News Archive
Tell us what's best for you
Contingency Planning Events
Carers Walking Group
Carer's Rights Day
HCS on Facebook and Twitter
Many PCTS in England neglecting Carers
Isle of Wight Judgement
Carers and the Flu jab
Vitalise Taster Breaks
Dimensions - Autism Friendly film screenings at Odeon
NAS help! First Steps Autism Seminar
Parent Carer Training sessions
Always on Call, Always Concerned
"Valuing People Now"
Nine out of ten Primary Care Trusts in danger of disappointing carers
Invest in Imagination 1st April 2011 Conference Report
Carers Rights Day 2nd Dec
HARDEST HIT March and Rally - Saturday 22 October 2011
Real Parental Choice for Autism and SEN e-petition
KIDS & Mencap Childcare Survey
Free Regional Conference for Parents and Carers
What support do Carers need?
Review of Services for Children with a Disability
CARERS ANNUAL PUBLIC MEETING
Parent Carer Support Groups
Children with a Disability Sports Survey
Personal Health Budgets Report
National Survey of Personal Budgets
End of Life Care Survey
"Supporting Carers: The Case for Change."
Tammy aims high and gets Best in Show - thanks to HCS
Inclusive Coaching Training
The Breaks for Carers of Disabled Children Regulations 2011
Dilnot Commission on social care funding: recommendations
Pride of Herefordshire Awards 2011
NEW Forum for Carers
Short Breaks for Children with a Disability
Government announces £800 million to support families
Caring About Carers Award
Online Study of Carers
Support Families - Don't Cut Care
Petition: A Fairer Deal for Carers
Carers Week 13th - 19th June 2011 "The True Face of Carers"
Carers Rights Day Report
Refresh of the Carers Strategy
Wyeplan Programme launched
Getting the Message Across" - A two-day learning programme for carers
Work Focused Support for Carers
Plans for a new play park for disabled children go on display
Census - Carers count
Parent Carers Short Breaks and activities database
'Invest in Imagination' -1st April 2011 - a one day conference
The State of Caring 2011
Carers and the Web
'A Life Of My Own' - An exhibition of arts and crafts
Motivation Sports Wheelchair
The National Network of Parent Carer Forums responses to Government.
THE CARING ABOUT CARERS AWARD 2010
Help at hand for Hereford 'HIDDEN' carers
Work Focused Support for Carers
New website for Carers
Carer Forum Review
Carers Rights Day
HCS IS NAT WEST CHARITY NOMINATION
Carers unaware of help with costs of travel to hospital
Partnership and Integrated Working through Early Support
Farewell to Pat Stokes
£1000 for HCS
Disability Equipment Service - NEW !!!
Refreshing the Carers Strategy
Millions unaware of Flexible Working Rights for Carers New Hereford Carers Support Group
Large scale review of services for children with disabilities
The Spending Review
NEW MEASURES DEMANDED TO IDENTIFY CARERS
Carers Bill Campaign
FREE NHS HEALTHCHECK
Information about Swine Flu in Herefordshire
Celebrate 20 years of Hereford Shopmobility - scooter parade 2nd July 2010
CARERS UK - CARERS WEEK 2010 SURVEY - PLEASE COMPLETE
Comments on General Election T.V. Debate
New Patron for HCS
Carers UK - General Election Manifesto Campaign
Parent Connect
Carer's Count - Count Me In
Carers Direct Helpline
Tell us what's best for you
Herefordshire Carers Support is here for you. Therefore we need to know what you see as important so that we can develop our service, and encourage other organisations to do the same, based in your views.
Please help us to do this by answering a few questions and we will tell you the results in the next edition of Keeping In Touch magazine. A paper version of this survey will be going out in the February edition of the magazine for those who don't want to complete this on line.
To answer the questions just follow this link to the survey.
As a thank you we will put your name into a prize draw to win one of three cash prizes, £75, £50 or £25; but you must complete Q6 and return the survey to us by the end of March 2012.
Thank you for your help and support. We are always very impressed by the number of Herefordshire Carers who respond to surveys.
Contingency Planning Events
Have you thought about a Contingency Plan for you and yours?? Have you thought what would you do if you were taken ill or had to go into hospital??
Herefordshire Carers Support have arranged a series of events throughout the County to help Carers think about and put together their Contingency plans. Session one will enable you to think about and identify what information you will need, with Session two putting the plan together. If you would like to attend the first of these events please email: chrisdunlop@herefordshirecarers.co.uk or Tel: 01432 356068.
Dates and venues as follows:
- January 11th - 10.30 - 12.30 - BUPA Care Home, Leominster
- February 1st - 10.30 - 12.30 - Phoenix Theatre, Ross on Wye
- February 7th - 14.00 - 16.00 - Market Theatre, Ledbury
- February 28th - 14.00 - 16.00 - Conquest Theatre, Bromyard
- March 6th - 19.00 - 21.00 - Heffernan House, Hereford
- March 13th - 10.30 - 12.30 - Zanes Cafe, Hereford
Looking forward to seeing you at one of the events!
Carers Walking Group
Herefordshire Ramblers have kindly offered to organise a programme of walks specifically for carers if there is enough take up.
The first Carers Walk will be held on Sunday 15th January - meeting at Home Lacy House Hotel at 11a.m. The walk will take approximately 2.5hours around Home Lacy village and finishing back at the Hotel where you can get a coffee.
Carers can also join in any of the regular Home Lacy walks which take place on alternate Thursday mornings. Meet at the Hotel at 10.30. The Home Lacy Walks are 1,15,29 March and alternate Thursdays from then on.
It has been suggested that Carers might like their own walking programme and a range of locations and grades and the Ramblers are happy to work this out with carers, so if you are interested in this, or any of the walks please contact Arthur Lee of the Herefordshire Ramblers on 01432 264374 or email arthurlee@sky.com with your suggestions. Don't forget that you can ask for time to go walking as part of your Carers Needs Assessment, if you need someone to be with the person you care for while you are out.
The dates for the next Carers Walks are:
Saturday March 10 - Wyevale Garden Centre to Breinton.
Wednesday April 4 - Haugh Woods.
Sunday May 13
Tuesday June 12
Sunday July 8
All walks start at 11.30 and a leisurely 3-6 miles (2-4 hours). Most walks will have a tea/coffee shop for afterwards but bring a packed lunch and drink as there will probably be a picnic en route.
You can get further information and a copy of the full programme from the Ramblers' website www.herefordshireramblers.org.uk.
Carers Rights Day - December 2nd 2011 - Kindle Centre - 'Carers Shaping Services'
Martin Woodford, Chief Executive Wye Valley NHS Trust signs the Herefordshire Carers Charter with some members of the Herefordshire Carers Charter Focus Group.
Over 50 Carers attended Carers Rights Day this year, held at the Kindle Centre, Hereford. The theme for the day was 'Carers Shaping Services', and was opened by Baroness Jill Pitkeathley - patron of Herefordshire Carers Support. A distinguished panel of guests comprising Ruth Hannan, Policy & Development Manager, Princess Royal Trust for Carers, Chris Baird, Assistant Director, People's Services Commissioning, Cllr. Nick Nenadich, Health & Wellbeing Board, Herefordshire Council and Jacinta Meighan-Davies, Clinical Commissioning Lead for long-term conditions, Clinical Commissioning took questions from an audience of Carers - expertly chaired by Baroness Pitkeathley!! Janet Fellowes, Chair of Trustees, Herefordshire Carers Support ensured that the day ran smoothly and to time.
In addition there were presentations from Amy Pitt, Herefordshire Council and Jane Melton, 2Gether NHS Foundation Trust on the 'draft' Carers Strategy and the 2Gether Carers Charter.
The Herefordshire Carers Charter focus group led by Valerie Fitch gave an account of how and why the Carers Charter had been developed and their aims for its future. Martin Woodford, Chief Executive, Wye Valley NHS Trust joined the group for the signing and official launch of the Charter with the ceremonial cutting of the cake!!
The event finished on a spiritual high with a performance by Welsh International Harpist/Vocalist Bethan Myfanwy Hughes to whom we would like to extend a big thank you for donating her time!!
We have prepared a report of the event which you can download here. If you would like a printed copy posted to you please contact our main office.
HCS on Facebook
Herefordshire Carers Support is now on Facebook and Twitter. Feel free to join us there!
MANY PCTS IN ENGLAND NEGLECTING CARERS
One year after the government committed millions of extra funding for England's five million unpaid carers, new research shows that spending on carers by Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) has fallen by £2.4m this year.
In November 2010 the Government allocated an extra £400m over four years (2011-2015) to provide support for carers and the research by The Princess Royal Trust for Carers and Crossroads Care seeks to establish how the PCTs have invested the added funding this year.
The report also finds that PCTs have defied Government by not publishing plans and budgets as was requested - only 26% have published updated plans, and 13% have published budgets for 2011/12.
On a more positive note, only 4% of PCTs have not budgeted any investment in services for carers in 2011/12 - half the proportion that didn't in 2010/11. Half (50%) of PCTs are planning to invest between £100,000 and £500,000 in carers in 2011/12 and over a fifth (22%) of PCTs are investing between £500,000 and £1million, an increase from 16% in 2010/11. 7% of PCTs are investing more than £1m in 2011/12.
Liz Fenton, Chief Executive of The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, says: 'We're glad to see that some PCTs have greatly increased their level of investment in services for carers. In these areas, the additional government funding has made a difference and we applaud the PCTs who have made a mark with innovative approaches to carers' breaks and improved respite care.
'However, there is a minority of PCTs still not investing anything at all, or a very small amount, in supporting carers. We understand that PCTs are under financial pressure - but strongly caution that failing to support carers does not make economic sense and is morally indefensible.' Anne Roberts, Chief Executive of Crossroads Care, adds: 'Having a break can make all the difference to a carers' health and well-being and enable them to continue in their caring role. The NHS and society in general rely on the goodwill of the millions of unpaid carers in England, families and friends, who are providing care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We need PCTs to be upfront and transparent about how they budget their support for carers. We believe the only way local decision making can be effective and fully accountable is if local people, including carers and carers' organisations, have the information they need to hold their decision makers to account.'
Isle of Wight Judgement:
As you may know, two families recently successfully challenged the Local Authority in the Isle of Wight re their proposal to no longer provide support to their relatives.
More details on the case can be found here.
The lawyer involved has asked us to let him know if we are in contact with any families with similar issues. This is particularly relevant in Northumberland, West Berkshire and Wokingham, where the Local Authorities have set the FACS criteria as critical only.
If you are aware of any families that this applies to please contact Chrissy Dunlop or Sue Black on 01432 356068, or e-mail chrisdunlop@herefordshirecarers.co.uk or sueblack@herefordshirecarers.co.uk.
Carers and the Flu jab
As a carer you may be worried about getting the flu because it would affect your ability to care for the person you're looking after. You may be able to get a flu jab because of this, or because of your age or your own health.
The best advice we can give you is to contact your local GP. For more information visit the NHS page here.
Vitalise Taster Breaks
3 night mid-week breaks from just £299 per guest and £199 per carer.
Vitalise is offering a range of mini breaks for people with disabilities and carers including 24 hour care on-call and everything you need to enjoy your holiday.
Taster Breaks run from Tuesdays to Fridays at all of our Centres, these 3 night full board breaks include 2 daily excursions on Wednesdays and Thursdays as well as evening entertainment every night and 24 hour care on-call.
View Taster Breaks availability or call Vitalise on 0303 303 0145 to discuss your needs.
Dimensions - Autism Friendly film screenings at Odeon
Dimensions have arranged a series of screenings of films at Odeon cinemas across the country which are designed to be autism friendly. For more information click here.
NAS help! First Steps Autism Seminar - Gloucester FREE SEMINAR
The National Autistic Society are running a help! First Steps seminar in Gloucester on Wednesday 18th January 2012 (for parents and carers of children with a fairly recent diagnosis of autism aged up to 11 years)
The seminar will support families to;
- Develop an understanding of autism
- Discuss experiences of getting a diagnosis
- Identify how autism can affect families
- Explore practical ideas for developing communication strategies
- Be aware of support they may be entitled to and ways to access this
We still have a number of places on the seminar - to apply for a place please download and complete this form.
** Please note that due to funding gained by the NAS this help! seminar is FREE to parents/ carers who have a child who has a diagnosis of autism **
Download a flyer about the event here.
Parent Carer Training sessions
Parent Carer Training sessions are being held at Point4 during the autumn. Learn about
- applying for DLA,
- making the most of a Common Assessment Framework meeting;
- Getting your message across and
- Making the Transition from Primary to Secondary school easier (parents of Y6 only)
Places for these training sessions are limited. To avoid disappointment please print off and return this form as soon as you can using the freepost address on the form or call 01432 3560698 or email Rachel at Carers Support rachelwilkins@herefordshirecarers.co.uk with your workshop choices.
Always on Call, Always Concerned
The Princess Royal Trust for Carers carried out a survey in early 2011 of carers aged 60 and over from across the UK, to find out more about their lives and the challenges they face. The results from the survey can be read in the following report: Always on Call, Always Concerned (PDF Download).
"Valuing People Now"
"Valuing People Now" is the Government's Strategy on how to give people with learning disabilities new opportunities in their lives. Valuing People states that people with learning disabilities have the right to be members of the society in which they live. They have the right to choose where they live and what they do, and to be as independent as they wish.
In Herefordshire, the Valuing People Now Strategy was consulted on and the Valuing People Partnership Board (VPPB) came up with six 'big ideas', there was a budget per Big Idea.
The LDDF was to kick-start projects which improve the quality of life for people with learning disabilities in Herefordshire and meet the Valuing People priorities. The funding came from the Herefordshire Area Based Grant via the Local Area Agreement.
Groups were able to apply for between £500 and £10,000. For more information please click here.
Nine out of ten Primary Care Trusts in danger of disappointing carers
Nine of ten (91%) Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) still haven't committed to using government-allocated funding to support carers, according to new research by The Princess Royal Trust for Carers and Crossroads Care.
And while over half (54%) said they will revise their plans to support carers, carers fear they will miss out again if PCTs aren't held to account.
The two leading carers' charities surveyed 112 PCTs as part of the 'Give Carers a Break' campaign to push Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) to use Government funding of £400m to give England's five million unpaid carers the support they desperately need.
Liz Fenton, Chief Executive, The Princess Royal Trust for Carers said, 'As part of this campaign we're calling on the Government to ensure every PCT spends their allocated budget supporting carers. Because the money is not 'ring-fenced', cash-strapped PCTs are not obliged to spend the money on carers and are in danger of diverting the funds elsewhere.
'We applaud those like Sunderland PCT which has worked with Sunderland Carers' Centre to give carers the break they deserve by investing £630,000 for extra services to support them.'
Dr John Avery, a carer from Hampshire, summed up the benefit of a break for carers: 'Respite for us as carers provides a break from the constant anxiety, emotional strain and physical drain of ensuring the on-going safety and well-being of our daughter.'
Anne Roberts, Chief Executive, Crossroads Care added: 'Breaks from caring responsibilities make all the difference to the carers' mental and physical health and well-being. We're calling on Primary Care Trusts, who have not yet revised their plans for supporting carers in the light of the funding allocation, to work in partnership with local carers' organisations to use the money within their allocations to support carers through breaks and other forms of help.'
The overwhelming majority of PCTs (82%) claimed they had worked with carers' organisations or carers to develop plans and budgets but local carers' organisations dispute this figure saying that nearly half (40%) of PCTs did not engage with them at all.
The Princess Royal Trust for Carers and Crossroads Care used the Freedom of Information Act to obtain this data from PCTs in England.
A detailed report can be downloaded here.
Invest in Imagination 1st April 2011 Conference Report
The 'Invest in Imagintion' Conference was hosted by the combined efforts of Herefordshire Carers Support, Services for Independent Living, Age UK, Hereford and Localities and was sponsored by Herefordshire Council. 21 exhibitors showing a range of devices in the field of assistive technology and over 160 delegates attended the event. For a full report of the event please click here to download a pdf. At the conference a list of cheap useful items for carers was displayed. Details of the items can be found here.
Carers Rights Day
All carers are invited to our Carers Rights Day event 'CARERS SHAPING SERVICES' on Friday 2nd December 2011: 9.30am - 2.30pm: (pre-booking essential) The Kindle Centre. ASDA Supermarket, Belmont Road, Hereford HR2 7JE
As well as the keynote address from Baroness Jill Pitkeathley the event will include panel discussions with questions from Carers, Carers Strategy Presentations, and the presentation and signing of the newly created Herefordshire Carers' Charter
The event will also include 'Carers Question Time - How Carers Shape Services?' with a panel which includes:
- Chris Baird - Herefordshire Council's Assistant Director People's Services Commissioning. Commissioning aims to improve outcomes for local people and improve standards of local services, whilst making sure that Herefordshire gets good value for money.
- Ruth Hannan - Policy and Development Manager, Princess Royal Trust for Carers, leads on the Triangle of Care and Mental Health issues.
- Luke Clements - Professor at Cardiff Law School and teaches on the postgraduate human rights and social care LLM programmes.
- Nick Nenadich - Councillor for Aylestone Ward and also the Health and Wellbeing Cabinet Support Member, with special overview for Adult Social Care issues.
- Jacinta Meighan-Davies, Clinical Commissioning Lead for Long Term Conditions, representing the Board of Herefordshire Clinical Commissioning Group, which takes over from the PCT in April 2013.
Herefordshire Carers Support are delighted that international harpist Bethan Myfanwy Hughes has offered her services for a short recital during at lunchtime.
If you want to attend please phone RACHEL WILKINS on 01432 356068
HARDEST HIT March and Rally - Saturday 22 October 2011
Disabled people, their friends, family and supporters from across the region will gather in Birmingham city centre on 22 October 2011 to protest against cuts to disability benefits and services. We need you to join us and help make our voice heard.
WHAT: We will gather in Birmingham city centre to protest against Government cuts to disability benefits and services. This is one year on from the comprehensive spending review, which revealed the Government's intention to slash public spending.
WHERE: Victoria Square, outside the council house for the rally.
WHEN: 22 October 2011, at 12:00pm for a 12:30pm start.
Disabled people, those with long-term conditions and their families are being hit the hardest by cuts to the benefits and services they need to live their lives. Many are living in fear of cuts to essential benefits including Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). The total cuts will mean an estimated £9billion loss to disabled people and their families' incomes in the UK over the next four years, on top of cuts to many local care and support services.
For more information visit www.hardesthit.org.uk.
Welfare reform bill
The Welfare Reform Bill, introduced into Parliament in February 2011, heralds a number of changes to out of work and disability benefits. We're concerned that the changes threaten the independence of, and support available to disabled people in a time of severe Local Authority spending cuts which threaten the provision of vital local services.
Major concerns
The welfare reforms proposed in the bill contain a number of threats to the independence of disabled people. The main concerns are:
DLA to become PIP
The Government is proposing to replace DLA with a new benefit - Personal Independence Payment (PIP) - designed to save the treasury over £1 billion by 2014/15. But new rules on eligibility could see many disabled people excluded.
Employment Support Allowance changes (ESA)
From April 2011 the Government has started to migrate 1.6 million people currently claiming Incapacity Benefit over to ESA using a flawed medical assessment process. Around 20 per cent of people will fail the assessment and lose entitlement to ESA. The contributory ESA benefit will be limited to twelve months for people on the 'work related activity group', failing to take account of barriers to employment that disabled people face. Disabled people who are placed into the Work Related Activity Group of ESA will only receive Contributions Based ESA for one year. After one year, if an individual has an income or savings of £16,000 a year or more (including their partner) they won’t be placed onto Income Related ESA.
Threat to DLA mobility for people in residential care
The Government has proposed the removal of the mobility component of DLA from people in residential care, an estimated 80,000 people, going against choice, independence and the government's personalisation agenda.
Real Parental Choice for Autism and SEN e-petition
Far too many children with autism in England are not getting the quality education they need and deserve. Too many parents have to fight the system to make it work. Parents are saying they have waited over a year to get the right support for their child and some parents more than two years. More and more parents have had to go to tribunal to get the right support for their children. The government speaks about parental choice this is not happening in the majority of cases. Parents want a real choice of educational provision.This means an education which meets their child's needs. And choice means more than one option being available for every child locally and a system that works with the parent and not work against the parent.
To support this petition click here.
KIDS & Mencap Childcare Survey
We know that childcare is essential for families with disabled children and young people, to allow parents and carers to work, to give short breaks and to provide opportunities for children and young people to socialise and have fun with their peers.
Some parents have contacted both KIDS and Mencap over the summer holidays to talk about difficulties they have had accessing childcare for their disabled children. This is not OK. We hope that this survey will help us to find out what the picture is nationally for families with disabled children and young people in relation to their access to holiday play and childcare provision, and highlight any challenges that exist. We want families' stories to be listened to and acted upon, and so once the results are collected, KIDS and Mencap will be producing and publicising a short briefing paper containing the main findings.
This survey contains a maximum of 25 questions, should take 5 -10 minutes to complete and can be accessed via the following methods:
- Web link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2011summerchildcare
- Paper survey that we can send in the post.
Please complete the survey by October 7th. If you have any questions, please contact coe@kids.org.uk. Many thanks in advance for your help,
Anna Route
NDD Programme & Policy Officer
KIDS National Development Department
6 Aztec Row, Berners Road, London N1 0PW
Free Regional Conference for Parents and Carers on the Legal Rights of Disabled Children and their Families
Professor Luke Clements, a leading Lawyer and expert in Community Care Law, will tell you what you need to know about:
- The legal duties of social care
- Assessments, care plans and provision
- Transition into adulthood
- Personalisation
- Carers rights
Wednesday - 2 November 2011, The Bridge, 234 Stratford Road, Shirley, B90 3AG
To book a place please call 'Contact a family' on 0121 415 4624
What support do Carers need?
Herefordshire Council needs to find out what Carers think about the support given to them by voluntary and community groups, charities, religious organisations, as well as those provided by Herefordshire Council and NHS. This information will be used to update the Herefordshire Carers Strategy, which in turn will be used to decide which services are needed and will be funded to support local Carers.
To share your views please complete the survey at http://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/carersurvey/.
Parent Carer Support Groups
Herefordshire ADHD & Related Disorders Parent Carer Support Group are taking place in term time, at InfoZone@TheAcademySchool, Entry via Stanberrow Road, Third Thursday of the Month 9:30 - 11:30pm (Term Time only) and at Challenge Community Church, Belmont Road, First Thursday of the Month 18:30 - 20:30pm.
Facilitated by: Cathy Hayes - Parent Carer Support Worker for Herefordshire Carers Support and Keith Baldwin - Family Support Worker. Supported by: Dr Gabriel Malherbe - Psychiatrist with the CAMHS Team at the Lindon Centre. Dr Malherbe will be attending meetings when available. For more details contact: Cathy Hayes on: 01432 356068 or Keith Baldwin on: 07735 614139.
Children with a Disability Sports Survey
In May this year Herefordshire Carers Support sent out about 400 surveys to Parent Carers, asking: what activities their children already enjoy; and what activities would they like to do more of? We had an excellent response from Parents.
Herefordshire Council has responded to the initial survey results by identifying over 30 different clubs which are willing to work with children who have a disability.
If you are a Parent Carer and you missed the survey the first time round, we still want to hear from you.
Just click here to take survey and complete the questions on line, simple!
Personal Health Budgets Report
This report (PDF available to download here) presents the views of mental health service users and carers about personal health budgets. It is based on research undertaken with 162 service users and carers in six focus groups throughout England, Hereford carers being one of them (FG1).
National Survey of Personal Budgets
There is, available to download here, a summary of a report analysing responses from 2000 personal budget holders, including carers. Carers reported positive impacts upon various aspects of their wellbeing however, they was overwhelming negative responses from them regarding the process of getting a personal budget.
In summary, personal budgets are likely to have generally positive impacts on the lives of all groups of personal budget holders and the people who care for them. The likelihood of people experiencing a positive impact from a personal budget is maximised by a personal budget support process that keeps people fully informed, puts people in control of the personal budget and fully involves carers.
End of Life Care Survey
The National Council for Palliative Care (NCPC) is seeking to work with The Princess Royal Trust for Carers and Crossroads Care to explore the needs of carers supporting someone with a life-limiting condition and those approaching the end of life. NCPC is an umbrella charity for adult palliative, hospice and end of life care.
We hope to gather information that will assist production of guidance and tools to help carers’ organisations provide support for families providing care for somebody at the end of life. We would like to hear your experiences and would be grateful if you could answer some questions.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/end-of-life-care
"Supporting Carers: The Case for Change."
The Princess Royal Trust for Carers and Crossroads Care have published a report today entitled "Supporting Carers: The Case for Change."
The report demonstrates how supporting carers can improves the health and wellbeing of carers and the people being cared for, and reduces demand on other health and social care services. It uses evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and peer reviewed journals and gives examples of services that have shown success in supporting carers.
It's available to download and do forward the link onto others who you think may be interested: Supporting Carers: The Case for Change. (PDF).
Tammy aims high and gets Best in Show - thanks to HCS
Tammy who is now 17yrs and has autism, struggled to cope with school and so was educated by her parents at home, where caring for and breeding rabbits became her main interest.
Tammy's parents contacted Cathy Hayes at Herefordshire Carers Support for help and support when Tammy withdrew further into her own world. Finding the right service and feeling listened to were important, as the family were also struggling with a difficult financial situation.
Herefordshire Carers Support had successfully bid for 'Aiming High' funding through Herefordshire Childrens Service, to provide more leisure opportunities for children and young people with a disability. Cathy used some of this money to pay for Tammy to first visit then show rabbits at local agricultural shows.
This summer Tammy's expertise paid off and she won prizes at the Bromyard Gala and a 'Best in Show' at the Royal Welsh Show for her rabbits.
Mum and Dad are delighted with the progress Tammy has made since going to the shows. Tammy is growing in confidence and is much more comfortable socialising with other people.
In their letter of thanks to Cathy they wrote: 'none of this would have been possible without funding from carers support, we would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who made this possible for Tammy.'
Inclusive Coaching Training
Are you a coach delivering regular coaching sessions?
Are you committed to providing equal opportunities in sports coaching?
There are a number of courses which can help give you the skills and inspiration include disabled people in your coaching sessions. Details for some of these courses can be downloaded here:
The Breaks for Carers of Disabled Children Regulations 2011
An interesting read for Parent Carers which describes the statutory regulations for providing short breaks to Parent Carers and what the local authorities should provide in respect to this.
A PDF of the Regulations can be downloaded here. The original document can be found on the Government's website: here.
Dilnot Commission on social care funding: recommendations
The Dilnot Commission is an independent commission, set up by the Government last July to recommend a fairer, more sustainable funding system for adult social care in England.
The Government has said it will publish a White Paper for Social Care in spring 2012.
Main recommendations:
- The lifetime contribution to adult social care costs that any individual needs to make should be a maximum capped at between £35,000
- The asset threshold for those in residential care beyond which no means-tested help is given should increase from £23,250 to £100,000
- Anybody developing support needs before the age of 40 should receive non-means tested free support
- There should be national eligibility criteria
- Universal disability benefits for people of all ages should continue as now.
- All carers should have a right to an assessment and local authorities would be required to meet the eligible needs of carers
- Carers should benefit from greater access to information and advice service
The Commission estimates that its proposals - based on a cap of £35,000 - would cost the State around £1.7billion which works out at 0.25 of total government funding.
Herefordshire Carers Support and other members of the Princess Royal Trust for Carers want the Government to implement theses findings. If you agree, then now is the time to lobby your local Member of Parliament.
Dilnot Commission on social care funding - full reportNEW Forum for Carers
They often say a problem shared is a problem halved. Herefordshire Carers Support now has an on line Carers Forum on this site where Carers can share problems and views. Carers are often the best source of help and advice to other Carers so we are expecting you all to be generous and share your collective wisdom. You have to register as a member of the Forum first, but this is free and very easy to do, just click here!
CARERS ANNUAL PUBLIC MEETING
HCS are holding the Carers Annual Public Meeting on Wednesday, 14th September, 2011 at Point4 RNCB, Venns Lane, Hereford, arrive at 10.15 for a 10.30 Start.
The programme will include our Highlights of the year, brief descriptions of the service activities with Carers including Young Carers and Parent Carers, Treasurers Report, Coffee and Cakes, Arts and Crafts displays and workshops for Carers to try out!
You are welcome to join us! For more information please download an invite.
Review of Services for Children with a Disability
Find out about how the Review of Services for Children with a Disability will affect you and your family on :
- Friday 16 September 2011, 9:30 to 13:00 at The Point4, RNC College, Venns Lane, Hereford HR1 1DT
- Wednesday 21 September 2011, 9:30 - 13:00 at Westfield School's 6th Form Block, Westfield Walk, Leominster HR6 8HD
For more information please download the invitation here.
To secure your place please call Sue or Rachel at Carers Support as soon as possible or email them sueblack@herefordshirecarers.co.uk or rachelwilkins@herefordshirecarers.co.uk.
Short Breaks for Children with a Disability
Herefordshire Carers Support is pleased to announce that it has funding for a Short Breaks activities during the summer holidays. The activities are free, but they get booked up very quickly and will be allocated on a first come basis.
A full list of activities can be downloaded here.
For more Short Breaks suggestions - click on our Break-out button.
Government announces £800 million to support families
Local authorities and the voluntary and community sector provide a range of short breaks services for families - including overnight stays, day trips with groups of children, fun activities in the community and one-to-one support. Providing short breaks gives families much-needed help and respite support so they are not forced to rely on often costly emergency intervention when the pressure gets too much. To help improve the way short breaks are provided, the Government is also announcing £40 million of capital investment in 2011-12. For more information on the announcement click here.
Pride of Herefordshire Awards 2011
Pride of Herefordshire Awards 2011 is now in its 5th year and again sponsored by Herefordshire businesses and organisations.
Did you know that we have awards for Herefordshire Young Carer (up to 18 years) and Herefordshire Adult Carer? These may be people who help family members at home or in the community in practical ways such as shopping, cleaning or helping look after a pet, or in other ways such as checking to make sure someone is ok, and keeping them company.
Is there someone you'd like to nominate for a Pride of Herefordshire Award? They could win £100 at our Awards evening in October!
On-line nominations can be made at www.prideofherefordshireawards.com or paper nomination forms can be obtained from Herefordshire Partnership on 01432 261792 hfdpartnership@herefordshire.gov.uk
Nominations close 27th July 2011, so there's still time to get your nomination in, but hurry!
Caring About Carers Award
DO YOU FEEL SUPPORTED BY YOUR GP?
Are you a carer?
- Do you provide unpaid support to someone who is ill, disabled, or has mental health or substance misuse problems?
- Do you feel supported by your GP?
The Royal College of General Practitioners, in partnership with UK-wide charity The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, is looking for GPs who give the best support to unpaid carers.
Is that your GP?
Download and fill in this form to nominate your GP.
Online Study of Carers
- Are you caring for an adult with a severe or enduring mental health problem?
- Do you have 20-30 minutes to complete a questionnaire study about your experiences?
This online study is looking at the experience of adults in the UK who are giving unpaid care to family and friends with severe and enduring mental health difficulties.
I am undertaking this research for my Clinical Psychology doctoral thesis based at the University of Surrey. This study has received a favourable ethical opinion from the University of Surrey's Faculty of Arts and Human Sciences Ethics Committee.
Interested?
Please visit the following webpage
http://www.fahs.surrey.ac.uk/survey/caring/
Support Families - Don't Cut Care
Carers UK launched its campaign toolkit 'Support Families: Don't Cut Care' in January 2011. The campaign has been designed to help carers and organisations to influence budget planning decisions being taken by local councillors in February and early March. With funding from Government cut, many councils will be facing difficult budget decisions to make ends meet but carers need a loud and strong local voice to let the decision makes know the impact of cuts.
Sign up now to receive your own campaign toolkit at www.surveymonkey.com/dontcutcare. The toolkit includes useful tips on sample questions to ask, templates for letters to councillors, MP, local media, and information to help you make the case for care.
Petition: A Fairer Deal for Carers
Carers Poverty Alliance have set up an online petition to raise awareness of the unfairness inherent in the benefit system that continues to keep Carers on a very low income and penalises any attempt at self-improvement.
The petition will be handed into 10 Downing Street during Carers Week in June, around 2 weeks after the National Local Protests on 20th May 2011.
The petition is as follows:
We the undersigned call upon the Government to increase Carers' Allowance, for those who provide a minimum of 35 hours a week unpaid care, to a level that allows carers to live with dignity and freedom from financial hardship.
That Carers' Allowance be paid to all carers regardless of age or overlapping benefits (for example, state pensioners and full-time students), thereby not forcing many carers to self-fund their caring role, leading to debt or low quality of life.
To recognise Carers as unique, being the only group within the benefits system to provide a service, often at considerable personal cost, to those who could not lead independent lives without them, thus saving many billions for the Government, the NHS and the taxpayer.
Signing the Petition
Please sign the online petition by visiting the website at http://carerspovertyalliance.com. Online is the preferred method of signing the petition.
Paper Petitions
If someone is unable to sign the petition online, or you need a paper copy for your local protest, for your Carers Centre, your Carers group or you would like to help gather signatures, a paper version of the petition can be downloaded and printed by clicking the following link:
http://carerspovertyalliance.com/images/cpa_petition_2011.pdf
The petition consists of a cover sheet and a signature sheet (which can be printed as many times as needed).
Paper petitions must be returned no later than Friday 3rd June 2011 or they will not be able to include them in the petition, and because every signature counts, please allow plenty of time for it to arrive.
Please post all paper copies back to: Mr Darren Osborne (CPA), 10 East Crescent, Canvey Island, Essex, SS8 9HL
Carers Week 13th - 19th June 2011 "The True Face of Carers"
- What is life like for a Carer?
- How difficult or easy is it?
- How much/little help do Carers receive from Government?
- How do you think that society sees you and what is the reality of being a Carer in Herefordshire in 2011?
- What are the biggest surprises that you and I encounter when we become Carers and what would make a difference to our lives?
- Is it money, time out or something else?
- Do you find caring a perpetual struggle with little thanks or recognition?
- Or a richly-rewarding experience that brings out the best in you?
If you feel that you would like to share your experiences with other Carers through our quarterly newsletter, please send your stories to Chrissy Dunlop, Herefordshire Carers Support, Canal Road, Hereford, HR1 2EA or e-mail them to chrisdunlop@herefordshirecarers.co.uk.
During Carers week 13-19th June, Carers will be centre stage!! Herefordshire Carers Support are planning a week of activities to celebrate this event and would love to meet you at one!! For more information click here.
CARERS RIGHTS DAY IN HEREFORDSHIRE OPENED BY BARONESS JILL PITKEATHLEY
The Kindle Centre in Hereford was the location for Herefordshire Carers Support event to mark 'Carers Rights Day' on the 3rd December - one of over 700 events held across the country.
Baroness Jill Pitkeathley (former Chief Executive of Carers UK and regularly speaks on Carers issues in The House of Lords) gave the keynote address and highlighted issues from the recent 'Comprehensive Spending Review' and how they impact on Carers as well as the highlights of the refresh of the National Carers Strategy.
The Baroness commented that a key priority for the Coalition Government was the better integration of social and health care to improve the experience of families with caring responsibilities, especially around discharge from hospital. She also pointed out that Carers save the country around £87billion a year.
The Government has allocated an extra £2billion funding for social care, but she pointed out that there will still be significant cuts in services and funding at a local level. This is because the 'ring-fence' which protected resources has been removed leaving local authorities free to spend it as they think best, at a time when their overall funding is being cut by 26%.
The Carers Grant, which was £256m in 2010/2011, is included in a range of other grants allocated by central government to local authorities. There is a real risk that local authorities will not prioritise carers and that support services will be cut. The Government must continue to invest in preventative services and support technology such as Telecare.
Regarding Welfare Benefits; £840m of Carer's Allowance goes unclaimed as hundreds of thousands of carers across the UK pay a heavy price, missing out on Carer's Allowance for looking after ill or disabled loved ones at home.
Carers organisations have argued strongly and successfully to keep Carers Allowance out of the means tested benefit framework as it is an income replacement grant. But they are deeply disappointed about changes to the way increases to this benefit is calculated. Research indicates that three quarters of carers are already struggling to pay basic bills and two thirds use their own income to pay for care.
The move to simplify the benefit system through the Universal Credit is welcome, however changes to Working Tax Credits, caps on household benefits that come into force in 2013, time limits on the new Employment and Support Allowance and the removal of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance for those in residential care will disadvantage some of the most vulnerable people in our society. The Baroness concluded with the good news that the Government has set up an independent Commission to look at the funding of care and support.
Alan Dawson, Associate Director of Hereford Hospital NHS Trust then took to the stage to explain the changes taking place in Herefordshire. In particular, the creation of a new integrated model of health and social care in Herefordshire and the creation of an integrated care organisation under one management structure. This will combine community, acute and social care and how they will provide an integrated, high quality and safe care to support personal health, well being and independence within a sustainable Herefordshire health and social care community.
The afternoon session was given over to the subject of Telecare for Carers, simple products such as pill dispensers, sink plugs etc. Jim Ellam, Assistive Technology Lead, Staffordshire County Council and Elizabeth Wilkinson Project Manager, West Midlands Strategic Health Authority spoke on the role of assistive technology in assessment and promoting independence. Jo Hart, Manager Community Equipment & Telecare Services, Herefordshire Council then gave examples of how Telecare for Carers had been used locally. These speakers then faced a barrage of questions from the audience who were very keen to learn more about the subject, where to get information and what was availably within the county.
The event was closed by Chris Bull, CEO Herefordshire Council. A full report and copies of the presentations given can be found here.
Herefordshire Carers Support are building on Friday's success with an event in April, organised in partnership with Services for Independent Living (SIL) which will focus on Tele Health Care. There will be a market place where Carers and Service Users can try out the equipment provided by a range of providers, to see which one best suits their need and budget. More details will be available in due course.
Refresh of the Carers Strategy
Herefordshire Carers Support welcomes the National Carers Strategy Refresh. We know our health and social care services would collapse without the unpaid care and support of Carers in Herefordshire. This is a difficult financial time but we hope Herefordshire will continue to invest in its family Carers and that the measures introduced by the strategy are not undermined by further cuts to the health and care system.
The Refresh contains a number of key measures:
- £6m in new funding for training to support GPs identify and support new carers, hopefully this will help to ensure that all carers will receive timely advice and support from their family doctor.
- Consultation on extending the flexible working rights to all employees, which should help to support Carers who are juggling with paid work and their caring responsibilities. The government is committed to working with employers to promote new modern ways of supporting their workforces.
- An additional £400m to provide short breaks, all of this money we hope will find its way to Carers and that Government will find robust ways to monitor how it is spent to make sure that it does.
- Recognition of the key role that technology can have in supporting Carers with the launch of DotGovLabsInnovation Hub which has been set up to explore digital support for Carers.
The full Carers Strategy can be downloaded here.
Wyeplan Programme launched
Wyeplan is a programme for families in Herefordshire who are supporting a relative who is vulnerable through
- disability
- illness
- old age
- impairment or
- other causes of social isolation
WyePlan is a membership organisation which provides the following benefits to families:
- Assistance from a Community Connector to set up a circle of support for the lifetime of their vulnerable member
- On-going support from the Community Connector to maintain the circle as the person's needs and aspirations change
- Advice on legal and financial matters to ensure the whole family's long-term security and well-being
Membership is open to any family in Herefordshire that has one or more vulnerable member, whether or not they receive services from their Local Authority. There is an annual subscription. For more details click here.
"Getting the Message Across" - A two-day learning programme for carers
"Getting the Message Across" is a two-day learning programme to build skills and confidence in order to improve communications with practitioners
Outline Content:
- The communication cake and using the ingredients to best effect
- Methods of effective information exchange
- Assertiveness in action
- Influencing others' attitudes and approaches
- Introduction to training skills
It will take place on (TBC) Wednesday 28th February and Monday 7th March 2011 from 10.00am - 3.00pm at Point 4 RNC (TBC). To book a place, please contact Rachel Wilkins on 01432 356068. To download a poster about the event click here.
Work Focused Support for Carers
Jobcentres are usually contactable via national help lines, which can take time. However, to speak directly to Jobseeker Carer Champions phone the following:-
- Hereford - Deb Meredith or Emma Morris 01432 363652.
- Leominster - Yvette Southall, 01564 813680.
- Ross-on-Wye - Mark Hicks 01989 793400
Plans for a new play park for disabled children go on display
Children with disabilities are to enjoy a fantastic new play facility in Hereford as Herefordshire Council and Herefordshire Carers Support have succeeded in bidding for funding to enhance the play park at King George V Playing Fields in Hereford.
Herefordshire is to receive a £100,000 cash boost from the Aiming High fund to develop the new play park and after consulting with local groups, four professional designs have been prepared that take into account the needs of families with disabled children and young people.
We would like to share these plans with members of the public, children and their families. Comments, ideas and suggestions are all encouraged. The plans have already been on display and are being looked at by children with disabilities at Barrs Ct School. Consultation will continue during October and into November. Weather permitting we hope that the development will be open to the public by the end of March 2011.
Tobin Godfrey, Herefordshire Council, said: "This is a very exciting project that will offer children of all abilities the opportunity to play outside, challenge themselves and enjoy being with other children. Working in partnership with Herefordshire Carers Support and other community organisations, we want to make sure we get it absolutely right and hope that as many people as possible will take a bit of time to come and look at the plans and tell us what they think."
If you would like to see the plans, or make a comment then contact Tobin Godfrey, Play Partnership Co-ordinator on 01432 383521. The plans can be viewed online here.
Census - Carers count
Carers are vital to the health of our society. So it seems odd that we don't know exactly how many carers there are in Herefordshire. The 2001 Census showed that there were 17,600 people providing at least one hour's unpaid care each week. And according to Charlotte Devereux of Herefordshire Council, that number has probably risen in line with the increasing number of old people.
Next month sees the 2011 Census, a chance to find out the precise number of carers, as well as the elderly, infirm and disabled in the county. 'If the council and health authority know the exact figures they can target support where it is most needed,' says John Tyler, area manager for the Census. 'The Census provides critical information for services such as ambulances, community nurses, and pharmacists.' Census data are also used for planning voluntary schemes and identifying the overall needs for respite care. John adds, 'Although people's personal details are locked away for a 100 years, the total figures make a big difference to local services.'
In March, all households will receive Census forms which can be posted back or completed online. Many cared-for people will need help to complete their forms. They, and their carers, will find details of national helplines and internet support in the Census pack. Locally, help will be available at council drop-in centres, libraries and Citizens Advice Bureaux.
John Tyler says, 'Carers can play a special part in ensuring that they and those they care for are all counted.'
Parent Carers Short Breaks and activities database
We've just launched an exciting new information system allowing Parent Carers to search for short breaks, holidays and activities that are 'Carer friendly'. It's easy to use and will expand as we develop the database.
Have a look yourself and let us know what you think ...
click here.
'Invest in Imagination' -1st April 2011 - a one day conference
Invest in Imagination' is a one day conference designed to bring telecare and assistive technology to carers, older people, disabled people and health care professionals in Herefordshire.
Herefordshire Carers Support (HCS), Age Concern Hereford and Localities and Services for Independent Living (SIL) have joined forces to stage this practical conference that will be of interest to carers, disabled and older people and the professionals who support them. This one day event is taking place at Point4 in Hereford on Friday, 1st April, 2011, and offers a unique opportunity to hear from a range of speakers, see what is available and to try out some of the systems. To find out more about this exciting event and how to register click here.
The State of Caring 2011
Carers UK is conducting a major new piece of research into the impact on people's lives of caring responsibilities. It is vital to gather experiences from every part of the country so they can highlight how carers are affected differently. It is especially important that carers in rural areas pinpoint the difficulties they face - e.g. transport availability, costs and availability of care services etc.
You can fill in the online survey at www.surveymonkey.com/stateofcaring or email stevemcintosh@carersuk.org to request a PDF version to print off.
Carers and the Web
The Princess Royal Trust for Carers is working with Crossroads Care on a Department of Health funded project looking into how carers use the internet, which websites they visit and what the gaps and barriers are. The ultimate goal is to produce a good practice guide for service providers - to help shape the creation and development of web resources for carers.
The PRTC needs your help to collect carers' views via their survey, 'Carers and the Web', which will be open until the end of March at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/87SCM57.
All personal information that you provide as a carer will be strictly private and confidential.
If you use the internet - however much or little - and have a few spare minutes please do the survey - your response will be invaluable to the project.
Motivation Sports Wheelchair
Motivation are a disability and development organisation who have developed a low-cost sports wheelchair (current UK RRP £425) at the request of the International Paralympic Committee to help foster grassroots sport. They worked with the International Tennis Federation and the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation to develop a low-cost sports chair which they launched in May last year. They have been delighted with the response we have received due to its cost and its ability to help wheelchair sports worldwide.
More information can be found on their website.
The National Network of Parent Carer Forums responses to Government.
The National Network of Parent Carer Forums has provided responses to government in relation to the Department of Health consultation on the White Paper, and the Department for Education Call for Views on the Green Paper SEN and Disability.
They were extremely pleased to receive a number of copies of responses from Local Forums, and have taken the views provided by Forums who had a regional network and were able to contribute to these responses.
The responses can be download here - Response to DoE. and Response to DoH.
'A Life Of My Own' - An Exhibition of Work by Carers in Herefordshire
Carers are often seen only for their caring responsibilities, but within many Carers is a creative force - to express their emotions or demonstrate their artistic talents. An exhibition was held at All Saints Cafe, Hereford from 25th - 29th October to celebrate the hidden talent of Carers in Herefordshire. On display was a wide range of arts, crafts and writing. For more information please contact Herefordshire Carers Support on 01432 356068.
from left to right are: Margaret, Maureen, Christine, Brian, Kathy, Gill, Heather, Ann, Angela
THE CARING ABOUT CARERS AWARD 2010
The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) is working in partnership with The Princess Royal Trust for Carers across the UK to raise awareness of the need to support carers in primary care. There is, however, still much work to do to raise GPs' awareness and so the Princess Royal Trust for Carers is delighted to announce the inaugural "Caring about Carers Award" for those GPs and practice teams who provide an excellent service to carers. For more information click here.
Help at hand for Hereford 'HIDDEN' carers
Celebrities support launch of 'Who Cares?' campaign aiming to reach Hereford's 11,800 carers suffering alone
More than two thirds of people in Hereford who look after a loved one do not access any help or support from health and care organisations, according to newly launched NHS service, Carers Direct.
There are nearly 17,534 people in the local authority of Hereford who take care of someone, such as an elderly parent or disabled family member, representing approximately 1 in 10 people in the area.
But, more than two thirds, over 11,800 people, do not see themselves as carers, and do not register on the radars of health or care organisations. This army of 'hidden' carers often persevere alone, spending 20 hours or more a week looking after loved ones, without seeking any assistance or support from organisations who can help them.
The Carers Direct helpline (0808 802 02 02) is aiming to reach these 'hidden' carers and encourage them to call the helpline and find out what practical and financial support may be available to them.
Jacqui Bremner, Director, Herefordshire Carers Support said: "So many of us take on the role of carer without even knowing it. Often it starts with offering to help an elderly relative with shopping, or checking if they've taken their medication. But before you know it, you're with them several hours or more a week, and as their ability to look after themselves deteriorates they rely on you even more. Without help and support, before long you can find yourself struggling with what can be very physical and mental demands, trying to balance work and home life, and potentially risking your own health and wellbeing as a result. It is important that carers are aware that there is help out there, whether it's just having someone to talk to, guidance on financial assistance or simply understanding the support available to them."
Dr Hilary Jones is lending support to the campaign, encouraging anyone who looks after someone else to be aware of the help and support available to them: "Carers can often neglect their own health and wellbeing, as the person they care for is their main priority. I'm supporting the 'Who Cares?' campaign, in order to ensure that the millions of carers across the UK are taking advantage of the support available to them. Many of the Carers Direct advisors have been carers at some point, and can provide help and support not only for your family member, but also for the carer."
Rob Finch from Carers Direct said: "Whether you look after someone for a few hours or several days a week, the helpline is there for you. Staffed by trained advisers, many of whom are carers themselves, the helpline can provide information, advice and support - whether that's how to take a break, getting special equipment, help in the home, financial support or even just a friendly voice to talk to for reassurance. We're here to help in whatever way we can."
It is estimated that 6,000 people become a carer every day across the UK, often doing so out of love, devotion or duty.
Free information, support and advice for anyone who looks after someone can be accessed via the Carers Direct free phone helpline (0808 802 02 02), and the website www.nhs.uk/carersdirect.
Work Focused Support for Carers
If you are caring for someone and want to combine your caring responsibilities with paid work or want to prepare for a time when your caring responsibilities may cease, Jobcentre Plus Work Focused Support for Carers is a voluntary service specifically designed to help you.
Support will be available to carers who are:
- Aged 18 or over
- Out of work or working less than 16 hours per week, and
- Not able get help from any of the other Jobcentre Plus employment support programmes such as New Deal or Pathways to Work.
Eligible carers will be able to volunteer at any time, they will receive:
- Tailored help and support from a Jobcentre Plus personal advisor
- Help preparing for work, for example by finding suitable training and then support in looking for and applying for a job.
- Funding for replacement care for participation in approved activities.
- Access to appropriate employment programmes.
For further information please contact your local Jobcentre Plus Office.
New website for Carers
A NEW Website is available for carers at www.carerscentre.com here you can get advice on Welfare Rights i.e. Benefit news up-dates, discussion forums, e-mail advice, On-line adviser etc. There is also a help-line on 0800 161 38 39.
Carer Forum Review
Since the departure of my colleague Sue Brazendale the Participation Team has been reduced by half and measures were needed to review the existing Forums. In view of the present climate of change and pending budget cuts, it was necessary to find a more efficient, yet still effective use of resources. A meeting took place on November 4th at The Point4, Hereford where Carers from all of the four adult forums were invited. The turnout was excellent and I thank you all for your time!! The outcome is to merge the four forums (Learning Disability, Mental Health, Physical Disability and Older People Forums) into one Adult Carer Forum to meet six times a year. Specific issues will be dealt with via separate Task and Finish groups.
We look forward to working with you to embed the new structure and set the Agendas in the New Year. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the Carers who have attended the Forums in the past and wish you a very Happy Christmas and Peaceful New Year!!
Anyone wishing to see the notes of the meeting can download them here.
Carers Rights Day - Information event on Changes to Health and Social Care in Herefordshire
Carers Information Event - Friday 3rd December 2010, 10.30 - 2.45pm
The future shape of health and social care in Herefordshire
All Carers are invited to our information event on Friday 3rd December. This date is national Carers Rights Day. We are marking this day with an information event for Carers - it's vital that Carers get information on important changes to services in health and social care. Herefordshire is the first local authority to merge the management of their county hospital with Social Services and other health care delivery services. This merging of the management teams will save money and it will also allow for a more joined up delivery of services. There are plans to have more health services delivered locally, and to set up neighbourhood teams where health and social care staff will work together.
Our event on Carers Rights Day will allow Carers to hear about these plans and ask questions. The afternoon session is to inform Carers about what is known as 'tele - health care' or 'assistive technology'. Information technology has been making a growing impact on the delivery of health and social care in home settings. We are also delighted that Baroness Jill Pitkeathley, Patron of Herefordshire Carers Support will also be able to join us on the day. Her inspirational talk at our conference in January this year was particularly popular with Carers.
As usual,we will provide for the cost of care cover and transport, for those who are unable to attend without them. Please note we need people to PHONE us before the 18th November so we can get these organised.
Details are on the booking form.
HCS IS NAT WEST CHARITY NOMINATION
Great news - we have been nominated as one of the three Herefordshire Nat West charities, but we need your votes to become the winner. You can go into any Nat West branch in the county or you can vote on line at https://communityfund.natwest.com
Voting is from November 8-25th so please get as many relatives, friends and neighbours to vote for us.
Carers unaware of help with costs of travel to hospital
Many Carers and patients are unaware that those on low income my be entitled to help with travel costs to hospital. If you qualify for this you could get the cost of parking, public transport and a fuel allowance at 14p per mile.
Who can claim?
You're automatically entitled to claim Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme if you (or those you depend on) get at least one of the following:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Guarantee Pension Credit
You also qualify if your income is £15,276 or less and you also get one of the following:
- Child Tax Credit (with or without Working Tax Credit)
- Working Tax Credit with the disability element or severe disability element
If an adult or your dependent child has to travel to your treatment with you for medical reasons, you can claim their travel costs too.
If you're on a low income but don't get any of these benefits or allowances, you may still claim travel costs through the NHS low income support scheme. You will have to fill in a form called HC1 'claim for help with health costs'. Get the form from your local Jobcentre office OR ask at any Hospital reception or phone 0845 610 1112 (NHS formsline).
You should use the cheapest form of transport available – public transport if possible. If public transport is unavailable petrol costs will be reimbursed. Taxis may be used if there is no alternative or the patient is unable to use public transport.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ASK FOR THE BOOKLET 'Help with Health Costs' (HC11)
Partnership and Integrated Working through Early Support - 2 Day Training Session
This 2 day training aims to improve partnership working between the families of disabled children and the practitioners who support them. It is to be held on 1st and 2nd November 2010 at the Point4 (RNC) on Venns Lane, Hereford, HR1 1DT. It is free to Parents! Cost to Practitioners only £75
For more details click here.
Farewell to Pat Stokes
Carers in Herefordshire bade a sad farewell to Pat Stokes, who has been working for Herefordshire Carers Support for 9 years. Pat, who retired at the end of July won't be entirely deserting the Carer's cause - she has agreed to join the board of trustees, with a special remit around volunteering. She will continue to support our group of volunteers who are visiting GP surgeries on a regular basis to stock up our leaflets and other carer information.
£1000 for HCS
Cal Edwards, Chairman of the soapbox Derby Committee, Mansell Lacey presenting Pat Stokes with a cheque to Herefordshire Carers Support for £1000. HCS were the nominated charity for this year's Soapbox Derby.
Disability Equipment Service - NEW !!!
Do you want to sell or give away equipment that is no longer used? Are you looking for an item of equipment for yourself or a friend or relative?
Advertise your item with us. The service is FREE, simple to use and does not require access to the internet. All the items advertised are in the Herefordshire area so you can find what you are looking for close to home.
Click here or go to www.askdes.org.uk then click on the Herefordshire section of the map and create your own advertisement or, contact us on 01432 356068, ask for Rachel, and we will do it for you!!
Also, if you are a Carer, register with us for information about local events, support groups, our Emergency Card Scheme, quarterly Newsletter, etc!
Millions unaware of Flexible Working Rights for Carers
The Government has stepped up its action to raise awareness of flexible working rights for carers. New figures indicate that millions of people are unaware that caring for a spouse or relative gives them the right to ask their employer to work flexibly. The figures also show that the majority of adults (82 per cent) aren't aware that all those with caring responsibilities are legally entitled to ask for flexible working.
Harriet Harman, Minister for Women and Equality, said: "This Government recognises the importance of this family care, and those who go out to work as well as care for older relatives. That is why we brought in the right to request flexible working for those who care for older and disabled relatives."
"We do not want people to have to choose between their work or providing important family care, so the question of their ability to work and employers'ability to respond flexibly is a huge one for the future."
Anyone who cares for a spouse, relative, or someone who lives with them, whatever level of support they provide, has the right to ask for flexible working. More than a third of people surveyed had caring responsibilities which could make them eligible to ask.
Imelda Redmond, Chief Executive of Carers UK said: "Millions of families are facing a care crunch, juggling the need to provide care for an older or disabled relative or friend, but at the same time remain in work for longer. Businesses need people to make the most of their skills and experience in the workplace, yet millions of people are at risk of having to leave their jobs because of caring responsibilities and a lack of support. Our work with Employers for Carers has shown that flexible working can help businesses with productivity, recruitment and retention. Flexible working can be a win:win solution for carers and employers, and in most cases is very easy to arrange and manage."
Employers have already demonstrated their acceptance of flexible working, with over 91 per cent of requests from parents and carers being accepted. More information about making a flexible working request can be found by visiting www.direct.gov.uk and clicking on the "Caring for someone"section.
Refreshing the Carers Strategy - Make your views known!!
Now is your chance to input into the Government's call for the refreshment of the National Carer's Strategy.
The Government are keen to seek your views now on the key priorities, supported by evidence of good practice, on what will have the greatest impact on improving carers' lives in the next four years. A template is available here for you to use to give your views.
New Hereford Carers Support Group
The new Hereford Carers Support Group is starting on Monday 19th July from 10.30 - 12.30 at The Green Cafe in St Owens Street. It will be open to carers living in and near Hereford and everyone is welcome. Future meetings will be at the same time and place on the third Monday of each month.
Large scale review of services for children with disabilities
Herefordshire Council and NHS Herefordshire are currently reviewing services for children with disabilities aged 0 to 19 years of age. A review is being done to ensure that education, health and social care services currently available are meeting the needs of families and children in Herefordshire.
As part of the review the views of parents are being sought. We urge all parents to have their say on services. A questionnaire has already been distributed to families; but if you have not had one it is available from Herefordshire Council's web site at:-
http://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/council_gov_democracy/24103.asp
This link takes you to the 'have your say' page, then 'click' on the left hand menu of options for 'consultations.'
You can also leave a message on an online discussion group on the same web site. If you would like a paper copy of the questionnaire or simply to sent in your views then contact Clare McNally on 01432 344344, or post a letter to Jade Brooks, NHS Herefordshire and Herefordshire Council, Ruckhall Lane, Belmont, Hereford, HR2 9RP
The Spending Review
The Spending Challenge is our chance to help shape the way government works. We need to put ideas forward to help reduce the deficit by cutting public spending in a way that is fair and responsible - and you can help. Please use this link to add your comments which are then voted for and rated by other users of the site.
http://spendingchallenge.hm-treasury.gov.uk/.
By Ben Padley, Press Association Political Staff
New measures are needed to help identify people caring for their friends and relatives, an MP demanded today.
Labour's Barbara Keeley (Worsley and Eccles S) called for more support from health authorities, GPs and social services to support the increasing number of carers who devote more than 50 hours a week to looking after others.
This group of carers were often more likely to suffer ill-health themselves, and a growing number of carers were children, many of whom did not tell their teachers of the extra pressures they faced caring for a parent or sibling, she told MPs.
Introducing her Carers (Identification and Support) Bill Ms Keeley said: "We have a population that is living longer and living more often with dementia, illness or a long-term condition. It has become clear that more and more families are stepping in to provide full-time and high levels of care."
The Bill, which has cross-party backing from MPs, would require GPs and PCTs to identify carers and direct them to appropriate support organisations. It would also require schools to have written policies in place to support young carers, who were often treated as truants for taking time off, she claimed.
The Bill was given an unopposed first reading, but stands little chance of becoming law without Government backing. Carole Cochrane, chief executive of The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, said: "We fully support the Bill."
"Without early identification and support, carers can suffer physical and mental breakdowns. This can result in the original patient requiring emergency hospital admission or expensive residential care and the carer becoming a patient as well. As a result, many families are collapsing under the strain. GPs are crucial in helping to identify carers and offering them support. We carried out research in May 2010 and found that over two-thirds of young carers are bullied at school and 39% said that none of their teachers are even aware of their caring role."
"Sadly, without the right support, many young carers will under-achieve or drop out of school altogether, which has a long and enduring impact on their future prospects. Again, identification is crucial. The new coalition Government has talked about the need to support Britain's army of six million adult and young carers, and we are urging them to honour the pledges they made during the election and back this Bill."
Carers Bill Campaign
Barbara Keeley MP is taking a Ten Minute Rule Motion to propose a Carers (Identification and Support) Bill next Wednesday 14th July immediately after PMQs. The Bill requires:
- health bodies to identify patients who are carers or have a carer;
- health services took the carers' needs into account; and
- schools to have a policy to identify young carers.
It's quite timely as the new coalition government is looking to refresh the National Carers Strategy and this Bill could help to address the lack of engagement from the health authorities. We also have evidence that PCTs are still not identifying and supporting carers.
With regards to young carers, this Bill also backs our recent campaign for schools to start identifying and supporting them.
The Princess Royal Trust for Carers is calling on MPs to support this Bill and we are asking our network of carers' centres in England to contact their local MPs and local press. We've drafted some templates they can use which includes:
- a Letter to Editor for local press;
- a Letter to MP; and
- a carer letter to MP.
As the Bill is only a few days away it would be great if they could email these letters on Monday 12th or Tuesday 13th by the latest. Carers can also write a letter to their MP.
FREE NHS HEALTHCHECK - ... please read
Information about Swine Flu in Herefordshire
For information about swine flu and what to do please click here
Further updates on Swine Flu in Herefordshire and what to do are available below
- Swine Flu Update 4 June 09
- Swine Flu Update 26 June 09
- Swine Flu Update 20 July 09
- Swine Flu Update 23 July 09
Celebrate 20 years of Hereford Shopmobility - scooter parade 2nd July 2010
Hereford Shopmobility are celebrating running their service for 20 years, with a scooter parade in Hightown, Hereford on Friday 2nd July at 11.15am. Anyone with a scooter or wheelchair of any type, and their carers and friends, are welcome to come along for the parade, which will be started off by the Mayor of Hereford. For full details phone 01432 342166.
CARERS UK - CARERS WEEK 2010 SURVEY - PLEASE COMPLETE
Herefordshire Carers Support is supporting this year's Carers Week (14th - 20th June) and is asking carers to take part in the annual Carers Week survey. The survey focuses on what carers miss out on and which most people would take for granted.
Carers Week highlights the vital work done by those who provide unpaid care for someone who is ill, frail or disabled. This year, the theme for the week is 'A Life of my own' and calls for greater support for carers in order to allow them to maintain a life of their own. You will find the survey link on www.surveymonkey.com/carersweek2010.
Comments on General Election T.V. Debate
As you may be aware, the final minutes of the live Prime Ministerial TV election debate focussed on carers.
The Liberal Democrats highlighted their policy of giving one million carers a personal budget of £500 to allow them to have a week's break. This policy came as a result of the lobbying of The Princess Royal Trust for Carers to their manifesto teams.
The Trust has also been campaigning as part of the Care and Support Alliance (a consortium of 40 charities and organisations) in making the future of social care an electoral issue.
Please see link to Carole Cochrane's comment in response to the TV debate - here.
Please see link to Gordon Conochie's blog - http://carersblog.wordpress.com/
New Patron for HCS
Following her appearance at our Carers conference in January, Baroness Jill Pitkeathley has agreed to become a Patron for Herefordshire Carers Support.
Baroness Pitkeathley has been campaigning for Carers for over 20 years, becoming Chief Executive of the National Council for Carers, now called Carers UK, in 1986. She was made a life peer in 1997.
Her talk at our conference was inspiring; we are delighted she has agreed to speak on behalf of Herefordshire Carers.
Carers UK - General Election Manifesto Campaign
Our manifesto campaign is two-fold: Firstly we want to ensure that carers' voices are clearly heard. To this end we set up a website which went live on the 1st February, where carers can upload pictures holding their messages for government. We will make sure that these messages are seen by senior politicians from all parties, and by all parliamentary candidates. Some Centres have told us that they will assist carers who use their services to participate by taking their photos and uploading them on to the website. They will also print off and display the photos, and invite local candidates in the area to see for themselves what carers think. The site is http://carersuk.wordpress.com/.
The second part of the manifesto campaign is more policy based. We would really welcome the personal involvement of carers and the organisations that support them in completing a short questionnaire. The questionnaire is seeking view from carers' centres on priorities fro the next parliament, and we will feed the results back to you. The questionnaire is at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/carersmanifestosurvey.
Parent Connect
A new befriending service is being launched for parents whose child has recently been diagnosed with a disability or special need. For information please phone Cathy Hayes on 01432 356068.
Carer's Count - Count Me In
It is currently believed that up to 20,000 people in Herefordshire are caring for, and supporting someone who is ill, elderly or has a disability.
Herefordshire Carers Support is asking everone who has a caring role to register with us. It is vitally important that ALL carers register in order that services in the future can be planned.
Carers may not need a service at the moment but the more carers registered the stronger the voice to ensure carers are Recognised, are Valued, and Get Better Services.
If you know of anyone who is a carer ask them to REGISTER with us.
We have over 2000 carers registered at the moment - let's make it more and get a better deal!
Carers Direct Helpline
Following the go live of the Carers Direct website in February 09, NHS Choices have just launched their helpline, to provide confidential information and advice to carers. The lines are open 8am to 9pm Monday to Friday, 11am to 4pm at weekends. Calls are free from UK landlines.
Call Carers Direct on 080 802 0202
or email Carers.Direct@nhschoices.nhs.uk