The newsletter of Carers Milton Keynes

Dedicated to supporting carers

Autumn 2014

www.carersmiltonkeynes.org

Support Groups 18

06

12Carer’s Stories

Christmas Opening Hours

Send Reforms

Christmas Party

WANT TO SEE THE END OF SMOKING?

Let us help you kick the habit You are 4 times more likely to quit with specialist support than by going it alone.

The Milton Keynes Stop Smoking service provides one to one support and advice to help you quit smoking that is free, confidential and non-judgemental.

Your personal Stop Smoking Advisor will tailor a programme especially for you to fit in with your individual needs and they can assist with access to Nicotine Replace Therapy (NRT) on prescription or other medications to help make quitting easier.

Call today on 0845 200 23 23 and take your first step to becoming smoke free.

Don’t smoke yourself but want to help? The Stop Smoking Service offers two levels of training:Level 1 – How & why do you bring up the subject of smoking with clients and where can they get help? This 2 hour session answers these questions so you can confidently refer them for support.

Level 2 – Would you like to be able to support clients to quit smoking? After this 2 day course you can offer clients a 12 week behavioural change support programme and help them access NRT or medication at prescription cost, which may mean its free.

All training is free of charge and all refreshments provided. For more information please call 0845 200 2323 or e-mail stop.smoking@milton-keynes.gov.uk

Summer 2014 | 3

www.carersmiltonkeynes.org

Chief ExecutiveStephen Archibald

Finance ManagerKirstie O'Sullivan

Adult Services Sue Bowering Anne Matthews Debbie Baxter Karen TurnbullChristine StraughanLynne StoodleyCelia Palmer

Parent Participation Rachael Sherratt-Smith

Young Carers’ Team Sally Mansi Debbie Norton Caroline Roxburgh Helen GalvinTracy Cook

Volunteer Driver Service Project Co-ordinator Heena Trivedi

Acorn House, 375 Midsummer Boulevard, Central Milton Keynes MK9 3HPTel: 01908 231703Email: mail@ carersmiltonkeynes.orgReg charity no 1116804; Company number 05577393

AdvertisingJo MarchantTelephone: 01536 526674

Published:Lance Publishing LtdTelephone: 01536 521126www.lancepublishing.co.uk

Printed:Lance Print LtdTelephone: 01480 492183www.lanceprint.co.uk

Carers MK has been a hive of activity over the past few

months with lots of exciting new developments. October will see the start of 2 new support groups: one for carers in Hanslope and another for carers of people with Parkinson’s Disease. Working in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society our staff will be dropping into the Stony Stratford group to offer support to the carers there. (Details of all groups are on page 18). Our plans to work with GP surgeries to identify new carers are coming together and we will be expanding our support to carers who juggle a caring role and work.

Foreword from the Chief Executive

To help with the increased level of work a number of new staff are joining the team – Welcome to Karen, Tracy and Lynne. Celia is also joining us to co-ordinate our carers’ befriending service. Over the past few months the number of referrals to our service has almost doubled, which just goes to show that there are many more carers in the MK area who need our support and we will be working hard to reach them.

Social Events

News From Carers MK

Money Matters

Services & Information

Carers’ Stories

Parent Carers

Fundraising & Events

Support Groups

Contents04

06

08

10

12

15

16

18

07 16

04 18

15

Meet the Team...

Supported by

Stephen ArchibaldChief Executive

Carers MK and Carers BucksStephen.archibald@carersbucks.org

Our front cover picture shows local MP Mark Lancaster with carers from our stroke group. The MP praised carers calling them ‘unsung heroes’.

4 | Summer 2014

SOCIAL EVENTSBook ClubWe meet once a month to discuss our chosen book (these are provided). Come and meet others who enjoy reading and have a break from your caring role.Tuesdays – 7th October, 4th November, 2nd December, 6th January

SingingCome and join our friendly group - everyone comes away feeling refreshed and uplifted after a singing session.Friday - 17th October, Wednesday 26th November, Friday 19th December, Friday 16th January between 1 - 2pm at Newport Pagnell United Reformed Church Hall, High St, Newport Pagnell

Writing GroupDevelop your writing skills in a friendly, supportive environment.Tuesdays - 14th October, 11th November, 9th December, 13th January

Men’s GroupInformal meetings for male carers at the Barn, Beefeater in Central Milton Keynes.20th October, 24th November, 5th JanuaryFrom 7pm

Lakeside RambleJoin us for a stroll around the Teardrop Lakes. This is a great opportunity to get out in the fresh air and enjoy some good company!Tuesday 23rd October 10.30am - 12 noon

Bannatynes Spa Treatment (for parent carers)Monday 1st December from 10.30am - see page 15 for further details.

Christmas PartySaturday 6th December 12.00 – 2.30pm at Lovat Hall, Newport Pagnell. - see page 16 for details.

Canal Boat Cruise

Thanks to a generous donation from the Rotary Trust we

have organised a canal trip for 38 carers on Thursday 9th October. A coach will take us to Leighton Buzzard where we will pick up the canal boat for a 3 hour cruise. A ploughman’s lunch is included. The coach leaves Acorn House at 9.45am and returns at 2.30pmWe anticipate that this trip will be very popular so places will be allocated via a draw which will take place on Wednesday 1st October. To register your interest contact the office by 30th September.

Pottery PaintingWe have arranged another visit to Chiki Ceramiki for a pottery painting session. Preference will be given to those carers who were unable to attend the July session. Carers MK will make a contribution of £5 towards the item you wish to purchase.Thursday 20th November 10:30am - 12:30pm

Summer 2014 | 5

01908 231703

First Aid Awareness Training CourseThis course will be tailored to participants’ needs and will cover how to deal with:• an unconscious adult or child• a person who is choking – including the technique for dealing with wheel chair users• a major bleed• seizures/convulsions• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) 2nd October 1.30pm – 4pm; 10th November 10am -12.30pm; 8th December 1.30pm – 4pm;8th January 10am – 12.30pm

This course is being delivered by Guardian – see details of location below.

Manual Handling (Back Care)This session will cover the compulsory elements of care plans and communication with the patient; ‘Power Posture’ and a practical exercise. The rest of the course will be tailored to the needs of the participants and can cover e.g. sitting to standing/standing to sitting, walking with a frame or stick, assisted walking, equipment such as slide sheets, turning seats, glide cushions etc..

2nd October 10am – 12.30pm; 10th November 1.30pm – 4pm; 8th December 10am– 12.30pm; 8th January 1.30pm – 4pm.

Both of the above courses will be delivered by Guardian at their venue - 2nd Floor, De Vere Harben, Tickford Street, Newport Pagnell, Milton Keynes MK16 9EY.

Your Legal Questions AnsweredJoanna Addison, a local solicitor, will be answering your queries about Wills and Trusts, deputyship, Power of Attorney, etc.

Wednesday 5th November 10.30am – 12noon.

MS Information SessionDenise Middleton, the MS clinical specialist nurse in Milton Keynes, will be taking this information session.

Thursday 15th January 10.30am – 12.30pm.

Living with Chronic painDr Sue Peacock (Consultant Health Psychologist) will be discussing chronic pain and how

TRAINING

Please note : Access to some training may depend upon the support you are currently receiving from Carers MK. Please contact our offices on 01908 231703 for further information.

Unless otherwise stated all training sessions take place at our offices in Acorn House, Midsummer Boulevard.

it differs from acute pain. She will look at strategies that can help the cared for person cope with the pain and there will be a discussion/question and answer session.

Tuesday 28th October from 10.30am – 12.30pm

Managing Stress Learn how to identify sources of stress and ways to manage it. Explore ways of avoiding unnecessary stress by learning to say ‘no’, taking control of your environment, avoiding the ‘hot’ topics, setting realistic goals, focusing on the positive and learning to forgive.

Tuesday 4th November 10am – 12noon; Tuesday 6th January 10am – 12noon.

Sibling CourseMany parent carers have concerns about the effect on a sibling when theyhave a child with a disability or additional need. This session willexplore your emotions, ways of coping to help you and your sibling.

Wednesday 21st January 10.30am – 12.30pm.

6 | Summer 2014

Christmas Opening HoursThe office will be closed at midday

on Christmas Eve and opens again on Friday 2nd Jan. For the first time we will be operating a telephone support service from Monday 29th to Wednesday 31st December.

You can call the usual number 01908 231703 between 9am and 5pm.

Welcome to Karen

NEWS FROM CARERS MK

I started as a volunteer at Carers MK helping Anne with her work

with parent carers. I am now delighted to be a permanent member of staff and it’s my job to manage the office and make sure things are well organised and run smoothly. After caring for my son for several years it is very rewarding for me to be working again in an environment that is dear to my heart. I work with a lovely team of people who have welcomed me and made me feel valued.

And to LynneI joined Carers MK in May and have

been made to feel very welcome. Part of my role will be to run drop-in sessions in different parts of Milton Keynes to try and get our information out to more carers.

If you feel a drop in session would be valuable in your area do let me know. I will also be working with local companies to try and make accessing information about caring, available in the workplace, for the many carers who work.

Date for Your DiaryCarers MK’s AGM is on the 28th November – see page 16 for details

Heroes WantedHave you ever wanted to do

something that would really make a difference to your community?

Carers MK is currently recruiting Volunteer Driver Heroes to support a new driving project aimed at helping families in Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire. Ideally you should be able commit at least 1-2 days a week for a few hours to transport families to and from their appointments.

Our aim is to match each driver to a family or client to transport them to their location safely. Full training and support will be given. All volunteers will need a full clean driving licence, access to a 4

door car, have insurance and be able to commit 6 months volunteering. You will also need to be DBS checked (formerly CRB).

In return you will receive full training, be reimbursed for mileage and costs for meals (for long distance journeys) and have your car valeted once every eight weeks.

If you are looking to gain valuable experience to help towards a career in social work, or to learn and develop new skills or simply have free time to help someone going through a difficult period, this could be for you!

To find out more contact Heena (Project Co-ordinator ) at Carers MK on 01908 257826.

Lynne Stoodley

Karen

Summer 2014 | 7

www.carersmiltonkeynes.org

NEWS FROM YOUNG CARERS MKBletchley CarnivalYoung Carers MK was delighted to be chosen as the Charity of Choice by the Bletchley Carnival. We were also thrilled to be the proud winners of the best independent entry. Entering as Finding Nemo we had some fabulous characters which were all built by the young carers. Thank you to everyone who participated and supported us and particularly to the Bletchley Carnival who donated a massive £9,229 to Young Carers MK. This money will help to touch the lives of many young carers in Milton Keynes.

NEWS FROM CARERS MK

Time to be HeardAt the end of June, four of our young carers went to Nottingham University to sample university life. They had the chance to stay overnight in their own room as well as meet other young adult carers to discuss balancing university and caring. This trip gave a great insight into all the challenges that could successfully be met and the young carers who attended all returned feeling positive and excited about the doors that are open to them.

ActivitiesUnfortunately funding is such that not everyone can be invited to all activities. Invitations are sent to carers who we feel will benefit the most from each specific activity. Some young carers already share fun activities with their families and may not need the extended support provided by Young Carers MK.

Don’t forget though, we are here to provide support to everyone and if you need a chat we are at the end of a phone (01908 231703).

Youth ClubYouth Clubs that were run by Young Carers MK regretfully had to be stopped. Funding and resources do not permit every activity to continue and we know that these clubs are missed by some of the young carers who attended. Milton Keynes Council has a large number of Youth Clubs which give young people the opportunity to make friends and take part in many activities.

Details of all youth clubs in the Milton Keynes area can be found on the MySayMK website www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/children-young-people-families/mysaymk.

If you want to attend one of these Youth Clubs but are a bit nervous about going along for the first time then let us know. One of our Support Workers will happily come and support you. Contact Debbie, Caroline or Helen on 01908 231703.

Introducing TracyI am the new Administrator with the Young Carers’ Team. I previously worked for a Block Management Company and spent my time arranging repairs to blocks of flats and dealing with builders. This new position could not be more different and a pleasant change. The Young Carers’ Team is caring and supportive, providing a wonderful service and I am proud to be working with them.

Tracy Cook

8 | Summer 2014

MONEY MATTERSCan the Legion Help You?

Do it Online You can now claim Carer’s Allowance (or report a change of circumstances) online. The online claim will:• be received at the Carer’s Allowance Unit immediately• has fewer questions than the paper claim form• doesn’t require a signature or printing

Claim at: www.gov.uk/apply-carers-allowance

If you or one of your family served, or is serving, in the armed forces then the Royal British Legion may be able to help if you are going through a

difficult time. In particular, the Legion can help with debt and emergency situations, and offers support through grants and loans. Their Benefits and Money Advisers offer impartial and non-judgemental advice about how to maximise your income by claiming the benefits and tax credits you’re entitled to and managing your debts - all completely confidential and free of charge.

Unexpected and last-minute costs like funeral expenses or the need for a mobility scooter, stairlift or home adaptation are often impossible to meet without help. The Legion’s Immediate Needs Grants Scheme can help people through crises as well as helping them to remain independent for longer.

If you require assistance with money issues, call their contact centre on 0808 802 8080 and they will put you in touch with your local contact.

Are You Struggling to Manage Financially? Elizabeth Finn Care gives money to help people who have less than

£4000 in savings and, lacking enough household income, manage a hand-to-mouth existence. In order to apply for assistance you, or your partner, need to have worked in one of the eligible professions – some examples are accountants, artists, writers, actors, civil servants, teachers, surveyors, police and fire officers, social workers, nurses (see the full list at www.elizabethfinncare.org.uk/get_support/elizabeth-finn-grants/who-can-apply/).They help those whose career has been interrupted or ended through circumstances beyond their control, such as physical or mental illness, redundancy, family breakdown or those struggling on low income in retirement.

If you think you might be eligible for support contact the charity on 020 8834 9200 or visit www.elizabethfinncare.org.uk

Help for Older People in Financial Hardship Many people are unaware that

there may be charitable support available to them in times of financial hardship. Charity Search offers a free service to those aged 50 and above, by searching for the most appropriate charities for them to contact for assistance. All enquiries are treated in the strictest confidence.

Contact 0117 982 4060 (Mon-Fri 9am to 2pm); email info@charitysearch.org.uk; visit www.charitysearch.org.uk

10 | Summer 2014

The Alzheimer’s Society is holding another set

of Carer Information and Support Programme (CriSP1) in November. This is a 6 session programme for carers of people living with dementia.

For more details or to book your place contact Alison McGee on 01908 232612.

Alzheimer’s Society Information Sessions

SERVICES & INFORMATION

Services mentioned in this

newsletter do not constitute a

recommendation by Carers MK

Need Help to Get Back to Work?Works for Us is a local charity

that aims to support people into work. You might be looking for paid work, thinking about becoming self-employed, worried that it will be difficult to find work because you’ve had a career break, lost your confidence, or need to update your skills – in all these cases Work for Us can help.

They offer:

• confidential one-to-one information, advice and guidance sessions • training covering basic computer skills, confidence building and interview skills• a Job Search group (Wednesdays only)

• Women without Boundaries project for women who want to undertake activities in small groups and a friendly atmosphere• support for those new to/ considering self-employment• Volunteering opportunities to build confidence and skills.

For more details contact 01908 200186/200676; email j.jones@worksforus.org.ukor visit www.worksforus.org.uk

Summer 2014 | 11

Box at the Royal Albert HallThe Royal National Institute for

the Blind (RNIB) has a box at the famous concert venue, the Royal Albert Hall in London. If you are blind or partially sighted you can apply for tickets and take a sighted friend or guide. Tickets are subsidised and currently cost £15 – considerably cheaper than full-priced tickets.

If you are unsuccessful in getting tickets for the box the Royal Albert Hall offers 2 tickets for the price of 1 to disabled people who require an assistant companion.

For more details about booking the RNIB box email royalalberthall@rnib.org.uk or telephone 020 7391 2063. For details of the 2 for the price of 1 tickets contact the box office on 020 7589 8212.

As a carer you are entitled to have an assessment of your

own needs. This takes the form of a conversation between you and a Social Worker looking at your caring role - the care you provide, any difficulties you may be having, the impact your caring role has on your health, your leisure time, your work (if you are in employment).

At the end of your assessment Adult Social Care will compare your needs to their eligibility criteria to see if the Council and Health Services should meet your assessed needs.

If you meet the eligibility criteria they will write down in your care plan what your needs are, what services you will receive. They will always try to give you information and advice and signpost you to appropriate services.

Adult Social Care can offer carers a range of support including:• support to give you a break (respite care) • help with caring during the day or night or both

• emotional support from other carers or people who understand via a referral to Carers MK for universal or enhanced support via a Carers Assessment• benefits advice • activities for the person you care for• direct payments for you to arrange your own support eg alternative therapies, paying for driving lessons, gym membership etc.

There is no charge for support provided directly to carers, however there may be charges for support provided to the cared for person, depending on the outcome of a financial assessment.

For more information or to refer yourself for a carer’s assessment contact the Adult Social Care Access Team on 01908 253772 / 253773 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday or email ascat@milton-keynes.gov.uk

Support from Social Services

Healthwatch EventLook out for the health and

social care event being held in Middleton Hall, CMK hosted by Healthwatch to raise awareness of local services on Tuesday 4th November 9.30am – 4.30pm.

01908 231703

12 | Summer 2014

As the tears fall slowly, through the pain and fear

As the vision becomes misty and the hands clenched with painWhilst the body shakes with tremors, the mind becomes unclear.Then soothing hands gently wipe away the fever and a smile begins to cheer.A voice that is warm and caring calms and tempers the unknown fear.The smile and softness of the eyes, warm hands that stroke gently upon one’s skinBring calm and reassurance before the pain once again begins

Disability AwarenessBy Toyin Abiodun

Carers of LifeBy Don Garrett

CARERS’ STORIES & POEMSThese cares share your fear and pains, carries your burden yet never complain,A constant awareness always there before you call, a smile and a soothingDeep love is what they share.All day they give their loving, so strong when you need them always there to care.Carers come in all shapes and sizes, from a child to a Mum, Dad or a Nan.Each day they sacrifice a living to help others the best they can.Perhaps they too have heartache, guilt or a burden to beYet always they share an ambition, to give you the comfort free.Perhaps they are angels, both adults and children too

As there is no age limit or gender they give their hearts in what they doWho sings the praises of these guardians- unsung Heroes, everyone.In silence they do tender to each tortured soul never sparing with their lovingYet always sharing in the pain and never, never do they complain.No respite from the thoughts within their heads of how they pray for the easingof the ailments that their families face. Of this there is no disgrace.A carers’ life is for others, to ease a pain or two – but the country owes a debt to them for they show what the depth of love will do.

We try to raise awareness of people living with disabilities

including their families, perhaps an adjustment in our thinking is needed to accept that that disability is a part and parcel of our existence. When I was growing up as a child in Africa, one wasn’t really exposed to disability; many families who were affected, kept it quiet. But a shift in thinking might help with the

stigmatisation, isolation and ignorance associated with disability. While we may not always understand it, or even fear its genesis, origins or sometimes causes, we can choose to accept those who are affected as a part of our lives, find a way of integrating them and help them find their place in society, remembering they too deserve the right to a quality of life, a right to live the best life they can cope with, just as those without challenges do.

In a world where family structure like we know it, is changing, rapidly evolving and becoming smaller and smaller, there remain the “lucky ones” who would pass through the entire course of their lives without ever

needing any “care” in one form or another, even in their old age. This shift in orientation and mentality is key, so let’s strive to give those affected by one form of disability or the other, the dignity that is theirs, and where we can, help them to live their best life. Even though there is a long, long way to go, the journey of a million years begins with one step. Why not help with taking those first steps in the right direction?

A society that protects the rights of its vulnerable, is a truly advanced one.

Carers of Life - written by the brother of one of our volunteers. Disability awareness - written by a carer who attends the writing group.

Why not come along to our writing group and try your hand at writing some poetry or prose or whatever takes your interest? Dates of future meetings can be found on page 4.

14 | Summer 2014

MK Community Mental Health Services run regular Forums

bringing together representatives from their services (managers, mental health directors, consultants etc) and service users and their carers to discuss their experiences and to make suggestions for improvements.

Carers who have attended have really appreciated the opportunity to give feedback, in many cases directly to representatives from the services. The Forums have been running since July 2013 and there are 2 more planned for 2014:

MENTAL HEALTH CARERS

Mental Health Support GroupThe mental health group

meets on the first Wednesday evening of every month. A warm welcome is extended to any carer looking after someone with a mental health problem. We have a speaker on alternate months;

1st October – Speaker Virginia Richards Manager of Cherrywood5th November – Coffee and chat session3rd December – Speaker Pete Raimes - Service Director7th January – Coffee and chat session

The group meets from 6 – 7.30pm at Acorn House. Prior to this meeting there is a Mental Health Carers Forum that meets at 5.30pm.

Please contact Beth Lawrence on 01908 340967or email Beth.lawrence@milton-keynes.gov.uk for more information.

Have Your Say on Mental Health Services

• Thursday 18th September 6 – 8pm Talking treatments: psychological therapy in MK Community Mental Health.

• Thursday 11th December 6 – 8pm Healthy ageing and its challenges: dementia and other mental health problems in elderly populations.

All Forums are held at Midsummer House, 431 Midsummer Boulevard, MK9 3BN.

If you would like to attend contact the Patient Experience Team on 01908 243403 or email Have.YourSay@mkchs.nhs.uk

The next Autism Partnership Board is Tuesday 14th October,

9.30am – 1.30pm at the Well at Willen. The Board’s role is to implement the autism strategy for Milton Keynes and is an ideal forum for parent carers, who care for someone on the autistic spectrum, to find out what is happening. The first part of the meeting gives family carers the opportunity to meet together, while the second part is the board meeting itself which receives feedback from the morning session and includes an information exchange.

Contact Anne Matthews on 01908 231703; anne.matthews@carersmiltonkeynes.org or Luci Dunlop 01908 253209; lucienne.dunlop@milton-keynes.gov.uk for more details.

Autism Partnership Board

The purpose of the Carers’ Partnership Board is to develop

and improve and support services for unpaid carers in Milton Keynes. The Board will undertake this through the implementation and monitoring of the local Carers’ Strategy 2014 – 2017.

The Carers’ Partnership Board meets four times a year and membership is made up of carers, health and social care professionals, local voluntary organisations and local service providers. The Board is chaired by a Senior Joint Commissioner from the local Council and Clinical Commissioning Group.

Meetings are purposeful but relaxed and the Board is currently revising its terms of reference. The Board works closely with the Learning Disability Partnership Board Carers’ Subgroup and reports, through the

local Care Pathways and Primary Care Programme Board, to the Milton Keynes Health and Wellbeing Board.

We are looking to increase the membership of carers on the board, so if you are interested please contact the Joint Commissioning Team on 01908 253290 for further information.

Carers’ Partnership Board

MK Council has begun the process of converting

Statements of Special Educational Needs and Learning Difficulty Assessments to Education Health and Care Plans. It aims to achieve this within 2 years. Those with a current statement will not be reassessed unless there is a change or additional information is required. If you are going through the conversion process PACA would love to hear from you. PACA has been involved throughout the implementation process of the new system and will continue to put forward your comments and feedback to improve the process.

More information and factsheets about the SEND Reforms are on our website www.pacamk.org/sen-reforms

SEND Reforms PARENT CARERS

After lots of scribbling and sharing of ideas, we now have a logo

for our PACA Mark Scheme. Our thanks go to Andrea whose help to produce this is much appreciated.

We are almost ready to make our first award but we need your help.

If you are interested in being a mystery shopper, please contact us - more details at www.pacamk.org/paca-mark

The New PACA Mark

We have received funding from the Philanthropy Circle for 30 parent

carers to visit Bannatyne’s Health Spa where you can have a 45 minute relaxation treatment and use of the spa facilities throughout the day. Sandwich lunches cost £4 - £5 and a spa bag, which includes a towel, costs £3. Alternatively you can bring your own.

If you would like to take advantage of this wonderful relaxing day call 01908 231703 or email anne.matthews@carersmiltonkeynes.org by Friday 31st October.

Pamper Yourself!

Would you be interested in an evening group? A number of

parents have said they would be interested because they can’t get to daytime meetings. We could meet at the office or in a more social setting like the Barn, Beefeater, CMK. Let me know what you think – if wanted, it would start Spring 2015.

Contact Anne Matthews on 01908 231703 or email anne.matthews@carersmiltonkeynes.org

Feedback Please!

In line with changes to support for families under the Children and

Families Act, our parent groups are now open for carers supporting a young person under the age of 25. Please come and join our informal and informative sessions, which meet the third Monday of the month.

20th OctoberCarers MK has produced a guide to encourage carers to think about planning for an emergency. We will use this session to go through it and carers will then be able to make their own plans.

17th NovemberKevin Mangan from POhWER, the new advocacy service in MK, will talk about how their services can benefit parent carers.

15th DecemberA representative from Children and Family practices will be talking about their service.

19th JanuaryCeri Collins, the Family Facilitator at Brainwave, a charity supporting children with disabilities caused by Cerebral Palsy, genetic conditions, Autism and developmental delay, will be talking about their services.

We also have two outreach groups at Children’s Centres.

The second Monday of the month we meet at Pebbles Children’s Centre on Fishermead and on the first Thursday of the month at the Art Room on the Lakes Estate in Bletchley. Please look at the diary for a reminder of dates.

Parents say they learn so much from other parents and they feel less isolated knowing there are others going through the same kind of issues and problems.

Changes to Groups

Summer 2014 | 15

16 | Summer 2014

Thank You!A huge thank you to all of our

wonderful donors, without whose support we would not be able offer the range of support to carers that we do.

£9229 Bletchley Carnival£2500 Rotary Swimathon £200 Asda Community Trust£200 Mary Garrett£422.64 Rotary Club Winslow£577 Lakes Lane Open Gardens£31.87 Donations from carers

FUNDRAISING & EVENTS

Quiz Night Saturday 20th September organised in conjunction with Social Eyes at Oxley Park Community Centre, 7 – 9.30pm.

Please book through Carers MK on 01908 231703; email mail@carersmiltonkeynes.org

Carers MK Annual General Meeting Our AGM is on Friday 28th November at the Conference Suite at Acorn House10am – 12noon. Light refreshments will be available. This is also Carers Rights Day so there will be plenty of information available about carers’ issues.

Please let us know if you will be attending – call 01908 231703 or email mail@carersmiltonkeynes.org

Open Gardens Raises Almost £600

A huge thank you to the ‘Lakes Laners’ of Newport Pagnell

who held an open garden event and raised £577 for young carers. This included £42.95 raised from the sale of loom bands made by local children.Christmas Party

Our Christmas party will take place on Saturday 6th December 12 – 2.30pm at Lovat Hall, Newport Pagnell. Adult and young carers and the people for whom they care are all invited.

Contact the office to book your place(s).

Call Today:

(01480) 492183

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18 | Summer 2014

Stony Stratford Drop In SupportCarers MK staff will be dropping into the Alzheimer’s Society Art & Craft group held at Swinfen Harris Hall in Stony Stratford to offer carers support and information.

The group meets on a Tuesday 10am - 12.30pm and Carers MK staff will be there from 11am to 12.30pm on 16th September, 28th October, 9th December and 20th January.

Contact Carers MK for more information.

Programme for Olney Support Group Thursday 2nd October - Coffee & Chat session

Thursday 6th November - Coffee & Chat

Thursday 4th December - Join us for a festive celebration.

Please note there will be no group meeting in January.

SUPPORT GROUPSWe are excited to announce some new support groups and initiatives that will mean we can reach out to more carers and give them the support they need.

Parkinson’s Carers’ Support GroupThis new group is specifically for carers of people with Parkinson’s Disease and will meet from 2pm - 3.30pm on the first Tuesday of each month at our offices in Acorn House. Come and meet other carers with a similar caring role; guest speakers will also be invited to some meetings.

Dates for the group: October 7th, November 4th, December 2nd and January 6th.

Contact Debbie Baxter or Lynne Stoodley for more details on 01908 231703.

Sue and some of our carers attending the stroke group.

Support for Carers in Hanslope We have a new support group starting in October for carers who live in Hanslope and surrounding areas. It will meet at Hanslope Church, 10.30am - 12.30pm on the last Wednesday of the month.

Dates for the group are 29th October, 26th November, 17th December and 28th January.

New Groups Flourishing

Our support groups at the retirement villages of Lovat Fields and Shenley Wood are proving very successful with carers who live in the villages and surrounding areas.

• Lovat Fields group meets 10.30am - 12.30pm on the second Monday of the month -

13th October, 10th November, 8th December and 12th January.

• Shenley Wood group meets 11am – 1pm on the second Monday of the month -

13th October, 10th November, 8th December and 12th January.

To book accommodation please contact Judith Hall on 01536 711884Apartments can also be booked very competitively at judith.hall6@btinternet.com

You could be in the Algarve, relaxing in the sun...Situated on the top floor of a three storey block the apartment has its own residents’ swimming pool. It has the advantage of being away from the bustle of the town centre but within walking distance (10 minutes to the marina and another 5 to the town centre).

It has a twin bedroom, open plan kitchen and lounge. The kitchen has a 4-ring hob, oven, microwave, toaster and washing machine. There is a family sized bathroom. The lounge has a sofa (which converts into two more single beds) and a table to seat four. A TV, DVD and CD player are also available. Both the lounge and bedroom have patio doors which open onto the balcony offering views over the swimming pool and across Lagos.There is ample car parking space in front of the building.

www.algarveestatemanagement.co.ukapt meia

PRICES:Nov to Mar £190Apr & Oct £255May & Sept £290June £330July & Aug £410