3 Fisheracre, Arbroath DD11 1LE Tel: 01241 439157 Fax: 01241 876903

Email: enquiries@anguscarers.org.uk Website: www.anguscarers.org.uk

Angus Carers Association Charity No. SC026052

Summer Edition 2015

CONTENTS

Page 1 Welcome

Page 2 Young Carers’ Day

Families Programme

Page 3 New Dawn Project

Drug & Alcohol Project

Fundraising

Graeme Dey Surgery

Annual General Meeting

Dementia Ambassador

Power of Attorney

Page 4/5 Carers Events and

Activities

Page 6 Angus Women's Aid

SHOUT

Note from editor

Page 7 Coalition of carers in

Scotland

Page 8 Dates for your diary

NewsletterNewsletterNewsletterNewsletter

Welcome to the Summer 2015 newsletter.

As I’m writing this introduction to the Summer Newsletter

the sun is streaming through the window… I hope it is still

shining brightly as you are reading it.

The staff team is now up to full strength, ensuring that you

get all the support you need to help you in your caring role

and to ensure you have time out to re-charge your batteries.

We have put together a diverse programme for you this

summer, hopefully something for everyone. If you have any

ideas for future activities or events please let the staff team

know. We want to give you all the help we can to attend our

programmes, so if you have specific requirements, let a

member of staff know and we will see how we can meet those

needs. Make sure you complete the reply slip enclosed to let

us know what you would be interest in attending

We also have a responsibility to ensure you are kept up to

date with all the changes happening to service planning and

delivery, both at a local and national level. On page seven you

can read one carer’s experience of the Coalition of Carers

National Conference in March where the new Carers

(Scotland) Bill was discussed.

Can I just take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to the

people of Angus for supporting our work. You have donated

raffle prizes for our fundraising events and have donated food

and drink for our carers activities and programmes. Your

clubs and local organisations have donated money to help us

extend the range of support we can give and this generosity,

along with all the hard work put in by our volunteers, is what

makes the heart beat in this place. My staff tell me that they

feel privileged to share your lives and that they receive a

fantastic amount of personal satisfaction from the time they

spend with you.

Whatever 2015 brings, let us make sure we work together to

make the most of it!

Alison Myles—CEO

One of the points raised at the

Young Carers’ Day

Angus Carers Centre holds its first ever Young Carers’ Day

A special day for young carers in Angus took place at the Panbride Centre,

Carnoustie, on Wednesday 8 April 2015.

Organised by the young carers team, this is the first time that a dedicated day

for young carers has been held in Angus.

A ‘World Cafe’ event started the day, where young carers met with local

leaders in the fields of education, health, community and employment, to

discuss caring matters and to plan a new regional strategy for young carers.

These are a few of the issues they raised:

In the afternoon, the young carers attended workshops where they gained skills in African drumming, cake

and biscuit decorating, pampering, mental health support, football and arts & crafts. During the course of

the day an artist storyboarded, in cartoon-strip format, the main issues that affect the young carers. Lots

more news on the Young Carers Summer Programme coming soon in their newsletter. (check out

www.angusyoungcarers.org.uk for more info).

Families Programme Update

In 2014, we completed a really successful pilot project with families in Angus who have a disabled child.

This project delivered a programme of social, recreational and leisure activities which supported the

whole family, including siblings, to take time out together.

Quote from a mum—”Hi, just wanted to say thank you for last night. It was the first time in a long time I

have felt so relaxed with other people and my children and it was a lovely experience. The staff were so

nice and kind, even my four year old happily left my side and did arts and crafts without me. In fact, at

one point my daughter told me to leave her- which never happens- as she was doing craft with your staff.

It was lovely that all my children and not just C, could experience being with others. Again, thank you so

very much.” Family Session at Frostys in Forfar

Shared Care Scotland, through their Short Breaks Fund, have now confirmed that they will fund us for

another two years to continue this work. They are particularly interested in how we can support parents to

take control of programme planning, so that the programme is sustainable after the funding ends.

We will be inviting families to a few activities over May and June, whilst we are recruiting a new

Families Programme Worker to assist in planning a much fuller programme. We will contact parent carers

who have registered for the Families Programme directly with more details. If you care for a child under

the age of 18 and would like to find out more about the Families Programme, please contact

lynne@anguscarers.org.uk.

Page 2

New Dawn Project

Many thanks to the Colin Grant Charitable Trust,

who very generously contributed £1,000 to help

us support former carers.

When a caring role ends through bereavement of a

family member it can be a very emotional and

isolating time.

This funding will allow us to provide bereaved

carers with more opportunities to come together,

socialise and make new friends.

Drug and Alcohol Project

We offer specific support to carers who are

affected by someone’s alcohol or drug

problem. This can include information,

practical advice on coping, signposting to

other agencies, contact with other carers who

are or have been in a similar situation, support

and a listening ear. If you would like further

information on this service, please contact

Belinda or Allie on 01241 439157.

Fundraising

We raised the fantastic sum of £541 at the Bingo Night held on Friday 27 March in Arbroath and

had a lot of fun. Thank you to the volunteers that helped put on the event, those that attended and the

people that donated prizes. A special thanks to The British Legion for supplying the bar and letting

us use their premises.

We have also recently re-established our fundraising committee, so look out for more events in the

future. All funds raised are used to add quality to young and adult carers lives and the fundraising

events themselves give people the opportunity to come together in a fun the relaxed environment.

Graeme Dey Surgery

Graeme is the SNP Member of

the Scottish Parliament for the

Angus South Constituency.

He will be holding a surgery at the Carers Centre on

Monday 1 June from 11.00am–12.00pm. If you live

within Angus South constituency and have anything you

would like to discuss with him or any issues you want to

raise, please call Linda on 01241 439157 to make an

appointment.

Annual General Meeting

Thursday 24 September 2015

Following your feedback from the Carers’

Day last year, we have separated the AGM

and the Funshop Day at Carnoustie. Full

details of the AGM will be in the Autumn

Newsletter.

Dementia Ambassador

Jacqui Moran, our Carer Development Worker for the

North West Locality, recently completed The Angus

Dementia Ambassador Training and The NES Dementia

Skilled – Improving Practice Learning Resource. This

course was delivered in partnership with NHS Tayside,

Scottish Social Services Council and Angus Council.

The skills learned will enable Jacqui to share her

expertise on supporting carers who care for someone

with dementia and pass on her knowledge to other staff

members.

Did You Know?

Without power of attorney you

cannot act for your husband, wife,

mother, father or anyone else

should they have loss of capacity.

Find out more at the POA Website:

www.mypowerofattorney.org.uk/

Page 3

A Summer

Garden Party

Thursday 25 June 2015

2.00pm—4.00pm

Come and enjoy an hour

or two at a traditional garden party to be held

in the Angus Carers Centre garden. Strawber-

ries and cream and scones will be on the

menu, as well as outdoor fun and games. Let’s

hope for a sunny afternoon!

Carers’ Day Trips

The Retreat in Glen Esk

Wednesday 3 June

Why not join us for a day in the beautiful Angus

Countryside when we visit The Retreat in Glen Esk.

Enjoy a gentle walk, visit the Folk Museum and Gift

Shop or just enjoy your lunch in the Retreat

Restaurant and Tea Room, then sit and admire the

scenery

Scottish Antique & Arts Centre

Wednesday 15 July 2015

Back by popular demand!

Following a successful trip last year please join us

for a day out to the Scottish Antique & Arts Centre in

Abernyte, followed by a visit to Glendoick Garden

Centre for tea/scones.

Angus Carers Day 2015

Wednesday 10 June 2014

10.30am to 3.30pm

Carnoustie Golf Hotel

You are invited to our Carers Day 2015 which will once again be held in Carnoustie Golf Hotel.

There is a fun filled programme with some old favourites and some new ideas as well.

We have 12 different activities for you to choose from. How about trying your hand at Cake

Decorating, Arts and Crafts, Digital Photography or African Drumming? For those who want a

more relaxing time join in the Tai Chi, Reflexology or Indian hand massage. For the inquisitive

come along to the Family History Research session.

The format of the day will be a wee bit different this year as we will not be holding our AGM at

the start of the programme. (See page 3 for details on this)

In the morning our chairperson, Steve Nicoll, will give a short update on the developments at

Angus Carers Centre over the past year and share our plans for the year ahead.

You can then share the day with other carers, the staff team, the directors and the tutors of the

various workshops/talks (aka ‘Funshops’). A superb lunch will also be provided, as well as

breaks for tea and coffee.

To see the list of all the interesting workshops/talks that are being held and to book your place at

a workshop, please refer to the separate flyer, booking form and pre-paid envelope.

Booking forms for the workshops must be returned by Tuesday 26 May 2015.

Upcoming event

Energy Therapy—Coming in July and

August, an energy therapy class to re-balance

and re-energise the body.

If you think you may like to try this, please

tick the Reply Slip.

If you are interested in attending any of ouPage 4

Table Top Herb Gardening. Monday 25 May 2015

10.00am—12.00pm

Trellis, a charity which specialises in supporting health through gardening, will be at the Angus Carers

Centre in Arbroath to demonstrate herb planting and the benefits of using herbs.

This is table top gardening so it’s not at all strenuous.

Male Carer Support Group

Graham Scott has joined our staff team to

develop the Male Carers’ Support Group with

the help of some of our volunteers. This group

gives male carers the chance to take time out

and socialise with others who understand the

difficulties that their caring role may bring.

The group is now planning a new programme

of outings and activities for 2015.

If you would be interested in joining the group

or would like more information, then please

contact the centre on 01241 439157.

Working Carers Group

At the February meeting, James Kennedy of NHS

Tayside joined us to talk about maintaining good

mental health and well-being both for carers and the

cared-for.

The meeting in April was both a social and exchange

of information evening, which included Carers

Emergency Cards and changes to benefits that might

affect some carers.

The next meeting will be in June. If you are a carer

who is working full-time or part-time and would like

more information, please contact Linda on 01241

439157 or e-mail linda@anguscarers.org.uk .

Gardening Group

The Gardening Group started up again in

February and, despite a cold start, have made

great progress with the garden.

The group is always looking for new members;

it doesn’t have to be strenuous.

So if you fancy showing your green fingers off,

why not come along on Monday mornings from

10.00am till 12.00pm.

Refreshments are provided

Family Fun Day

This year all registered young carers and their families

will be invited to a Family Fun Day at Monikie Park on

Wednesday 8 July 2015.

More information regarding the day’s programme and

booking details will be in the Young Carers Summer

Newsletter.

Basic Computer Training for

Carers

Are you interested in finding out more about

computers or the internet but not very

confident in using a computer? Then come

along and join in a new group for carers. There

will be small informal groups of carers, here at

the Centre in Arbroath and at a venue in Forfar.

The training will be given by experienced

volunteers and the classes will be run accord-

ing to ability. We may also be able to provide

one to one specialist support. If you are

interested please tick the Reply Slip.

Reminiscence Group restarts in

Arbroath.

Just to let all you local history buffs know that the

Arbroath Reminiscence Group has now resumed.

We meet on the first Tuesday of each month at

Arbroath Library from 2.00pm-4.00pm. The next one

being on 2 June.

The group is for both the carers and the cared for and

transport is available if required.

At the last meeting in May the group had a great

afternoon talking about “Forgotten Streets and

Buildings”, as well as enjoying a brew.

If you’re interested in coming along, please contact

Vanessa on 01241 439157. Look forward to seeing

you there.

our events/activities please tick the Reply Slip Page 5

A note from the Editor

Our registered carers are very welcome to

attend all trips, activities and cuppy times.

Friends and Family can only attend events

where an exception to this is stated.

If you are a carer and would like to

register with Angus Carers Centre, please

contact the centre for a referral form.

Who is a carer?

Carers can be wives, husbands, partners,

parents, daughters, sons, friends or

neighbours who look after someone of any

age who may have:

• a physical disability

• a medical condition

• a learning disability

• mental ill health or dementia

• a dependency on alcohol or drugs

SHOUT Loud and Proud

What is SHOUT?

SHOUT is a group for people with

learning disabilities to come together to

stand up and be heard as a group.

Who is it for?

SHOUT is for anyone who lives in Angus that has a

learning disability and wants to be involved in the

group. The group is supported by volunteers.

What we do…

♦ We work with others to understand us,

♦ We come together as a group to help us speak up

for ourselves,

♦ We encourage more people to come to SHOUT,

♦ We speak together about issues that are

important to us,

♦ We want to make a more inclusive community

for everyone.

For more information visit www.shoutangus.org.uk or

contact Morag on 01241 875525

Angus Women’s Aid

Angus Women’s Aid is seeking the help of women in their 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s .

We are aware that domestic abuse affects women of all ages, however, we are unsure whether do-

mestic abuse services meet the needs of women over the age of 60.

The majority of publications relating to domestic abuse depict images of younger women and the

research also tends to focus on women in their 20s and 30s, yet we know that domestic abuse does

not stop when you reach the age of 40.

Research into domestic abuse in older women is fairly scarce and we would like your help to ensure

our service continually meets the needs of all women who are affected by domestic abuse.

We would be grateful if you could take a few moments to look at our website,

www.anguswomensaid.co.uk and tell us what you think. In particular,

• As soon as you look at the website, what’s the first thing you notice?

• Would you be tempted to stay on the website and look further?

• If yes, why?

• If no, why?

For further information about this piece of research, you can contact Jane on 01241 439437.

Page 6

Coalition of carers in Scotland

A Report from Caroline Petrie

SAPALD (South Angus Parents for Adults with Learning Disabilities).

Carers Coalition Meeting, Glasgow

“As a Carers Representative on the Angus Carers Planning & Delivery Group, Angus Carers

Centre kindly asked me to accompany Belinda McMartin, Team Leader, Adult Services,

through to Glasgow for a Carers Coalition meeting at the Thistle Hotel on Wednesday 25

March 2015. The theme was "Constancy, Clarity & Consistency", ensuring the Carers

(Scotland) Bill which was introduced on the 9 March 2015 to the Scottish Parliament has an

EQUAL impact for all carers.

The first speaker, Andrew Strong, Policy Information Manager from Health & Social Care

Alliance talked us through the process of how a 'Bill' goes through stages to become an 'Act' of

parliament, i.e. becomes a law that cannot be ignored. He also pointed out how to engage and

get involved. Examples of getting involved were writing, emailing, meeting your MSP. Writing

to Ministers in parliament, join groups, submit petition. It was voiced that using social media to

campaign ministers and MSP's was important and had proved so in the referendum campaign.

The second speaker was Moira Oliphant from the Scottish Government. This was quite heavy

going with a lot of legal jargon, but on a quick reading of it I saw quite a lot of ambiguous

language in the document which could be open to a local authority’s interpretation. For

example "Each local authority must (which is good) take such steps "it considers

appropriate" (not good, open to interpretation). Also the term "local eligibility criteria" was

through the whole Bill which certainly is not constant and consistent. Questions and discussions

with Moira Oliphant before lunch saw quite a few carers relating passionately how their support

had been cut and care was a postcode lottery. This resulted in the government spokesperson

getting a rather bumpy ride and running over time.

The strength of feeling was borne out after lunch when 5 carers gave 5 CLEAR reasons

pointing out that it was essential for this Carers Bill to adopt NATIONAL ELIGIBILITY

CRITERIA not local. This would mean that all carers across Scotland would have equality with

the same entitlements to support and resources. Carers do not want the same as now a postcode

lottery with 32 different councils with different criteria and resources.

There was an interactive session with message boards and the overwhelming feedback was that

this was a national issue which had to deliver equality across the country to protect all carers

equally in the invaluable job they do.

What I have taken on board from attending this meeting is that this is an ideal opportunity to

get involved and show the obvious strength of feeling there is amongst carers and the need to be

heard. Especially just now the politicians are listening, they have woken up to the fact that

people realise they have a right to be heard. I urge carers to take this opportunity, go online,

look at what the carers groups are doing, lobby your MSP'S, use social media to help get a

fairer Scottish deal for all carers, to give us constancy, clarity and consistency”.

We will keep our website updated on the progress of the Bill as it travels through the legislative

stages. If you would like a paper copy of any of the information please call the office and let us

know.

Page 7

Diary of Events

Date Event

Monday 25 May Table Top Herb Gardening

10.00am—12.00pm

Angus Carers Centre

Monday 1 June Graeme Dey, MSP Surgery

11.00am—12.00pm

Angus Carers Centre,

Wed 3 June The Retreat—Glen Esk

Day Trip

Wed 10 June Angus Carers Day

10.30am—3.30pm

Carnoustie Golf Hotel

Thursday 25 June Garden Party

2.00pm—4.00pm

Angus Carers Centre

Wed 15 July Scottish Antique & Arts Centre

Day Trip

Thursday 24 Sept Annual General Meeting

Every effort is made to ensure that the information in this newsletter is correct. Angus 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 Angus Carers Centre.

Please note …

As an organisation that holds information, we are required by law to ask those who are on our mailing list if they still wish

to receive regular mailings. If you do not wish to remain on our mailing list or if the information we hold on you is incor-

rect, please contact us so that we can make the necessary alterations.

Carers Groups

ADAPT Appointments 10.00am—12noon

Angus Carers Centre (First Thursday of

the month)

Thursday 4 June

Thursday 2 July

Thursday 6 August

SDS Drop-ins 1.30pm—3.30pm

Angus Carers Centre (Second Thursday

of the month) Thursday 14 May

Thursday 11 June

Thursday 9 July

Carers Cuppy Times 10.30am—12.00pm

Monday 18 May Thrums Hotel,

Kirriemuir

Thursday 28 May Craw’s Nest,

Carnoustie

Thursday 25 June Portcullis,

Arbroath

Thursday 30 July Panmure Hotel,

Monifieth

ARBROATH 10.30am Angus Carers Centre 11 May 8 June 14 Sept

BRECHIN 2.00pm Brechin Baptist Church 28 May 25 June 23 July

FORFAR 10.30am VAA 3 June 2 September 7 October

KIRRIEMUIR 10.00am Age Concern Hall 29 May 26 June 25 September

MONIFIETH 2.00pm Panmure Hotel 28 May 25 June 30 July

MONTROSE 2.00pm George Hotel 25 May 22 June 27 July

AUTISM GROUP 9.30am Angus Carers Centre 20 May 17 June

Queen Street Tavern, Forfar 3 June Summer trips and meetings to

be arranged

DRUG & ALCOHOL Kirriemuir 13 May 27 May 10 June 24 June

8 July 22 July

SMART F & F VAA, Forfar 19 May 2 June 16 June 30 June

REMINISCENCE GROUP 2.00pm Arbroath Library 2 June