Reg’d Charity No 1112213 Issue 100 January / February ‘12

Hello Everyone, May I begin by wishing you all a very Happy New Year!

Are you thinking of any New Year Resolutions? As a busy Carer one resolution you may want to make and take on board is to ensure you give some time to YOU this year.

If you‟re feeling a little low after the festive season and want to chase away the winter blues why not join us at some of our forthcoming drop-ins, a chance to take some well earned time out and meet other Carers. See drop-in locations on page 12.

It was lovely to see so many of you at the Christmas Party in December, I hope you had an enjoyable afternoon and were lucky enough to win on the raffle. We‟ve featured a couple of photos from the party - take a look at page 2. There‟s more photos from recent events on page 4 – why not check them out.

As always we plan to make 2012 a year with lots of opportunities to give you a break and have a little fun too. We are hoping to plan more Information days, Pamper sessions, arts & crafts and even the odd trip out too. We will keep you posted!

With the start of a New Year here you may benefit from the reassurance of having an emergency care plan in place, why not take a few minutes to read page 11 - PEACE OF MIND 4 CARERS feature. If this free service is of interest to you please do give us a call.

We are currently in the process of arranging a Sign Language course – dates to be confirmed. Look out for details in the next issue of the Caresharer.

In the meantime if you are experiencing any Carer related problems or issues that you need help with please feel free to give our team a call on 01772 455459. We are here to support you!

I look forward to seeing many of you soon, keep warm and take care.

Best wishes. Dawn & all the Carers 1st team

Calling all Carers of someone with Mental Health Issues! Carers 1st now has a dedicated Mental Health Worker. Hilary invites you to a coffee morning on Thursday, 19th January 10.30am-12.30pm at Leyland Carers Office, 78 Towngate Leyland. Come and meet other Carers, exchange ideas and let us know what support you need in relaxed, friendly surroundings.

Chorley & Carers Tel: 01772 455459 „Care Sharer‟ Jan / Feb „12 1 Take a look at some of the photos from the Christmas Party on Monday, 12th December ...

One for the diary ...

We are currently in the process of arranging a Sign Language Course, full details will feature in the next issue of the CareSharer. If you would be interested in attending this course or would like information please ring us on 01772 490131.

Timebanks

Time Banking - A time to give and a time to take. Timebanking allows people to do things for each other and instead of earning money they earn „time credits‟. Everyone‟s time and work is valued equally so once you earn timecredits you can spend them by getting someone to do something for you in return. They are a way of exchanging skills and bring people together. For more information please contact: [email protected] or telephone 07816 522711. To find out more about the new scheme why not join us at some of our forthcoming drop-ins on page 3.

2 Chorley & South Ribble Carers Tel: 01772 455459 „Care Sharer‟ Jan / Feb „12

For address DO YOU KNOW ABOUT OUR CARERS DROP-INS? details to the Why not call in and find out more! locations see back page Drop-in News Tuesday, 3rd January - St Catherine’s Hospice 1pm - 3pm Meditation session plus the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing complementary therapy or have a mini manicure.

Wednesday, 4th January - 10.30am - 12.30pm We'll be joined by Christine Faye Hartley of Help Direct who'll be coming to tell us all about a new scheme called 'Timebanks'.

Wednesday, 11th January - Chorley 10am - 12noon An opportunity to meet other Carers & have a chat and a cuppa in a relaxing and friendly atmosphere.

Monday, 30th January - Coppull 10am - 12noon An opportunity to meet other Carers & have a chat and a cuppa in a relaxing and friendly atmosphere.

Monday, 30th January - 2pm - 4pm An opportunity to meet other Carers & have a chat and a cuppa in a relaxing and friendly atmosphere.

Tuesday, 31st January - Leyland 10.30am - 12.30pm We'll be joined by Christine Faye Hartley of Help Direct who'll be coming to tell us all about a new scheme called 'Timebanks'.

Wednesday, 1st February - Penwortham 10.30am - 12.30pm An opportunity to meet other Carers & have a chat and a cuppa in a relaxing and friendly atmosphere.

Tuesday, 7th February - St Catherine’s Hospice 1pm - 3pm Meditation session plus the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing complementary therapy or have a mini manicure.

Wednesday, 8th February - Chorley 10am - 12noon An opportunity to meet other Carers & have a chat and a cuppa in a relaxing and friendly atmosphere.

Monday, 27th February - Coppull 10am - 12noon An opportunity to meet other Carers & have a chat and a cuppa in a relaxing and friendly atmosphere.

Monday, 27th February - Bamber Bridge 2pm - 4pm We'll be joined by Christine Faye Hartley of Help Direct who'll be coming to tell us all about a new scheme called 'Timebanks'.

Tuesday, 28th February - Leyland 10.30am - 12.30pm An opportunity to meet other Carers & have a chat and a cuppa in a relaxing and friendly atmosphere.

Why not take a break and join us! OPEN TO CARERS AND FORMER CARERS OF UP TO 2 YEARS.

Chorley & South Ribble Carers Tel: 01772 455459 „Care Sharer‟ Jan / Feb „12 3 Take a look at some of the photos and comments from the Carers Pamper Session at St Bedes Club on 15th November...

“Relaxed..enjoyed “Came away thinking about me for feeling a change, it doesn‟t pampered happen very and often! Liked brighter” meeting other carers, didn‟t feel so alone”

“Enjoyed the relaxation “It was a of the therapies & very pleasant experience, enjoyed „catching up‟ as this was the first I have with other carers. attended. Looking forward Felt I was being looked after” to the next one”

. . . Look at some of the beautiful festive flower arrangements raffled at St Catherine’s Hospice Drop-in on Tuesday, 6th December.

4 Chorley & South Ribble Carers Tel: 01772 455459 „Care Sharer‟ Jan / Feb „12 You may be a parent, sibling, other relative or a friend of an Adult with a Learning Disability. Sometimes you may need information and support in finding the best services for both the person you care for and yourself.

Carers 1st now has a dedicated Learning Disabilities Carers Worker, Cathy Openshaw, who can support you as a Carer. Cathy comments:

“I hope to provide information and to help you in trying to get the support you need through working with Social Services and other services. I appreciate how difficult it can be to care for someone on a daily basis and at the same time to go through the process of finding the best services for the person you care for.

Caring for someone with a Learning Disability is often a lifelong role. Even though the person you care for may not continue to live at home, family members remain very involved in ensuring their loved ones have the best quality of life. In situations where the person continues to live at home there is an additional concern for Carers about what will happen in the future when you are no longer able to give practical care and support. These concerns can make you feel isolated as they are difficult to talk about as other people have not had the same experience. Therefore a service which I am pleased to offer is to work with you to assist you in looking at the options and planning for the future”.

Please feel free to contact Cathy, whatever the issues or queries you have, either by phone on 01772 455459; the Carers 1st Office; or by email: [email protected]

Please note Carers of Adults with Learning Disabilities are also very welcome to come along to the Family Carer Network. Please see page 7 for more information.

Chorley & South Ribble Carers Tel: 01772 455459 „Care Sharer‟ Jan / Feb „12 5 GettingGetting youryour VoiceVoice HeardHeard ......

The next meeting of the Carers Forum will take place on Tuesday, 7th February in the main Conference Room at East Cliff County Offices, Preston. Refreshments are available at 10.45am and the meeting begins at 11am. Lunch is provided and the meeting finishes at approximately 2.30pm.

It is a great opportunity to meet Carers from other parts of Lancashire, find out about issues Carers are experiencing and any new services for Carers. All Carers and those who have been Former Carers for up to 2 years are very welcome. Travel expenses are available or transport can be arranged for you.

For more information please contact Cathy at Carers 1st on: 01772 490131.

Moebius Syndrome Hello All ... I have a little boy who is 7months old now and has Moebius Syndrome. When I learned what disorder my son had, I had never heard about it and felt isolated and alone. I have soon realised that parents, relatives and friends of someone who has Moebius, are all too aware of the lack of resources, understanding and knowledge of it – even from some medical practitioners and other learned professionals.

Moebius syndrome is a rare neurological disorder that is present at birth. It primarily affects the 6th and 7th cranial nerves, leaving those with the condition unable to move their faces (they can‟t smile, frown, suck, grimace or blink their eyes) and unable to move their eyes laterally. Other cranial nerves may be affected, especially the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 9th, 10th and 12th. There may be skeletal involvement causing hand/feet anomalies and/or club feet. Respiratory problems, speech and swallowing disorders, visual impairments, sensory integration dysfunction, sleep disorders, and weak upper body strength may also be present. Approximately 30% of children with Moebius Syndrome are on the autism spectrum.

The aim of a Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day is, of course, to create an awareness of the syndrome.

For further information please see the below links:

The Moebius Syndrome Foundation www.moebiussyndrome.com;

The Many Faces Of Moebius Syndrome www.manyfacesofmoebiussyndrome.com;

The Moebius Syndrome Research Trust www.moebiusresearchtrust.org

Thank you for reading this article – please spread the word - Lisa

6 Chorley & South Ribble Carers Tel: 01772 455459 „Care Sharer‟ Jan / Feb „12 Family Carer Network For families of young people and adults with learning disabilities. There is an opportunity for Carers to network and pass on your issues of concern to the Learning Disability Partnership Board. The Network meets 10am-12noon at Chorley & South Ribble Carers Office, 78 Towngate, Leyland. The next meetings will be on: Wednesday, 4th January; and Wednesday, 1st February. If you would like further information please contact: Lionel Barker on 01257 410598; Tom Hicks on 01772 335530; or Hilary Deady on 01772 490131.

Local, Personal and Responsive

SUPPORT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WITH CARE AND SUPPORT NEEDS MAKING THE TRANSITION TO ADULT SERVICES For many of us the transition from being young person to becoming and adult can be both exciting and frightening. This is a pivotal time when we make decisions about further education, work and where to live. This is no different for young people with care and support needs. They will be moving out of the educational and child care systems. They will be looking to find work or other meaningful day time activities. Sometimes people who have lived away from home at residential college may find themselves back home living with their families whilst others may be finding somewhere new to live. This is a time when long standing relationships with teachers, school/college friends and social workers often come to an end. Freedom Care and Support believe there is a requirement for support service providers to make a contribution to helping young people and their families through what can be a difficult time. How they can help Their aim is to work with young people with care and support needs to have in place support services well in advance of the transition to adult services and, where required, to provide that support. They believe it is essential to start planning for transition as early as possible and have therefore committed to providing FREE help and advice, subject to availability, to young people in transition, from approximately 17 years of age. This includes help with Local Authority assessments, agreeing funding allocations, developing support plans and exploring accommodation options. More information Contact Mark Harris on 07534 970317, 01257 246031 or email at [email protected]. More information about Freedom Care and Support can be found on their website www.freedomcareandsupport.co.uk

Freedom Care and Support is registered with the Care Quality Commission to provide services to people with learning disabilities, autism, physical disabilities, mental health problems and sensory impairment. It Operates in Central and East Lancashire supporting children from 13 years of age as well as adults.

Chorley & South Ribble Carers Tel: 01772 455459 „Care Sharer‟ Jan / Feb „12 7 Dear Parent Carer Happy New Year to you all. I hope you are all well and had a lovely Christmas and New Year. Hopefully this will be a new start of a successful new year for your children. Remember, activities have already been circulated for the half term break so make sure you book your children on them so you can have a small amount of time to yourself. If you need any further information please contact myself or the providers direct. New groups are always starting so as I get details I will circulate them. Please don‟t hesitate to contact me if you need any help, support or information.

Swimability JAG – Junior Chorley & South Ribble This is for families and Autism Group Parent Carer Forum children with a disability or Please note that the date is Dates for your Diary! additional need. It is held now changing to every 3rd at All Seasons Leisure The first forum of the year is at Monday of the month. Centre, Water Street, Wade Hall Childrens Centre in Mon, 16th Jan and Chorley. the Community Room. Sun, 29th Jan and Mon, 20th Feb are the Tues, 31st Jan 10am-12noon. Sun, 26th Feb - 4-5pm. following two dates in the Crèche provided but must be booked The changing facilities New Year. with the children’s centre. are excellent for all The following local forum is on types of disability. TASK Group Tues, 27th March at Duke Street This is a chill and chat Leyland Parent Children’s Centre, 12.30-2.30pm. session at the Leyland Carer & Carer st This is an opportunity to hear what Carers 1 Office, 7-9pm rd is happening in our area, put your Drop-in session on the 3 Thursday of st issues and concerns forward and to Tues, 31 Jan and each month. listen to speakers discussing Tues, 28th Feb - Thurs, 19th Jan; and 10.30am-12.30pm. th relevant topics. I would urge you to Thurs, 16 Feb attend this valuable group and also Carers 1st office, Come and have a coffee 78 Towngate, Leyland. to meet with other parent carers with friends and speak to Please join us for a who may share similar experience Joan Bill, Julia Johnson to yourselves. coffee and chat. and myself. (see page 3 for details). 8 Chorley & South Ribble Carers Tel: 01772 455459 „Care Sharer‟ Jan / Feb „12 T.A.S.K Talk about special kids.

Your task is to: Come and chill out, chat, share information and exchange experiences Special Needs Dance Class of having a child/children with special needs Age 3-7 years with other likeminded and friendly parents.

The group meets every 3rd Thursday of the month at the Chorley & South Ribble Carers Office, 78 Towngate, Leyland, 7pm-9pm.

If you would like more information please contact any of the contacts below:

Joan Bill, Parent Partnership Officer nd th [Training and Development] When: Every 2 and 4 Sunday Lancashire County Council; 07917521947 afternoon of the month. [email protected] 1.30-2.30pm Time: Becky Knight, Parent Carer Development Where: Calvary Christian Fellowship, Worker; Chorley & South Ribble Carers 1st 78 Towngate, Leyland PR25 2LR; 01772 490131 Ward Street, , PR5 5HR [email protected] Near the train station and 111 bus route!

Julia Johnson, Face 2 Face Co-ordinator For more details: Lancashire; 01772 424184; 07974 197 894 Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Tel: 07817 330871

indermusik is a fun, developmentally appropriate music and movement course for newborn K babies through to 6 year olds. In a Kindermusik class, you and your child join other parents in a small group environment to learn more about your child‟s unique developmental process. The shared learning experience creates a unique bond as your child associates learning with fun and musical play! MON...Cheeky Monkey's, Chorley, Kem Mill Lane, Chorley, PR6 7EA; 10:30am - ABC Wiggle & Grow Family Time class (suitable from 6 months to 4 years) 11:30am - ABC Laugh & Learn (2-4 years) TUES...Cheeky Monkey's, Chorley, Kem Mill Lane, Chorley, PR6 7EA; 16:15am – Afterschool ABC Move and Groove (ages 4-7 years) WED...Midge Hall Methodist, Church Hall, Longmeanygate, Midge Hall, Leyland, PR26 6TD; 9:30am – ABC Wiggle & Grow (18months to 3 years); 10:30am – ABC Wiggle & Grow (18 months to 3 years); 11:30am – Baby Sign & Sensory Adventure (newborns to 18 months). Call 01772 796185 if you would like any advice on which class will suit your child the best.

http://www.kindermusikwithharriet.com/html/classes.html CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES GO FREE!!!!!

Chorley & South Ribble Carers Tel: 01772 455459 „Care Sharer‟ Jan / Feb „12 9 Support you can rely on 24/7

Nearly 9 in 10 people find it difficult to leave their homes due to their caring FREE LIFELINE role, according to a survey by The Princes Royal Trust for Carers in 2011. SERVICE With Lifeline, you don‟t have to be one of them. The service could give See below you the confidence to have more freedom. A Lancashire-based service is helping thousands of local people to live safely and independently in their own homes, and giving their carers the reassurance that help is at hand at times when they can‟t be with them. Lifeline is an easy-to-use personal emergency response system that provides an instant link to a friendly, caring operator who can help in any situation at anytime of day or night. It can be used to provide long-term comfort and independence to anyone who may be at risk in their home. Lifeline, which is run by Leyland- based New Progress Housing Association, also gives peace of mind to carers that their loved one is never alone. In the event of a domestic or medical emergency, customers can alert the dedicated 24-hour Control Centre by pressing either the emergency illuminated button on the Lifeline unit or the push button on their personal alarm. Depending on the nature of the call, the Control Centre will alert the emergency services, a doctor, a Lifeline emergency warden or a nominated emergency contact and key-holder. If requested, the initial call can be put through to a carer and, if it is not answered, it will then be diverted to the 24-hour Control Centre. For customers requiring a little more support, there is a full range of telecare solutions which can automatically monitor a variety of potential risks in and around the home. The equipment can detect risks such as smoke, floods and gas, it can remind you to take pills and even call for help if you fall.

FREE PLACES AVAILABLE - LIMITED AVAILABILITY

“I can‟t be with my loved one 24/7. Thankfully, Lifeline can.” „Lifeline is with my loved one 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It means I can go shopping or for a night out with the reassurance that help is at hand at the touch of a button.‟

Lifeline provides a 24 hour direct link to a friendly, caring operator who can help in an emergency situation.

Lifeline :  Works in home and garden;  Used by people of all ages with differing needs;  Can compliment an existing care package;  Full range of telecare sensors available.

FREE PLACES AVAILABLE FOR CUSTOMERS AGED 55 OR OVER AND IN RECEIPT OF HOUSING BENEFIT - phone today to register for the service free of charge.

For more information or a free demonstration, phone 01772 678910; email [email protected]; or visit www.progressgroup.org.uk/lifeline.

10 Chorley & South Ribble Carers Tel: 01772 455459 „Care Sharer‟ Jan / Feb „12 LANCASHIRE ADULT LEARNING Peace of Mind 4 Carers

CARERS RESIDENTIAL COURSE Just a reminder about the FREE OF CHARGE service available to all Carers in Lancashire. Taking Care of the Carer We are fully aware of how demanding your 3rd-5th February caring role can be and wouldn’t want you to

miss out on the opportunity of having a For more details on this course and Peace of Mind 4 Carers plan. for prices, please contact Donna Why not take a few minutes to discuss with the Galway, details below. person you care for and have a think about

making arrangements for what would happen Courses are open to unpaid Carers resident in Lancashire. Also open to the person you care for in an emergency if to former Carers whose caring something unexpectedly happens to you. A role has ceased in last 2 yrs. Carers 1st worker will come to your home or to

a place convenient to you, we can talk through For more details contact: with you and fill in the paperwork for you. It’s all Donna Galway or Linda McDonald really very straight forward and stress free, at Lancashire Adult Learning. why not give yourself the reassurance and Peace Tel: 01257 276719 / of Mind that a plan is in place should an 0845 600 1331; emergency situation ever arise with yourself. or e-mail: If you would like more information or would like to discuss further, please call us at Carers 1st [email protected] on 01772 455459.

Where to find us . . .

Chorley and South Ribble Carers 1st Registered Charity No 78 Towngate, Leyland PR25 2LR Tel: 01772 455459 1112213 e-mail: [email protected] (with relevant project in subject line)

Cathy Openshaw Carers Support & Development Worker Dawn Turner Carers Information & Events Co-ordinator Hilary Deady Carers Development Worker Deb Clark Carers Support Worker Becky Knight Parent Carer Development Worker/Young Carers Worker Sue Pendlebury Young Carers Worker

The Chorley & South Ribble Carers main office is based at: Preston & District Carers Centre, 28 Church Street, Preston PR1 3BQ Tel: 01772 200173 Fax: 01772 562647

Opening hours: 9am-5pm Monday to Friday.

Information contained in this newsletter and any additional material is accurate to the best of our knowledge but does not imply recommendation by us and may not reflect our opinions.

Chorley & South Ribble Carers Tel: 01772 455459 „Care Sharer‟ Jan / Feb „12 11 CarersCarers DiaryDiary ofof EventsEvents

St Catherine’s Hospice: The Family Room, St Catherine‟s Hospice, Lostock Lane, Lostock Hall, Preston - from 1pm to 3pm Penwortham: Tuson House, Kingsfold Drive, Penwortham - from 10.30am to 12.30pm

Chorley: The Lifestyle Centre, 22 Gillibrand Street, Chorley - from 10am to 12noon Coppull: Arcon House, Arcon Road, Coppull - from 10am to 12noon Bamber Bridge: Charleston Court, Longbrook Avenue (off Station Road), Bamber Bridge - from 2pm to 4pm Leyland: Chorley & South Ribble Carers, 78 Towngate, Leyland - from 10.30am to 12.30pm

January Tues 3rd St Catherine‟s Hospice Drop-in Wed 4th Penwortham Drop-in Wed 4th Family Carer Network (see page 7) Wed 11th Chorley Drop-in Mon 30th Coppull Drop-in Mon 30th Bamber Bridge Drop-in Tues 31st Leyland Drop-in

February Wed 1st Penwortham Drop-in Wed 1st Family Carer Network (see page 7) Tues 7th St Catherine‟s Hospice Drop-in Wed 8th Chorley Drop-in Mon 27th Coppull Drop-in Mon 27th Bamber Bridge Drop-in Tues 28th Leyland Drop-in

Free Birchall Blackburn Solicitors are offering Legal free Legal Clinics at their offices: Clinics 4 Hough Lane, Leyland as follows:

Every Tuesday: 4.30pm - 6pm; Every Friday: 12.30pm - 2pm.

Book a free 20 minute slot by calling 01772 433775, or just drop in.

12 Chorley & South Ribble Carers Tel: 01772 455459 „Care Sharer‟ Jan / Feb „12