NEWSLETTER Issue No #16

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1 Registered Charity Company Limited by Guarantee NEWSLETTER Issue No #16 Carers Trust Quality Mark Awarded Wrexham Carers Service are a network member of The Carers Trust (previously the Princess Royal Trust For Carers). We are delighted to announce that we have recently been awarded The Carers Trust Quality Mark for the services we offer to carers. This is an incredible award and we are extremely proud to accept it. We would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to all of our carers. It is your invaluable feedback, engagement and inspiration that has helped to make this achievement possible. We would love to hear your feedback on our service and ask that you complete the enclosed Annual Satisfaction Survey to us. We need your opinions to enable our service to move forward. DON T FORGET Please return the enclosed questionnaire and return to us, in the freepost envelope provided, BY FRIDAY 17th SEPTEMBER We value your opinions and suggestions!

2 Contents What Do We Offer? Staff Updates Carers Events Carers Forum New Services Just For You Carers Corner Training Update Online Resources Young Adult Carers News & Information Have Your Say Have You?...CHECKLIST Our Regular Groups Newsletter Information AVOW produces a number of other newsletters including a main AVOW newsletter, monthly Funding Bulletin and Volunteer Bulletin. If you would like to be included on the mailing list for any of these newsletters please contact AVOW on or info@avow.org The views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of AVOW. Whilst we make every effort to include all editorial items sent to us, we reserve the right to edit for publication. Tel/ Ffôn: Fax/ Facs: carers@avow.org

3 What do we offer? Service Offered Where and When? How do I get involved? Drop-in Call in for a chat, info, advice & support Ty AVOW, 21 Egerton Street, Wrexham, LL11 1ND. Every Mon 10-12noon (exc. Bank Holidays). Counselling FREE counselling sessions lasting 1 hour Carer s Lunch Come along & meet other carers for chat and informal support British Red Cross Therapeutic Care Sessions FREE therapeutic massage sessions lasting 30mins Reflexology FREE Reflexology Sessions Lasting 1 hour Ty AVOW, 21 Egerton Street, Wrexham, LL11 1ND Every Thurs & Fri Crumbs, King Street, Wrexham pm (on the last Thursday of the month). Ty AVOW, 21 Egerton Street, Wrexham, LL11 1ND The therapeutic care sessions are offered on different dates each month; usually on Fri afternoons. Ty AVOW, 21 Egerton Street, Wrexham, LL11 1ND Also offered on different dates each month. Call Please note: Appointments are needed to attend this service. Just pop along! Please note: You will need to pay for your own lunch. Call Please note: Appointments are needed to attend the sessions. Call Please note: Appointments are needed to attend the sessions. Half Price Leisure Card Carer Emergency Card Can be used at all Wrexham Council Sports & Leisure Facilities. Provided by the British Red Cross to offer reassurance at a time of crisis. Call for your card. Call or From Wrexham bus station Turn into Lord Street & continue until the Miners statue. Turn left into Egerton Street and the AVOW building is on the left side. From Wrexham Library Car Park Take the footpath between the Library and the Guildhall. Cross Rhosddu Road and take the road between the Army Careers office and Arnolds. The AVOW building can be found on the right hand side of Egerton St. AVOW Wrexham Carers Service Ty AVOW 21 Egerton Street 21 Street Egerton Wrexham Wrecsam LL11 1ND

4 Staff Updates News From The Team As you are aware Ceri is currently on maternity leave and we have promised to keep you updated, so we are thrilled to announce the arrival of Evie Rose, born weighing 7lb 7oz. Both mum and daughter are doing well and Ceri and family would like to express their thanks to everybody for all the messages of congratulations they have received. It is also with sadness that we inform you that Lorraine Baylis has moved on to work with the North Wales Women's Centre. She will be sorely missed but we wish her the very best for the future. We have also said farewell to Terri Brown as she also begins her maternity leave. We will of course keep you updated and we send Terri and her family our very best wishes for the new arrival. I would like to take this chance to welcome two new members to the team, Rafat Arshad-Roberts and Ramona Ozolina. Rafat has taken on a 16 hour role of support worker alongside Roger Moore and Ramona has started her 6-months Jobs Growth Wales position as Carers Admin Support. We re also pleased to inform you that Roger has taken on extra hours and is now a full time support worker for the team. We are sure they will be introducing themselves to as many of you as possible. Contact Us! Wrexham Carers Service 21 Egerton Street, Wrexham LL11 1ND FREEPHONE: Office Tel: Fax: Text: carers@avow.org Also find us on Facebook: Wrexham Carers Service and Carers

5 Carers Events Archaeological Visit - Caer Alyn This is an opportunity for us to look at the work of a community heritage volunteer project. During the visit we will be able to talk to, and ask questions of the archaeologists and the volunteers about their work, tour the site and visit the Iron Age settlement. When: Saturday 8th September 2012 Where: Pont y Capel Fields (off the New Wrexham Road, Llay) Time: Meet at 11.30am, event is open until 4pm (it is up to you how long you stay) Cost: FREE PLEASE NOTE: PLACES MUST BE BOOKED FOR THIS EVENT Zumba Gold Taster Session Join us as we try out the latest exercise that is sweeping the nation. Zumba is a Latin inspired exercise class which combines dance and aerobics. Zumba Gold is suitable for all, in particular beginners and those over the age of 60. Julie Thomas will be our instructor and her eldest member is a gentleman at the grand old age of 96. So come along and have a go. When: Friday 21st September 2012 Where: Capel Y Groes, Bodhyfryd, Wrexham (next door to ASDA supermarket) Time: am Cost: 1.50 PLEASE NOTE: PLACES MUST BE BOOKED FOR THIS EVENT An Afternoon at Erddig Hall Erddig is a fascinating early 18th-century country house and garden reflecting the upstairs-downstairs life of a gentry family. We will take a tour of the hall and weather permitting, a stroll around the gardens. When: Wednesday 10th October 2012 Where: Meet at the Main Entrance to Erddig (in the Car Park), Wrexham LL13 0YT Time: 12.15pm (WCS staff only available until 2.30pm but you may stay later if wish) Cost: 1.50 (if you are a National Trust member, don t forget your membership for free entry) PLEASE NOTE: PLACES MUST BE BOOKED FOR THIS EVENT

6 Carers Forum Your Chance To Have Your Say Wrexham Carers Forum is your opportunity to get involved and have your say about your experiences as a Carer. The group meet monthly to discuss issues that are relevant not only locally, but nationally too. Are there challenges you have faced as a Carer that you would like to see changed? Would you like to share your experiences as a Carer, for the benefit of others? We are looking for new members to come along and find out how they can make a difference. In particular we are lacking representation from individuals who may be: Caring for someone with a learning disability Caring for a Child Caring for someone with a visual or sensory Impairment Caring for someone with a Mental Health condition Working Carers Male Carers The meetings alternate between mornings, afternoons and evenings and are normally held here at AVOW. Our next meeting will be held on Tues 4th September, 2-4pm, here at AVOW, Egerton Street, Wrexham LL11 1ND. If you would like more information or would like to attend the Forum please contact Marie on or carers@avow.org

7 New Services Just For You Befriending Scheme When you first registered with our service you may have simply asked for the newsletter to be sent on a regular basis. Or asked for help with a particular enquiry. We would love to be able to speak to you all on a regular basis but with over 1200 of you out there it would be an impossible task. However, many of you may benefit from just that, a weekly visit, the chance of a chat, an opportunity to offload. The NEW Befriending Scheme offers just that, somebody who has been where you are now, somebody who understands the struggles you face and is there to offer a friendly ear and some moral support. If you would like to find out how you can access the service: Contact Roger on for more details. We have people ready and waiting to be introduced to you. Male Carer Group During Carers Week earlier this year we launched a BRAND NEW group just for male carers. The first group was used to discuss the need and options for activities/outings. We have been really pleased with the response and interest expressed for the group to far. The group is open to ALL male carers, aged 18+, living in Wrexham. The first outing has been arranged and bookings are now being taken. When: Wednesday 29th August 2012 Where: RAF Cosford, Tifnall, Shropshire Time: Meet 10am at AVOW, Egerton St Return to AVOW for 4pm Cost: 2.00 You will need to provide your own packed lunch or purchase own on site. Call Roger on to book!

8 Carers Corner Competition Time - Don t Miss it! We have an amazing prize to give away this time, one that is very popular in the office here. How would you like your home to have a spring clean? Well, thanks to a very generous donation we can do just that. A voucher for a full clean, worth over 150 is up for grabs. For your chance to win please tell us: How often do the Carers Forum normally meet? Answers must be received by 12noon Monday 8th October The winner will be drawn from all correct entries on Tuesday 9th October. Top Tips If you have care at home, keep a diary. This way you can accurately record any issues you may have, e.g. lateness, not turning up, incidents or concerns or even positives to share. This helps you prepare for the next Care Plan Review Meeting. Anon. Do you have a favourite poem, a recipe or tips to share with other carers? This is your page, just for you. If you would like to submit an item for the page please let us know! or carers@avow.org

9 Training Update Training Courses Thank you so much to all those who let us know what training would help them in their caring role. We have had a great response and are working in partnership with Wrexham County Borough Council to arrange suitable courses on the subjects requested. If you have a particular training need that you would like us to address please get in touch, we would love to hear from you. In the meantime, please take a look at the courses below and if you would like to book a place call us on Epilepsy Do you want to know about Epilepsy? Come along to an Epilepsy Awareness Training Session to find out more about the condition. We have limited places on sessions being held at Alyn Waters Country Park, Mold Road, Gwersyllt LL11 4ED On Thursday 25th October or Thursday 22nd November 2012 at pm. First Aid Learn the basics of first aid for adults in our 2 hour session, offered by the British Red Cross. Tuesday 18th September 2-4pm at AVOW or Thursday 25th October 10-12pm at AVOW BOOK YOUR PLACES NOW!! DON T FORGET Don t forget as a Carer you are entitled to a FREE flu jab! Contact your GP to make your appointment now.

10 Website and Social Media Wrexham Carers Service section on new AVOW website! A picture from the Wrexham Carers Section on AVOW website, visit: Join us on Facebook and Twitter! As Part of the new AVOW website, the Wrexham Carers Service section has been given an update, so that you are able to access our services faster and easier. We have tried to make the site as accessible as possible. Please let us know what you think about it, what you like and what we could possibly improve so that when you visit it, the experience is just right, info@carers.org or call New features include: Events Calendar (meetings, events, surgeries, training, jobs etc. are displayed in a calendar with links and/ or forms for booking); E-subscription to newsletters and e- bulletins online; Useful documents, links and information for you and professionals. Did you know that you can communicate with Wrexham Carers Service through Facebook and Twitter? We have been present in the social media space for quite a while and we would love to be able to engage with you more. More and more people and organisations from Wrexham County Borough use Social Media on a daily basis, so our Facebook and Twitter pages enable you to find the most up to date information about our events, training, services, groups etc. These profiles are an easy and an informal way of letting us know what you need and how we can make a difference together. Join us on Facebook and Twitter today! Type in Wrexham Carers service on Facebook on Twitter!

11 Young Adult Carers Are you a Carer, aged 18-25? Join our group today! The young adult carers group is especially for carers aged between 18 and 25. We aim to help make the transition from being a young carer to an adult carer as smooth as possible. We also aim to help anybody in this age bracket who suddenly finds themselves in a caring role. What the group offers: Monthly meetings, giving you the opportunity to meet carers of similar ages; Regular trips, providing with you with some much needed respite and the chance to experience new activities; Support, information and access to other services. Wrexham Carers Service work with group members to plan any trips or activities, giving you the chance to contribute to how this time is spent. These have included: a trip to Spavens sweet shop a day at the Llandudno ski centre meals out graffiti workshops and many, many more. If you are a carer aged between 18 and 25 and would like to get involved, please contact Wrexham Carers Service on

12 News & Information Dementia Support Support group for younger people who experience dementia and their carers. When: Held on the last Thursday of each month Where: Helyg Day Hospital which is in the Heddfan Older Person's Unit ( Gate 5) Wrexham Maelor Hospital Times: 6-8pm If you would like more information please contact Betsan on Preventing Falls If you are concerned about trips or falls contact the Caia Park Health Team about their Falls Prevention Programme. This course can improve your strength and balance at any age and will help to improve your confidence and mobility. The course includes low impact activities mainly seated, which will help you feel more confident. When: Every Monday Where: Caia Park Partnership, Prince Charles Road, Wrexham Times: 11am-12.30pm For more information or to book please contact Caia Park Health Team on Arthritis Care If you or the person you care for have Arthritis you are invited to attend the Wrexham Arthritis Care Support Group. The group meet every 3rd Tuesday of the month, 2pm at St Margaret s Church Hall, Chester Road, Wrexham LL11 2PW If you would like more information please contact: Sue Webster on

13 News & Information Tell It Once Tell it Once is a NEW Government initiative that enables you to inform all Government departments about a bereavement, with just one appointment, avoiding any unnecessary stress. If sadly, you are bereaved, contact the registrar at Wrexham Council on to make an appointment to register the death. They will ask you to bring along some relevant documents, and then take care of the rest for you. Who they contact will depend on your circumstances but can include Dept of Work & Pensions, Council Tax & Housing Benefit Offices, Passport Office, DVLA and many more. A NEW SERVICE FROM THE WREXHAM AREA TO HMP ALTCOURSE Do you travel to HMP Altcourse to visit friends and relatives? Would you be interested in a free dedicated bus service to help make the journey easier? Jigsaw are working with AVOW to provide this service from the Wrexham area, so please let us know if you might be interested we need to assess the likely demand. For further information, please ring AVOW on or Brian on ALL CALLS WILL BE TREATED WITH THE STRICTEST CONFIDENCE.

14 News & Information Huntingdon s Disease Association Do you or someone you care for have Huntingdon s Disease? The Wrexham & District Branch hold regular meetings and a warm welcome awaits new and existing members. When: Tuesday 4 September & Tuesday 2 October 2012 Venue : Pen-Y-Bryn Nursing Home, Pendine Park, Summer hill Road, Wxm LL11 4YE Time: 7-9pm Refreshments will be provided, courtesy of Pen-Y Bryn If you would like further information please contact Diane Lyes on or Diane at : di.lyes@hda.org.uk Save On Your Fuel Bills A fantastic opportunity has arisen to help you save money on your fuel bills, if you are a council tenant and haven t already had solar panels fitted to your property. If you are interested in saving money in this way, Groundwork may be able to help. The Green Doctor is a scheme that allows council tenants to have solar panels fitted FREE of charge, with an average saving on fuel bills of 100 per year. If you would like to find out more, please contact: David Walker on Alzheimer s Memory Walk Keep fit and raise money for the Wrexham Branch of the Alzheimer's Society. A gentle walk of under half a mile - suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs, small children and those who are not so steady on their feet. Dogs welcome in the park. When: Sunday 30th September 2012 Venue: Meet at the Bandstand, Bellevue Park, Wrexham Time: 11am for Walk (refreshments available later at RAFA Club, Ruthin Road) Contact Julie on if you would like to take part.

15 News & Information Home From Hospital - Medicine Check Every year thousands of people go back into hospital because of problems with their medicines. Don t let it be you! You should: Tell your pharmacy you are home from hospital. Give your pharmacy the letter you were given when you came home. If you are not able to get to the pharmacy yourself, a relative, friend or carer can do it for you or you can have a confidential phone consultation with the pharmacist. The Pharmacy will: Check to ensure that you have all the medicines you need and that you have stopped taking any you no longer need. Explain what each medicine does and how to get the best results. Work with your GP to make sure your new prescription is accurate. Arrange a follow up consultation with you to make sure your medication is continuing to work safely. Dental Treatment At Home Do you or the person you care for find it impossible to access a dental surgery due to health or mobility issues? The Community Dental Service are able to offer check ups and treatment at home for those in need. To access the service you must make an appointment with your own GP who will assess your suitability for the service and if necessary refer you to the Community Dental Service. Check ups can normally take at least 8 weeks but dental pain is treated as an emergency and seen within a few days.

16 News & Information From Child To Adult Working Families have produced an information booklet called From Child To Adult: Disability Transition and Family Finances. Download your copy now: from%20child%20to%20adult.pdf. If you don t have access to the internet please let us know and we will print a copy for you. Cerebra Cerebra is a unique national charity that strives to improve the lives of children with brain-related neurological conditions, through research, education and direct, ongoing support. Conditions such as: Down s Syndrome, Autism, ADHD and Cerebal Palsy amongst others. They offer support to families in many ways, including: Equipment Grants Holidays Sleep Service Advice & funding towards wills & trusts Custom made equipment Speech & Language Therapy Funding E-Learning for parents Stress Helpline They provide regular newsletters to members and it is FREE to join. If you would like to become a member, please contact or info@cerebra.org.uk Autism Friendly Cinema Screenings Don t forget The Odeon in Wrexham holds monthly, Autism Friendly screenings, suitable for all special needs - not just Autism. The next one is: Brave 2D, Sunday 16th September at 11.30am.

17 Have Your Say! Future of Learning Disabilities Services In Wrexham Wrexham County Borough Council are conducting their first Commissioning Strategy to outline their approach to supporting adults with learning disabilities. They would welcome your comments and would like to hear from lots of different people including people who use learning disability services, families and carers. The consultation is available to download now, visit consultations/social_care_services/learning_disability.htm The closing date is 30th September We will also welcome Elaine McGuire, Planning & Commissioning, WCBC to a meeting on Tues 4th September 2012, pm at AVOW. If you would like to attend please call Independent Living Fund The Government propose to close the Independent Living Fund in 2015 allowing local authorities to take on the funding and responsibility for ILF users care. The Government want to hear your views: Whether you agree with the proposal What the impact of these changes would be How these changes could be made with the least disruption for ILF users and has the least impact on the care system How you would like ILF to work with you and the local authorities between now and If you use ILF you will have received a letter advising you about the consultation and offering an invitation to a consultation event on the 21st September. If you are unable to attend this meeting visit and make your views heard. The closing date for responses is 10th October 2012.

18 HAVE YOU? CHECKLIST Many Carers benefit from the following services, have you checked your entitlement yet? Benefits Check From Welfare Rights - Help to access benefits you may be entitled to. Bereavement Payment - Available if your husband, wife or civil partner had paid their NI contributions. Bins - Assisted refuse collection for household bins. Blue Badge - For people with mobility issues who travel either as drivers or passengers. British Red Cross Carers Emergency Card - Peace of mind in an emergency. Carers Corner - Information available for carers at all Wrexham Libraries. Carers Leisure Card - Access council leisure facilities at Half Price. Carers Needs Assessment - The first step to accessing support for you. CEA Card - Discounted cinema card for individuals with a disability & free admission for accompanying carer. Community Dental Service -treatment at home if you are unable to leave the house Concessionary Travel Pass - Free travel on local bus routes. Council Tax Benefit - Reduced Council Tax for severe mental impairment or adapted homes. D.A.S.H Card - Discounted leisure card for those with a disability & free accompanying carer. Daybreak - Help with childcare costs during school holidays for disabled children & siblings. DH Homecare - Respite Services. Disabled Persons Railcard - Discount rail travel for individuals with a disability & an accompanying carer. Disabled Toilet Key - For access to over 9000 disabled toilets across the country. Energy Advice - Free and impartial advice relating to energy saving. Free Directory Enquiries - If you struggle to use the phone book. Home Fire Safety Check - Free home fire safety visit. Home From Hospital support for you after a hospital discharge, shopping, respite etc. Housebound Library Service - If you can t get out let the library come to you. Pedal Power - Makes cycling accessible to people with a variety of disabilities & conditions. Pension Credit - Income related benefit for pensioners living in Great Britain. Poppy calls - Free small Household repairs and minor adaptations specifically for those who have served in the Armed Forces & their dependants. Priority Services - All Utility companies offer a priority services register for the disabled. Shop mobility - Wheelchairs and Mobility Scooters for use by anyone with limited mobility around the town. Tell It Once - A government scheme to tell the registrar about a bereavement and they will inform all the necessary departments. Water Sure Rate Discount - Reduced rate for certain conditions, low incomes & families with 3 children or more. If you would like any more information on any of the above please do not hesitate to get in touch on carers@avow.org or text

19 OUR REGULAR GROUPS Aug 12 Monday 27th Wednesday 29th Thursday 30th Every Thursday Sept 12 Tuesday 4th Monday 24th Wednesday 26th Thursday 27th Every Thursday Oct 12 Monday 29th Tuesday 30th Wednesday 31st Every Thursday Don t forget drop in every Monday (excl. bank AVOW 10-12pm Former Carer AVOW pm Male Carer Group Trip to RAF Cosford Call to book your place Young Adult Carer Group Venue & Activity TBC Please contact us for more information Parent Carer Opportunities Centre, Plas Madoc 10:30-12:30pm Please contact us for more information Don t forget drop in every Monday (excl. bank AVOW 10-12pm Carers of Adults with Learning Disabilities AVOW 6:30pm - 8pm Guest Speaker: Elaine McGuire, Planning & Commissioning re: LD Strategy Former Carers AVOW pm Male Carer Group Venue & Activity TBC Please contact us for more information Young Adult Carer Group Venue & Activity TBC Please contact us for more information Parent Carer Opportunities Centre, Plas Madoc 10:30-12:30pm Please contact us for more information Don t forget drop in every Monday (excl. bank AVOW 10-12pm Former Carer AVOW pm Carers of Adults with Learning Disabilities AVOW 6:30pm - 8pm Please contact us for more information Male Carer Group Venue & Activity TBC Please contact us for more information Parent Carer Opportunities Centre, Plas Madoc 10:30-12:30pm Please contact us for more information

20 Are you looking after a relative or friend, who, because of a disability, sensory impairment and/or the effects of age could not manage without your help? If yes, then you are a CARER Wrexham Carers Service can offer: Carers Information Packs Monthly Carers Support Groups Information on local support Free Counseling Sessions Informal training, events and outings Relaxation Therapies Discounted Leisure Card Befriending Service For further info, advice and support please contact: Roger Moore or Rafat Arshad-Roberts at AVOW, Ty Avow, 21 Egerton Street, Wrexham LL11 1ND Tel: carers@avow.org