8th 12th June Upcoming events for Carers Week! Please see inside for further details

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1 Newsletter J U N E A U G U S T Bringing carers and the carers service together as expert partners to ensure carers needs, wishes and feelings are at the heart of everything we do Inside this issue: Your Service needs you Drug & Alcohol News 2 3 8th 12th June Upcoming events for Carers Week! Please see inside for further details Support Groups 4 Activities 5 Volunteering Opportunities 8 Further Info 9 How to find us 10 BwD Carers Service Greenhurst Place Blackburn BB2 1NA Telephone ~ Fax ~ ~ office@bwdcarers.org.uk Website ~

2 P A G E 2 CARERS - WE NEED YOUR HELP The census 2011 identified around 16,000 carers in Blackburn with Darwen (This is only those that identified themselves as Carers and we all know there will be many more who have not identified themselves as being carers). Carers often find it difficult in identifying themselves as carers. However, if we were to ask people whether the person they care for could not manage without their support, I can vouch that all would say no! So they are a carer! Too many carers however are only identified when issues reach a crisis point this has to stop! The Carers Service, other professionals and the public need to help to identify carers in order that they can receive early support and minimise family breakdown. With a view to identifying and supporting more carers we will be holding events leading up to and including carers week: From Monday 1 st June the Bee radio will be presenting carers stories these are our own carers with their own stories there will be a different story each day for a week, based on caring for family members who have Mental ill health, Dementia, Drugs and Alcohol and physical disabilities Carers event Monday 8th June at King Georges Hall for professionals to come along to see what difference our work makes for carers, and also for any new carers who come along for more information. Friday 12 th June the whole team will be in both Balckburn and Darwen town centres, raising awareness of the need for carers to identify themselves as carers and come forward for support (before reaching a crisis point). We have several carers who have already volunteered to man the stand in Darwen, however, if any others want to get involved please give us a ring Please also find in this pack a poster that we would like all carers to place in their windows at home between the 1-12 th June, which includes carers week. Please do promote this on behalf of the Carers Service (from the 1 st -12 th June) Thank you Karen Walker (Carers Service Centre Manager)

3 Drug and Alcohol News with Clare, our Drug and Alcohol Advisor P A G E 3 This quarter we have some exciting new activities that Clare has arranged. Why did the chicken cross the road? On Friday 3 rd July at 8pm we re recharging our batteries with a good old laugh at the Comedy Night at King George s Hall. This night out is open to all carers and the 5 cost includes finger food. Book your place with on Hope to see you there! Activities for people affected by someone else s addiction We have some activities arranged specifically for carers affected by a loved one using drugs or alcohol. Places are limited to these carers and priority will be given to carers who haven t attended many activities with the service. To enquire about a place, please give an expression of interest to Clare. Activity Date Cost Day at the Wellbeing Farm in Edgworth Includes a llama trek (no, you don t ride it, but lead your own llama around for a country walk!) followed by lunch. In the afternoon we will enjoy a stress management and meditation workshop. Friday 26 th June All day (times tbc) 5 Evening Spa At Crow Wood in Burnley with Mud Rasul treatment Wednesday 26 th August 4pm 9pm 7.50 Darwen Coffee and Chat group The Darwen Coffee and Chat group continues to go from strength to strength. It is held on the first Wednesday of every month for anyone who is concerned about someone else s drug or alcohol use. Whether you want information, advice, or a general chat, feel free to pop along and join me for a brew at Café Hub in Darwen from 1-3pm (drinks are provided!) The dates for the forthcoming sessions are as follows: 3 rd June 1 st July 5 th August For more information about anything on this page, or to find out what support is available for family members, partners and friends who are affected by addiction, please contact Clare on or by at: clare.hobley@bwdcarers.org.uk You can also sign up for my drug and alcohol updates drop me a line and I ll add you to the list.

4 P A G E 4 SUPPORT GROUP Date Time Frequency Alzheimer s Society Carers Support Group (Activity Room 2) Supporting carers who support a person diagnosed with dementia, group support and speakers are invited to inform the group. Tuesday 13:00 15:00 3 rd Tuesday of every month Asian Carers Group (Activity Room 2) Monday 10:00 Every Week Support group to help reduce barriers, acts as a working group to raise awareness of the issues or concerns facing Asian carers across the local communities. Regular activities and Language support available. 12:00 Carers Forum (Activity 2) The aim of the Forum is to develop awareness of carers and their needs within Blackburn with Darwen. We provide a forum for consultation with carers to ensure their needs & opinions are recognised & reflected in the future development and activities of BwD Services. Carers Generic Support Group (Activity 2) A generic group formed by carers and run by carers, to support, share and learn from each other, enjoy therapeutic activities. 1 st Bi-Monthly Last Tuesday of the month 13:00 15:00 11:00 13:00 Bi-Monthly Monthly Carers Rights Day 2015 Activities to inform carers of their rights, what support/entitlement is available, especially in terms of welfare, employment and legal rights. CASH Group (Activity 2) Last Friday in November 10:00-12:30 A support group for people who are concerned about someone else s drug or alcohol use. Former and present carers craft group (New) If you are a former carer and want to continue contributing to the service/enjoy participating in a valuable cause, then this group is for you. Men's Group To provide support and activities specifically for Male Carers Mental Health Carers Support Group (Rainbow Room) For people who care for a friend or relative with mental health problems. Parent Carers Group (Activity 2) Is a support and action group for parent carers and carers of people with learning and physical disabilities. There will be organised speakers and time to share your experiences. Sewing Group (Activity 2) Come along and make your own garments. Therapeutic Crafts (Activity 2) Channelling emotions into positive actions through textiles and crafts. Learning techniques such as applique, rag rolling, patchwork, printing, embroidery and much more. 13:00 15:00 Friday 10:00 12:00 18:30 20:00 Tuesday 13:00 15:00 10:00 12:00 Monday 13:00 16:00 Tuesday 9:30 11:30 Every week Every week 3 rd of every month Every other week Weekly Weekly Weekly

5 Carers Week Activities P A G E 5 Activity/Trip Dates Time Venue Cost Additional info Big Sale Monday 1st June Every first Monday of the month 1pm-3pm Any donations All welcome to sale of cut price crafts, pottery, bric-a-brac, toiletries, knitted items, stationary, garments made by the sewing group etc Carers Week Event Monday 8th June 9.30am 12.30pm King Georges Hall Event for professionals and new carers to learn about the service. There will be a presentation, some practical exercises, display of case studies. A chance to meet the staff and volunteers Mental Health Wellbeing Day Tuesday 9th June 12.30pm- 3pm All welcome. Advice, information and support for anyone who has concerns of mental wellbeing. Dementia Friends workshop Tuesday 9th June 11-12pm and 6-7pm All welcome. A short workshop with awareness on dementia. Coffee Morning and Carers Day with pampering Wednesday 10th June 9.15am-12 noon For carers and loved ones. Auction for spa vouchers at Ribby Hall. Starting bid 50, coffee and cake. Stalls include Benefits, Carer Network, Forbes Solicitors, Alzheimer s Society, Carers Service, Christine Hunter and activities & crafts. Big Raffle To be drawn on carers day 10th June Will be announced at 12:30pm on coffee morning Tickets 25p or 1 a strip Buy from Spa vouchers and hamper. Many more prizes to be won. Cricket Match Wednesday 10th June 1.30pm 5pm Feniscowles Cricket Club 2 per person Do you enjoy sports? Why not enjoy playing cricket with afternoon tea. Match will be 2pm 3pm Afternoon tea 3pm 4pm

6 Activity/Trip Dates Time Venue Cost Additional info Bollywood Style Dancer size 11th June 5.15pm- 7.15pm Bollywood style dancer size Carers only Exercise then have tea Bollywood style. P A G E 6 Big Walk 11th June 11am- 1pm For carers and loved ones. Sunnyhurst Woods and Picnic or Brock holes. Bring a picnic and must be able to walk at a reasonable pace. Carers Service Town Centre Promotion Friday 12th June 10am - 3pm King William Street, Blackburn market and Darwen Information, advice and support. Also raffle for spa vouchers. Lake Windermere Saturday 13th June 9am- 4pm for 8.45am back at 5.30pm 5 per person Carers week trip to Lake Windermere Carers or parent carer families Activity/Trip Dates Time Venue Cost Additional info Wicked Fine Art and Relaxation workshop Light Water Valley 25th June Monday 22nd June - Monday 20th July Wednesday 22nd July 7.30 show 10am - 12 noon 9am - 4pm Other Activities/Trips for 4.45pm for 8.45am 15 per person 8 per person includes transport, senior citizens 5, those under 1 metre 5 and under 2 years of age go. Carers only. If you enjoy theatre shows this is for you. Based at the Lowry Theatre. You will be surprised how quickly you can pick up new skills in fine art, learn how to paint using techniques such as silk painting. A very therapeutic and relaxing activity for carers. Carers or parent carer families Do you like theme parks? If the answer is yes why not join us for an amazing time at Light Water Valley.

7 Activity/Trip Dates Time Venue Cost Additional info Manchester Museum of Science and Industry Wednesday 29th July 9.15am - 3pm for 9am 5 per person P A G E 7 Come and explore the Museum of Science and Industry with a fantastic range of galleries. Llandudno Day trip Friday 14th August 9am - 5pm for 8.45am To be confirmed. Transport ONLY Free time in Llandudno to plan your own day. For carers and loved ones. East Lancs Railway Steam experience and shopping 20th August Walking for Health Every Cycling Every Monday 10am - 4pm for 9.45am 12.30pm Various venues throughout but to begin with meet at Witton Park Pavillion 2pm 3pm Witton Park Pavillion 5 per person For carers and loved ones. Arrive at Ossi Mills for 10.30am shopping & lunch. Leave Ossi Mills at 1pm to travel to Rawtenstall Station Board Steam Train at 2.05pm 45 mins on the train to Bury Bury Market 3pm 4pm. For carers and their loved ones. Slow pace walk lasting 40minutes. This project will develop over the summer to take you to the beautiful surrounding country side. For Carers only. Bikes and trampers available for those who want to ride independently around the track, or for beginners support to learn to ride. Dancersize Every s 5.15pm- 6.15pm Drop a dress size in a fun way practicing different dances like line dancing. Tone up and Trim in a fun way. Fabric Project Every Tuesday 10am- 12pm 5 per person Do you enjoy Quilting, Applique and fabric painting? Come join us

8 P A G E 8 Activity/Trip Dates Time Venue Cost Additional info The Sewing Group Project Every Monday ongoing group 1-3pm This group is for carers only and will aim to make products that we can showcase at our fashion show later on in the year. Do you want to learn how to sew a garment? This group will help you to develop your skills. Do you already have skills that you can share? Then take part in this valuable project share your skills. Every Friday 10am 12 noon If you are a former carer and want to continue contributing to the service and enjoy participating in a valuable cause, then this group is for you. It is an opportunity for you to give something back to the service. In this group you will develop craft skills to make crafts to sell for fundraising. As we are a charity organisation we welcome donations for crafts to help raise funds. Volunteer Wanted We are looking for 2 volunteers to undertake some training around Dementia The Dementia Friends scheme aims to make our communities more Dementia friendly. We are looking for 2 volunteers to undertake Dementia Champion training. This is a one-off training enabling the volunteer to deliver Dementia Friends sessions. We are looking for confident people who have had experience of presenting information to professionals and the general public. Knowledge of PowerPoint presenting would be useful We are looking for at least one person who has more than one language including Urdu. The person must be flexible and having transport would be an advantage If interested please contact Joanne Bates on or fill in the application form which can be found on our website at Return the form to joanne.bates@bwdcarers.org.uk Volunteer Role GP LINK WORKER WANTED We are looking for 3 volunteers who can liaise with local GP surgeries to inform them of the role of the Carers Service and keep the information they hold current and relevant. Essential skills Driver with own transport (Expenses will be provided) Knowledgeable of the work of the Carers service Confident, with experience of presenting to professionals Good time management skills Available for 2 days per week May suit a retired professional person If interested please call Joanne Bates on OR fill in and return the application form on our website Return the form to joanne.bates@bwdcarers.org.uk

9 P A G E 9 We understand that many carers find themselves wanting to discuss something or need support which may not fall within the conventional 9-5 working hours. Therefore we are continuing the out of hours carers support line to help meet carers needs. Carers can phone the team between the hours of 5pm 9pm Monday Friday If you feel the need for support between these hours please contact us in the first instance on If you would like us to ring you back then we can also do that. Thank you 25th June 11am - 1pm Join us and help us celebrate a successful 2014! Lunch will be provided At BwD Carers Service Greenhurst Place Blackburn BB2 1NA Mental Health Carers Information What can the Mental Health Carers Support Workers Offer you? 1-1 Support Support to access other services Carers Support Workers will encourage and support activities and appointments that will enable the Carer to have a greater wellbeing Joint working with other services to make sure your concerns are raised Obtaining respite or benefit entitlement Information on admission and discharge in Mental Health Information on mental illness, treatment and medication Signpost to advocacy To help a carer identify their needs and to develop a plan to meet those needs. If you have any questions or queries please feel free to give the Mental Health Carers Team a call on

10 P A G E 10 How to find us... We are based in an Housing 21 complex known as '' From King Street: Turn left onto Stonyhurst Road, turn right into Greenhurst Place. From Preston New Road: Turn right on to Montague Street, then take the 4th turning on the right in to Oakenhurst Road, then first left onto Stonyhurst Road, turn left into Greenhurst Place, 200 yards on the left. Anna Frankland Carer Advisor Clare Hobley Carer Advisor Parveen Awan Carer Advisor Sonia Stevens Carer Advisor Vicky Bentley Carer Advisor Yasmin Khalil Carer Advisor Kulsum Chishti Activity Co-Ordinator Joanne Bates Volunteer Co-Ordinator Jim Dickson Welfare Officer BwD Carers Service Greenhurst Place Blackburn BB2 1NA Telephone ~ Fax ~ ~ office@bwdcarers.org.uk Website ~ Facebook ~ Blackburn Carers Twitter