Oldham Carers Centre WINTER/ SPRING. Oldham Carers Centre Charity no: Comp No: GM Police (Non emergency)

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1 Oldham Carers Centre WINTER/ SPRING *Brass band conductor Michael Donnelly won a wheelchair worth over 250 at our recent Carers Rights Day which championed the rights of Oldham Carers. Designed to give carers guidance and make them aware of their rights, this UK-wide initiative in partnership with Carers UK, also celebrated the work of Carers such as Norma Ashton who spend much of their lives looking after a friend, relative or neighbour. Royton based Norma (68) is playing an increasing role in helping life-long diabetes patient Michael remain independent. Michael believes he can do anything and I want him to continue to do things but in a safe way said Norma. Estimates show that each year 843 million worth of benefits go unclaimed by carers who don't realise they are entitled to them.* Pictured left to right (Back row) Tara Butterworth (Millercare Ltd), Norma Ashton and Steph Jones (Wired Oldham) Front row Michael Donnelly. Photograph and *Story* courtesy of Peter Gibson Our event - held at The Gallery in Oldham provided advice on everything from where to get a mobility scooter fixed to how to avoid internet scams, and was supported by a range of agencies and organisations including the Department of Work and Pensions, Citizens Advice, Home Instead, Millercare, Welfare Rights, Costco, Greggs, AGE UK, Oldham CCG and Specsavers. Trombone player Michael (78) is the longstanding conductor of The Westwood Over-50s Band; a 25-piece brass band in popular demand! If you are interested in booking the band, please call him on Congratulations Michael! In this issue. Free ESOL courses. Stress Busters. Free British Red Cross First Aid training Volunteer Scheme Services Activities Trips... Announcements. Oldham Carers Centre Adult Social Care GM Police (Non emergency) 101 Alzheimer's Society AGE UK Oldham Citizens Advice Bureau

2 Not registered with us?? You don t need to be registered with the Carers Centre to come and try a drop in or one of our activities. There are fantastic benefits in registering with the Carers Centre (such as free Carers assessments, support, advice and information), events, training and days out, but it is not essential if you wanted to test the water. We welcome new Carers into the service and want to make you feel as welcome as possible. If you are a bit nervous about coming to a drop in for the first time, please call us on to let us know you re coming. We will be on hand to keep you company and make sure you are settled in. FREE ESOL Courses Oldham Carers have teamed up with the Lifelong Learning Centre to deliver a free ESOL course (English for Speakers of Other Languages) which will be delivered for 2-hours a week over 15-weeks. The course will be held at The Link Centre and will help Carers improve their English speaking, listening and writing skills. The course is FREE and numbers are limited. Please contact Steph to book a place and to find out further details on A Warm Welcome We re over the moon that you are enjoying the various services we provide and it s lovely to hear such positive feedback. It s been a busy time for the staff and volunteers and to help us, we have recruited Stephen Newby as our new Carers Assessment and Support Worker. Stephen has a great deal of experience including working for MIND in Tameside, Oldham and Glossop. Stephen will be carrying out Carers assessments/ home visits and is here to provide you with support for your role. Welcome to the team Stephen, we re really pleased you ve joined us! Also, a big thank you to volunteer Jane Moran who has helped us in the administration offices for several months. Jane, we wish you all the best for your future and thank you for all your support! STRESS BUSTERS! Feeling frazzled and don t know which way to turn? If you are feeling in need of a little help and support, then why not come along to our free Stress Busters course? You will learn various techniques to relax and unwind, and participate in exercises such as mindfulness, affirmations and meditation. If worry is getting on top of you and you need a break come and talk to us. The course runs once a week, for an hour and a half, over six-weeks. One group member told us: For me, the group was about the realisation that I am not alone, that everyone is going through the same thing albeit with different circumstances. It was about realising I m normal, I m not losing it, and that we can be a support for each other. I found it easier to talk to strangers rather than my family as I didn t want to burden them. I really enjoyed the sessions and getting to know the others. It s good to talk about it. To register your interest, please contact Steph on (Dates TBC)

3 JANUARY 2015 Thursday 8th 10:45am Carers talk: What is Safeguarding? Safeguarding refers to issues such as child protection, child sexual exploitation and abuse of older or vulnerable adults. This interesting discussion will be led by Linda Robinson-Smith, the Safeguarding Development Officer at Oldham Council. Tuesday 13th AM/PM Unwanted Christmas gifts Too many pairs of socks, smellies and silly Christmas jumpers?! Bring your unwanted gifts to our January Bring and Buy sale. All money raised will go back to Oldham Carers and help to pay for trips and activities. Wednesday 14 th 1:30pm Alexandra Hub Carers Walk (ending around 4pm) BOOKING ONLY! If you have over-indulged over the festive season and are looking to get active this New Year, why not start a positive habit of walking? The walk will be around 2-hours and the professional walking guides will keep to your pace. Wrap up warm and enjoy the scenery as we take a walk together. Booking is essential and you must reserve your place on where full details will be given. Thursday 15 th 10am Cookery class with Rachel Bird Our popular Carers chef Rachel Bird is back to cook us up some tasty treats to keep us healthy. Take part in our fun cookery workshop or simply enjoy the communal effort! Please note, Carers can purchase two portions maximum (one for you and the person you care for) at the bargain price of 50p per portion. Where in Oldham can you get a cheaper, tastier lunch?! Tuesday 20 th 2pm Jewellery making An introduction to creative bling! Calling all arts and crafts lovers! We are delighted to have specialist tutors from the Lifelong Learning Centre deliver taster sessions for us this year. Learn to make jewellery no experience needed, but you must reserve your place. Booking is essential on FREE COURSE BOOKING ONLY!!! Thursday 22nd 10:30am British Red Cross FREE First Aid Training Knowing what to do in an emergency is always useful, particularly if you are caring for a loved one. Oldham Carers Centre has teamed up with the British Red Cross to deliver a free 2-hour session which will teach you to administer first aid. Learn to help someone who is choking, having or has had a heart attack, having or has had a stroke, having an epileptic seizure fit or experiencing a diabetic emergency. This is a booking only event and you must reserve your place by calling There is a 5 refundable deposit to book on this course. As long as you come along on the day, you will be 100% refunded. Tuesday 27 th AM/PM The Pamper sessions (morning & afternoon!) Enjoy a free massage, Indian Head massage, reflexology, facial or manicure to help you unwind. The pamper session is for men and women, and who could say no to a free massage?! No need to book, simply turn up on the day. There are limited places available so we advise you to get here as near to 10am as possible to secure your session. Thursday 29 th 11am Carers Debating Group NEW! (45-mins) New to 2014 the Carers Debating Club is a fun and lively discussion group on a given topical theme. Discuss ideas in a friendly environment, strengthen your sense of identity in the group, and widen your experience. Communicate your ideas in a non-judgemental setting with an impartial judge to keep control in case opinions get heated Order! Order!!

4 FEBRUARY 2015 Tuesday 3 rd 10:30am Stress Management with Carl Holdaway Carl will be talking about recognising and managing stress, and teach you various breathing techniques to help you relax. Learn about stress management, negative thought processes and cognitive behaviour to help make your mind work for you and not be your own worst enemy! Thursday 5 th 10am Eyes-down bingo Games and prizes galore - just turn up on the day! With our resident Bingo caller John Caulfield! Tuesday 10 th 2pm Colour and Image - make the most of you! *** Usually FREE to Carers!! *** Come along to our FREE Arts & Crafts workshop delivered at Oldham Carers by the Lifelong Learning Centre. Booking is essential for this - please call Thursday 12 th 10am Cookery class with Rachel Bird Our popular Carers chef Rachel Bird is back to cook us up some tasty treats to keep us healthy. Take part in our fun cookery workshop or simply enjoy the communal effort! Please note, Carers can purchase two portions maximum (one for you and the person you care for) at the bargain price of 50p per portion. Thursday 19 th 11am Ballroom dancing with Freda Enjoy a FREE session of American Smooth dancing with our wonderfully talented dance instructor Freda Sutton. The class is for men and women of all abilities, no experience needed! Please wear loose fitting clothing and bring a bottle of water. You must book on Thursday 19 th 1:30pm Daisy Nook Carers Walk (ending around 4pm) BOOKING ONLY! If you have over-indulged over the festive season and are looking to get active this New Year, why not start a positive habit of walking? The walk will be around 2-hours and the professional walking guides will keep to your pace. Wrap up warm and enjoy the scenery as we take a walk together. Booking is essential and you must reserve your place on where full details will be given. Tuesday 24 th 10am The Pamper sessions Pamper days and mini treatments are ideal for those of you in need of some relaxation and rejuvenation. Our experienced therapist will help you to unwind and let go of the stress of daily life. No need to book; simply turn up on the day. There are limited places available so we advise you to get here as near to 10am as possible to secure your session. Thursday 26 th 1pm Trip: Ten-pin bowling Afternoon (2 ½ hrs) Come and join us on our spring outing for a fun game of ten-pin bowling!! If you think you re the King or Queen of the alley book your place through Steph on Places are limited and the sooner you book, the better your chances of hitting that STRIKE! This is a booking only event and you must reserve your place by calling There is a 5 refundable deposit to book on this trip. As long as you come along on the day, you will be 100% refunded. Event at Hollywood Bowl in Ashton Under Lyne. Please contact Steph for full details and to book your place!

5 MARCH 2015 Tuesday 3rd AM/PM Knitting and nattering! You bring the wool, and we ll supply the biscuits! Several different studies support that knitting (and crafting in general) serves as a natural anti-depressant, helps ease anxiety and stress, can protect your brain from aging and has the effects as meditation. The repetitive motions of knitting can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which quiets that fight or flight response. Come and take part in our day of knitting bring your own equipment and wool. Who d have thought it?! Thursday 12 th 10am Cookery class with Rachel Our popular Carers chef Rachel Bird is back to cook us up some tasty treats to keep us healthy. Take part in our fun cookery workshop or simply enjoy the communal effort! Please note, Carers can purchase two portions maximum (one for you and the person you care for) at the bargain price of 50p per portion. Thursday 19 th 11am Bring and Share food party! Come and join in the fun of sharing. Bring along a small food contribution and participate in a veritable banquet! Enjoy our very own indoor street party with music, friends and a tasty lunch. 11am until 1pm. Friday 20 th 1:30pm Tandle Hill Carers Walk (ending around 4pm) Come along on this small and friendly walking group, explore beautiful surroundings and get fit in the process. This is a booking only event and you must contact Steph to reserve your space on Tuesday 31 st AM Pamper sessions with Louise Louise is back offering a range of free mini-treatments to help you look your best and lose the stress! There is no need to book, simply come along on the day. The pamper is for men and women - unwinding is crucial to your wellbeing as a Carer so why not indulge in a little you-time? DROP IN TIMES FOR 2015 Tuesday mornings (10am to 1pm) Carers only drop in Tuesday afternoons (2pm to 4pm) Carers (you can also bring the person you look after) Thursday morning (10am to 1pm) Carers only drop in * Please note, no children/ dogs (other than guide dogs) are allowed at the drop ins.

6 Volunteer Placements If you have a little time to give back to Oldham Carers, we d love to hear from you. We are currently looking for a number of volunteers to help us in our busy office (Tuesday/Thursdays), to help with our fun PR Street Team (various), drop-in/ event support (Tuesdays/Thursdays) and Advocacy Service (various). Potential volunteers will be required to undertake four sessions of training and sit through an interview to check suitability for the role. Volunteering is a brilliant way to boost your confidence, develop your skills, improve your employability, meet new friends and give a little back. For an application form, please contact Steph on The next round of training will be held in January Shout Outs! A huge thank you to Oldham Council for providing our Carers with a free Zumba class delivered by Freda Sutton. Freda was able to give her time via their volunteer programme which encourages OMBC staff to take time out of their busy day-jobs to give back to the community. Freda will be back in February to give Carers a taste of ballroom glamour in an American Smooth masterclass see activities schedule for full details! Donations welcome All our events, activities and refreshments are free for you to enjoy but we do welcome small donations of 50p at the drop-in. All of the money goes back into funding Carers activities. In case you missed us If you haven t been to a drop-in recently, you ve missed some great times! Don t worry, we ve more fun-times ahead so please come and see what we re all about! In case you blinked, you recently missed: World Food Day, Bring & Share Food Party, Halloween themed coffee morning (spooky!), Clay modelling, Zumba class, Power of Attorney/ Mental capacity Act training, World War II Streetparty, Cookery classes, Reflexology and Aromatherapy, Afghan Cuisine taster session, Live Carol singing courtesy of Autumn Leaves Choir and numerous pamper/ spa days. Did we mention all our activities are free?! Join the fun! Call Happy Birthday to a Special Lady! On behalf of the Oldham Carers, we would like to wish our very own Reiki volunteer Doreen Smith a very happy 84th birthday! Doreen is a wonderful asset to the Carers drop-in and has contributed her time freely for a number of years. We hope you had a wonderful day and wish you special wishes for the year ahead. Last orders please! Last drop in of the year is THURSDAY 18th DECEMBER 2014 and the first of the New Year is TUESDAY 6th JANUARY On behalf of the Carers Centre, we would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year! And remember you can follow us on Twitter and subscribe to our monthly e-bulletin by ing volunteering@wired.me.uk Disclaimer: Every effort is made to ensure that the information in this newsletter is correct. Wired Oldham Carers Centre can accept no liability for errors and omissions and cannot recommend products or services. Views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Wired Oldham Carers Centre.