April 2018

What will the future hold for carers?

Carers services funding: one week to go to speak up

It's been an emotional consultation period, and we've heard many of your strong concerns about the proposed East Sussex County Council funding cuts. 

To help identify which carers services make the most difference to local carers, please make time over the next week (if you haven't already) to make your views known via the East Sussex County Council carers survey. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT STAYING IN TOUCH

The law is changing about how we can contact you. New data protection rules come into force at the end of May 2018, which mean we'll only be able to contact you with your clear consent.

So, we'll be in touch very soon to ask you to complete a short consent form. Please look out for it and reply, so we can ensure you continue to receive important information from us in the future.

News and opportunities

Eastbourne Healthy Living Club: join up!
Could you or the person you care for benefit from joining a local health group? Eastbourne Healthy Living Club is always on the lookout for new members, and has been busy doing Carer Awareness Training to help build a carer friendly community. 

Heringtons names Care for the Carers as its Charity of the Year!
We're delighted that a local firm of solicitors has chosen to support carers across East Sussex.

Women's Institute launches Carers Welcome campaign
As part of the campaign, a new report looks into the state of dementia care in hospitals and support for family carers. Download the full report [PDF].

Violence strategy responses
Please provide your online feedback about domestic violence and abuse, sexual violence and violence against women and children. This includes people who may have been affected by a friend’s or family member’s experience, or have witnessed violence and abuse, in Brighton & Hove and East Sussex. The surveys are open until 14 May 2018. Download a PDF for more information.

NHS Prescription Charges from 1 April 2018
Prescription charges have increased by 20p for each medicine or appliance dispensed. To ensure that those with the greatest need are protected, the cost of the prescription prepayment certificates (PPC) have been frozen for another year. 

Latest enewsletter from East Sussex Better Together
Find out more about health and social care developments in the East Sussex Better Together enewsletter.

Help carers when you shop: Just log in to Amazon Smile and select your chosen charity. It's that easy.

Small Grants for Carers Groups
If you are interested in setting up a carers group, or activity to improve or develop services that directly benefit unpaid carers of adults, you may be able to access a small grant of up to £500 to help with set up costs. Find out more on our website.

Write for us
Have something you want to share about carers in East Sussex? We're always on the lookout for articles for our CareLine magazine for carers. Get in touch for a chat.

Events for carers

This week! Big Health and Care Conversation 
Wednesday 18 April 2018, Hillcrest Centre in Newhaven, 10am-1pm.
Discuss priorities for health and care in the area, including mental health, primary and urgent care, and frailty. Book online now or call 01273 403582. 

Carer Information and Support Programme (CrISP) courses
The Alzheimer’s Society will be offering Carer Information and Support Programme (CrISP) courses from April - to request more information please email East Sussex Alzheimer's Society. 

Havens residents observation walks community project
Are you a local Havens resident who knows about your town and enjoys talking to people, or a professional interested in community engagement? Help develop the forthcoming Havens Listening Tour in June 2018. Two observation walk meetings will include walking around the local area, focusing on highlighting opportunities to promote health, well-being, social care and the environment in the Havens. 

• Friday 20 April 2018: Cooper Room, Peacehaven Town Council, Meridian Way, Meridian Centre, BN10 8BB
• Friday 4 May 2018: Denton Island Community Centre, Denton Island, Newhaven, BN9 9BA

Interested? Email Elizabeth Mackie at Healthwatch East Sussex for more information. 

Healthwatch East Sussex Havens Listening Tour pre-launch Event 
Provide your local views and experiences on the health and care services you and your family use in the Havens area.
Date: Tuesday 24 April 2018
Time: 10am-12pm
Venue: Hillcrest Centre, Bay Vue Road, Newhaven, BN9 9LH. Free parking, accessible, and close to public transport links.
Register: Book your free place. 

Dermatology Forum  
Date: Friday 27 April 2018
Time: 2pm–4pm
Venue: Uckfield Civic Centre, TN22 1AE
Register: Book your place
People who have used local dermatology services, as well as their families and carers, are invited to contribute to a review to help shape services for the next five years. Call 01273 403582 or register via the link above.

Help shape local health and care services
Have your say on the health and care issues that affect you. Workshop topics include urgent care services, mental health, hospital discharge and early help services.

Seaford: Tuesday 1 May 2018
Venue: Seaford Baptist Church, Belgrave Road, Seaford, BN25 2EE
Time: 1pm-2.45pm (registration from 12.30pm)
Register: Book your place.

Ore: Thursday 10 May 2018
Venue: The Bridge, 361 Priory Road, Ore, TN34 3NW
Time: 10.30am-12.30pm (registration from 10am)
Register: Book your place

Outside the Box: A live show about death: at St Wilfrid's Hospice, Tuesday 15 May, 6.30pm.

Leading the fight against gram negative infections conference
Date: Thursday 17 May 2018
Venue: Civic Centre, Uckfield, TN22 1AE
Book your free place via Eventbrite. 
A free conference open to unpaid carers alongside community nursing staff from a range of healthcare settings. 

Project Art Works Peer Support Network in Hastings is open to families, carers, support workers and providers to share their knowledge and experiences of supporting individuals with complex needs. It next meets on Tuesday 29 May 2– 4pm.

Carer activities in your area

Weekly Walks for Wellbeing, Eastbourne: Thursday 19 April - Thursday 7 June, 10.30am

Hastings Pub Lunch: Friday 20 April, 1pm

Enjoy live tennis in Eastbourne: Monday 25 June, 11am

Bentley Wildfowl and Motor Museum trip for carers: Wednesday 29 August, 10am

New opportunities are added regularly. Please email Hannah to book in advance, or call 01323 738390 to find out more.