“STRIVING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE” SPRING/SUMMER 2019 SEE INSIDE FOR DETAILS OF ACTIVITIES CELEBRATING CARERS WEEK 10TH – 16TH JUNE 2019 Caring can be a hugely rewarding experience but carers often find it challenging to take care of their own wellbeing whilst caring. Its impact on all aspects of life from relationships and health to finances and work should not be underestimated. Caring without the right information and support can be tough. This Carers Week we’re coming together to help get carers connected. There are 6.5 million people in the UK who are carers. They will be looking after a family member or friend who has a disability, mental or physical illness, or who needs extra help as they grow older. Everyone has a part to play in connecting carers and helping them to get the support they need to care without putting off their own health needs or losing important relationships with others. Caring can be extremely complicated, whether your grappling with the benefits system or considering how to pay for care. There are lots of extra costs that can come with caring and giving up work or choosing to reduce working hours can lead to money worries. The most important thing you can do is recognize that you are a carer and connect with support services available. It’s important to find out about the different ways you can get advice and support with caring. Its natural to think of ourselves as family or friends rather than as carers. Looking after someone can be hard work though and carers often miss out on support services available. Getting a carer’s assessment which looks at what support you might need as a carer is a great start. From arranging a break from caring, getting the right equipment to care safely or getting support with improving your own well-being, services can connect carers to a range of support. HAVERING CARERS’ HUB, Community Reach House Email: [email protected] 32-34 The High Street, Romford,Essex, RM1 1HR Web: www.haveringcarershub.org.uk Reg Charity No. 1063485 Telephone: 01708 961111 THE HUB CAN CONNECT YOU TO ADVICE AND INFORMATION INCLUDING OTHER CARERS Sometimes a few words from someone who understands your situation can be a lifeline. Being a carer can be difficult and isolating, so speaking to someone who knows what you are going through can make a big difference. Carers’ Week is an opportunity for you to get connected to others, including fellow carers, in your community, as well as building new friendships. Our Carers’ Support Groups offer you this opportunity! Our team support all Adult Carers’ caring for an individual over the age of 18 years and each of them bring specific experience in their own field. BEVERLEY RAISON DARRELL ISLES Background in district A recent member of the nursing for many team bringing with years as well as him background and more recently experience of working in Dementia. with families. Specialism – Specialism – Physical & Elderly Learning Disabilities & Frail. WARREN GREGORY Huge experience ROISIN TUNGATT in administration Has brought with and IT within MEET her knowledge a variety of and experience settings, the THE of working core of the team with Dementia. supporting us to Specialism – move forward. TEAM Dementia RIKKI HEER SABRIYE DILAVER Brings 20 years experience of Experience in working in a working with variety of roles families and adult within the voluntary carers. Specialism – sector and with Support Turkish Speaking the hub from the start. Carers. Specialism – Mental Health You can speak with any of the Team for help and advice just call us on: 01708 961111 HUB NEWS!!! What Have We Been Up To During Our First Year! The Havering Carers’ Hub has just celebrated the first anniversary providing a direct support service for adults with caring responsibilities for Havering residents. It has been a challenging, busy, exciting and rewarding twelve months for all of those involved in setting up the service. Carers have had access to information advice and support, as well as encouragement to develop the skills tools and confidence to continue their caring role. As well as the service providing one-to-one support either on the telephone or via home visits, many of our Carers have also attended regular Carer Forums and have participated in a variety of Group activities and experienced invaluable peer support from each other. At the Hub we have seen firsthand how important it is for a Carer to feel listened to and less isolated. As a result, and after taking Carers’ feedback on board, we will be developing more Groups to cover a wider area across the Borough. In June we will be introducing ‘activity only’ or ‘peer support only’ Groups which will enable Carers to choose what specifically suits them as well as which venue they prefer. (See inside for details) Throughout the year the Hub have engaged with both voluntary and statutory services and are fully aware of the benefits for more partnership working to ensure that Carers receive the support they need to maintain their own wellbeing. Thank-you to everyone who has supported us this year and we look forward to more exciting challenges to come. Maggie Walker – Operations Lead HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT BECOMING A BOARD MEMBER FOR A CHARITY? Are you interested in carers’ issues? Would you be willing to give up around three hours every other month to attend a Board meeting? At Carers we work across Barking and Dagenham, Havering and Thurrock. We are looking to recruit new Board Members who can support the charity. This is a voluntary post; however you can claim out of pocket expenses for travel or mileage. You will be required to attend six Board Meetings a year 5pm to 7pm. You will receive a full induction and the support of the Executive Director and fellow Board Members If you would like to know more please contact Lorraine Goldberg Executive Director on 0208 593 4422 or email [email protected] “STRIVING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE” SUPPORT GROUP NEWS! Groups we currently run for Adult Carers within the Borough of Havering have proved extremely successful and attendance growing throughout the year. Don’t forget we welcome new members! Our ‘Taking Time to Listen’ Carers’ Support Group is a weekly group open to all. As well as peer support we have included many activities and Guest Speakers which have been very well received. HIGHLIGHTS: VISIT AND TALK ON ‘HISTORY OF LANGTON GARDENS’. A beautiful historical garden located in the middle of Hornchurch. With mature trees and a lake this is a popular area to sit, relax and unwind away from the busy high street. The Group enjoyed a session in the Glasshouse and had a garden tour with Lisa the Gardens Project officer ending the session with the planting of sunflowers and lettuce which Carers were able to take away with them. Havering Recycling runs ‘Love Food Hate Waste’ – Joined us in March and Carers’ had a wonderful Healthy Cooking Workshop time participating in the cookery display, whilst tasting and learning about reducing food waste. PRESENTATIONS FROM OTHER ORGANIZATIONS ENJOYED AT THE GROUPS INCLUDED: History of Havering Fire Body Havering Care City Safety Team Shop from Havering Museum The evening Mental Health Carers’ Support Group meets once a month. It has been running for approximately 24 years in the Borough and The Hub adopted the group in January 2018. Some of the organizations that have supported us by presenting at the Group have included: Sternberg Mullis NELFT and Health Richmond mental health Reed & Peak Matters fellowship provision in Solicitors Solicitors general The Turkish Support Group is held monthly and although it is primarily for Carers’ who speak the language everyone is welcome. WHAT CARERS’ HAVE SAID ABOUT THE GROUPS • Stimulating session, good peer interaction • Very helpful and inspiring • I enjoy coming to the group • Nice to meet up with other carers who understand • Good to have the support you give us • A really good session, the group was friendly and shared experiences with each other Please note we will soon be introducing more Support Groups that will provide a wider choice of venue and type of support. Details can be found in this Newsletter and all Adult Carers are welcome. Any questions you have speak with a member of our friendly team on: 01708 961111. On behalf of The Havering Carers’ Hub we would like to say a big ‘Thank You’ to the guest speakers/ organisations that have supported our Carers’. The Silver Line operates the only confidential, free helpline for older people across the UK that’s open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Silver Line is a helpline and friendship service for people aged 55 and over. It is the only confidential, free helpline for older people across the UK open every day and night of the year. Their specially-trained helpline team: • Offer information, friendship and advice • Link callers to local groups and services. • Offer regular friendship calls •Protect and support older people who are suffering abuse and neglect. Callers are free to express their feelings, and describe their lives honestly, and can trust them to respect their privacy. In cases of abuse or neglect, with the callers’ permission, they will involve specialist safeguarding organisations such as Action on Elder Abuse or the appropriate social services team. Their helpline number is: 0800 4 70 80 90 For more information visit their website at www.thesilverline.org.uk There is a group running that offers Support, Therapies, Exercise, a social environment, lunch, events and much more.