You speak: we listen

Carers' Voices 

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

Sign up for free Carer Awareness Training sessions
Take part in carer awareness training sessions in towns across East Sussex including Rotherfield, Eastbourne, Newhaven and Rye.

Do you have positive stories to share about concerns raised about care providers?
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is looking for people who would be happy to share their recent experience of raising a concern about their own care or that of a family member/friend. The CQC is looking for those who wish to share the importance of speaking up to help themselves, their loved ones and others - the aim being to highlight that speaking out can result in a positive relationship with the care provider and can have a positive impact or outcome.

The CQC would like to film short video clips with carers, talking about their experiences and advice for other people. If you prefer not to be filmed you could send quotes or a short story about the positive outcomes/relationship you have had with a care provider.

The deadline for anyone interested in sharing their experience within a short film is Friday 15 March - filming will take place before the 31 March 2019. The deadline for quotes or short stories is 12 April 2019.

For further information or to take part in this opportunity email karen.hall@remploy.co.uk or call 07825 099481.

Do you care for a family member with a mental health issue?
Carers who have their own smartphone are sought for research for the Thinking Allowed project, which is investigating the experiences of people who care for family members with a mental health issue (including dementia). View the document for more information. If you're interested in taking part, contact Emma Gilbert, who is working with the Thinking Allowed team as part of her degree at the University of Bath: erg34@bath.ac.uk

Nominate an NHS staff member for an award
Have you, or the person you care for, received outstanding care recently from anyone who works within the East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust? If so, take a moment before 31 March to nominate them for an award.

Discussions on the future of health and care services
Eastbourne, Hailsham and Seaford Clinical Commissioning Group and Hastings and Rother Clinical Commissioning Group invite you to discussions on the future for health and care services, and to help prioritise changes and improvements that need to be made to ensure the best possible care. 

• Date: Wednesday 13 March  
  Venue: Manor Barn, 4 De La Warr Road, Bexhill on Sea, East Sussex, TN40 2JA. 
  Time: 2pm-4pm
  To book: register via Eventbrite 
   
• Date: Friday 15 March
  Venue: Civic Community Hall, Vicarage Lane, Hailsham, BN27 2AX.
  Time: 10am-12pm 
  To book: register via Eventbrite

To find out more, please email: HRCCG.YourSay@nhs.net or EHSCCG.YourSay@nhs.net

Online forums to offer support
Are you looking to chat online with other carers in your position? Did you know Carers UK offers an online forum where you can do just that, at any time of the day or night.

The Dementia 2020 Citizens’ Engagement survey
Have you, or has somebody close to you, been diagnosed with dementia in the last few years? People with a dementia diagnosis, or their main carer are invited to help shape future services and complete a short questionnaire about living with dementia.

Carers launch creative writing resources and films
We're excited to launch a collection of short films alongside a creative writing workbook for carers. See the films and download your copy from our website.

Rye Carers Information and Advice Group: new venue
Join other carers in the Rye area to get information and support, at its new location at Rye Memorial Hospital.

Make savings on your water bills
Southern Water has a range of options for people who might need help with their water bill, including support for people who may use high levels of water due to having a large family or health issue. Download the brochure [PDF] to find out more.

Dementia-friendly sport and activity guide
Alzheimer’s Society and Sport England have launched a dementia-friendly sport and physical activity guide, including tools and guidance to help people affected by dementia lead more active lives. Order the guide via programmepartnerships@alzheimers.org.uk

Children's Disability Service Focus Group
ESPaCC and ESCC Children's Disability Service invite parents and carers to a Focus Group to discuss current provision and service in Social Care.
Date: 14 March
Time: 10am-1pm
Venue: Sovereign Harbour Yacht Club, Eastbourne, BN23 6JH
More information: admin@eastsussexpacc.org

Local fundraising for carers

• We went training with superstar local runner Caroline Foord of Heringtons Solicitors, to support her in her training as our first ever London Marathon runner! See the preparations underway!
• A 100 mile challenge for carers! Our Director of Services, Jo Egan, will be walking the 100-mile South Downs Walk all in aid of carers in East Sussex.
• How about taking on a challenge for Care for the Carers? Get in touch with Amy to discuss ideas and how we can support you.
• If you'd like a Care for the Carers cardboard collection box for your local venue, you can ask for one from your Carer Support Workers or from our Eastbourne offices.
• Finally, fancy a bit of shopping and helping carers at the same time?

Events for carers

Carers' Information Course for mental health carers
Do you support someone who lives with mental health issues? Do you sometimes feel alone or on edge? Meet other family and friend carers, receive mutual support and practical advice for caring someone with a mental health issue at this course supported by The ICE Project. 

Venue: Faraday House, 1 Faraday Close, (Hampden Park) Eastbourne BN22 9BH
Date: Thurs 14th, 21st, 28th March & 4th April 2019
Time: 10am-3pm
To book call/text Alan 07435 786182 or alan.icepro@btconnect.com

Events for adults with learning disabilities and their carers
Do you care for an adult with a learning disability?

• Take the person you care for and even join in yourself at this active and creative event, including artwork, performances and short films.
• Line up some Friday night entertainment for 22 March from local award-winning talent including the fantastic Eastbourne-based Delta 7, and many more acts! Venue fully wheelchair accessible.

Relaxed mornings at the Jerwood for those with autism
In conjunction with Aspens, which specialises in autism support, Jerwood Gallery in Hastings now offers Relaxed Mornings for people with autism spectrum conditions, their families and carers. The next Relaxed Morning is on 21 March.

A choir for carers and friends
A new choir is starting soon in Robertsbridge to help connect carers and ease isolation and loneliness. The choir, led by Sheila Brazier, will meet at the Robertsbridge Club, Station Road, on Mondays from 2–3pm, starting mid March. You don't have to read music and no auditions are required. Contact Sheila on 01580 880740 or brianandsheilab@googlemail.com to find out more.

Learn about disabilities at Hastings event 
'Let’s HAVE Inclusion' is a fun, free event for creatives/artists who would like to know more about inclusive practice regarding disabled people.
Venue: The Studio, Jerwood Gallery, Rock-a-Nore Road, Hastings TN34 3DW
Date: Saturday, 23 March 2019
Time: 2.30pm-4.30pm
Includes a light buffet lunch. Places are limited. Contact Theresa Hodge at Theresa@disabilityinclusion.co.uk or call 07967 622405. The venue is fully accessible. There is disabled parking at The Stade and nearby.

Event for carers of people with dementia in St Leonards
Dementia Information and Support Courses (DISC) is a service supporting the carers of people with dementia. To help carers access further support and build a better understanding of dementia, DISC is holding a free Carers Information and Networking event for carers of people with dementia:  

• Date: Monday 8 April
• Time: 11am-2pm
• Venue: Robsack Community Centre, Bodium Drive, St Leonards TN38 9TW  

DISC also operates free support groups in the Hastings area for carers, friends and families of those living with dementia, and former carers. 

• Tesco Hollington: 1^st Wednesday of the month 10am–12pm and 3^rd Thursday of the month, 2pm–4pm
• Ore Community Centre: Aimed at younger carers and the carers of younger people with dementia. 2^nd Wednesday of the month 11am –1pm.

For more information email: disc1066@gmail.com or call Emma Lyden on 07591 250988 and Louise Smith on 07591 251005.

Activities for carers coming up

Carers pamper and craft relaxation day - Crowborough:  Wednesday 20 March, 9.30am-4.30pm. At Burrswood, Groombridge. This activity is open to Crowborough carers only.

Printmaking for carers in Lewes: Thursday 2nd May, 10.30am-12.30pm. Gelli Print craft workshop in central Lewes. This activity is open to carers who live in the Lewes Town area.

Afternoon tea in Bexhill for Dementia carers: Friday 24 May, 3-5pm
Carers of people with dementia are invited for Afternoon Tea at Cooden Beach Hotel in Bexhill.

Please email us to book a place, or call 01323 738390 to find out more.