Carers really do count!
Winter/Spring 2020 Newsletter Celebrating Carers in 2019
Carers Count held two carers celebration events this year. One was at Brian Jackson House in Huddersfield and the other was at Crow Nest Park in Dewsbury. Both events were well attended by carers and their loved ones and were a great day out for all. Both events provided food and entertainment. The activities included head massages donated by the White Rose Beauty College, Bollywood dancing from Salma Zaman and MMO Movement and Dance with Kirklees Council, to name a few. Food was provided by Cake Box in Dewsbury and Frankie’s Burgers in Batley and there were many raffle and tombola prizes donated from a number of organisations.
“I would like to thank you all so “It was most enjoyable, it takes you “I’ve had fun and an absolutely much for all you do and for this out of your problems and gets you fantastic time! A thousand thanks.” lovely birthday celebration. It has thinking about other things. The been so much fun. You are all staff are all nice and helpful.” greatly appreciated.” Who are Carers Count? Carers Count works in the Kirklees area with carers over the age of 18 who look after either an adult over the age of 18 or a child with an additional need. It is a free, independent support service. This service is provided by Cloverleaf Advocacy.
Contact us on 0300 012 0231 or email [email protected] Service Managers
Steph, Heather and Rachael manage the Carers Count service in Kirklees across the Huddersfield and Dewsbury sites. They Please feel free to call or email. We wish are very approachable and keen to answer Ann Marie well in her new role at Carers your questions and take on board your Count supporting employers to review the feedback to develop the carer service to information, advice and support offered to be the best it can be for carers in Kirklees. working carers. Trips Out with Carers Count
At Carers Count, we offer many day trips to our carers throughout We regularly receive very positive feedback from carers about the year. These cover a variety of different locations and activities for our trips. We offer long and short trips so all carers can have an a small fee to cover transport costs. opportunity to join us around their caring role. Our convenient pick up points from Huddersfield, Dewsbury and Batley are This year, carers have enjoyed visiting Pugneys Country Park, designed to make these trips accessible to all. Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Oakwell Hall, Ponderosa Zoo, Yorkshire Coal Mining Museum and Whitby Coast. We also have an We are open to suggestions and ideas for future trips and events upcoming coach trip to Harrogate Christmas Market on the 15th and would love to hear from you, so please get in touch with us November 2019. via phone 0300 012 0231 or email [email protected]. Oakwell Hall Pugneys Country Park and Whitby
Caring for the Carers by Carers Count, with outings and exercise classes as well as information courses, helps make life easier for the carer. 2 A big thank you. Information and Advice Service
Our Information and Advice team consists of five We are here to answer any query you may have with regard to your caring role people: Corinne Green, Lynne Heighway, Stephanie and to help in any way we can. If we cannot assist you directly, we will always find Lepic, Sue Purdie and Ros Walters (our Specialist someone who can. Here are some of the examples of the things we can help with: Benefits Advisor).
• Benefits (such as Disability Living Allowance for children, Personal Independence • Grants Payments, Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance and many others); we provide • Disability equipment benefits checks and can help to fill out the forms • Respite care (to give the carer a break) • Support and practical help for the carer and the person they care for through Carers can visit the office either by appointment or Social Services (this may include financial assessment and help) at our drop-in sessions (when an appointment is not • Assistive technology (for example care phones) necessary) which take place between 10am and 2pm every Tuesday. We also offer home visits if that • Blue badges (for disabled parking) is more convenient. • Other transport help To access our service, please telephone 0300 012 • Other specialist services relevant to the person’s needs 0231 or email [email protected].
High Tea Calling all carers! Please register as a carer at your
Love a good cuppa? In research, 50 per cent of people say their mood and outlook GP practice changes after a cup of tea, with 58 per cent agreeing it helps ease stress. What’s more, 90 per cent say there’s some truth in the saying “a cup of tea is the answer now! to every problem.”
Thank you so much for your support, you helped me find my voice. 3 Mental Health Support
It goes without saying that mental health issues affect all of us at some point in our lives.
With figures saying that one in six people are experiencing a common mental health problem at any given time, this means that around 27,000 people in Huddersfield are suffering right this moment. Puts things into perspective, right?
And because mental illness can turn you into your own worst enemy, many of us end up feeling isolated, unworthy of care and as though there is no help or hope out there. But there is.
We’ve compiled a detailed guide of the support available in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire and nationally. Help is available for all mental health issues, from psychosis, addiction and post-partum mental health. The Kirklees Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Service You don’t just have to go to your doctor for help with is also based at Folly Hall. They provide talking therapies, cognitive behavioural your mental health (although it is recommended that therapy and counselling for common mental health problems, such as anxiety, you do); there are now lots of services, charities and depression and stress. There are waiting lists for individual therapy but courses and helplines who are there to listen, advise and basically online therapy can be accessed quickly. just be that extra arm of support we all need from time to time. You can self-refer to IAPT by calling 01484 343700 or by completing a referral form on their website: www.kirkleesiapt.co.uk Here’s where help is available both locally and nationally: Crisis Support in Kirklees
Firstly, the NHS There is a helpline in Kirklees for adults who need support or intervention for their mental health. People in a crisis who need immediate support can contact the The backbone of our country and your first port of Single Point of Access Team 24 hours on 01924 316830. call if you’re struggling. Always, always visit your GP if you think you may be suffering with a mental health WomenCentre Calderdale and Kirklees problem. Doctors speak to thousands of people every day about this - you are not alone. Your GP will be This charity doesn’t get half the recognition it deserves. WomenCentre has able to give the best advice on what services you can changed the lives of thousands of women in Huddersfield and Halifax on the brink. access in the area, as well as prescribe medication It has bases on Lord Street in Huddersfield town centre as well as Silver Street in should you need any. Halifax and Wakefield Old Road in Dewsbury. WomenCentre provides all sorts of help and free counselling for women struggling with mental health issues, as well Folly Hall Mills as victims of domestic abuse.
Folly Hall is the hub of mental health services You can contact WomenCentre on: 01484 450866. provided by the South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. Based on Chapel Hill, your United Churches Healing Ministry GP can refer you to services based there, which include mental health nurses, psychiatrists who can Don’t be put off by the name if you’re not a church-goer; this charity is based in review and prescribe medication and psychological Milnsbridge and while Christian-run, the counselling services they offer are non- therapies. These services are accessed through religious, non-judgemental and available to anyone over 16. They help support referral only so speak to your GP first - however there people suffering with all sorts of mental health problems, as well as bereavement are waiting lists for therapies. counselling.
You can contact Folly Hall Mills on: 01484 343100 You can contact them on: 01484 461098.
You have been amazing, I don’t know what I would 4 have done without you guys. Huddersfield Samaritans
We are so lucky to have this fantastic charity in this country. Because of the Samaritans, there is always a friend there to listen and support you, no matter how isolated you feel, whatever the time of day or night. Although the Samaritans is a national service, it has a base in Huddersfield town centre on New North Parade. You can reach the Samaritans 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Contact the Samaritans for free on: 116 123.
Support2Recovery (S2R)
Another fantastic charity that doesn’t get enough credit for the work it does in the community. S2R helps people with all mental health issues, as well as those battling and recovering from addictions Carers Count Mental Health team such as alcoholism, drug addiction, gambling and even shopping addiction. The organisation runs Andy’s Man Club regular workshops, outdoor projects and sessions to support carers. Inspirational Luke Ambler set up Andy’s Man Club after his brother-in-law took his own life. What was initially meant to be a regular meeting over coffee for men in You can contact S2R on: 01484 539531. Halifax has now become a national success. The organisation runs meetings and support groups to break down the stigma of mental health problems among men Colne Valley Addiction Support and now has branches in Huddersfield, Dewsbury, Halifax, Hebden Bridge and various other places across West Yorkshire and beyond. CVAS is a small team based in Slaithwaite which offers drop-in sessions and mentoring for anyone You can contact them at: [email protected]. struggling with addiction and dependencies.
You can contact CVAS on: 07555057427. CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
Similar to Andy’s Man Club, CALM is a charity dedicated to preventing male suicide (it’s the biggest killer of men under the age of 49 in the UK). CALM has a helpline Find time for nature… open to any men suffering with their mental health.
You can contact CALM on: 0800 58 58 58.
Mind
You will all have heard of Mind, the UK’s leading charity dedicated to all things mental health. The organisation runs a helpline where volunteers are on hand to give advice on different types of mental illness, where to get help as well as medications and treatments.
89% of Brits would like to spend more time in Saneline nature, as they feel it would improve their physical Saneline is a national helpline geared towards providing support to people with and mental wellbeing. When juggling care, this can mental health problems, as well as those caring for and supporting them. be difficult. Make time for your own wellbeing and take a walk in nature. You can contact Saneline on 0300 304 7000 (4:30-10:30pm).
You have helped my wife; she no longer feels like a burden as we can get help. 5 Kirklees Mental Health Forum: What’s That?
It’s what it says! It’s a place where those We meet at the Mental Health Trust’s premises at Folly Hall, Huddersfield every two months. who care for people with mental health We are a friendly bunch but we don’t mince our words if we have something to say about conditions (including dementia) can come how services are delivered and how they can be improved. together to share problems with fellow carers and professionals, hear about The group is well-respected and we have senior directors and managers from the Mental service changes, contribute to service Health Trust, Kirklees Council, Local Clinical Commissioning Groups and others who redesign and have a voice to help improve regularly visit, present their plans and update us on their progress regarding our suggested service delivery. improvements.
We are a group that is determined to make our experience count, have our voice heard and improve the lives of those we love and care for.
It’s not all formal, we have fun as well; you can see the group on the left celebrating our 4th birthday recently.
Why not come and join us? Our next meetings will be held on:
• Monday 10th February 2020
• Monday 6th April
• Monday 8th June
We usually hold our meetings in Room 49, Folly Hall, St. Thomas’ Road, Huddersfield HD1 3LT. In the New Year we plan to move so please check the location by calling Carers Count on 0300 012 0231. Every meeting starts at 1pm and finishes at 3:30pm prompt.
See you there!
Carers Supporting Carers at the Seaside
Written for Carers Count by a carer…
Carers from the meditation group enjoyed a fantastic day out at the seaside. Organised by carers (Adele and Helen), the group got together and agreed Cleveleys as their destination. The weather was brilliant and everyone was feeling very positive about having a day out to relax and switch off from their usual, very difficult and stressful caring roles.
The coach arrived in Cleveleys and the first stop was Kay’s Fish and Chips restaurant for lunch. The carers then set off for a leisurely walk along the beach and seafront, relaxing with meditation, soaking up the sunshine, chatting, paddling in the sea and enjoying ice cream.
This trip was special as it was organised by members of the meditation group, who are very supportive to each other. Everyone had a brilliant day and are all looking forward to the next one!
The advocacy support 6 from Rehana was helpful. Carers’ Advocacy in Kirklees
What is advocacy? Is the advocacy service free? ‘Advocacy’ is all about people having Yes, there is no charge for advocacy more control over their own lives. We help support. people to make their own decisions, speak up about what they want and need, and Would an advocate help me achieve their own goals. communicate with professionals? Our work includes supporting people to Yes. An advocate would support you in feel more in control of the social care and communicating with health and social care health processes they are involved in. professionals. This could be face-to-face, through an email or a letter or at meetings. What is a carer? Carers Count Advocates: A carer is someone who is providing unpaid Can an advocate Carol Short and Rehana Patel support for a family member, partner or come to meetings with me? friend who needs help because of their age, Yes, advocates can go to meetings with physical or mental ill health, or disability. you and be there at assessments if it would What is a parent carer? Am I entitled to an advocate? help. Advocates can help you to prepare for meetings, explain what to expect and A parent carer is a parent who is caring for If you are an adult (over 18) and caring for a child under 18 who has additional needs, an individual with additional needs we can be there with you. We can prompt you if support you; either the cared for or the carer needed and talk on your behalf if necessary for example the child may have autistic should be a resident of Kirklees. If we can’t spectrum disorder, a physical disability, Could an advocate help me help, we will try and find an organisation learning difficulties or mental health issues. make a complaint? who can! You do not have to be living with the child to An advocate would help you in making class as a parent carer. I get Carer’s Allowance. a complaint to social services and other Can I still have an advocate? What kind of things could an advocate local authority agencies (such as the help parent carers with? YES! Getting Carer’s Allowance still means Accessible Homes Team, Client Financial you are an unpaid carer and can have an Affairs or Kirklees Neighbourhood An advocate would help parent carers advocate if you have an issue you need with any health and social care related Housing). We would listen to your help with. issues or concerns you may have. This views and work with you in highlighting includes support at meetings, including How would I benefit from your concerns. We would support you child protection and child in need meetings, having an advocate? throughout the complaints process. TAF meetings, care reviews and support at Advocates will work alongside you, at your My partner’s care package assessments. This list is not exhaustive; pace. They are not there to tell you what to has been reduced, could an give us a call to see if we can help and if we do or make decisions for you. Advocates advocate help me to fight this? can’t we will put you in touch with someone will listen and will help put your views who can. across. Advocates will never do anything Yes. An advocate can never guarantee you about you, without you! getting the outcome you want but can help Can an advocate help me you to challenge decisions that have been with claiming benefits? I am a carer but I don’t know my rights, made about the person you care for if you can an advocate help me? No, this is not something an advocate could disagree with them. help you with but they can refer you on to Yes. An advocate can help you to find out what your rights are and help you to access Social services a Carers Count Information and Advice all the information you need to make your have cut the direct payments. worker, or another organisation, who will help you with benefits. own informed decisions. Can an advocate help me to fight this? My partner/dad/daughter is in Yes they can but they cannot guarantee Can an advocate help me residential care. Do I still qualify the outcome. An advocate would help with legal problems? for a carer’s advocate? you in challenging the cuts made and No, as advocates have no legal training Yes you do. We understand that the caring would explain the options available to you they cannot help you with legal issues, but role still continues when your loved one is in in fighting this issue, including making a they can help you to access the right legal a residential setting. formal complaint. support.
Having an advocate has helped me understand how things work within social services, without her I would be at a loss. 7 Carers’ Toolbox
As a carer myself, I have found at times I feel disappointed with Groups. It’s easy to become isolated when there is always an myself if I snap back at my loved one and even though I apologise, I appointment or another demand on your time as you are caring, often feel bad and cross with myself for not being more patient. How whether you are working or not. However, making a bit of time for often have you felt like this? I am guessing I’m not alone. yourself by going to a group can give you some fresh conversation and help your mental health. Groups are great but can be daunting Providing 24-hour care has its rewards, but as unpaid carers we if you have not been out for a while. If you want to find something can’t clock in and out. I think acknowledging this is important. in your area and don’t know where to start, Community Plus can Over the years, we develop our own toolbox of strategies and arrange for a member of their staff to visit you and find out what tips which we dip into to help us cope with our caring role. Here would suit you in your area. Just knowing that a member of staff are a few of mine. can meet you at a group so it doesn’t feel as daunting can be all it takes to get you out there and trying something new. You can I would love for you as carers to write in and share what helps you. refer yourself to Community Plus by phoning 01484 221000, visiting We are all at different stages in our caring role, so please feel free to www.kirklees.gov.uk/communityplus or emailing community.plus@ agree or disagree with any of my ideas. This is a space for all carers kirklees.gov.uk. to share tips. If you would like to attend one of our carers’ groups, please call Don’t blame yourself. It doesn’t help you cope or change things us and ask to speak to a group worker. They can tell you what to to help your loved one. An outburst can be a sign of carer stress. expect and you will then know that member of staff before you start Acknowledge this and be honest with yourself about how you feel the group. Our carers love being with other carers, sharing their and what might help you. experiences of caring and finding out from one another what other groups are out there to support them and their loved ones. Do you need a break? Respite is not a dirty word. I laugh writing this, but I struggled to accept that and was convinced my loved Keeping active. You might laugh at this suggestion! I know some one would not want it. How wrong I was! She loves her day care days it feels like it never stops and there is always something that and looks forward to it. Respite comes in many shapes and forms; needs attending to. A short walk out with my little dog really helps it could be a couple of hours with a free sitting service to allow me to get a bit of quiet time each morning and evening and then I you both some time out with other people, day care or residential feel calmer and in control. I know of friends who like to go on the breaks. It can be a very positive experience for both the carer and health walks or who enjoy Tai Chi or another exercise class. It’s all cared-for. If you would like to know more about what is available, about finding something you can fit around your caring role that the costs of respite and if you are receiving all the benefits you are helps keep you strong, both physically and mentally. It’s easy to entitled to, then please ask to speak to one of our Information and ignore your own health needs but you need to look after yourself to Advice workers. be able to care for someone else.
Remember you are not on your own, seek help 8 if you’re caring and juggling work and family life Quiet time. This might sound contradictory but I have found help. Alternatively, Carers Trust offer an emergency sitting service relaxation and meditation techniques very useful to me in my caring for situations like this. I have a very good neighbour who takes my role. As carers, we have so many things on our mind, our to-do lists heavy dustbins out for me and in exchange I bring them in. can be very long. Having a regular time each day to empty my mind and let go of tension (which I often don’t realise I am holding on Age UK have a ‘trusted trader’ list available with reliable workmen to until my neck aches in the evening) has proved very valuable. It and gardeners listed. They also have a handyman service which has helped me put things in perspective, become more patient and is free for the over 55’s to help with those little jobs that just sneak reduce my carer stress. up on you.
I completed the Carers Count meditation course run by Sue Oakwell I try to ask myself, do I do things out of habit or need? in spring and have found the techniques taught to be very beneficial. An example of this is doing the ironing; with modern washing Once you have learned the skills, you can attend weekly sessions at machines, fabrics and dryers, a good shake and fold works wonders. the Carers Count offices or, like me, just carry on at home fitting it in Applying for benefits. If this is not your area of expertise then get to your daily routine. help from our team or Citizen’s Advice Bureau. It would be worse If it’s not possible to attend our meditation courses due to your if your application was wrong and you had to appeal. Photocopy caring commitments, we can signpost you to other organisations every form before you send it off so that you have a record and like CLEAR and Iapt who run similar ones. Please contact our can use this if you need to reapply in future and you won’t need service if you would like to know more. to start from scratch.
Time management. I find that reducing my fatigue is very Hospital appointments. I always make a list of questions I want important. When I am tired I am not as considerate and can lose my to ask beforehand because once I’m in the room I find it’s easy temper, which is not good when I am looking after someone. Family to get side-tracked by the questions the specialist/doctor asks. and friends offered to help me but my inner voice would tell me that I I refer back to my list once the doctor asks me if I have any can’t expect them to do something for me when they have their own questions and I jot down the answers. I keep all my loved one’s busy lives to lead. I now realise that if someone offers to help, this letters for appointments in a file along with any contact details is genuine and I take them up on their offer. I have learnt that if you of social workers and other services. By keeping everything keep turning people down, you can’t expect them to keep offering. together, I have a good record of who has been and what it was My kitchen cupboards have never been so clean! to do with. It’s easy to get confused when so many people are involved and service names and staff change constantly, so this Good communication. This is very important. We can’t expect is a tip that has helped save me a lot of time and energy. family and friends to offer help if they do not know we havea problem. Sometimes we just have to ask. I often need to ask for These are just a few of my carers’ tips. help when I have hospital appointments for myself and can’t be around for my loved one. I have family and friends who I can ask for We would love to hear your ideas…
9 Welcome to our new team members
It gives us great pleasure to welcome all our new members to the team at Carers Count. You will see the team out and about, but we thought it would be nice for you to find out a little more about them here. It’s always good to put a face to the name.
Hello, I’m Stephanie Lepic and I started Hi, my name is Bilal Passwala and I am Hi, my name is Mikala and I am very happy working at Carers Count in August. I the new Groups and Events Coordinator to have joined Carers Count as Front- recently graduated from The University of for Carers Count. I recently moved over of-House Assistant. I will also be writing Wolverhampton with a degree in Public from the Carers Count Mental Health and editing content for our new website. Health. Throughout my studies I learned Team in Dewsbury, where I primarily I wanted to work for this service because the impact of the caring role on individuals, supported individuals struggling with their I am passionate about carers getting the so when I saw the opportunity to work with mental health so that carers could have a support they deserve. I am looking forward carers and make a difference, I applied break from their caring role. I really enjoy to meeting with different carers’ groups straight away. I look forward to meeting my new role in supporting hard-working and getting to know more of you. Like all new people and being able to provide carers; it has been an exciting few months of our services, the new website should be support and information to make a positive managing our existing groups for carers tailored to your needs and views, so I would impact on people’s lives. and organising events and trips. It is great like to understand your thoughts on this to to be part of an amazing team that come make sure it works for you. together for the community.
Hi I’m Helen and I have worked in the health and social care sector for 19 years, mainly within residential care services for adults with learning disabilities, autism, mental health problems and challenging behaviours. I have also worked for Mencap as a carers’ advocate for 3 years which I thoroughly enjoyed. I had a daughter in January 2019 and decided I needed to work still, but wanted a job which was rewarding and fulfilling.
When I saw the advert for the Front of House Assistant role at Carers Count, I thought this would be the perfect job to settle me back into work with a 9-month-old. I am looking forward to meeting carers and seeing how Carers Count support them in areas they need.
Hi everyone I’m Hayley! I came into the organisation in June of this year, having previously worked within our local substance misuse service, CHART Kirklees. I am excited to be here and develop my new role to the best of my ability. It will be very interesting to support the carer rather than the service user. It will be great to get to know you all and bring some exciting new ideas to the service.
All first class, you have lightened my load. 10 Dementia Getting to know… Ambassadors Pete in Kirklees
In October, Maureen Winfield, Maureen McGlynn and Jean Broscombe (our local Dementia UK Volunteer Ambassadors) were invited to an exclusive Dementia UK reception at No. 11 Downing Street. It was an opportunity to meet the dementia specialist Admiral Nurses and hear about the vital support they provide across the UK to people with dementia and their families.
How did you get involved with carers count? I first got involved with Carers Count when The Admiral Nurse service is unique. 277 they took over the contract from Coast/St. Anne’s. Admiral Nurses work alongside families affected by the most complex cases of I’m a support worker. What is your role? dementia, giving them one-to-one support, expert guidance and practical solutions Describe your role in one sentence? My job is very rewarding and exciting. which enable them to face dementia with What is the most important aspect of your work? Helping clients achieve goals they more confidence and less fear. said they couldn’t do. They can only provide this care with the What is your favourite place? My favourite place is my caravan in Thirsk. help of supporters, volunteers and partners and there are currently not enough Admiral What is your greatest achievement? I have been an apprentice trained engineer since Nurses to support the growing number of leaving school in 1980 and never thought I would have the skills to do this job. My greatest people living with dementia. This is why achievement is proving to myself that I have transferable skills to do this job to the best of fundraising, as well as increasing awareness my ability. of the role of Admiral Nurses, is so vital.
What is your greatest fear? Letting people down. The event was planned to raise a glass to their successes, look to their ambitious What would you change about your life? I need to lose a bit more weight. future plans, and find out how our support How do you relax? I’m a member of a 1940s re-enactment group. We put on living history changes the lives of families affected by displays of how soldiers lived whilst in battlefields. dementia.
A big thank you to the organisers at Carers Count for a splendid day out at Manchester Christmas Market. 11 We are an independent charity for parents of any child or children If you can’t get to our events, ask your school if they could run aged 0-25 who have special educational needs and/or disabilities a coffee morning for parents of children with special educational across Kirklees. We can support you in different ways: needs; PCAN visits schools all over Kirklees to support parents at coffee mornings/afternoons hosted by schools. Your school can Good Information contact us on 07754102336 or [email protected]. We offer information about and signposting to support and services Stronger Voice in the area through our website, newsletters and social media. We can also answer your queries over the phone or via email. So, for As parents and carers we want our children to have the best example, if you want to find out about where to get support or find possible quality of life. We work hard to seek support, education and out what activities are available for children and young people, feel opportunities that will enable them to develop to the best of their free to get in touch. (Sorry, we don’t have the resources to offer abilities, achieve their goals and lead happy and fulfilling lives. We one-to-one support to solve problems but can point you in the right are our children’s biggest supporters and most trusted advocates, direction). Our closed Facebook group is a fantastic way of finding so it is important that our voices are heard. out information from other parents. For the past 7 years, PCAN has been championing the voices of Talk and Support parents and carers across Kirklees in our partnership work with Kirklees Council and Health so that we can improve services for We run informal social events for parent carers on a regular basis our children. We gather your views at our events, through surveys, so parents can meet up, share experiences, make new friends and phone calls and social media. We make sure that any service feel less isolated. Sometimes you feel like you’re the only one who reviews or changes being carried out by the Council have parents’ has a child like yours and the challenges this can bring and it’s a views at the centre. We will make sure you hear about what is going relief to meet others who know where you are coming from and on and how you can get involved through our newsletters. Together understand your situation. Some of our members are grandparents, we can make a difference! foster carers and guardians. Don’t worry if your child doesn’t have a diagnosis. You can join PCAN if you are just becoming aware that An example of successfully working together is the change to the your child has additional needs. CAMHS service and the waiting list reduction from 4 years to 12 months or less. Here is a link to our social events: If you are not already a member of PCAN, please join us; it’s free! https://www.pcankirklees.org/pcan-forthcoming-social-events Here’s the link: http://bit.ly/2WmT4Cx
PCAN also supplies the Max Card for Kirklees. The Max Card is the UK’s leading discount card for foster families and families of children with additional needs. Families can use their Max Card at venues across the UK to get free or discounted admission.
For more information, please visit www.pcankirklees.org/max-card
It’s just really nice to know someone understands where I am coming from. Why volunteer?
Volunteers are highly valued at Carers Count and we recognise the Examples of our volunteer roles include: contribution they make to the running of our service on daily basis. • Reception & front-of-house assistants Many of our staff volunteered for charities before they gained paid • Administration support work with us and, since we set up in 2012/3, lots of volunteers for our organisation have gained the skills and experience needed to • Social media marketing move into paid work of their choice. • Befriending We deliver a range of services to support carers looking after loved • Carer Involvement ones. This includes helping them to gain the information needed to navigate the health and social care system, self-advocate, build • Fundraising support networks and balance healthier lives. This means there is a range of volunteer opportunities available which can provide a useful • Information support role training ground for future careers and help build confidence through • Group support role being valued for the time spent volunteering. • Magazine distribution (one-off support required twice a year) We always need volunteers to support our various groups, such as Coffee and Chat, Tai Chi and Arts and Crafts. We need volunteer help Lynda, a befriending volunteer at Carers Count, said, “I get a in reception, within our Information and Advice team and in social feeling of satisfaction each time I volunteer, knowing that I have media development. Volunteers are also required for involvement in made a difference for a short while to someone’s day with little local forums and local authority consultations. effort required.”
If you would like to volunteer your time or for more information about volunteering, please fill in the volunteer application form and send it back to us by emailing the Volunteer Co-ordinator at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can call 0300 021 0231 for an informal chat. We look forward to hearing from you.
PCAN is looking for volunteers to help us make a difference to the lives of families of children with additional needs. If you are interested please contact The PCAN Team: Tel: 07754102336 Email: [email protected] Website: www.pcankirklees.org
When things get hard, remember you are doing your best. No man is an island What is going on in your local community?
Our carers tell us that looking after their loved ones is very important to them, but Shelley’s over 60’s group meet every Monday they realise that having a bit of time for themselves, doing something interesting and Thursday from 2pm to 4pm and every Tuesday, and fun, can be very beneficial for their own wellbeing. Wednesday and Friday from 10am to 12pm in Shelley Village Hall or Shelley Methodist Hall. Both of these I wanted to explore what is available for carers in the rural areas of Kirkburton, venues provide social contact and entertainment Shelley and Skelmanthorpe. So I decided to go and find out, and there is something for anyone over the age of 60 in Shelley and the for everyone. I can only list a few community groups due to lack of space so I surrounding areas. This group offers activities for apologise to the many not mentioned. If you are a community group in one of these both able and physically less able people, including areas and would like to promote your group through our Facebook page, please bingo, rummikub, scrabble, bell-ringing, ‘Knit and get in touch with Louise Spencer at Carers Count. Natter’, yoga, carpet bowls and walking. If you are interested, please contact Olwyn Berry (Secretary) on A warm welcome is always received at the Friday Friendship Café in Shelley Village Hall (Mercer room) by Jill and her team of volunteers. Their café runs on every 01484 301232. 1st and 3rd Friday of the month between 10am and 12pm. They offer support and Have you ever wanted to learn a new skill? a café space if your memory lets you down, if you are a carer and would like some If so, why not look into Shelley’s over 60’s Ukulele time out or company if you are recently bereaved. They have speakers, activities, band? They meet every Monday at Shelley Village caring volunteers and delicious refreshments. Please ring Jill on (01484) 605257 or Hall, Huddersfield Road, HD8 8HE at 1:30-3pm. The 07804 417271 for more information. group leader is Dom Beresford. For more information, please contact [email protected] or phone Dementia social groups are important to help people live longer in the place they call home. To help achieve this, the group meet weekly for 5-hour sessions with 07884210861. transport and a two-course meal included and are designed for people living with The Kirkburton History Group meets every Friday early to mid-stage dementia. An important part of these groups is selecting different between 10am and 12pm at Kirkburton Library. Group destinations for their monthly trips to places like Tropical World, Scarborough, The members come from a wide variety of backgrounds Mining Museum, Cannon Hall Farm, Ten Pin Bowling and many more. The carers and abilities but all have a keen interest in finding out of the cared-for can benefit from 6 to 7 hours of respite, but most importantly more about the local area. If you too are interested report an improved relationship due to reduced frustration of living with dementia. in local history, please come along and join our These groups are held on: Mondays in Kirkburton, Tuesdays in Almondbury, group and you will be made to feel welcome. Formal Wednesdays in Heckmondwike, Thursdays in Huddersfield and Fridays in Emley. meetings are held on the first Monday of every month All of these meetings are held from 10am-3pm weekly. Please call 01484 860077, to discuss any important business and allocate tasks email [email protected] or check out www.ddc.org.uk/dementia for more to members. If you wish to contact us, please email information. Carer, clinical and self-referrals are all welcome via the web site. [email protected] or phone 01484 414868 (press 2 then say Kirkburton). The address is Kirkburton Library, Turnshaws Road, Kirkburton, Huddersfield, HD8 0RT.
Skelmanthorpe Community Library runs two readers’ groups which meet every three weeks on Fridays. One meets at 10:30am to 11:30am and the other meets at 3:30pm to 4:30pm. Please contact the library for the next dates. Additionally, a Classics Readers’ Group meets monthly on Wednesdays at 2pm to 4pm and a Popular Science Readers’ Group meets monthly on Mondays at 3:30pm to 4:30pm. Please contact the Library for the next dates. You can email [email protected] or phone 01484 414868. The address is: Council Offices, 24 Commercial Road, Skelmanthorpe, Huddersfield, A day trip to UK Super Bowl, Leeds Road, Huddersfield. HD8 9DA.
Carers Count have been a lifeline. I will pass on your 14 details to anyone I know who needs help and advice. Skelmanthorpe and District U3A If you want to get out for a few hours and fancy learning a new skill, why not get in touch? They run a range of groups so there is something of interest for everyone in your area at affordable prices. If you wish to join Skelmanthorpe & District U3A (new members are very welcome) it is recommended that initially you contact our Membership Secretary via a message using the facility on the ‘Contacts’ page on the website: https:// u3asites.org.uk/skelmanthorpe/contact. The reason we recommend this is because sometimes people want to join in order to do a specific activity but find that the groups are full or that it may not be possible to do it for another reason. It is therefore best to discuss your requirements before joining. Annual membership fees have been set at £15 p.a. and are due at the start of April each year. Membership gives you access to all of our activities but please note that some groups have additional charges to cover any specific costs associated with their activities, e.g. room hire. Accommodation Options in Kirklees
Kulsum Dalall (Social Worker) and Lauren Davies Kulsum supports adults who may have a physical disability, sensory impairment (Senior Community Assessment and Support Officer) and/or autism and Lauren supports adults with a diagnosed learning disability. work for Kirklees Council. Their role is to provide support, advice and assessments for adults who Kulsum and Lauren are happy to meet with service users and their families need to live in specialist accommodation or supported from the earliest possible stage to discuss future plans and begin gathering the living within Kirklees. There are lots of schemes necessary information for those who may require specialist accommodation or available in Kirklees which provide care and support supported living. They will go through all the various accommodation options from on-site, trained staff to enable individuals to live available in Kirklees. They can be contacted via email or by calling Gateway to independently. Care on 01484 414933.
You have made such a difference; we didn’t know where to turn 15 Barnardo’s and Kirklees Young Carers Service
Did you know that Barnardo’s has been delivering a young carers’ service in Kirklees for more than 3 years? It is now a well-established source of support for carers aged 8 to 18. And that’s not all, Barnardo’s also works in partnership with Carers Count to offer support to young adult carers up to the age of 25 who are in transition between children’s and adult carers’ services. This is to make sure young people get the best support as they move on to work or college.
What we do: Barnardo’s offers 1:1 and group support to help young carers explore worries about their caring role, develop confidence and build resilience. Holiday groups and activities give young carers a break and a chance to spend time with friends. We had our busiest summer ever this year, which included a range of trips and activities including an arts project linked to the theme of ‘community’.
We hope to exhibit a piece of art created by the young carers this summer as part of Young Carer Awareness Day on January 30th 2020, when we will be running activities at our pop-up site in Huddersfield’s Piazza. Please come and say hello and find out more about us.
If you’d like more information about support available to young carers, please call us on 01484 426100. We
Kirklees Young Carers 1:1 work, a young carer’s toolkit
The celebration was fun, had an absolutely fantastic 16 time! A thousand thanks. Robert Ingham Art Mr. Robert Ingham, aged 74, has been a member of Carers Count’s Arts and Crafts Group at Brian Jackson House for about the last three years.
Robert has also been an active member of the Huddersfield Art Society since 2014, following the death of his wife June from MS. He had been her main carer since 1995, when he took early retirement from KMC Architect’s Department.
Mr. Ingham’s mother, N. K. Ingham, was a very keen artist and secretary of Brighouse Art Circle for many years following the death of her husband in 1959. She did oil painting and later sculpture and wrote short stories. She had her paintings exhibited in art galleries throughout the region, including in Huddersfield, Brighouse, Halifax and Elland.
Robert took over a large collection of paintings, art books and memorabilia from his mother following her death in 1991 and this gave him lots of inspiration for drawing and painting.
At the Huddersfield Art Society’s 123rd Annual Exhibition in 2019, Robert had three pictures selected by Mr. Richard Kitson. Richard is an art teacher at Barnsley College and has a Fine Art degree. The aim of the selection process is to achieve a high quality, balanced, varied and inclusive exhibition, so Robert was very pleased to have three pictures accepted.
The pictures selected were views of Pompeii, Bretton Estate and Huddersfield Canal by the University.
Robert plans to continue with his artwork alongside his other hobbies, which include cycling and photography.
Good to know we are not alone in the care of our loved ones. 17 Thai Massaman curry recipe for the slow cooker
Ingredients
• 500g/1lb 2oz new potatoes, halved
• 50 gram of green beans roughly chopped
• 800g/1lb 12oz of chicken or beef, cut into matchbox-size pieces
• 3 tbsp massaman curry paste
• small bunch fresh coriander, stalks finely chopped
• 5cm/2in piece fresh root ginger, finely grated
• 400ml/14fl oz can coconut milk
• 1 tsp light muscovado sugar • 1 lime, zest and juice Comfort • 1 tbsp fish sauce, plus extra to taste A short poem by Robert Dennis Battye • 6 freeze-dried kaffir lime leaves (optional)
• handful roasted unsalted peanuts, roughly chopped, to serve
Method
• Place the potatoes in the slow cooker. Heat a large, non-stick frying pan and brown the meat in batches until golden brown, then transfer to the slow cooker. There’s no need to add any oil to the pan as the meat is fatty enough.
• Add the massaman paste, coriander stalks and ginger to the frying pan, then fry for a few minutes until fragrant. Sway with every day • Tip in the coconut milk and bring to the boil. Season with the sugar, lime Accept life’s great gifts zest and fish sauce, add the lime leaves if using, then pour the sauce over Peace of Heart is such! the meat and potatoes. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 6 hours or until very tender. Be untempted by Worry Use such energy to Solve • Spoon off any excess fat from the top of the curry, add the juice from half Ease Pain with Hope! the zested lime and add more fish sauce if needed. The curry should have a Shrug the ills of Self and Others balance of sour, salty, hot and sweet flavours without one flavour dominating. Only take on with Courage Scatter with the coriander leaves and peanuts, then serve with steamed You will reach an Answer! fragrant rice (jasmine) and the remaining lime in wedges, for squeezing. This will give you Comfort This is perfect for those cool winter days when we have too much to do and The Comfort of the Happiness, that want to come home to a warm, tasty, nutritious meal that was prepared earlier. Whatever Comes will be Overcome!
It was a lovely day with lovely people. 18 Useful Contacts
Connect to Support Cloverleaf Advocacy Online service giving support Independent advocacy service for disabled, for people living in Kirklees carers and older people www.connecttosupport.org Learning Disability Carers Voice www.cloverleaf-advocacy.co.uk 0333 600 6330 For family carers supporting someone 01924 438438 with a learning disability Gateway to Care Mark Feeny 01924 496095 Information, support and advice on health and social care with onward referral for services www.kirklees.gov.uk/gatewaytocare 01484 414933
Kirklees Local Offer Supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities aged 0-25 www.kirkleeslocaloffer.org.uk NHS Choices PCAN Provides online health and social care information Information and help for parents of children with www.nhs.uk additional needs in Kirklees www.pcankirklees.org 07754 102336
Kirklees Citizens’ Advice & Law Centre 1 & 3 Brook Street Huddersfield HD1 1EB Units 5/6 Empire House Demand Wakefield Old Road, Manufacture and refurbish equipment that helps Dewsbury WF12 8DJ people with disabilities Carers Trust Mid Yorkshire www.kcalc.org.uk www.demand.org.uk Crossroads Carer Service 0344 848 7970 01484 666261 Support services for carers and the people they care for www.carerstrustmidyorkshire.org.uk 01484 537036
Samaritans Call, email, text, write or talk Cruse Support, information and advice face to face about any problems for people when someone dies www.samaritans.org 0845 790 9090 Age UK Calderdale & Kirklees www.cruse.org.uk Support and services to improve 0844 800 3309 older people’s lives www.ageuk.org.uk/calderdaleandkirklees 01484 535994
Department of Work & Pensions Single Point of Access (SPA) Kirklees Information and advice on welfare and pensions Receive all referrals for mental health C&K Careers www.gov.uk/dwp services in Kirklees Provides careers information, advice DLA 0345 712 3456 www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk/services/ and guidance for all ages PIP 0345 850 3322 single-point-of-access-2/ www.workabout.org.uk AA 0345 605 6055 01924 284555 01484 226800 01924 324200
Mencap in Kirklees Kirklees Dementia Hub Carers UK Support for people with learning disabilities, Age UK Calderdale & Kirklees Information, advice and support for carers their families and carers 12 New Street, Huddersfield HD1 2AR www.carersuk.org www.mencapinkirklees.org.uk 01484 503908 0808 808 7777 01484 340811 [email protected] 19 Tell us what you think!
Carers Count are keen to get your views on how the service is run and the support we provide. Please let us have your comments and feedback on what we currently offer and let us know if there is anything you would like to see us do in the future. Carers are at the heart of our service so should be included at all times. Thank you.
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Please return your completed form to Carers Count, Brian Jackson House, 2 New North Parade, Huddersfield HD1 5JP. Alternatively, ring or email us.
How to contact
Carers can ring themselves or if you are a professional you can refer on the carer’s behalf. You can contact us between 9.00am-5.00pm Monday to Friday. Ring now on 0300 012 0231. Alternatively email [email protected]
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Drop in for information We do offer a drop in every Tuesdays between 10am and 2pm at Carers Count Office, Brian Jackson House, 2 New North Parade, Huddersfield HD1 5JP. Please feel free to come along and have a chat.
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