New Carers Service for Somerset contact - contact details: Call: Text: Carer to

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1 Produced by Carers Voice Somerset Summer Summary Working together to improve the lives of unpaid carers in Somerset Inside this issue: News from Neil 1 Connecting and working with GP Practices 2 Somerset s Commitment to Carers update 3 New Carers Support Service 4&5 Carers Voice 6 Somerset Events News from Neil Exciting times are ahead as Carer s Voice develops more links with carers and GP Practices. With the development of a improved membership scheme in hand we are now finding that people are finding us rather than us finding them. New members are bringing with them fresh ideas and a vibrancy that is most welcome. Our Roadshow for 2018 is beginning to take shape and you will read more about this on page 6. I would like to take this opportunity once again to say a big thank you to some of our long standing and founder members Susan Hartnell Beavis and Caroline Toll. We are confident that new fresh faces and our long standing familiar ones, will compliment one another and keep us moving in our desired direction. New Carers Service for Somerset contact - contact details: Call: Text: Carer to

2 Carers Voice Somerset connecting and working with GP Practices Penhill Surgery stepping into action. Becky Foster Carers Champion Cannington Health Centre Becky submits Commitment to Carers action plan for Cannington Health Centre A short while I visited Cannington Medical Centre. Shortly after this visit Becky Foster contacted me to find about more about Somerset s Commitment to Carers. Armed with fresh knowledge Becky went away and immediately started work on the action plan for Cannington Health Centre. We would like to congratulate Becky for her prompt response and the detailed action plan that she has produced on behalf of her health centre. The plan shows a range of ways that Cannington health centre will work to support unpaid carers including the following example: The Carers Champion will endeavour to build a relationship with carers at the health centre. Enabling them to feel comfortable in coming forward for support. We will listen and monitor in an informal friendly way to identify need before crisis point. Becky s prompt response to Carers Voice Somerset has demonstrated a real commitment to helping to improve the lives of unpaid carers in Somerset. Becky is currently helping Carers Voice to gather information and suggestions about the role, how Carers Champions work and what they need to support them in their work. Penhill surgery have recently joined Carers Voice Somerset and have started to set out their plans to support carers in Somerset. As an example of their plans Penhill Surgery have told us that they understand the link with loneliness and long term health. Penhill surgery will be developing a networking pathway to signpost patients to appropriate agency/ volunteer network. Penhill surgery have recently appointed a young person s champion in the surgery to ensure that all aspects of young people s needs are met from health to identifying young carers. Is your surgery committed to supporting unpaid carers? Twelve surgeries in Somerset have recently joined Carers Voice Somerset. Guided by the underlying principles and priority outcomes of Somerset s Commitment to Carers practices are working with Carers Voice Somerset to develop new and improved ways that they can support unpaid carers. Is your surgery committed to supporting unpaid carers? If so please contact Carers Voice Somerset to find out the benefits of endorsing Somerset s Commitment to Carers and joining Carers Voice Somerset. Please contact: Debbie 2

3 Somerset s Commitment to Carers Solution focused workshops provide opportunities for Commissioners and Service providers to analyse the feedback from carers via Vision Groups, plan, monitor and review Somerset s Commitment to Carers and to develop solutions together. September 2017 Workshop 32 people attended our September workshop and the room was buzzing as commissioners, service providers, representatives of GP Practices and members of Carers Voice worked together to develop solutions. During the workshop we focused on the following areas: Improving the hospital discharge service in order that we can support the carer/s before, during and after a patient is discharged. Improving and supporting the Carers Champion role. Identifying young carers, supporting them through transitions. Improving the health and wellbeing of older carers. Reducing the isolation and loneliness of carers. Using community solutions within health and social care to improve the lives of carers. What happens next? Discussions are now underway to analyse and plan how we can now all work together to develop the solutions required. Carers Voice will be involved in all of these discussions and will feed back progress to carers through their networks and newsletters. Commissioners, service providers and GP Practices join forces to develop solutions. What people said about our workshop Now I am aware it s really great to be involved and a really useful forum Structured facilitators kept us on track. I thought the morning was very successful with lots of useful information and ideas, a morning well spent Workshops 21st March, 4th July, 17th October Wednesdays, 9.30am pm Wynford House, Lufton Way, Yeovil BA22 8HR The outcomes from the workshops will be of great benefit to commissioners when reviewing carers services and seeking to develop more local, sustainable solutions for carers. This model of engagement, involvement and on-going review is considered to be a great example of co-production. Vicky Chipchase Senior Commissioner for Adults & Health Somerset County Council 3

4 New Carers Support Service for Somerset Need Advice? Call: Text: Carer to Web address: News from Vicky Vicky Chipchase Senior Commissioner for Adults & Health Somerset County Our new Somerset Carers Service commence on the 2nd October. This service is being run and managed by the Community Council for Somerset (CCS) in partnership with Spark, Engage and Somerset Partnership. There is a very close and natural fit with the Village and Community Agents service which the Community Council have been running in the county since The way the service will work for carers is that there will be a dedicated team of Carers Agents based out in local communities able to offer a mix of telephone, one to one support for individuals and families, group support and signposting and liaison with a huge range of other statutory, health and voluntary sector providers. There will be a dedicated advice line and a fresh new website which will be a joint website with the Somerset Partnership NHS Trust Mental Health Carers support service. This way carers will only need to visit one website to access all the information they need. The service will provide a single point of contact for Carers irrelevant of age or need. The Carers Service will have a working agreement with the Young Carers Service to ensure that referral pathways are effective and that there is targeted support for young adult carers during transitions. The service has developed systems that will enable the sharing of information with NHS colleagues so carers only have to tell their story once. About Somerset Carers Service Somerset Carers Service can help link to you groups & events in your area, to find facts and information that will help the person you are caring for with their particular needs. You will find specific support for your unique situation; and our Carers Agents are on hand to help and guide you. If you can t find what you are looking for, contact us via our Live Chat, Advice Line or Text service. About Carers Agents Carers Agents provide good quality local information, emotional support and practical advice to help you in your caring role, and can point you in the right direction to get help or information. They work closely with the other specialist carer support networks. This service is to support you as a carer; it does not replace assessed care and support provided by the local authority. Your carers agents are: West Somerset - Maria Knight maria-carers@somersetrcc.org.uk Taunton Dean - Vidette Quinnell vidette-carers@somersetrcc.org.uk Sedgemoor - Jasmine Rankin jasmine-carers@somersetrcc.org.uk South Somerset (West) - Sharon Reed sharon-carers@somersetrcc.org.uk East Sedgemoor & West Mendip Jackie Hayes Jackie-carers@somersetrcc.org.uk South Somerset (East) - Debbie Domoney debbie-carers@somersetrcc.org.uk NB. Currently recruiting for East Mendip 4

5 About the Community Council for Somerset (CCS) After the First World War, Somerset, like most counties, was recovering from the conflict of and the government withdrew its promise of support to rural communities. In response, local people joined forces and this resulted in the formation of the Rural Communities Councils movement. Somerset Rural Community Council was established in 1926 but was later renamed the Community Council for Somerset CCS. Caroline Harding Carers Agents Manager We would like to say congratulations to Caroline Harding who has recently been appointed as the Carers Agent Manager for our new Carers Service. Caroline has held roles as a Village and Community Agent within the Community Council for Somerset. Caroline set up a carers support group within Exmoor and has been an active member of Carers Voice Somerset for some time. Caroline kindly piloted a Vision Group * for Carers Voice which helped us to determine practical ways to enable Carers to have their say about Somerset s Commitment to Carers. Caroline is a carer. *Vision Group is a process by which carers can contribute to the monitoring and development of Somerset s Commitment to Carers. In a variety of ways. Some people set up a group or use part of an existing group, some communicate via or phone and we encourage people to look at all of the different ways that we can communicate creatively. To find out more about Vision Groups please contact Debbie at Carers Voice Somerset. The concerns of the newly formed organisation don t differ wildly from those that we encounter today- although the style of language may have changed! In 1931 the community council formally set out for the first time its objects: To bring people who want help or information of any kind in touch with those who can supply the need To miss no opportunity of lending a hand to make life in Somerset better and more worth while in every way To convince both organisations and individuals that life will be easier and pleasanter if one tries to make the best of ones neighbours rather than get the better of them. CCS has been supporting communities ever since working on a variety of projects which many of you may have encountered or benefited from at some point. Community Council for Somerset - Events A wide range events that can help you to understand what the new service will be doing, who they are and much more. To find out more about events being organised by the Community Council for Somerset please click on the link below. ref=page_internal. Please note: if you do not have access to the internet please contact your Carers Agent. 5

6 Carers Voice Somerset Carers Events 2018 Do you spend a lot of your time looking after someone else? Do you ever find yourself thinking or saying things like? If only I could but I can t because... I feel so alone. I don t think anyone is listening to me. Is there anyone who could help? If there is, where can I go to find to find out about it? If so, why not join us at one of our events, enjoy yourself and go home feeling refreshed and empowered. The Carers Gathering 2018 To celebrate the outcomes of our road show and to help us formulate the direction of Carers Voice Somerset we will be hosting a Carers Gathering at: Cheddon Fitzpaine Village Hall, Taunton 26th September am pm (Weds) Together we Care roadshow Find out about new and improved services for carers? - Share your thoughts with people who understand? - Exchange ideas and tips you ve found useful? - Express what is important to you? - Have fun and make new friends? There will be spaces to sit and chat, knit and natter, express yourself through painting and drawing, write and share poems a music event especially for young carers and much more. Bridgwater - Victoria Park Community Centre 11th April am pm (Weds) Chard - The Guild Hall 23rd May 10.00am pm (Wed) Minehead - The Beach Hotel 7th June 10.00am pm (Thu) Glastonbury- Redbrick Building 9th June 2.00pm pm (Sat) Young Carers Music Event Frome date & venue coming soon. Refreshments will be provided. This event will provide an opportunity for carers to meet members of Carers Voice Somerset and our Carers Service Providers. Talk with us share your thoughts, experiences, ideas and suggestions. There will be information for you to take away and refreshments will be provided. Information for Service Providers If you would like to have a display stand at any of our events please contact Debbie. 6

7 Carers Voice Somerset What s important to us could be important to you too? Interested? Talk to us about getting involved? Carers Voice Somerset Carers Voice Somerset is the influencing body for unpaid carers in Somerset. It creates opportunities for organisations and local communities to work together to improve the lives of unpaid carers. It is important to us that we: Establish excellent working relationships with carers, former carers, commissioners and service providers. Communicate our purpose, all that we do and achieve clearly, and in accessible forms. Work in a solution focused way and lead by example. Recognise and celebrate contributions and achievements. Are you interested in the work of Carers Voice Somerset? Would you like to find out more, get involved, become a member or volunteer with us? Please contact us for more information: Membership Becoming a member of Carers Voice Somerset is free. Members receive regular news and updates are invited to attend our Board meetings and events or contribute to them in a variety of ways. Volunteering Opportunities Would you like to help improve Carers lives in Somerset? Can you spare some time? Are you interested in sharing or developing your skills? Would you like to meet new people? If you are interested in volunteering and would like to find out more. Please contact Debbie: Claire talks about what it is like to be actively involved with Carers Voice Somerset. Being part of Carers Voice Somerset has given me a better understanding of the ways things work regarding care. It has made me aware that there are more services out there for unpaid carers than I knew. Because of my new understanding and awareness I know where to ask and feel supported. I am someone who has always struggled with formal learning. Volunteering with Carers Voice Somerset has helped to increase my self - confidence, I feel my opinions count and some of my suggestions relating to unpaid carers have been taken up and are now moving forward. Volunteering with Carers Voice Somerset has given me the motivation to support others in similar situations. For more information about volunteering or becoming a member of Carers Voice Somerset please contact Debbie on: 7

8 Carers Voice Somerset Board Meetings Our Board meetings are held 4 times year at various locations across the county and are attended by carers, former carers, commissioners of services and organisations who provide support to carers. Our Board meetings are divided into three parts. If you are a carer you are welcome to attend all or just part of the meeting. If you are representing an organisation you are welcome to attend parts 1 and 2 of our meetings. 1. Carers Pre Meeting 10.00am am Join us for a tea or coffee, meet other carers, discuss carers issues and find out more about Carers Voice Somerset. 2. Main Board Meeting 11.15am pm This meeting has a pre planned agenda. Carers, formers carers and organisations come together to discuss pre planned topics relating to carers matters. The overall aim is to share ideas, best practice and discuss potential solutions to problems in solution focused ways. 3. Focus Group Meeting 2.00pm pm During this part of the meeting we focus on an agreed topic/s and again share ideas, best practice and discuss potential solutions where appropriate. What are our meetings like? Our meetings are relaxed, informative and useful providing opportunities for carers, former carers, organisations, commissioners of services and communities to listen closely to what unpaid carers are saying and then work together to develop solutions. During our meetings we also share information and updates and often have a visiting speaker. Refreshments We provide tea, coffee and biscuits at our meetings at 50p per person. This small donation helps us to cover some of our costs. If you will be staying for the whole of the meeting please bring a packed lunch. Meeting dates Our next meeting will be on: Wednesday 28th February 2018 Wynford House, Lufton Way, Yeovil, BA22 7EE We are currently in the process of planning further meetings for These will be published soon. Note: If you have not attended before and would like to find out more information please contact Debbie: 8

9 Carers Voice Somerset Working together to improve the lives of unpaid carers in Somerset About us Carers Voice Somerset is an influencing body committed to improving the lives of unpaid carers in Somerset. Carers Voice Somerset brings together carers, former carers, local providers and County Council and Clinical Commissioning Group commissioners to advise and make recommendations on the joint development of health, social care and related services. Deborah de Mornay Penny Carers Voice Somerset Development & Engagement Officer Keeping you in The Loop Sending us your news Volunteering opportunities Volunteering allows you to connect with your community and make it a better place. Even helping out with the smallest tasks can make a real difference. Some people are naturally outgoing and others find it more difficult to meet new people. Volunteering can help you to make new friends, broaden your support network, practice and develop social skills and gain more confidence. Volunteering can provide you with an opportunity to utilise your existing skills or develop new ones. Volunteering can be fun and fulfilling. Many people think of volunteering just as giving up some of one s time to help others for no reward. In fact the truth is, that for those who volunteer, the huge range of people that I meet, the places that I visit and the feeling that I may be helping to make a difference is very satisfying. turns are far greater than any loss. Susan Hartnell Beavis If you are a member of Carers Voice Somerset and would like to share your story, carers views, your news or achievements please send your copy and any accompanying photographs to Debbie: Contact Debbie to find out more about Volunteering with Carers Voice. 9