CSW Spring/Summer 2015 Newsletter & What's On Guide

Young adult carers at our careers information morning

Our plans for Carers Week

P.8-9

Carers in Wiltshire

Go digital with us and WIN!

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Help home from hospital

P.16-17

Carer Support Wiltshire’s official newsletter

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

2 www.carersinwiltshire.co.uk Carers in Wiltshire Spring/Summer 2015 Spring/Summer 2015 Carers in Wiltshire www.carersinwiltshire.co.uk 3

On the cusp of changeAs I write this there is a gleaming full moon and we are half way between the winter solstice and spring equinox. On the cusp of change in other words.

Lindsay Poulsom, chief executive, left Carer Support Wiltshire on 14 November 2014. During her tenure as our chief executive, Lindsay was responsible for managing the transition of Carer Support Wiltshire from four separate organisations to the robust county-wide business we are today. We send her our best wishes.

You will read a lot about the new Care Act and the integration of health and social care in this newsletter and elsewhere. As an organisation, we understand the benefits they can bring carers and are very keen to ensure that carer support is at the heart of the plans for community transformation currently under way.

Also since the last newsletter, the new Home from Hospital project (p.16) has started supporting growing numbers of patients through discharge and back into their communities with support from

volunteers. The project grew out of a pilot run by Wiltshire CIL and we are working in partnership with Age UK Wiltshire and Age UK Salisbury District. We are pleased that the project is giving us the opportunity to identify and offer support to the carers we meet in the district and community hospitals.

‘You are a carer!’The new Care Act is really changing the landscape of care and support for carers. We are in discussion with Wiltshire Council about how we can broaden our offer to help support more carers in the county. Currently we are in contact with just under 20% of the county’s 47,500 carers – about 9,500 carers – but we want to reach out to more.

In January I was appointed to the post of chief executive. I have lost count of the number of times people have said to me: I was talking to this person and they were telling me what a difficult time they were having. I said, ‘You are a carer!’ But their response was, ‘No I’m not. I’m just doing what anyone else would do’.

We now have the opportunity to reach out to more carers. First, we

Hello from Catharine

“Carers at the heart of all we do”


need to help people to identify themselves as a carer which will be helped by the wider recognition of the caring role among communities in our towns, villages and employers. We want to pass on the message that their needs are being recognised in a whole new way in law, and let them know that the support is available for them when they need it.

A carer aware countyWe have recently won funding to work with employers in the county toimprove the recognition of working carers (p.13). But we would like you to support us in our quest to raise awareness even more widely. When you next speak to that man or woman or look at that young adult and think that they may be having

a hard time because of their caring role, reach out to them and tell them that there is help at hand. Pull out the centre page spread of this newsletter and give it to them, encourage that person to seek support before things get too bad. Join the mission to make Wiltshire a carer-aware county.

Stop press!As this newsletter goes to print it has been confirmed that Healthwatch Wiltshire will lead on a carer engagement exercise looking at the sorts of services carers want to help support them. Keep an eye on our website and social media for more information in early April.

Hello from Catharine

Text reminders - have we got your number?We are using texts to send you reminders about appointments in a similar way to many GP surgeries. If we have your mobile number, you can expect us to be using texts to communicate with you more in the future.

Interested in an event or activity? Make sure you book!We listen to carers to ensure that we organise events and activities that you will enjoy. Once you’ve had a look at our What’s On, please let us know if you would like to attend anything in good time before the event takes place. Demand is high so sometimes we will have to place people on waiting lists.


A Song for CarersYoung Adult Carers

A few updates from us...• Margaret has joined us as a volunteer and has kindly helped us to

produce our first monthly newsletter.• We have had an increase in 16 -18 year olds being referred from

Spurgeons, schools and colleges.• Andrea attended Health and Well-Being events in Trowbridge and

Salisbury where many young people found out they are actually carers as well as young adults!

Social stuffWe have run a few carers cafés in the colleges in Trowbridge and Salisbury, as well as two other venues in Chippenham and Salisbury. More are coming soon!

Keeping you involvedMany of you have been instrumental in keeping the project on track with your ideas and continuing support. We had a great evening of brainstorming where you let us know what barriers you have faced/are facing when accessing or staying in education.

We also discussed:• Older young adult carers helping

younger carers• Going into schools to talk about

your experiences• One-to-one help to understand

how to go about applying for jobs.

Useful trainingA cookery course will be held on Tuesday 28 April at 10:30am at Church Hall, St Barnabas Church, Beanacre. It will cover: basic skills, nutrition, making healthy pizzas and batch cooking! Coming soon: Bath Spa University will hopefully be hosting an interview workshop.

Keep in touch!You can get in touch with Andrea and Derek on 0800 181 4118 or visit: www.facebook.com/YACWiltshire

We’re doing more to go digital - and we want YOU to come with us!

Prospective Chippenham MP Michelle Donelan hit the telephone in February acting as a digital champion for CSW and persuaded businesses to offer prizes for carers who agree to go digital and receive our newsletter by email. These prizes include:

One night stay at Hazeland Mill luxury B&B in Bremhill, nr. Calne.Kindly donated by Jennie Shaw of the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust

A beautiful bouquet worth £50 including delivery in WiltshireKindly donated by Judy Ward of Blooming Chic Florists www.bloomingchic.co.uk

...and more!

To enter, simply agree to hear from us by email by sending an email to [email protected] by 30 April. Put EMAIL ME in the subject line and confirm your name, email address and your ID number (it’ll be on the envelope). If you don’t know your ID number, give us your date of birth and postcode so we can match you with our records.

We work closely with Salisbury Medical Practice and their volunteer digital champions have shown what can be done – 25% of the patients on their list communicate with the surgery electronically. That has given us a target to aim for – if a busy GP surgery can persuade a quarter of its patients to go digital surely we can match that? Currently just over 6% of the carers registered with us receive our newsletter by email but we hold email addresses for 18% of carers.Help us reach our 25% target!


Digital Communications

We can signpost you to training courses or put your name down for one of our discounted recycled laptops which are available to people who don’t currently have a computer. Give Fiona a call on 0800 181 4118 if you would like more details about how to access a laptop.

Help to get online

L-R: Lizzie Rapley, Employers Project Officer and Michelle Donelan, prospective Chippenham MP

If you find yourself looking after an older relative or friend, navigating the care system on behalf that person can be stressful and time consuming. Here are some steps you can take to ensure that the legal and financial aspects of the care you provide are working effectively.

LPAsA lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a legal document which allows a person (the donor) to nominate someone else (an attorney) to make decisions on their behalf. There are two types of LPA:

• A property and financial affairs LPA which enables the attorney to spend the donor’s money on their behalf and manage their investments.

• A health and welfare LPA which enables the attorney to make decisions on the donor’s behalf (only when the donor lacks capacity) about welfare, including where to live, what activities they do and in some circumstances (in consultation with the doctor) what types of treatment they receive.

Court of ProtectionIf the person you care for lacks the mental capacity to make decisions and does not have a valid LPA in place, then you can apply to the Court of Protection for someone to be appointed as a Deputy for them.

Paying for CareThe Care Act introduces new forms of assessment from 2015 and new ways of financing social care from April 2016. Councils will have a general duty to promote well-being, a duty to support any adult who may have care needs and a duty to support carers. There will be a new system for assessing the needs of adults and their carers. If a person is assessed under the new national eligibility criteria as needing care, they will be means tested to see whether they are able to get financial assistance. In its most basic terms if a person has more than £23,250 in assets they will need to pay for their eligible care needs.

If the person you care for has medical needs then he or she may qualify for NHS Continuing Care.


Top legal tips for carers

Contributed by Stone King solicitors

The Q&A: Tom Blowers, Support Services Team Leader

The hospital will arrange for an assessment. If the criteria for NHS Continuing Care are met, that person will have all their care needs met, no matter where they are being treated.

Reviewing WillsIf your will makes provision for someone who is receiving or about to receive local authority care, it may no longer be appropriate for assets to pass to them outright if they survive you. This is because anything they inherit will be used towards paying for their care. You might therefore want to consider incorporating into your will provisions to protect assets for the next generation.

Care Planning Services combines the professional legal advice of Stone King and the independent financial expertise at Money-Wise to give specialist joined up legal and financial advice on later life care planning.

For further information on any of the above points, or for general information on care planning, please contact Kathryn Layzell on 0844 728 0004 or email [email protected] Alternatively, you can visit:www.careplanningservices.co.uk


Top legal tips for carers

How long have you worked for CSW? One year, seven months. Favourite music: The Doors, The Smiths, Wilco, Elliot Smith, The Pigeons.Favourite book: CJ Sansom Shardlake series and The Famous Five books.Favourite film: Big Hollywood blockbusters, but my favourite is The Last Waltz by Martin Scorsese.Favourite place: My attic.Ideal dinner guests (dead or alive): Robin Hood and Charlie Chaplin.

If you were stuck on a desert island, what 3 things would you take? 10p to make a phone call, guitar, my family.If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you would do? Buy a really expensive guitar and a suit made of gold leaf.What would you call the autobiography of your life? I don’t really want anyone other than me to know my autobiography!

The Q&A: Tom Blowers, Support Services Team Leader

Our plans for the week:


Carers Week 2015

Friday 12 June Working For Carers Afternoon Tea

COMING SOON: Carers Hub Launch

Tuesday 9 June Family Community Event

Location: Assembly Rooms, Melksham Time: 10:30am - 1:00pm

We are working with West Wilts Multi-Faith Forum to host a community event for families from all backgrounds and cultures. Planned activities include complementary therapies, craft and henna and useful information will be available to support you. There will also be a delicious buffet lunch! For more information, please contact Helen Gough on 0800 181 4118 or [email protected].

Location: Royal United Hospital, Bath

We are working with Bath & NE Somerset Carers Centre to launch a Carers Hub in The Atrium of the hospital. It will be a place where families and carers can go to get vital support and information to help them in their caring role. Interested in volunteering at the hub? See p.15.For more information, please contact Jackie Short on 0800 181 4118 or [email protected].

Location: CSW, 15 New Street, Salisbury Time: 2:00pm (TBC)

Local businesses are invited to join us for an afternoon tea in the courtyard of our offices in Salisbury to hear all about our exciting new Working For Carers project (more on p.17) and how they can take part.For more information, please contact Lizzie Rapley on 0800 181 4118 or [email protected].

8 - 14 June 2015

Carers Week is an annual awareness campaign calling on individuals, organisations, the Government and the media to join a nationwide drive to reach thousands of carers missing out on support and services.

From 8 - 14 June 2015, lots of organisations and individuals will be joining in to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges carers face and recognise the contribution carers make to families and communities throughout the UK.

Carers Week is made possible by Carers UK joining forces with Age UK, Carers Trust (of which we are a Network Partner), Independent Age, Macmillan Cancer Support and MS Society.

On these pages you will see the events we have taking place during the course of the week. Our grand finale is a sponsored walk to raise money to help more carers in Wiltshire. We are joining forces with Carers Gloucestershire and Swindon Carers Centre to try and make a bigger impact across the South West. Even if you don’t want to walk a mile, please do join us for a picnic and entertainment in the park.


Carers Week 2015

Saturday 13 June Walk A Mile & Picnic in the Park

Location: Monkton Park, Chippenham Time: 2:00pm & 3:30pm

Join us to walk a mile for unpaid carers in Wiltshire. We want you to swap your shoes, or don your wildest footwear, and stride out in aid of Carer Support Wiltshire. You are free to walk at your own pace - it’s not a race!

After the walk has finished, all carers and their families are welcome to bring along some food and enjoy a big picnic in the park at 3:30pm. The picnic is open to all, whether you did the walk or not.

If you would like more information about taking part in the walk, or if you and your family would like to join us for the picnic, please contact Helen Pearson on 0800 181 4118 or [email protected].

10 www.carersinwiltshire.co.uk Carers in Wiltshire Spring/Summer 2015

GP Accreditation Scheme

We are now into the third year of our Wiltshire Investors in Carers GP Accreditation Scheme which encourages better support for carers at GP practices across the county.

Last year, 32 practices in Wiltshire received their awards at a prestigious ceremony at the Corn Exchange in Devizes.

More Carers ClinicsOne of the major successes this year has been the increase in the number of practices that are holding Carers Clinics. These give carers the chance to have a basic healthcheck with a nurse or GP and receive our support.This improvement has been one of the main reasons for the increase in the number of gold awards achieved.

The FutureIt has been noted that the experience of individual carers is not reflected in the assessment of practices. Furthermore, the current four-tier award scheme is complex and the information we receive in award applications varies greatly.

To overcome this we are going to conduct a review into the accreditation criteria alongside Wiltshire Council, GP practices and carers to simplify the processes that are involved. We want to ensure that the scheme is delivering its primary purpose of improving the carer’s experience from their GP practice.

For more information about the awards, please get in touch.

GP practices continue to show support for carers

© Stuart Ralls Photography

In 2013-14, 32 GP practices achieved an award. There were 20 Gold Plus, 10 Gold, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze. 20 further GP practices were involved, but did not achieve an award. A full report is available at bit.ly/GPsup

Key facts and figures


© Stuart Ralls Photography

Contact Carer Support Wiltshire on 0800 181 4118 for details. Spring/Summer 2015 Carers in Wiltshire www.carersinwiltshire.co.uk 11

Tell your story once – we will do the rest!

The Care Act makes health and social care providers co-operate when undertaking care and support so that you will be less likely to have to repeat yourself to different agencies.

What does that mean?Carer Support Wiltshire now has a duty to share some of the information it holds on you with other health and social care providers in order to:

• Promote the wellbeing of adults needing care and support, including carers

• Improve the quality of care and support for adults and support for carers (including the outcomes)

• Smooth the transition from children’s to adults’ services

• Protect adults with care and support needs who are currently experiencing, or are at risk of, abuse or neglect

• Identify lessons to be learned from cases where adults with needs for care and support have experienced serious abuse or neglect.

How will we do this?To arrange the support you want, we may need to share your details with other organisations who are involved in providing your care and support. To do this we need your consent. Other health, social care and voluntary organisations may also need to share information between themselves. The information we may need to share includes: name, date of birth, health symptoms, caring role and your personal goals.

Your consent may be withdrawn at any time but this may indicate your withdrawal from certain services. In certain situations we have to share your information to keep you or other people safe. We also want to know whether the support you receive has made a difference to your health and wellbeing.

Can you give me an example?We might tell your GP surgery that you are registered with us as a carer so they can update their records. When you book an appointment they will know that you are a carer without you having to explain and can offer you a flexible appointment, a priority flu jab or invite you to a health check.

Spring/Summer 2015 Carers in Wiltshire www.carersinwiltshire.co.uk 11

Sharing Information

If you would like more information, or if you wish to withdraw your consent, please contact Carer Support Wiltshire on 0800 181 4118 and ask to speak to a Referral Duty Worker.


Parent or carer? Sometimes you’re both, as Shelagh found out

When you’re a parent carer like Shelagh, you don’t always acknowledge the fact that you’re a carer when looking after your son or daughter. Shelagh’s son Carl, now 16, has Down’s Syndrome.

“It was a bit of a slow realisation. I didn’t label myself as a ‘carer’ from the very beginning. When it’s from birth, you start off looking after a baby just like everyone else.”

Shelagh and her husband both managed, but it was the school holidays when Shelagh really struggled with her caring role and she knew she had to seek out some support.

“I began to recognise we needed some help and that I wasn’t coping with everything in the school holidays when I was trying to manage things with Carl.

“I didn’t call social services for years because I knew I would break down and cry. I think you sometimes need a bit of an intervention. In the early

days, I needed that little push to get help.”

One of the services she’s benefitted from is access to a Carers Clinic at her local GP surgery where she was also given a prescription break.

Since I have my own health needs, it meant I was entitled to access a prescription break worth £50 which was a welcome surprise.

Shelagh decided to spend the break on a couple of manicures which she found gave her a ‘real lift’. It was something she had always fancied having, but had never been able to take the time to enjoy.

Find out more about our prescription breaks: bit.ly/CSWPbreaks

Carer Story

L-R: Carl and Shelagh

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We are very excited to introduce our Working for Carers scheme which is launching in April this year! Lizzie Rapley has joined our Projects Team to kick start the programme and build partnerships with local businesses. Through membership of our scheme, employers will benefit from training and advice, empowering them to better support their employees and enable more carers to stay in work.

We will also be working with employers to introduce new pathways to work that are realistic and attainable for carers, both for those wishing to return to work and young adult carers looking for career opportunities.

Not only will this mean a brighter future for working carers, but we have no doubt that employers will reap the benefits too: It will be good for their people, great for their reputation, and an investment in their community.

We would like to hear about your experiences with employers to help us to shape this scheme! Please look out for a link to our short survey coming up soon in our weekly News Digest (see below).

For more information, or other ways to get involved, please email Lizzie at [email protected], or call us on 0800 181 4118.

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Working For Carers

Supporting carers in the workplace

We put together a weekly digest of news articles, events and consultations of interest to carers, along with updates from Carer Support Wiltshire. Many carers and professionals alike have told us how useful they find it arriving in their inbox every week. If you would like to receive it, just email [email protected] and we will add you to our mailing list.

A few snapshots of what our team of volunteers have been up to recently...


Volunteering Scrapbook

Maintaining the carers noticeboards at Great Western Hospital, Swindon

Activities for creative carers groups - making owl cushions!

Selling handmade wares at Salisbury Christmas Market

Flower arrangements for the GP Accreditation awards evening and the Friends and Supporters lunch.

Gardening groups - visiting the Wiltshire Wildlife Orchard Project

and making beautiful wreaths

Local Carer Ambassadors: ‘fly the flag’ for CSW!

We are now recruiting to a new and pivotal role for volunteers - local carer ambassadors.Volunteers taking on this role will help to ensure that our profile is raised in each parish/community in Wiltshire. The role would include:

• Contributing regular articles to parish newsletters

• Putting posters up in the area• Making links with GP surgeries• Attending local cafés• Liaising with village hall events• Attending networking events• Linking up with Fiona, our

communications officer, for newsletters and other information.

Carers Hub: Volunteers are needed to help run this exciting new venture at the Royal United Hospital, Bath. You will be giving information and support to carers and families.

Carers Cafés: Could you help run one of these in your local area? They offer carers the chance to meet with other carers to share support, swap information and relax.

Complementary Therapists: Volunteers are wanted for this very popular service.

Ideally volunteers should have a good knowledge of, and links within, their local community. There could also be opportunities to work closely with staff, particularly within the development teams.

For all roles we provide in-depth training for this role as volunteers would need a good understanding of the missions and aims of the organisation.

Find out more


Volunteers needed!

For more details of these opportunities, or to find out other ways you can volunteer for us, please contact Carrie on 0800 181 4118 or look at the volunteering pages on our website: bit.ly/cswvolunteer

The Home from Hospital Service is a free service for anyone over the age of 18, who is living in Wiltshire or who has a Wiltshire GP. It is a partnership between Carer Support Wiltshire, Age UK Wiltshire and Age UK Salisbury to offer information, advice and practical support to people who are due to be discharged from hospital. There is a Home from Hospital Discharge Co-ordinator based at Great Western Hospital, Swindon, Salisbury District Hospital and the Royal United Hospital, Bath. The co-oordinators are the first contact for all referrals and enquiries into the service. They are the people who meet with patients on the wards and talk to them about their home situation and identify ways in which we can help them go home safely and confidently.

Why Home for Hospital?Being in hospital, especially for an extended period of time, can be a very emotional as well as a physical experience. Patients may previously have been healthy and independent when suddenly ill health or an accident occurs, leaving them feeling vulnerable. Equally, after a planned operation or procedure, suddenly things at home can become more

difficult to manage.

Many people will leave hospital with no difficulties. However, for some, especially those living alone, there can be many anxieties:

• If the person cannot leave the house, how will they do the shopping?

• If they don’t have a family nearby who will they contact if they become unwell again, or fall?

• What happens if they have lost confidence in carrying out everyday tasks?

These are all problems that our discharge co-ordinators and Age UK partners can provide support for.

Carer Support in HospitalAs well as providing support for people who are patients in hospital, we also provide direct services for carers. Carers can be offered an assessment or advice - irrespective of whether the Home from Hospital service is needed.


Home from Hospital

The service is jointly funded by NHS Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning

Group and Wiltshire Council

By. Dawn Langsford

Real ExperiencesMr S met with a co-ordinator on the ward and initially only wanted help with sorting out some parking fines. During a series of visits from Age UK, it transpired that he was receiving parking fines because he was disabled but had no blue badge. The Age UK worker wrote to the court on his behalf, got the fines dismissed and helped Mr S apply for a blue badge. Once this was sorted it became clear that Mr S was not managing as well as he had stated initially. Over a period of a few weeks after discharge she worked with him to get on track living at home independently. So, a relatively simple problem identified in hospital, was actually masking wider problems that were addressed once Mr S was at home.

Mr J was admitted to hospital and initially said he had no need of the service, but during the course of the conversation told the co-ordinator that he was the main carer for his wife. He was very worried about her as they had no family to care for her and he had no mobile phone reception to contact anyone to let them know she was home alone. The co-ordinator contacted the GP on Mr J’s behalf who then organised a temporary care package for his wife, while he was in hospital. She then arranged LINK transport for Mrs J so that she could visit her husband in hospital. Once Mr J was discharged, the co-ordinator contacted them at home to check that they were both managing, which they were.


Home from Hospital

We saw 294 people in the first three months of the new service

Home from Hospital Co-ordinators can be contacted directly:Great Western Hospital, Swindon – Alan Docherty, Tel: 07442 490318Salisbury District Hospital – Debbie Loader, Tel: 07936 482919Royal United Hospital, Bath – Dawn Langsford, Tel: 07442 490319H

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contact us


Fundraising Updates

On the 11 December we ran a stall at Salisbury Christmas Market. From 8am until 8pm staff and volunteers supervised the stand in very wet and windy conditions! Carers, volunteers and three creative carer groups had worked throughout the year to create a variety of goods, ranging from Christmas bunting and tree decorations to hats, gloves and scarves. Volunteers from the Rank organisation helped out by knitting and decorating dozens of Christmas trees which were then made up into bunting. 12 volunteers helped out on the day to create an attractive stand, man it for 12 hours and take it all down at the end of the day. Apart from raising £200 for Carer Support Wiltshire, the event also helped to raise our profile amongst the hundreds of people who visited the market. Thank you to everyone who was involved!

A Wiltshire Passport gives you access to discounts at participating cafes, hair and beauty salons, garages, theatres, leisure centres and retailers across Wiltshire. Visit bit.ly/wiltspassport. Participating businesses include: Abracadabra Cleaning Afternoon Chi Ashley Garage Awdry Bailey & Douglas Solicitors Blake & Bull BodyTech Auto Service Britten Weddings Cheryl Charrett-Dykes Hypnotherapy Chippenham Gifts and Cards Church Street Practice DAC Stationery David W Mason Chiropody D C Leisure Centres Edwards Stationery Elegant Extras Firefly Heating Services Flowers in Focus Foxy Hair Design Fresh Oven Cleaning Gompels Care Shop Goughs Solicitors Hayball Cycle Sport JAS Hair and Beauty Lifestyle and Mobility Lindsays Linens Ltd Nells Naturelle Cleaners Sahara Carpet Cleaning Salisbury Arts Centre Salisbury Playhouse Subway Melksham The Beauty Boutique The Cat’s Whiskers The Number One Coffee Shop The Wedding Garter Co TLC Tracy’s Craft Shop Wiltshire Council Leisure Centres Wylye Coyotes Afterschool Club

Every carer who registers with us for a Carers Emergency Card is eligible for a Wiltshire Passport. For more details, please call Emma on 0800 066 5068.

Salisbury Christmas Market

The Wiltshire Passport: Helping you save money!

National Gardens Scheme: Open Garden EventsHeld regularly throughout the year, nationwideWhy not visit a beautiful Wiltshire garden? Some of the money raised goes to the Carers Trust which provides grants to carers. Visit: www.ngs.org.uk

‘Walk A Mile In My Shoes’ Sponsored WalkSaturday 13 June 2015 - 2:00pmThis will be a short sponsored walk to raise funds and awareness for Carer Support Wiltshire. For more information, see p.9. An Audience with Christopher Biggins Saturday 24 October 2015 - 8:00pm That well known celebrity of both stage and screen, and winner of I’m A Celebrity 2007, will be putting on an evening show in aid of Carer Support Wiltshire! It will be held at the Salberg Studio of Salisbury Playhouse. Biggins, who started his career in Salisbury, is best known for his roles in Porridge and the Rocky Horror Picture Show as well as being a popular star in pantomimes around the country. Members of the audience will have the opportunity to ask him questions and even take a selfie with him after the show! Details of how to buy tickets will be published in our next newsletter.

Fundraising Events

For just £12 a year you have the chance to win a cash prize in June, September, December and January. The more people that join, the bigger the prizes!

Please make cheques (PLEASE DO NOT SEND CASH) payable to Carer Support Wiltshire and send them to ILC, St George’s Road, Semington, Trowbridge BA14 6JQ

£12 enclosed from: Name: Telephone Number: Address: Last Winners: September 2014 £30: 107 £20: 9 £10: 104 Christmas 2014 £60: 37 £45: 3 £30: 36 January 2015 £36: 8 £24: 73 £12: 39

Join our 200 Club for a chance to win up to £60!

With kind thanks to our principal funders...

Require large print or audio format? Contact Fiona, Communications Officer, on the number below or email [email protected].

Kind Words...

Keep in touch...

Freephone 0800 181 4118 (01380 871690 from a mobile) Email [email protected] Website www.carersinwiltshire.co.uk Twitter @carerswiltshire Facebook /carerswiltshire

Social Care Out of Hours Emergency Duty Number 0845 607 0888

The Wiltshire BOBBY VAN Trust provides a FREE HOME SECURITY SERVICE for older, vulnerable and disadvantaged people living in Wiltshire and Swindon. If you are 60+ or vulnerable due to a disability and would like the Bobby Van to visit you, please ring: 01225 794652, visit www.wiltshirebobbyvan.org.uk or email [email protected] Bobby Van Trust is an independent charity - Registered Charity No. 1153790

Dear Carer Support Wiltshire,

You have changed my life completely. I recently told my sister to register with you because your help and support has made me feel like I’m not alone. You really have changed my life for the better.

Carer Support Wiltshire, Independent Living Centre, St George’s Road, Semington, Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 6JQ and at 15 New Street, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 2PH

Registered Charity No. 1092762 Company Limited by Guarantee 4415685

If you are no longer a carer, or no longer want our newsletter, please let us know.

We have given our What’s On Guide a new look! Activities and groups are listed by type instead of area of the county. Please let us know what you think! Keep an eye on the What’s On page of our website for all the latest events: bit.ly/whatsonwilts

What’s Inside?

P.2 Afternoon Teas / Golf Mornings P.3 Days Out P.4 Complementary therapies P.5 Therapies / Book Group P.6 Gardening & Walking GroupsP.7 Support GroupsP.8 Mental Health Carer GroupsP.9 Parent Carer GroupsP.10 Carers CafésP.12 Creative Carers

How to book:

Freephone: 0800 181 4118 / 01380 871690Email : [email protected]: bit.ly/whatsonwilts

Please let us know if you can no longer attend an activity you have booked onto. We know that your caring role can change at short notice but if you tell us it means we can offer your place to another carer on the waiting list.

All group and café dates are correct at the time of going to print.

What’s On GuideGroups & Events from April - September 2015

2 www.carersinwiltshire.co.uk What’s On Guide April - September 2015 April - September 2015 What’s On Guide www.carersinwiltshire.co.uk 3

Carers Breaks

Summer Afternoon Teas

Come along and enjoy a delicious cream tea at a beautiful venue in Wiltshire. Please book by 29 May.

Howard’s House Hotel, Teffont Evias Wednesday 8 July

A charming country hotel nestled in the heart of an idyllic village in Wiltshire.Address: Teffont Evias, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP3 5RJ Time: 3:30pm

Cleeve House, Seend Thursday 9 July

A picturesque mansion built in 1857 set in six acres of beautiful gardens.Address: Trowbridge Rd, Seend, Wiltshire SN12 6PG Time: 2:30pm

Farleigh Hungerford Farm Shop Wednesday 22 July

A lovely farm shop cafe nestled amongst fields jut over the border in Somerset.Address: Farleigh Road, Bath, Avon BA2 7NG Time: 2:30pm

Cricklade House Hotel Thursday 30 July

A hotel standing in over 30 acres of secluded grounds near the Cotswolds.Address: Common Hill, Cricklade SN6 6HA Time: 2:30pm

Driving Range Golfing Mornings

Come and get 45 minutes free golf tuitition from a PGA professional. No previous experience is needed and golf balls and equipment will be available to borrow on the day. Comfortable, flat footwear is advisable. Please book by 17 April.

Salisbury Golf Driving Range on Wednesday 29 April, 10:00am 1 Cricket Field Cottages, Wilton Road, Salisbury SP2 9NY

Bassett Down Golf Driving Range on Thursday 7 May, 10:00amLower Salthrop, nr. Swindon, Wiltshire SN4 9QW


Days Out

Stourhead House & Gardens, Wiltshire Tuesday 19 May, 9:30am - 3:45pm Enjoy the beautiful surroundings of this National Trust estate which includes a Palladian mansion, the acres of farmland and a tranquil lake. Pick-up: 9:30am in Salisbury Run by: Salisbury Minibuses

Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset Wednesday 20 May, first pick-up 9:10am For those who love to be beside the seaside. Ride a donkey, visit the flagship Grand Pier, or stroll along the beach. Breathe in the fresh sea air and relax. Pick-ups: 9:10am Marlborough; 9:30am Calne; 9:45am Chippenham Run by: Barnes Coaches

Bournemouth, Dorset Wednesday 29 July, first pick-up 8:40am Another for the seaside lovers! There is plenty to see and do in this part of the pictureqesue Jurrasic Coast. Have an ice cream, play crazy golf, or both! Pick-ups: 8:00am Trowbridge and local villages, then Westbury, Warminster Run by: Chandlers Coaches

How to bookOur carers breaks are always very popular and places do go quickly.To book, please call 0800 181 4118 or email [email protected].

Dietary requirements: Let us know of any particular requests when booking an afternoon tea.

Days out: We will fund your place on the coach. Non-carers are able to go on the public trips to Weston-Super-Mare or Bournemouth, but we will give you the contact information so you can book this directly with the coach company. The Stourhead trip is for carers only and please be aware that some of the ground is steep and uneven in places.

If our activities don’t suit your needs, let us know. We may be able to help with a time out grant.

Images: William Starkey, lechona, NotFromUtrecht, Robert Courtman


Complementary Therapies

Enjoying a complementary therapy can help you to relax, balance your mind and have some time just for you.

Carers can have up to 3 sessions in a 12 month period but availability is limited. In order to be fair, priority will be given to those who have not had a therapy before. If you have had sessions in the last 12 months you may initially be placed on a waiting list with appointments offered, subject to availability, nearer the date of the therapy.

Chippenham: IHM, reflexology, back & neck massage

Venue: Equilibrium, 1 Forest Gate, Chippenham SN15 3RSTimes: 50min/1hr appointments on Mondays between 10:00am - 1:00pmDates: 11 May, 29 June, 27 July, 17 August, Wednesday 2 September

Malmesbury: IHM, reflexology, back & neck massage Venue: Malmesbury Primary Care Centre, Priory Way, Malmesbury SN16 0FBTimes: 50min/1hr appointments on Thursdays between 10:00am - 1:00pmDates: 23 April, 7 May, 2 July, 23 July, 13 August

Malmesbury School Hair and Beauty – Clients required! Yr11 students in the Hair and Beauty salon require clients on a Thursday and Friday morning from 9:30am – 10:30am for manicures, facials, shampooing and conditioning. All treatments will be supervised. There is no charge but donations are welcome. Call 01666 829772 to book.

Melksham: Deep tissue massage A Remedial Sports Therapist has very kindly offered to provide six sessions of deep tissue massage to carers. The treatment is particularly good for specific aches, pains and injuries. The sessions will be fortnightly and allocated on a first come, first served basis. Please contact us for more information.

Royal Wootton Bassett: IHM, reflexology, back & neck massage Venue: Natural Health Clinic, 128 High Street, R. Wootton Bassett SN4 7NYTimes: 50min/1hr appointments on Mondays between 10:00am - 1:00pmDates: 27 April, 18 May, 6 July


Therapies / Book Group

Salisbury: Head & shoulder or foot massage, or reflexology Venue: Carer Support Wiltshire, 15 New Street, Salisbury SP1 2PHTimes: 45 min appointments on Thursdays between 10:00am - 3:15pmDates: 2 April, 7 May, 4 June, 2 July, 30 July, 3 September

Semington Venue: Carer Support Wiltshire, ILC, St George’s Road, Semington BA14 6JQTimes: 30min appointments on Thursdays between 9:30am - 4:00pm

Dates and therapies: 30 April - Indian Head Massage 30 July - Manicures 28 May - Facials 27 August - Back Massage with oils25 June - Reflexology 24 September - Aromatherapy Massage

Warminster

Venue: Warminster Library, Three Horseshoes Walk, Warminster BA12 9BTTimes: 30 min appointments on Tuesdays between 10:00am - 1:00pm

Dates and therapies: 14 April - Back Massage (11-2pm) 14 July - Reflexology 12 May - Reflexology 11 August - Back Massage9 June - Back Massage 8 September - Reflexology

Book Group 2:00 - 3:30pm This is a group led by carers for book lovers held at Devizes Library on the 2nd Friday of the month. Copies of books are supplied by the library free of charge. What’s more, there’s always delicious cake. Call 0800 181 4118 for more details.

Please make the therapist aware if you have a medical condition. Please also note that therapies are not appropriate during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.


Hobby Groups

Gardening Group Visits to local pretty gardens for green-fingered folk!

Stowell House Gardens, nr. Marlborough

Date: Thursday 23 April Time: 10:30am - 12:30pmDetails: Relax on a guided tour of Stowell House Gardens with resident head gardener Richard Lewis taking in an abundance of spring cherry blossom.

Bowood House Rhododendron Garden, nr. Chippenham

Date: Thursday 4 June Time: 11:00am arrival to sign-inDetails: This spectacular attraction offers breathtaking vistas of azaleas, magnolias and rhododendrons. Limited places so you must book in advance.

Beggar’s Knoll Chinese Gardens, nr. Westbury

Date: Thursday 30 July Time: 10:30am - 12:30pmDetails: Enjoy a visit and guided tour of the rare Chinese Gardens by kind invitation of owners Colin and Sally.

Walking Group All abilities are welcome - you set the pace!

Westwoods, nr. Marlborough (meet at the woods)

Date: Thursday 7 May Time: 10:30am - 12:30pmDetails: A guided walk through the woods and carpet of beautiful bluebells.

Woodborough, nr. Pewsey (meet at the Garden Centre)

Date: Thursday 9 July Time: 10:30am - 12:30pmDetails: A circular walk in the countryside with the chance to Pick Your Own.

Savernake Forest, nr. Marlborough (meet at Postern Hill)

Date: Thursday 10 September Time: 10:30am - 12:30pmDetails: A historical walk through the enchanted Savernake Forest.


Support Groups

These are monthly groups which are open to all carers.

The groups have a speaker at each one to talk about a wide range of topics. There is always a support worker onhand to help you and discuss any difficulties you have.

KeyWays To Cope: Ideas on how to feel OK in your caring role.Money: Tips on how to better manage your money and finances.Have Your Say: How you can get your voice heard as a carer.Care Act: What is it and what does it mean for carers?

Chippenham 1st Thursday of the month

Venue: Sheldon Methodist Church, Audley Road, Chippenham SN14 0DU Time: 2:30 - 4:30pm Dates: 2 April - Ways To Cope; 7 May - Money; 4 June - Have Your Say; 2 July- Relaxation; 6 August - Free session; 3 September - Care Act

Devizes 3rd Tuesday of the month

Venue: The Bear Hotel, Market Place, Devizes SN10 1HS Time: 10:30am - 12:30pm Dates: 21 April - Have Your Say 19 May - Relaxation; 16 June - Free session; 21 July - Care Act; 18 August - Ways To Cope; 15 September - Money

Salisbury Last Tuesday of the month

Venue: Carer Support Wiltshire, 15 New Street, Salisbury SP1 2PH Time: 10:30am - 12:30pm Dates: 28 April - Free session; 26 May - Have Your Say; 30 June - Relaxation;28 July - Money; 25 August - Care Act; 29 September - Ways To Cope

Trowbridge 3rd Wednesday of the month

Venue: United Church, Church Street, Trowbridge BA14 8DY Time: 2:00 - 4:00pm Dates: 15 April - Free session; 20 May - Care Act; 17 June - Ways To Cope;15 July - Money; 19 August - Have Your Say; 16 September - Relaxation


Mental Health CarersAre you caring for someone who has mental health problems? You might be interested in coming to one of our groups or drop-ins to get some advice and support.

Groups

Chippenham 10:30am - 12:00pm

Venue: Sheldon Methodist Church, Audley Road, Chippenham SN14 0DU Dates: 8 April, 10 June, 12 August

Salisbury 10:30am - 12:00pm

Venue: Carer Support Wiltshire, 15 New Street, Salisbury SP1 2PH Dates: 20 May, 15 July, 16 September

Salisbury 7:00 - 9:00pm Venue: Carer Support Wiltshire, 15 New Street, Salisbury SP1 2PHDates: 9 April, 14 May, 11 June, 9 July, 13 August, 10 SeptemberThis group is run with Rethink.

We are looking to provide further support for mental health carers (see below).

Drop-ins

Green Lane Hospital, Devizes

Due to low attendance at this drop-in we have taken the decision to cancel this session. We would like to develop further mental health support in the east and west of the county. If you have any ideas or feedback, please contact Maureen on 0800 181 4118 or [email protected].

Salisbury Medical Practice 5:00 - 6:30pm

2nd Tuesday of the month at Fountain Way, Wilton Road, Salisbury SP1 2PH.


Parent CarersWe organise some groups especially for people who are caring for a child or young adult. Come along to share useful information and experiences with other parent carers and chat with one of our carer support workers*.

We have a brand new group launching in Marlborough!

North Wiltshire Group 10:00am - 12:00pm

Venue: The Beacon Centre, Sheldon Methodist Church, Audley Road, Chippenham SN14 0DU Dates: 13 May, 8 July, 9 September

Devizes Group 10:00am - 12:00pm

Venue: Nursteed Centre, Nursteed Road, Devizes SN10 3AF Dates: 14 April*, 12 May, 9 June*, 14 July, 8 September

Marlborough Group 10:00am - 12:00pm

Venue: Marlborough Rugby Club, The Common, Marlborough SN8 1DL Dates: 21 April, 19 May, 21 July, 15 September

Salisbury Group 10:00am - 12:00pm

Venue: Carer Support Wiltshire, 15 New Street, Salisbury SP1 2PH Dates: 13 May, 8 July, 9 September

West Wiltshire Group 9:30 - 11:30am

Venue: Crosspoint, Market Place, Westbury BA13 3DE Dates: 29 April*, 20 May, 24 June*, 22 July, 30 September

*The dates of these meetings are led by parent carers and are not funded by Carer Support Wiltshire. These meetings do not have a carer support worker present.


Carers CafésEnjoy a chat with other carers in your area over a cuppa or two. You are welcome to stay for as little or as long as you are able to. Calne 4th Wednesday of the month

Venue: The Lansdowne Strand Hotel, The Strand, Calne SN11 0EH Time: 10:30am - 12:00pm Dates: 22 April, 27 May, 24 June, 22 July, 26 August, 23 September

Chippenham 3rd Monday of the month

Venue: The Angel Hotel, 8 Market Place, Chippenham SN15 3HD Time: 10:30am - 12:00pm Dates: 20 April, 18 May, 15 June, 20 July, 17 August, 21 September

Corsham 3rd Wednesday of the month

Venue: The Methuen Arms, High Street, Corsham SN13 0HB Time: 10:30am - 12:00pm Dates: 15 April, 20 May, 17 June, 15 July, 19 August, 16 September

Devizes 1st Wednesday of the month

Venue: The Bear Hotel, Market Place, Devizes SN10 1HS Time: 10:30am - 12:00pm Dates: 1 April, 6 May, 3 June, 1 July, 5 August, 2 September

Durrington 2nd Wednesday of the month

Venue: The Stonehenge Inn, 2 Stonehenge Road, Durrington SP4 8BN Time: 2:00 - 3:30pm Dates: 8 April, 13 May, 10 June, 8 July, 12 August, 9 September

Ludgershall 1st Tuesday of the month

Venue: The Queen’s Head, High Street, Ludgershall SP11 9PZ Time: 2:30 - 4:00pm Dates: 7 April, 5 May, 2 June, 7 July, 4 August, 1 September


Carers Cafés (ctd.)

Malmesbury 4th Thursday of the month

Venue: The Kings Arms Hotel, High Street, Malmesbury SN16 9AA Time: 10:30am - 12:00pm Dates: 23 April, 28 May, 25 June, 23 July, 27 August, 24 September

Melksham 1st Thursday of the month

Venue: The Kings Arms, 20 Market Place, Melksham SN12 6EX Time: 10:30am - 12:00pm Dates: 2 April, 7 May, 4 June, 2 July, 6 August, 3 September

Royal Wootton Bassett 2nd Thursday of the month

Venue: The Angel Hotel, High Street, Royal Wootton Bassett SN4 7AQ Time: 10:30am - 12:00pm Dates: 9 April, 14 May, 11 June, 9 July, 13 August, 10 September

Salisbury 3rd Tuesday of the month

Venue: The Red Lion Hotel, Milford Street, Salisbury SP1 2AN Time: 10:30am - 12:00pm Dates: 14 April, 19 May, 16 June, 21 July, 18 August, 15 September

Tisbury 3rd Tuesday of the month

Venue: Beatons Tea Rooms, The Square, Tisbury SP3 6JP Time: 10:30am - 12:00pm Dates: 14 April, 19 May, 16 June, 21 July, 18 August, 15 September

Trowbridge 1st Monday of the month

Venue: Palmer Gardens Café, Islington, Trowbridge BA14 8QJ Time: 2:00 - 3:30pm Dates: 27 April*, 1 June, 6 July, 3 August, 7 September *As the April and May dates fall on Bank Holidays, there will be a meeting on 27 April instead.

Carers Cafés (ctd.) / Creative Carers

Warminster last Tuesday of the month

Venue: Magpie Café, 6 East Street, Warminster BA12 9BN Time: 2:00 - 3:30pm Dates: 28 April, 26 May, 30 June, 28 July, 25 August, 29 September

Westbury 2nd Tuesday of the month

Venue: Madame Butterfly Café, 16 Maristow Street, Westbury BA13 3DN Time: 10:30am - 12:00pm Dates: 14 April, 12 May, 9 June, 14 July, 11 August, 8 September

Creative Carers

Do you enjoy arts and crafts? Whether you are a beginner or not, come along and join in with our fun creative groups!

Chippenham 11:00am - 2:00pm

Venue: Pewsham Community Centre, Lodge Road, Chippenham SN15 3GEActivities: Friday 1 May: Textile crafts

Devizes 10:00am - 1:00pm

Venue: Friends Meeting House, Sussex Wharf, Devizes SN10 2AEActivities: Thursday 2 April - Glass painting; Thursday 2 July - Decoupage

Salisbury 11:00am - 2:00pm

Venue: Carer Support Wiltshire, 15 New Street, Salisbury SP1 2PHActivities: Monday 13 April - Card making; Monday 11 May - Art Class;Monday 8 June - Group collage: Carers Week theme;Monday 13 July - Flower arranging; Monday 10 August - Art Class;Monday 14 September - Tealight holders

There are more dates to be confirmed for Chippenham. Contact Carrie on 0800 181 4118 or email [email protected] for more details.

Documents

CSW Spring/Summer 2015 Newsletter & What's On Guide