Join us during Carers Week!

A big week of events to celebrate carers

So many generous people in the county are giving up their time and putting so much energy into creating a collection of really inviting events going on throughout Carers Week, 11 - 17 June. 

Events include:

• Vintage bus trips
• Free training sessions - about first aid and also carer awareness 
• Creative workshop at Towner Eastbourne
• Pamper sessions
• Open garden
• Picnic
• Special offers all week including free bowling, free drinks and discount phones for carers
• Coffee, tea and cake, cake, cake galore!

See a round up of the events, and do drop by to meet us and all the organisations across East Sussex celebrating unpaid carers all week, and please like and share Carers Week posts and events on social media.

Carer activities coming up

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

Afternoon tea for Wealden carers at Buxted Park Hotel: Friday 20 July, 2pm

Carers Toolkit: Creative writing course, Eastbourne: starts Monday 20 August, 10am 

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.

News and opportunities 

Vote for us as Sainsbury's local Charity of the Year
We have been shortlisted for local East Sussex branches of Sainsbury's as its Charity of the Year! Please vote for us online now or in-store before Sunday 24th June, at:

• Hampden Park, Eastbourne   
• Newhaven Harbour, Newhaven
• Hastings Station Plaza
• Sedlescombe Road, St Leonard’s

National Carers Action Plan revealed
The national Carers Action Plan was released last week and sets out the Government’s short-term plans to improve support for carers. Care for the Carers will be responding to the plan and its proposals soon, and in the meantime you can read the full plan and report.

Speak out about funding cuts
Carers told us that they would like to write to their East Sussex County Councillor to share their concerns about the proposed funding cuts to adult social care. We have provided a letter template which you can now download from our website. 

Joint working protocol with Friends, Families and Travellers
As June is Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month it's a great time to announce that we've agreed a joint working protocol to address barriers that gypsies and travellers can face in accessing some mainstream health and social care services.

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

Help carers when you shop: From 15 - 29 June, AmazonSmile is TRIPLING its donations to charities. You can support unpaid carers support unpaid carers via Amazon Smile if you select your chosen charity when you do your online shopping.

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.

Carer Information and Support Programme (CrISP)
CrISP courses provide support and up-to-date, relevant information about dementia in a group environment, where carers can share experiences and find out about local and national services that can offer support. For more information, email Jayne Stephens from Alzheimer's Society or call her on 01273 726 266 or 07799 118 907. 

Upcoming course dates:
From 12 July to 2 August, Eastbourne
From 9 August to 6 September, Laughton

Carers needed to help shape training
Southdown and Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust are developing training for staff within in-patient wards. Carers are invited to help shape the training programme. Would you like to get involved?  Email Michelle Trunchion or call 07772 613945.

• Wednesday 20 June  Client/Carer Focus Group – Shaping Training and Provision, at Hastings Well-being Centre, Carisbrooke House, Carisbrooke Road, St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex, 10am – 2.30pm. 
• Thursday 21 June Client Discussion Group – Experiences of In-patient Care Hastings Fire and Rescue Service (Training Room) Bohemia Road, Hastings, East Sussex, 10.30am – 2.30pm. 

Free courses available in Wealden and Eastbourne
Including Basic IT skills and Healthy eating on a budget. Download the booklet [PDF] or view information online.  

British Red Cross service for carers
British Red Cross carers support service provides free, short term, practical and emotional support to carers in times of crisis. The service can help to facilitate discharge or prevent admission to hospital as well as support carers caring for someone at end of life. It offers up to 6 weeks support through:

• providing a respite/sitting service;
• assistance with shopping, light housework or meal preparation;
• support to access community /social activities;
• signposting to other sources of support. 

To make a referral, email EScarerssupport@redcross.org.uk or call 01273 227800

Lived Experience Advisor opportunity
Find out more and download the role description to join East Sussex Learning Together Community Education Provider Network (CEPN).

Events for carers

East Sussex Parent and Carers’ Council (ESPaCC) is holding two roadshows about Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) this month, led by Amaze:

• 19 June - All Saints Church, Crowborough – Book via Eventbrite
• 20 June - Community Centre, Rye – Book via Eventbrite

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? Look out for the Havens Listening Tour until 25 June 2018.

Summer Wellbeing Day for carers: Friday 22 June
The Carers Wellbeing Initiative and Friends Thru Cancer invite carers for a day of relaxation, lunch and social contact, on Friday 22nd June, 10.30am - 4pm, at The Pinehurst Holistic Health Centre, 3 Avondale Road, St Leonards on Sea TN38 0SA.

Spend a one-off session involving a variety of taster therapy treatments.To book or to find out more, call Susie Lyle on 01424 423 687 or email Andy leaving your name and contact details. Places are limited, booking is essential. Please note that a £5 contribution towards the cost of the event applies. 

Have a chat with ICE Project
If you care for someone with a mental health issue, head over to meet ICE Project on Tuesday 26 June at Hillrise, Church Hill, Newhaven BN9 9HH, 10am-1pm.

Saturday Social at the Victoria Pavilion in Uckfield 
A new drop-in event for people living with dementia and their carers and families will be held each Saturday in Uckfield from 2-4pm. More information from Sussex Support Service.