SIGNAL for Bracknell Forest Carers WINTER 2017
Welcome to the Winter Newsletter
SIGNAL provides information, advice and support to adult unpaid carers who live in Bracknell Forest.
Bracknell Forest Council gives SIGNAL the money to run the service.
To be an adult unpaid carer you must: Be over the age of 18 Provide a friend or family member with help and support because of their illness or disability Not get paid for providing this help
What is help and support? This could be help to do shopping, housework, providing transport or even just visiting a person and having a chat.
It is important you know about people and groups that can help you stay healthy and happy when you are a carer.
Support for young carers (people under 18) and parent carers of disabled children are supported by other services. If you need to contact them SIGNAL can provide you with their telephone numbers.
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SIGNAL for Bracknell Forest Carers WINTER 2017
Carers Lunch Coming to the carers lunch can: Give you a break from caring Help you meet other carers Give you the chance to talk to SIGNAL staff Give you information
The next carers lunch is on Friday 21st January 2018. It starts at 12 noon and finishes at 2.30pm. It is at Easthampstead Baptist Church.
An invitation will be sent to you nearer the time.
Top of the Hops!
During Carers Week SIGNAL provided free activities in the community for carers to try.
Peter, who cares for his wife, tried Tai Chi, Yoga and Tap Dancing. He has decided to keep on doing the tap dancing as it helps to keep him fit, gives him a break from caring and he gets to meet new people.
Peter says “I would encourage all carers to try something new as you never know what you may like.”
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SIGNAL for Bracknell Forest Carers WINTER 2017
Updates from Bracknell Forest Council
Conversations Model – Melanie O’Rourke, Head of Adult Community Team
In November Bracknell Forest Council’s Adult Teams started a new way of
working called Conversations. There are 3 Conversations.
We have gone back to basics, there will be less processes and administration, for example some of the forms we use have been removed. This means we want to listen more and question less.
1st Conversation – We always start here
Aims Regain control of your life Help with independence
Early help and prevention
Equipment can be provided, such as medication dispensers We will look, with you, what local community or support networks could help you
http://helpyourself.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/
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We will not focus on your eligibility for services.
If you still need support or are in crisis we go to the 2nd Conversation.
Conversation 2
We will work with you to identify all the issues and help you to order these issues and think about where to begin.
Where needed we could provide short term support to get you through a crisis.
Once the crisis is over we will develop a plan to help stop the same thing happening again.
If after the second Conversation there are long term needs we would move
to the 3rd Conversation.
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Conversation 3
Complete the statutory assessment
Create a support package based on your long term needs
Changes
If your care needs change again, we do not want to guess what would help you so we will go back to the 1st conversation.
Future Timings of Carers Assessments
If it has not happened already for you then we are aiming for your next carers assessment to be completed after the assessment of the person you look after. This is so that any changes are updated into your assessment.
The new approach to home-based social care – Rifit
Hussain-Curtis, Joint Commissioning Manager
Over the past 5 years the number of people needing social care services has
increased and the costs per person have doubled.
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To continue to meet people’s needs the council needed to do things differently and selected five home care providers to work with.
The new contracts began in August. People had the choice to stay with their existing provider through a direct payment if they wanted to or change to one of the new providers.
The five providers are: Care 1st Ltd Loving Angels Care Ltd Oxford House Community Care Q Care Ltd Watershed Care Services Ltd
The new approach aims to; Help people achieve their own goals
Enhance quality of life Regain confidence and skills Increase independence Provide practical help such as personal care or shopping
Emotional support
It is not just about carrying out specific tasks it gives providers a more active role in planning support and designing a wellbeing plan which could also connect people with the community and voluntary sector.
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SIGNAL for Bracknell Forest Carers WINTER 2017
CARER EMERGENCY CARD EASY READ Carer Emergency Support
What would happen if an emergency meant that you could not provide the care you usually do?
How would people know you are a carer?
Who would they call?
Having a Carers Emergency Card and making simple plans with family, friends and neighbours who could help in an emergency can help give you peace of mind.
What is the Carers Emergency Card?
It lets other people know in an emergency that you are a carer
It should be with you at all times, such as in your bag or wallet A card can also be given to the person you care for with your
contact information
The cards are FREE
What have you received?
One card for you – To complete One card for the person you care for – To complete
Two forms for you to fill out and give to your emergency contacts
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Making your plans
Think about who your chosen emergency contacts are: do you or the person you care for have family, friends or neighbours who could help?
Talk to them about what would happen in any emergency if they needed to step in.
Complete the contact form and hand it to them.
How does the Carer Emergency Card work?
In an accident/incident, the emergency services would find your Carer Emergency Card and contact your emergency contacts so they could step in to provide support.
If your contacts are not available Adult Social Care or the Emergency Duty Team would be contacted to ensure the person you care for is kept safe.
Need help with the cards or the forms?
Contact SIGNAL 01344 266088 [email protected]
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SIGNAL for Bracknell Forest Carers WINTER 2017
Other Emergency Plans
A Message in a Bottle? Keep personal and medical details inside this and place it in the fridge for the emergency services. Contact SIGNAL is you would like one of these.
A Keysafe? This is a safe way of storing a key to your home so that it can be used in
an emergency. “In case of emergency” (ICE) numbers in your phone? You may be able to have emergency contacts and information show on
your phones lock screen. Visit the SIGNAL office if you would like help with this.
Grants for individuals
Is there a piece of equipment that would help the person you care for or help you to care for them? Are you in financial need?
SIGNAL can now search the NCVO database of funders (people who give money) who make grants (give money) to individuals.
SIGNAL can also help you with the paperwork if you apply to a funder.
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SIGNAL for Bracknell Forest Carers WINTER 2017
Support Groups
If you are involved in a group, please let us have the details so we can add them to the list.
Ascot Area Alzheimer’s (Triple A) Carers Lunch Time: 12 noon – 2.30pm Dates/When: Fourth Monday of the month Where: Carnation Hall, 29 Chavey Down Road, Winkfield Row, Bracknell, RG42 7PU Contact: 01344 486349 or 01344 621491
Ascot Area Alzheimer’s (Triple A) Lunchtime meeting, all welcome (Funded by SIGNAL) Time: 12.30pm – 2.30pm Dates/When: Third Monday of the month (Please check 2018 dates with organiser)
Where: St Michael’s Church Hall, Crowthorne Road, Bracknell, RG12 7ER Contact: 01344 486349 or 01344 621491
Autism Berkshire Time: 9.30am – 11.30am Dates/When: Monthly on Mondays during school term times.
Where: Forest Park Community Centre, Horndean Road, Forest Park, Bracknell, RG12 0XQ Contact: 01189 594 594 [email protected]
Bracknell Forest Mental Health Carers Support Group Time: 2.00pm – 4.00pm
Dates/When: First Tuesday of the month (excluding January & August) – Dates are subject to change in 2018 so please check with organiser Where: Coopers Hill, Crowthorne Road North, Off Bagshot Road, Bracknell,
RG12 7QS Contact: 07972 609621
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Support Groups (continued)
Bracknell Forest Carers Support Group Coffee Evenings Time: 5.30pm – 7.00pm Dates/When: Tuesdays (Dates are subject to change in 2018 so please check with organiser) Where: South Hill Park Café, Ringmead, Bracknell, RG12 7PA
Contact: 07972 609621 Non-alcoholic drinks are paid for by the group organiser
Bracknell Forest Carers Support Group Coffee Mornings Time: 10.00am – 12 noon Dates/When: Wednesdays (Dates are subject to change in 2018 so please check with
organiser) Where: Crown Wood Community Centre, Opladen Way, Bracknell, RG12 0PE Contact: 07972 609621
These mornings are mainly for ex-carers but no carer is turned away
Coffee and Chat
Time: 10.00am – 12 noon Dates/When: Every Wednesday Where: The Look In Café, Great Hollands Square, Bracknell, RG12 8UX
Contact: Bill on 01344 421292 If you, or anyone you know who is, affected by dementia, memory loss or confusion you are welcome to drop in for tea and a chat
Coffee for Carers at Crowthorne Library Time: 10.00am – 11.30am
Dates/When: Second Friday of the month Where: Crowthorne Library, 162 High Street, Crowthorne, RG45 7AT Contact: 01344 776431 No booking required, donations for refreshments
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Support Groups (continued)
Konnections Mums A support group run by mothers for mothers of children with special needs or disabilities Time: 10.30am – 12 noon
Dates/When: Friday mornings during school term time Where: K2 Lounge, Kerith Community Church, K2 Building, Bracknell, RG12 1EH Contact: 01344 828802 [email protected]
Memory Café For people with dementia and their carers run by The Alzheimer’s Society
Time: 11.00am – 12.30pm Dates/When: Second Friday of the month Where: Coopers Hill, Crowthorne Road North, Off Bagshot Road, Bracknell,
RG12 7QS Contact: 01344 423583
Wokingham, Bracknell & District Mencap - Carers coffee mornings/lunches For families and carers of people with learning disabilities and/or autism Dates/When: Third Thursday of the month provide either a coffee morning or a lunch
Where: Coffee mornings: Suite 2, Oakmeade Place, Terrace Road South, Binfield, RG42 4JF Lunches: The New Priestwood Community Centre, Priestwood Court Road,
Bracknell, RG42 1TU Contact: 0300 777 8539
Online forums or ‘virtual’ support groups can also help you meet other carers and share and learn from each other’s experiences. Just remember to stay safe online.
Carers UK Forum: http://www.carersuk.org/forum
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Community Knowledge Needed!
We now have an information bus so we can visit all areas of Bracknell Forest. It has a lift and a private office so it is very big!
Do you know somewhere we can park it? This could be a community centre or church hall car park.
Do you know somewhere we can put up a SIGNAL poster?
Do you know of a local newsletter or church magazine we can put an advert for SIGNAL in?
If you have any information please contact the SIGNAL office.
Accessible Information Standard
We produce information in the way people have told us is best for them; easy-read, large print etc.
Some people have still not told us how they would like us to send them information so we will be asking them again.
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SIGNAL for Bracknell Forest Carers WINTER 2017
Save the Date!
We will be holding a social event for carers and the people they care for in January.
Invitations will be sent in the new year.
Priority will be given to people who could not book for the tea dance.
th Sunday January 28 in the afternoon
Ex-carers
If you would be interested in becoming a ‘Carer Buddy’, providing friendly support for new carers, please let us know.
If we have enough interest we will hold a meeting in 2018.
Newsletters
If you have something to include in the next newsletter, please let us know by the start of February 2018.
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SIGNAL for Bracknell Forest Carers WINTER 2017
Let’s talk about………
Protecting yourself from fraud, scams and cyber crime Tips to protect yourself (supplied by ActionFraud)
Do not give any personal information (name, address, bank details, email or phone number) to organisations or people before checking who they are.
Many frauds start with a ‘phishing email’. Remember that banks will not
send you an email asking you to click on a link and confirm your bank details. Do not trust such emails. You can always call your bank to check if you’re not sure.
Destroy receipts with your card details on and post with your name and
address on.
Make sure your computer has up-to-date anti-virus software and a firewall installed. Ensure your browser is set to the highest level of security.
Sign-up to Verified by Visa or MasterCard Secure Code whenever you are given the option while shopping online.
If you receive bills or letters for things you have not bought, take action. Your identity may have been stolen.
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SIGNAL for Bracknell Forest Carers WINTER 2017
You should regularly get a copy of your credit file and check it for entries
you do not recognise. Callcredit, Equifax, Experian, ClearScore and Noddle can all provide your credit file.
Beware of post, phone calls or emails offering you business deals out of the blue. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.
If you have been a victim of fraud, be aware of fraud recovery fraud. This is when fraudsters pretend to be a lawyer or a policeman and tell you they can help you recover the money you have already lost.
If you need advice about fraud, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 to discuss your situation with one of our specialist fraud advisers.
Visit the ActionFraud website for more information.
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/
Independent Age also produce a useful booklet called “Scamwise”. You can contact the SIGNAL office for a copy.
Using ATM’s (Cash machines)
Do not tell anyone your PIN Do not use the ATM if people are hanging around it Do not use the ATM if there are signs it has been tampered with e.g. a loose keypad. The safest ATM’s to use are inside banks.
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After our lunch a carer was concerned because they had heard that scammers could ‘read’ your contactless card with a portable reader and take money from your bank account. So we asked Malcolm Phillips from Trading Standards (who gave the talk) for his advice.
To be able to receive money an account has to be setup with a bank or financial organisation that processes credit or debit card payments. These organisations carry out security checks and look at the transactions that are carried out to check that they are happy that they are real transactions. Transactions means money moving between accounts.
Every card payment can be tracked and followed.
If a thief was to steal your card details they would be easily tracked down.
You are fully protected from this type of theft. Contactless cards are
safer than cash as it is unlikely you would get the cash back from the
thief or your bank.
Digital Resources from Carers UK
Carers in Bracknell Forest can access online
resources from Carers UK for free by visiting:
http://www.signal4carers.org.uk/bfcarers/bfnoti ceboard/39-digital-resources-from-carers-uk
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SIGNAL for Bracknell Forest Carers WINTER 2017
Training
Working with iHasco, we can now provide the following training
online or at our offices.
Assessing Mental Capacity
Moving and Handling People
Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults
We are working with the British Red Cross to provide First Aid training for carers.
Friday 8th December 2017, 10.30am – 12.30pm Trax, Mill Ride (Off of Fernbank Road), North Ascot, SL5 8JW
Wednesday 24th January 2018, 10.30am – 12.30pm Dedworth Green Baptist Church, Smiths Lane, Windsor, SL4 5PE
You can attend either session, there is car parking available but please advise us if you have any communication needs. Places are
limited so you must call the office to book.
Karen White, Dementia Advisor, can also arrange a short course for carers of people with dementia. You can call her on 01344 823220 to find out more.
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Healthwatch Bracknell Forest
Carers often have a lot of valuable experience about local health and social
care services. If you, or the person you care for, have any feedback – good or bad – on services please let Healthwatch
Bracknell Forest know – 01344 266911
Healthwatch Bracknell Forest are also
looking for local volunteers for “Enter and View” visits; opportunities to visit services and talk to patients and clients.
NEW - Mental Health Forum
A place to talk about mental health issues. This is an independent forum, run by Healthwatch Bracknell Forest and paid for by the Community Mental Health Team. It is for anyone concerned with these issues, including carers.
The first meeting will be held on Thursday 18th January 2018, 11am-1.30pm at Easthampstead Baptist Church. A free lunch is provided so it is essential you let Healthwatch know you are coming and if you have any access or dietary requirements. 01344 266 911 or [email protected]
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SIGNAL Evaluation Survey
In late August surveys were sent to everyone registered with SIGNAL in Bracknell Forest and in
Windsor and Maidenhead.
In Bracknell Forest it was sent to 577 people. Almost 1 in 4 people filled in and returned the
survey.
People could tell us their name to be entered into a prize draw to receive some shopping vouchers. The winners were: M.Grant, S.Hesling and R.Carter.
The full 46-page report can be accessed on our website at:
http://www.signal4carers.org.uk/images/Results%20of%20the%20SIGNAL%20service%20eva luation%20FINAL.pdf
or you can request a paper copy from the office.
These are the main things we found out from the survey:
Most carers provide more than 18 hours of care and support a week.
Some carers support more than 1 person who often live in different places. Lots of carers are looking after someone with dementia. People had found out about SIGNAL in lots of ways but almost half (1 in 2) of them had
found out about SIGNAL from Berkshire Carers. Not all carers had received a Welcome Pack on sign up; this happened when SIGNAL first started.
Most carers are happy or very happy with the help they receive from SIGNAL. Carers who support and help someone who does not live in Bracknell Forest or Windsor and Maidenhead were more likely to be unhappy with the help they receive from
SIGNAL.
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Some people cannot access SIGNAL’s services because of their caring role and lack of
respite care. For others it was because they had their own health problems or problems with transport. Some people felt SIGNAL’s services were too focused on older people and dementia.
Not all carers know about all of the services SIGNAL offers. Ex -carers suggested we might want to run a social group for people whose loved one has died and let ex-carers continue to come to carers lunches.
Only 1 in 10 professionals (people who work or volunteer for other organisations) replied to the survey and not all of them understand what SIGNAL should be doing. Other services carers think SIGNAL should be offering included:
o More face-to-face longer term emotional support/befriending o Services for the cared for o Respite and sitting services
o Services aimed at younger/working age carers
What are we going to do to make sure SIGNAL keeps helping carers and improves next year?
Make sure everyone knows about all the different services SIGNAL offers including carers, professionals and the community and voluntary sector.
Make sure carers know that in times of need or crisis we can provides lots of help, not just telephone support. Try to reach more people on the internet and social media.
Work with the council to update the Welcome Pack and then send it to all carers. Start sending an email bulletin every 2 weeks to people who have given us an email address.
Find places to park the new mobile information vehicle so people all over Bracknell can come and see us, find out information and get help and support. We will try to do this on some evenings and weekends too.
Promote the new training course especially “Moving & Handling People” that some carers have been waiting for.
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Help Bracknell Forest Council to launch the Emergency Card Scheme in November 2017.
Find existing groups and activities for carers, particularly those of working age (18-65) and, if necessary, work with them to set up new activities if needed. To make sure carers of people out of area know we can only provide them with a limited
amount of help and support and will refer them to the right carers support organisation. Try to offer training and other activities at different times and at different places. Make sure carers know we can meet them in the evenings and weekends.
To look at what help and support we can provide for ex-carers. In March 2018 do a ‘professionals only’ survey. SIGNAL is not funded to long-term befriending activities for carers. Carers have told us for the last 18 months they would like this. There are other organisations like involve who do this but they have a waiting list. SIGNAL will talk to Bracknell Forest Council about this so they can think about more funding to SIGNAL and other organisations to do this work. SIGNAL’s supports unpaid carers but can signpost to other organisations that provide services to the cared for.
Thank you to everyone who replied to the survey., for the lovely comments and for all your feedback – SIGNAL can only improve and meet the needs of all carers if we listen to what carers are saying.
Please get in touch if you need any type of help or support. If we are not in the office leave a message and we will call you back. We can arrange to see carers at any time; evenings, weekends – whenever it suits you!
“They are just a friendly first port of call and I have always gone back to them many times. Always extremely friendly and a wealth of information.”
“Very caring and helpful advice. I appreciate the non-invasive approach by your staff.”
Our aim is that these are the experiences of everyone who uses the SIGNAL service
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Loraine provides care and support to her daughter Candice who has Prader Willi Syndrome.
She was referred to SIGNAL by Wokingham, Bracknell & Districts Mencap although The Ark, who manage SIGNAL, knew Candice as she attends Friday Night Project.
Although Loraine is Candice’s carer, she also receives help and support from her too - as she has mobility problems and has to use crutches and a mobility scooter. They care for each other.
Candice was very excited as she was due to start part-time work at the new Primark in Bracknell but unfortunately her health took a turn for the worse and for the last 4 months she has been experiencing absences and seizures. SIGNAL supported the family by communicating with her
GP to get an urgent neurology appointment and talking to Primark on Candice’s behalf.
After several trips to Accident & Emergency Candice was admitted to hospital and remained
there for nearly 3 months. SIGNAL has supported the family throughout that time including: Contacting the Learning Disability Nursing Coordinator Helping to arrange a reclining chair for Loraine, who stayed with Candice
Contacting social care and requesting a joint needs assessment Referring Candice and Loraine to SEAP advocacy services Providing emotional support through telephone calls, emails and hospital visits
Finding support groups when Candice was diagnosed with NEAD
Candice is now out of hospital but is in a
wheelchair for now. They pop into the SIGNAL offices at least twice a week for a cup of tea, chat and even some craft!
“W e would never had got through this without your kindness help and support” -
Loraine
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Community Events
Event details
Sunday 3rd Starts at Bracknell Leisure A Christmas carol concert featuring December 5pm Centre, Bagshot Corelli Orchestra from Bracknell 2017 Road, Bracknell, Music Centre and massed choir of RG12 9SE over 300 school children from Bracknell.
Ticket price: £7 Box Office: 01344 782970
Wednesday 6th Lunchtime Lili Pottery, Unit 3, Wokingham, Bracknell & Districts December (further Fernygrove Farm, Mencap. 2017 details from Hawthorn Hill, organiser) Warfield, RG42 A session for carers (of people with 6HN learning disabilities and/or autism) at Lili Pottery. The session, which will last 2-3 hours, will allow carers time to paint and decorate a bauble and/or an ornament whilst relaxing and chatting to other carers. Lunch including cake will also be provided.
Cost: £5 per person.
Call 0300 777 8539 for more information.
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Community Events (continued)
Event details
Tuesday 12th Starts at Frost Folly A ranger led walk. This is a ramblers December 10.30am Country Car Park. walk - it is up to 7 miles and will last 2017 Map grid ref: up to 2 and a half hours. 874 726.
Wednesday 2pm – 4pm New Priestwood Age Concern Bracknell Forest 20th December Community 2017 Centre, Bracknell, Aimed at local older people – carers RG42 1TU welcome!
Festive Fun – themed activities and entertainment
Cost: £3.50 per person including refreshments, £1 for carers.
No need to book – just turn up.
Thursday 18th 11am – Easthampstead Mental Health Forum January 2018 1.30pm Baptist Church, South Hill Road, A place to discuss mental health Bracknell, issues. For everyone concerned with RG12 7NS these issues – including carers. Lunch provided. Call Healthwatch Bracknell Forest on 01344 266 911 to book.
IF YOU KNOW OF ANY COMMUNITY EVENTS THAT MAY BE OF INTEREST TO CARERS PLEASE LET THE OFFICE KNOW SO THAT WE CAN INCLUDE THEM IN FUTURE NEWSLETTERS, THE WEBSITE AND E-BULLETINS. THANK YOU
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Useful contacts
Adult Social Care, Bracknell Forest Council – 01344 351500
This will redirect to Emergency Out of Hours Service outside of office hours.
NHS Out of Hours call 111
SIGNAL Contacts
01344 266088
www.signal4carers.org.uk
The Space, 20/21 Market Street, Bracknell,
Berkshire, RG12 1JG
https://www.facebook. @Signal4BFC com/signal4carers/
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