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Care for the Carers

December  2017

Carer Engagement e-Newsletter

Carers' Words, Carers' Lives 
 


Care for the Carers' inter-generational Carers' Words, Carers' Lives project continues with five short films featuring five unpaid carers.

The charity’s Writer in Residence Evlynn Sharp, who is leading the project, worked with Brighton-based film maker Dan Bridge to produce the films, three of which premiered at the Autumn Carers’ Forum in October 2017.

The five people featured in the films – Charlotte, Ian, Janice, John and Jason – share their stories of caring and talk about an object that has special meaning to them.

To view the films, please click here

Carers' Words, Carers' Lives

East Sussex Better Together Alliance Wins HSJ Award
 

 
East Sussex Better Together Alliance has won the ‘Improved Partnerships between Health and Local Government’ category at the HSJ Awards 2017.

Amanda Philpott, Chief Officer for Eastbourne Hailsham and Seaford CCG and Hastings and Rother CCG said: “This award is for all of our colleagues; in recognition of their hard work, enthusiasm and commitment to integrating health and care in the best interests of the people we serve. It is for all of our partners from right across our local health and care system – in our CCGs and at ESCC, ESHT, SPFT, the voluntary and community sector and many more partner organisations."

“Thank you for your contribution to all that we have achieved together so far. We have so much more to do to ensure we have the best and safest services to meet the needs of our population in East Sussex, and this is a welcome and timely endorsement of the work we have begun.”
 

South East NHS Veterans Service 

The South East NHS Veterans Service offers mental health support to all ex-serving members of the British armed forces living in, or registered with a GP in, East Sussex, West Sussex, Brighton & Hove, Surrey, Kent and Medway. 

The service is provided by the new London and South East NHS Veterans Mental Health Transition, Intervention and Liaison (TIL) Service, a collaboration between Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust. 

More information is available at http://londonveterans.nhs.uk, however, a new website for the London and South East NHS Veterans Mental Health TIL Service will launch soon. 
 

NHS Veterans Service

Family and Friend Carer - A Guide to Support and Confidentiality  

The Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has published a 'Family and Friend Carer - A Guide to Support and Confidentiality' leaflet. 

The leaflet includes the following information: 

  • how the Sussex Partnership Family and NHS Foundation Trust will provide support for you and the person you are for
  • the importance and benefits of sharing information with you 
  • you rights as a family and friend carer

Download the leaflet here, or more information, visit: www.sussexpartnership.nhs.uk/advice-and-support-family-and-friend-carers
 

Sussex Partnerships NHS Foundation Trust
#HelpMyNHS 
 
This winter is expected to be extremely difficult for the NHS, especially on A&E departments and GP surgeries as they cope with increasing numbers of people seeking treatment. Nationally, one in four people are reported to go to A&E when they could have been treated elsewhere. Additionally, one in four people who visit their GP with a minor illness could have been treated at home with the help of a pharmacist.
 
Please click on the pictures below for information on alternative services to your GP or A&E and how to stay well this winter.
 
You can also find out more about services near you at www.sussexhelpmy.nhs.uk
 

Dementia Lunch/Supper Clubs - Carers Breaks and Engagement Service, East Sussex County Council 

Please see below the Dementia  Lunch./ Supper Club times for December 2017
 
HAILSHAM   Lynn Leeves 07740338120
5th  – The Kingshead, Horsebridge 12 – 3pm
 
EASTBOURNE  Lynn Leeves 07740338120
7th  – The Moorings, Pevensey Bay – 6 to 9pm
 
SEAFORD  Wendy Morley  07759370090
 13th – The Shore, Seaford  6.30pm
 
LEWES  Wendy Morley  07759370090
6th  -  Green Man, Ringmer  6.30
 
ROBERTSBRIDGE 
CANCELLED FOR DECEMBER
 
HASTINGS  Louise Vladi  01424 722309
11th – The Bo-Peep, West St Leonards  6pm  (booking required deposit of £5)
 
BEXHILL Jayne Hicks  07876351487
20th  - West Station, Terminus Road, Bexhill 6pm
 
RYE   Louise Vladi 01424 722309
20th – Two Sawyers, Pett  12.30 (booking required)
 

Engagement Opportunities 


Cancer Patient Discussion Group

Are you a cancer patient in Hastings and Rother nearing the end of your cancer treatment?

Macmillan Cancer Support would like to hear from cancer patients in Hastings and Rother who would be happy to take part in a discussion group about health and wellbeing events
We would like to better understand the information and support needs of cancer patients that are approaching or have finished treatment. This could include information about diet, exercise, emotional well-being, peer support and financial support.

Your views and feedback will help ensure the most useful information is being offered, at the right time and in the most accessible way.

The discussion will take place on:
Date:  Thursday 14th December
Time:  10.30 – 12.30
Venue: The Hastings Centre, The Ridge, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 2SA

Refreshments and snacks will be provided and all travel expenses will be covered.
To book your place, please click here
 
For further information, please contact Greta Anderson:
Email: Greta.Anderson@escv.org.uk
Tel: 01323 403590

Experiences of resilience among informal caregivers of stroke survivors

An occupational therapy student from Brighton University, Freya Stothard, is carrying out a research project hat aims to talk to caregivers of stroke survivors to find out about their experiences of adapting to, responding to, and coping with a caregiving role, and what helps them be resilient as a caregiver.

If you are interesting in taking part in the research, please contact Freya Stothard by calling  Freya Stothard 07938734087  or by  emailing  f.stothard1@uni.brighton.ac.uk


Consultation on council equality objectives

Lewes District Council and Eastbourne Borough Council are inviting feedback on the proposed equality objectives of Lewes District Council and Eastbourne Borough Council. These objectives outline the ways in which the councils will meet their Public Sector Equality Duty.

The three proposed high-level objectives are:

  1. To ensure that equality and diversity is at the heart of everything we do and that good practice is embedded in the councils’ culture and work.
  2. To build respect and understanding across our communities by working with them to tackle prejudice, discrimination and hate crime.
  3. To promote fairness and accessibility.
To find out more and to have your say please visit http://www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/consultations/consultation-on-the-councils-equality-objectives/

The closing date of this consultation is Friday, 15 December at 5pm.
 

Petition for free concessionary travel for carers

Amanda McDonald is an unpaid carer from Scotland and she is campaigning for free/concessionary travel for carers. She would appreciate as many carers as possible to show their support of the campaign by signing her online petition.

The proposal is that the government take the initiative to offer free / concessionary transport to carers. This could be through adapting the concession and companion card which currently allows the carer to travel with the cared for but not separately. Or through some form of add on to carers allowance for those in receipt of it.

The link below directs you to Amanda’s petition.She would truly appreciate your signature and if you could encourage others by sharing it on your social media pages. https://www.change.org/p/free-concessionary-transport-for-unpaid-carers-it-should-be-our-right.

Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust seeks carers to take part in a filming project

Carers with personal experiences in a range of subject areas are being invited to come along to filming sessions and help develop short videos. The videos will be used on courses such as restrictive interventions, manual handling, safeguarding, clinical risk and basic life support.

For more information, or to take part, email HEEKSSProjects@sussexpartnership.nhs.uk


Sussex NHS 111 Survey Autumn Forum
- what did people tell us


The NHS 111 service plays a key part in Sussex, taking over 350,000 calls every year. Earlier this year the NHS 111 Transformation Programme ran a survey both online and in local Sussex newspapers to find out people’s views on the NHS 111 service and ideas for the future of the service. Over 1000 people across Sussex responded so thank you!
 
You can find out what was asked and what people said here: https://www.coastalwestsussexccg.nhs.uk/?action=download&item=11251
 
The survey was a great start in engaging and informing people about the re-procurement and transformation of the NHS 111 service in Sussex.  Engagement activity will continue throughout the programme, working alongside the three local Healthwatch organisations in West Sussex, Brighton and Hove and East Sussex to ensure as many people as possible are able to have their say.
 
You can find out more about the pan-Sussex NHS 111 Programme online at: www.coastalwestsussexccg.nhs.uk/re-procuring-nhs-111-and-ooh-services

 

Consultation on council's equality objectives

WRAP for Carers 




"The WRAP for Carers course made me feel both very welcome and valued. I had temporarily lost sight of myself in all my caring roles and WRAP really gave me back a sense of my own value.” - Participant on WRAP for Carers Course

Do you ever feel isolated, frustrated, guilty, misunderstood, overwhelmed or alone? Being part of a WRAP group has helped many carers feel valued, connected, accepted, more compassionate towards themselves and part of a community of people who understand what they are going through. 
 
Lucy and Molly are carers too and have been working with carers for four years using WRAP.  They have learned so much from everyone they have met.  All carers are welcome on a WRAP course.  Caring can mean 24 hour care, it can also be caring for someone who doesn’t live with you but couldn’t manage without your support.  Every carer is different and every caring role has its own joys and challenges.  Whether you are sole carer or you share the care of a loved one, friend or neighbour, your wellbeing matters.
 
The next six-session WRAP for Carers courses will start on the following dates in 2018:

Newhaven – Monday, January 8th, 2.30pm – 4.00pm (please note change of venue – this was originally advertised as a Lewes course)
Eastbourne – Tuesday 9th January, 10.00am – 1.00pm
Uckfield – Wednesday, February 21st, 10.30am – 1.30pm
We will also be delivering ongoing groups in the spring of 2018. The dates are to be confirmed so please get in touch, check our website and keep an eye out for our newsletter.


If you would like to book a place on a course or find out more about WRAP whatever your caring situation please contact:
Molly:  07507 734 370 or molly@coastalwellbeing.co.uk
Lucy:  07598 323 254 or lucy@coastalwellbeing.co.uk
www.coastalwellbeing.co.uk/wrap-for-carers/
 
 

WRAP for carers

CarersToolkit and Activities 


 

The following exciting courses are on offer as part of the Care for the Carers Toolkit Programme:

  • Carers Rights and Emergency Planning 
  • Operation Shine - Practical strategies for improving your personal resilience, health and well-being.
  • Therapeutic Art Course 
  • Wellness Recovery Action Planning WRAP for Carers
  • Mindfulness Course
Care for the Carers also hosts a range of activities, such as afternoon teas, theatre trips and pamper day, throughout the year for unpaid carers in East Sussex.

Many of our activities will be listed on our website events page here, or for more information about the Carers Toolkit, our other activities and to book, you can also contact Care for the Carers by calling 01323 738390 or by emailing info@cftc.org.uk

 
Training and Activities
Carers' Voices Network

Care for the Carers regularly consults with the Carers' Voices Network on different issues and sends out information and invitations to key events. Some opportunities are sent by email or post to all members, others are only relevant to certain carers, depending on where you live or your caring responsibility.

You can chose what you would like to get involved in and how much time you can spare.

If you would like to join the Carers' Voices Network, please ring Debbie Reid on 01323 738390 or email debbier@cftc.org.uk and we can add you to the mailing list.

 

Universal Credit - East Sussex 

Universal Credit is for people of working age who have no or low income and whether or not they work. This new monthly payment is replacing six benefits:

  •  Housing Benefit
  •  Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
  •  Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  •  Income Support
  •  Working Tax Credit
  •  Child Tax Credit

Universal Credit is being introduced in three stages.  

  1. Live Service – this is already in place across the county. The Live Service is mainly for single      unemployed people who are fit for work and are making new claims.
  2. Full/Digital Service - Universal Credit is available to all claimants, single people, couples and families (see below for exceptions) making new claims or following certain changes of circumstances.
  3. Once all Live Service areas have been replaced by Full Service areas, the DWP will migrate all remaining existing benefit claimants to the Full Service. This will happen between July 2019 and March 2022.
Professionals, volunteers and residents living and working in the Hastings and Rother and Eastbourne, Hailsham and Seaford areas can phone or email the Benefits & Debt Advice Project helpline to get advice and up-to-date information on Universal Credit and all other benefits by calling 0333 344 0681, Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm, or by emailing benefitseastsussex@harcuk.com 

More information about Universal Credit is also available online at www.gov.uk, and the Autumn/Winter edition of CareLine, which will be available at the beginning of November, will feature an article about the introduction of Universal Credit. 
 

Call for content 

Due to the Christmas holidays, the deadline for content submission for Care for the Carers' next edition of CareLine will be 1st March 2018. 
 
Care for the Carers' e-Newsletter goes out on the 3rd Tuesday of each month, with content due the day before. The deadline for content for the January e-Newsletter will be Monday, 15th January. 
 
If you would like to submit content or you have questions or queries related to article submission, please contact Care for the Carers on 01323 738390, or by emailing info@org.co.uk        

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Care for the Carers is the Carers Centre for East Sussex. Care for the Carers supports anyone living with the challenges of caring, unpaid, for a family member or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or addiction problems. We aim to improve the quality of carers lives by helping the local community recognise and value the role of carers, and by enabling carers to access the services & support they require.
Care for the Carers is a charitable company registered in England and Wales with No. 3677361 and Charity No. 1074906 Registered Office: Highlight House, 8 St. Leonards Road, Eastbourne, BN21 3UH
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