Tea and talk Carer place: £10.00 Additional place: £15.00 Transport place: £5.00 per person Pick up points: B. Auckland Spennymoor

Carer Name:......

Guest Name:......

Address:......

...... Postcode:......

Telephone number:......

Dietary Requirements? Y/N Details:......

Please return to: Durham County Carers Support, Enterprise House, Enterprise City, Meadowfield Avenue, Spennymoor DL16 6JF.

4 ello! My name is Rhiannon Harker- Radford I am a registered Carer with Durham County Carers Support and I I did it for Hran the Great North Run this year. As you will all know being a Carer means Durham County that your own personal care can take a back seat. Its so easy to become completely Carers Support. absorbed in the needs of the person you care for. Will you? It really is important however to take some time out for yourself. As a very wise Support Worker from DCCS once said to me, “If you don’t look after yourself, and you fall, who will pick up the pieces?” This advice stayed with me and when I when I had the opportunity to receive my Carer Break award I decided to do something you may think it a little unusual…..I bought a pair of running shoes, started running and the rest as they say is history. Getting out into the fresh air and exercising a couple of times a week did me the world of good. I ran at my own comfortable pace and worked on clearing my head of all the negative thoughts I’d built up. Pushing myself a little and supporting a charity that has been a great support to me gave me an immense feeling of well-being. The atmosphere on the day of the Great North Run is just electric. Whether you are a faster paced runner or find yourself in the pink section running with a man carrying a fridge you will have an amazing experience that will stay with you forever. This year DCCS provided a running vest and a fantastic running themed box of goodies which arrived just before the run. They also help you to get yourself fundraising online and support you with different ideas that make the task of raising money that bit easier. For more details on The Great Any money you raise will go to the new ‘Carers Wellbeing Fund’. North Run and other fundraising This supports the excellent free counselling service, supports Carer opportunities contact Training, transport and special one off needs. Jane O’Byrne-West This year I was really excited to raise £367.50 and intend on supporting DCCS as much as possible in the future. at [email protected] Why don’t you have a go? You might surprise yourself! or call 01207 263490

Are you missing out on a Healthy Start? With Healthy Start, you get free vouchers every week to spend on milk, fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables, and infant formula milk. You can also get free vitamins. If you are pregnant or have children under the age of four, if you’re on benefits, or if you’re pregnant and under 18 it is worth checking to see if you qualify. Pregnant women and children over one and under four years old can get one £3.10 voucher per week. Children under one year old can get two £3.10 vouchers (£6.20) per week. To find out more visit www.healthystart.nhs.uk which offers an online contact request or call 0345 607 6823 to speak to the Healthy Start Issuing Unit.

This newsletter is produced 4 times a year and is sent to over 18,000 supporters. If you have any comments we would very much like to hear from you. If you would prefer to receive the newsletter by email or not to receive it at all please email, telephone or write to us using the details below. Freepost RTXA-HHGH-SAGE, Durham County Carers Support, Enterprise House, Enterprise City, Meadowfield Avenue, SPENNYMOOR DL16 6JF. Telephone: 0300 005 1213. Email: [email protected] Website: www.dccarers.org Charity Number 1069278. Registered Number Company 3534933

5 Monday, 25th November 2019 9.30am - 3.30pm

Monday, 25th November 2019 9.30am - 3.30pm THE FEEL GOOD AND RELAX PROGRAM facilitated by Gillian Fortune The Feel Good and Relax Programme for Carers can provide a range of techniques and strategies to enable people to improve their own emotional wellbeing, aid to relaxation, deal with daily challenges and feel more energised. To be held in the Brown Room, See back page Pioneering Care Centre, There is NO charge for this event. to book your Carers Way, Newton Aycliffe, Places are limited. place on this County Durham DL5 4SF Gillian will deliver course.a day that combines stress management, self-care and relaxation sessions.

The feel good andTHE FEEL GOODrelax AND RELAX program PROGRAM facilitated by Gillian Fortune To be held in the Brown Room, Pioneering facilitated by Gillian Fortune The Feel Good and Relax Programme for Carers can provide a range of techniques and strategies Theto enable Feel Good people and Relax to improve Programme their for ownCarers emotional can wellbeing, aid to relaxation, deal with daily provide a range of techniques and strategies to enable Care Centre, Carers Way, Newton Aycliffe, peoplechallenges to improve and feeltheir moreown emotional energised. wellbeing, aid to relaxation, deal with daily challenges and feel more energised.Gillian will Gillian deliver will delivera day thata day combines that combines stress management, self-care and relaxation sessions. stress management, self-care and relaxation sessions. County Durham DL5 4SF To be held in the Brown Room, Pioneering Care Centre, Carers Way, Newtonur intrepid Aycliffe, colleague Helen Olney Oloves walking. So much so that ThankCounty you Durham Helen DL5 4SF she completed the St. Cuthbert’s Way Walk with her friend Audray which & Audray! is an inspiring 100km (62.5 miles). This impressive walk bridges the national border between Scotland and England, links Melrose in the Scottish Borders with Holy Island off the Northumberland Coast. Helen and Audray pulled on their walking boots and over four days walked approximately 15 miles a day. This incredible effort raised over £440 for Durham County Carers Support. If you would like to take part in a challenge to raise money for Durham County Carers Support please contact Jane O’Byrne-West on 01207 263490 or email: [email protected] 6 Time to get your FREE NHS annual flu vaccination Help protect yourself, your family, and people you care for. Why is the annual flu vaccination so important to carers and the people they care for? An annual flu vaccination will: • Help a carer avoid getting flu: Flu is not like catching a cold. A carer with flu will find it very difficult, if not impossible, to look after the person FACT: You could be spreading flu right now. Studies they care for. show that up to 77% of people with flu have no symptoms • Help reduce the risk of a carer being too ill to and so could potentially spread it to the most vulnerable. look after the person they care for: Unlike a cold, FACT: Having the flu vaccination is the best way to flu can come on very suddenly so a carer may have prevent catching and spreading flu. The vaccine is little or no time to find someone to take over their given every year as the flu virus is always changing. caring responsibilities. FACT: The flu vaccination cannot give you flu. The • Reduce the chance of a carer passing flu on to flu injection doesn’t contain a live virus so it’s impossible to the person they care for: Flu is a highly infectious get flu from it. disease and on top of long-term health conditions (such as a respiratory condition, diabetes, or heart disease) For information on flu visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu/ can easily develop into something very serious such as How do carers get a free NHS flu vaccination? pneumonia, which could result in a stay in hospital. A If you are aged 18 and over and either in receipt of carer’s carer can be infected with the flu virus and show no allowance, or are the main carer of an older or disabled symptoms. Therefore, even if a carer feels well, they person whose welfare would be at risk if you fell ill, then could still unknowingly spread flu to the people they you are entitled to the free NHS flu vaccination. care for. FACT: Flu isn’t just a heavy cold. A bad bout of flu You can receive your free NHS flu vaccination either at is much worse than a heavy cold and at the very least your GP practice or your local pharmacy. confines even the fittest of people to bed. If you visit a pharmacy and do not receive carer’s FACT: Flu kills. An average of 8000 people die from flu in allowance then simply show the pharmacy your current England each year. County Durham Carers Card instead. Illegal Money Lending - Loan Sharks, the FACTS Protect yourself from illegal money Loan sharks may start out friendly, borrowing more money to pay off lenders, more commonly known as but their behaviour can change the original debt loan sharks. when payments are missed. You What to do if you are being What is a loan shark? may be tempted to borrow from harassed or suspect a loan Loan sharks are illegal money them but if you do it is likely: shark Harassment is against lenders who charge very high • The loan will be on very bad the law. interest rates. They operate terms If you are being harassed you without a licence, often targeting • You will pay extremely high should report it to your local vulnerable people. interest police officer, dialling 101 (non Loan sharking is a criminal offence. • You will be given little or no emergency number). If you are in paperwork immediate danger dial 999. • You will be harassed if you fall If you are worried that someone behind with repayments (many you know is being threatened by loan sharks resort to intimidation, a loan shark, help is available at threats and violence) www.stoploansharks.co.uk or • You will be pressured into by dialling 0300 555 2222.

7 Carers Survey 2019 We are always looking at ways to improve our support to Carers and your views and experiences will help us to make sure we are getting it right. We would love to hear your feedback so if you could spare a few minutes to complete this survey we would really appreciate it. You have the chance to be entered in a prize draw to win a £50 M&S voucher. This survey can also be completed online by following the link https://www. surveymonkey.co.uk/r/dccscarerssurvey19 1. How old are you? 18-24 25-49 50-64 65-84 85+ 2. Are you Male Female 3. How old is the person that you care for? Child/ren (under 18) Adult/s (over 18) 4. Have you or the person you care for ever served in the armed forces? We are keen to develop our services You Yes No The person you care for Yes No to ensure Veterans are supported. 5. What area do you live in? Please provide postcode 6. Where does the person you care for usually live? With me Somewhere else 7. If you are trying to juggle work and caring, how could we best support you? Appointments after 5pm Online Appointments / virtual meetings Weekend Appointments Weekend training / courses /events Information on your rights in work Evening / Weekend Support Groups Other (please state) 8. How easy did you find it to access support from our service? Very Easy Easy Difficult Very Difficult 9. Thinking about the skills needed for your caring role, which statement best describes your present situation

I do not need any training I would like some training I need some training If you would like or need training please state on what eg. IT skills, First Aid etc 10. What support have you received from us? Not used Very Satisfied Satisfied Neither dissatisfied or Satisfied Dissatisfied Very Dissatisfied Telephone support Face to face support Support at meetings Carer Break (incl. trips / therapies) Support with benefits / grants Training / Courses / Events Support Groups Counselling Carer Discount Card Support via email / social media No support received Other (please specify)

8 11. What would make our trips and events more accessible? Transport Time Cost Other (please state) 12. Did the support we provide meet your needs as a Carer?

Yes Comments No (please state why not)

Some of my needs I have not contacted you Can we contact you to discuss this further? (Include contact details)

13. Are there are other services or support that we could provide to help you as a Carer such as virtual support, support to reduce isolation, health and wellbeing activities?

14. Please tick 3 of your main concerns for the future Access to breaks from caring Deterioration in the health of the person/s that I care for Finances Reduction in practical support provided for the person I care for Deterioration in my own mental health Deterioration in my own physical health Being able to continue in employment / training / education Being able to continue to care for the person/s I care for What would happen to the person I care for if I wasn’t around Other (please specify) 15. How can we improve our service?

16. Would you recommend our service to another Carer? Yes No 17. Would you like to be involved in shaping services? Our Services Yes No Other Services Yes No

THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO COMPLETE THIS SURVEY. The closing date for the survey is 20th December 2019. If you would like to be entered in to our prize draw to win a £50 M&S voucher please complete your details below.

Name...... Return the form for FREE to: Freepost Plus Address...... RTXA-HHGH-SAGE Durham County ...... Postcode...... Carers Support Enterprise House Email Address...... Meadowfield Avenue SPENNYMOOR Telephone number...... DL16 6JF 9 Happy Days Carefree Breaks Carefree Breaks are offering breaks for Carers who have a Caring Drop In: role for more than 35 hours a week. Leisure Centre They have a selection of Holiday Cottages and Hotels which can be Every Wednesday 9.30am - 12noon taken early, late and out of season. Peterlee Leisure Centre Eligibility Every Thursday 9.30am - 12noon • Must care for a minimum of 35 hours a week and be 21 years of age or over • Have access to a computer • Be able to pay a £25 deposit • Be responsible for their own transport and food Conditions • Only 1 holiday per year/per household. Tea, Coffee, Toast, Benefits Advice, • Cannot take the cared for and must arrange adequate care for the Snacks & Chat. Support Services, person they are caring for. Badminton, Boccia, Advice and • Carer can take up to one companion Table Tennis, Crafts, Assistance with (adult or child) in a hotel and 2 children in holiday cottages. Colouring, Knitting, Everyday Life Issues Day Trips and Meals If you are interested in accessing these breaks please Out at reduced cost. Free + optional small contact your support worker. donation for tea, £2 per visit + coffee & snacks. optional small donation for tea, coffee & snacks. Opportunities for

Home Carers in East Durham Achievement Referrals Programme. Training to Physical Living in East Durham and caring for someone Workbooks to suit Activity living with dementia? your needs. Service You may be interested in meeting up with others in a similar situation. You are welcome to come along to Healthworks, Paradise Lane, Easington Colliery SR8 3EX on the first Choice and support One to One or Group Friday of every month between 10am and 12 noon. with a wide range Support, aim is to of modules to improve Physical & Support will be available from the Healthworks Volunteer running gain a recognised Mental Wellbeing. the group and from Karen Wilson Mental Health Carer Support qualification. Gym, Walking, and Development Worker for East Durham. We will be able to Swimming, invite workers from other agencies such as The Alzheimer’s Free + optional small Badminton, Society Dementia Adviser Service and TEWV NHS Trust Older donation for tea, Boccia. Also advice Person’s Mental Health Services if group members would like coffee & snacks. on healthy eating more specialised input. & support to lead a healthier lifestyle. 2019 - 1st November, 6th December Free + optional small 2020 - 3rd January, 7th February, donation for tea, coffee & snacks. 6th March, 3rd April You are all welcome in Preventing isolation. There is also a Carers Pop-in at Healthworks in Easington on Promoting good health and mental Wellbeing. the first Friday of every month from 9.30am-11.30am. Get involved suggest your own activity and we You are welcome to just come along to either will do our best to accommodate. - you don’t need an appointment. For more information or just a general chat If you have any questions or would like more information, please call Rachel on 07568 107771. please call Karen Wilson on 0191 5006011 Linda on 07730 761547. John Ber on or email [email protected] 07843 632033. Damian on 07568 107779

All material published in Caring Matters, including adverts, editorials, articles and all other content is published in good faith. Durham County Carers Support accepts no liability for any errors or omissions and does not endorse any companies, products or services that appear in this publication. This publication is available in alternative formats and large print. To let us know your requirements, please contact 0300 005 1213.

10 Be aware of Volunteer Universal Credit Opportunities Would you be interested in helping us to support Scammers now in Parent Carers? We are looking to train new and existing Volunteers in completing Disability Living your Area! Allowance forms for our Parent Carers. The role Benefit claimants are being targeted by scammers includes full training and ongoing support. promising a low-cost loan or even a grant from the We are also looking for outgoing people to help us with our government, often seeking out the poorest and most Carers Discount Card scheme, this involves working with vulnerable members of society. other charities and going out and talking to local business You will not be told that the money you’ll receive about what we do and the support we offer and seeing if is an advance for they would be interested in joining the scheme, all in aid Universal Credit. After of making our communities more Carer Friendly. There’s the fraudsters have no selling involved just an opportunity to get involved in taken their cut of your our fantastic work joining an enthusiastic team supporting payment, victims are Carers. left to pay back the total amount after their If either of these roles appeal to you then please contact Universal Credit awards [email protected] for more information. NB begin. One scammer both roles will involve and enhanced DBS check as they took £1,000 as their involve working with vulnerable adults and children. This “fee” from a payment of £1,525 leaving just over cost is covered by DCCS. £500 for rent, food and bills for the rest of the month. According to the DWP, 10% of new Universal Credit claims could be fraudulent. Victims described being approached by someone who says they work for Jobcentre Plus. They could be smartly dressed and even have a badge or ID to “prove” they are acting on behalf of the Jobcentre. They promised one victim she’d receive a grant from the government that didn’t need to be paid back. To apply for a Universal Credit advance on your behalf, they will ask for ID such as your driving licence or passport, your bank card or details of your accounts and could even ask to take a photo of you. You should never give personal details to anyone you do not know, or that has approached you unexpectedly, whether in person, on the phone, online or in an email. One victim reported that the first sign that she had been scammed was when her tax credits were stopped. When she called up to ask about it, she was Do you support/care told she couldn’t claim tax credits and Universal Credit at the same time. Repayments started to be taken for an Autistic Adult? from her benefits as soon as her UC payments started. Carers Groups meet monthly Victims are being targeted through accounts on at the following venues: Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat as well. They’re operating under names such as “Same Day Drop UK”, Enterprise House, Spennymoor, DL16 6JF “Same Day Grant Payment”, “Discretionary Budgeting Wednesday 6th November 1.30pm Grant”, “moneyinaminute” and “Gov Grants Same Day”. Wednesday 4th December 1.30pm The claims often have details of many children who are Tesco Superstore Consett, DH8 5XP falsely added to enhance the initial payment that the Wednesday 20th November 1.30pm scammer will take most of, but the claimant must pay back. Wednesday 18th December 1.30pm Report any suspicious contacts to Action Fraud For further information please www.actionfraud.police.uk or call them on 0300 contact Susan Garrett: 0191 5006030 123 2040 and contact the DWP to get help to stop or email [email protected] any payment being made. 11 upport our FREE counselling service for Carers Sand grab yourself a chance to Win a Cash Prize! Visit our website www.dccarers.org or fill in the form below and return it along with a cheque made payable to Durham County Carers Support For ONLY £12 per year your number will be entered into the 12 monthly draws. Each month you will have a fantastic chance of winning: 1st Prize £100, 2nd Prize £70, 3rd Prize £35 Please note prize money varies each month depending on how many people are playing.

Our lucky winners from the last 3 draws were:

August 2019 September 2019 October 2019

1st E Johnston James Wilson Karen Pearson

2nd Suzanne Minto Norma Scott Angela Kirkbride

3rd Janet Malin Anne Stobbs Mrs M Allenson

Each chance to win costs £1 per month and you can have as many numbers as you like! The more numbers you have, the greater your chances of winning and the greater the prize fund.

You can join by either visiting our website: www.dccarers.org or by returning this slip along with a cheque made payable to: Durham County Carers Support.

Name:......

Address:......

...... Postcode:......

Telephone:...... Email:......

I would like to buy numbers at £12.00 per number, please return this form along with your cheque payment to: Durham County Carers Support,

Enterprise House, Meadowfield Avenue, Spennymoor, DL16 6JF. Lottery Registration Number LOT142 Charity Number 1069278 #

Why not join our Facebook group for Parent Carers and Learning Disability? Follow this link and join www.facebook.com/DCCSparentcarers

12 Do you care for a child Information course for who presents with carers of people with challenging behaviour? dementia Positive Behaviour Support Awareness Workshops This course has been specifically designed for Carers of for Parent/Carers people living with a dementia type illness or memory North East and Cumbria NHS Transforming Care are problems. offering workshops for Parent/Carers. The workshops are The course is delivered by over six weeks and cover Sleep workshops, Stress and NHS staff over 6 weeks at Auckland Park Hospital. Resilience, Education and Positive Behaviour Support. The course starts on By the end of the six weeks, you will: Wednesday, 26th February and runs every • Learn more about possible reasons for your child’s Wednesday, between 10.45 until 12 noon, ending behaviour on Wednesday, 1st April. • Identify things, people and situations that increase the Each session looks at a different topic including: chances that your child will use challenging behaviour. Coming to terms with memory loss, Falls/mobility, • Identify possible reasons for your child’s challenging incontinence/Personal care, Medications and behaviour. Dementia. • Develop some support strategies to help your child. Carers who have attended in the past have said the • Feel more confident about moving forward with your information given has helped them greatly in their Caring child’s behaviour. role and they have gained valuable peer support from The workshops begin Wednesday 8th January other Carers on the course. 2020 and the last workshop will be Wednesday 12th If you would like to attend this course, please contact February 2020. 9:45am to 2pm Susan Garrett on 0191 5006030 or email: Lunch is included. Venue TBC [email protected] For further details and to book a place please contact Susan Garrett on 0191 5006030 or email susan. [email protected]

Information, Advice and Guidance

The Changes programme is a new inmitiative by Durham County Council’s Adult Learning and Skills Service, delivered in partnership with Durham County Carers Support to provide Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) to the parents and carers of children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Positive Behavioural Support Awareness This programme aims to ensure that parents and carers are well informed about opportunities and gain valuable links to support networks and useful Workshop resources across County Durham. Changes programme information: Do you support an adult who can display behaviour that can be When: The Changes Programme starts on Tuesday 5th November 2019 and challenging? runs through to 10th December 2019 (Every Tuesday from 10am-2pm). By the end of the workshop you will be able to: Where: Durham County Carers Support, Enterprise House, Enterprise City, Identify things, people and situations that increase the chances of Meadowfield Avenue, Spennymoor, Co. Durham DL16 6JF. challenging behaviour. Who: Parents and carers of children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities are welcome. Identify the possible reasons for challenging behaviour. Develop some support strategies. Places are limited and are allocated on a first come, first served Develop an awareness of Positive Behaviour Support. basis. Early applications are strongly advised. Help improve the quality of life for the adult you support. What’s included? • Programme content covering a wide range of topics and This workshop is delivered over 2 weeks. themes. Contact Wednesday 27th November 9:45am to 2pm • Valuable links to support networks and useful 03000 266 115 or resources across the county. Wednesday 11th December 9:45am to 2pm. email • We provide tea, coffee and soft drinks throughout [email protected] Lunch is included. Cornerstones, North Burns, Chester-le-Street DH3 3TF the day, but you may wish to bring a packed lunch.

To book a free place on this course please contact Susan Garrett [email protected] or 0191 5006030

13 Please use the form on page 15 to book a place or book online www.dccarers.org

Pilates for Carers

This free course will run for 6 consecutive weeks working on the fundamentals and principles of Pilates for those at a beginner level or new to the Pilates Method.

Pilates, when practiced regularly, will help you achieve: • Improved posture, which can lessen back pain • Trim waistline, reshape abdominals • Increase flexibility • Improve breathing • Lower stress levels • Increase strength • Greater joint mobility, which helps to reduce injuries • Increase body awareness and co-ordination.

Led by Claire Thompson

Starting on Wednesday, 8th January 2020 for 6 weeks finishing on the 12th February. 12.45 to 2 pm Croxdale Community Centre 13 Rogerson Terrace, Croxdale, County Durham DH6 5HJ

14

PLEASE TICK ALL OF THE # Booking form for EVENTS AND COURSES YOU ARE INTERESTED IN courses and events ATTENDING PILATES 6 week course: Wednesday 8th January - Wednesday 12th February 12.45 to 2pm Croxdale Community Centre, 13 Rogerson Terrace, Croxdale, County Durham DH6 5HJ. DIGITAL SKILLS FOR CARERS Tuesday 26th November 2019, 1pm to 4pm The Sjovoll Centre, Pity Me, Durham DH1 5BZ. Monday 2nd December 2019, 1pm to 4pm Louisa Centre, Stanley DH9 0TE. Monday 27th January 2020, 1pm to 4pm Durham Leadership Centre, Spennymoor DL16 6YP. Monday 3rd February 2020, 1pm to 4pm Seaham Learning Centre (Seaham Contact Centre) SR7 7JE. MOVING & ASSISTING Wednesday 27th November 2019, 9.45am to 1pm Newton Hall Community Centre, Abbey Road, Pity Me, Durham DH1 5GE. MANAGING MEDICATION Wednesday 15th January 2020, 9.45am to 1pm East Durham Medicial Group, Thornley Road, , County Durham DH6 3NR. Friday 31st January 2020, 9.45am to 1pm Practice Manager, Consett Medical Centre Station Yard, Consett, DH8 5YA. Friday 14th February 2020, 9.45am to 1pm Auckland Medical Group, The Old Firehouse, Watling Road, DL14 6RP. FEEL GOOD DAY Monday 25th November 2019, 9.30am to 3.30pm - Lunch included. Brown Room, Pioneering Care Centre, Carers Way, Newton Aycliffe, Co. Durham DL5 4SF. Please select if appropriate: Gluten Free  Vegetarian  Vegan/Plant  Dairy Intolerance 

Please return to Jan Burden, Freepost Plus RTXA-HHGH-Sage Durham County Carers Support, Enterprise House, Meadowfield Avenue, Spennymoor DL16 6JF.

Name of Carer......

Postal Address or Email Address......

......

...... Postcode...... Telephone:...... Mobile:...... #

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