Carers Connected

November 2018

Carers Connected

March 2019

Welcome to the March edition of our newsletter 'Carers Connected'.This newsletter is released monthly, giving you our latest news and letting you know what is happening in the weeks ahead to support you in your caring role. If you do have any feedback about how this newsletter can be developed in the future, we would love to hear from you. Email your feedback to hannah.white@suffolkfamilycarers.org.

Hot topic

Find out how carer experiences are helping health and social care in Suffolk decide what happens next As family carers, your experiences are so important to the future development and change of health and social care services in Suffolk. That's why you are invited to come along and find out how carer experiences are helping health and social care in Suffolk decide what happens next - come and help shape carers services in Suffolk. Tuesday 2nd April 2019 10am-11.30am at Blackbourne Community Centre, 71 Blackbourne Rd, Elmswell, Bury St Edmunds IP30 9GY. Thursday 25th April 2019 1.30-3pm at The Kirkley Centre,154 London Road South, Lowestoft, Suffolk. NR33 0AZ. Wednesday 1st May 2019 1.30-3pm at Kesgrave Community & Conference Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich, IP5 1JF. For more information and to book your place, please use this link https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/event/302442. For more information about booking and help to attend, contact family.carers@suffolk.gov.uk or call Helen Robinson on 01473 260354.

Latest news from us

The Suffolk Serving Families Project launched on 14th February after Suffolk Family Carers successfully received a two year grant from the Armed Forces Covenant- Families In Stress Fund. Kate Hinchliff, Military Families Project Lead, said ‘We have lots of serving armed forces families in Suffolk, and this project will enable us to identify the family carers within those families and help them access support in their caring roles. We are delighted to be here at Wattisham launching this project, and keen to also develop working relationships with welfare staff at RAF Honnington and Rock Barracks in Woodbridge, to ensure serving families on these bases, and those living in the community receive support, information and guidance.’ There was a significant turn out for the event which included high ranking officers, Lt Col English and Lt Col Brown from Wattisham Flying Station, Col (Retd) John Ogden – Suffolk Armed Forces Commissioner, representatives from each of the armed forces family federations, representatives from the local community, including Cllr Linda Baxter - Stowmarket Town Mayor, staff from the Department of Work and Pensions, Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust, Sandra Bromley from Suffolk Royal British Legion, Wattisham Welfare staff and families. All witnessed Sarah Potter, Mental Health & Wellbeing Service Manager from Suffolk Family Carers, sign the Armed Forces Convenant to pledge their commitment to armed forces and their families. Is your home safe from fire? Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS)SFRS are dedicated to saving lives by working with the community, discussing fire safety. Safer home visitA FREE visit by a specialist Prevention Practitioner, Community Fire Volunteer or operational crew to offer advice to eliminate or reduce the risk of a fire occurring in your home. Free smoke alarms can also be fitted if you do not have them. There are six simple steps you can take to reduce a fire in your home1. Protect your home with working smoke alarms - install smoke alarms and test them every week2. Take extra care in the kitchen - Over 50% of accidental house fires start in the kitchen3. Check your electrics - check and maintain your electrical appliances4. Smoke safe (if you must smoke at all) - put them out, right out5. Make sure you sleep safe - a bedtime safety routine can reduce the risk of fire whilst you are asleep6. Plan a safe escape - make sure you know how to get out of your home in an emergencyFor more information about a safer home visit, please call Fire Business Support on 01473 260588.

We are now included on induction programme for new Doctors at Ipswich Hospital On 13th February, staff and family carers delivered a presentation to junior Doctors in their first year of training at Ipswich Hospital. Due to its success, the presentation will now be included in the mandatory induction training for all junior Doctors at the hospital going forward. We are incredibly proud of this achievement and honored to be working in partnership with Ipswich Hospital to continue to raise awareness of family carers and highlight just how important they are in the hospital setting. The membership office at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) need youWe recently met with The Membership Service, which runs Ipswich and Colchester Hospitals, and there is an exciting opportunity coming your way. They are planning for the future of health and care at the moment as what they do now will have an impact on the care you, the person you care for, and your family receive over the next 5, 10 or even 20 years. They would like family carers' voices to be a major part of this planning, so they can ensure what they are doing meet your needs. There are many ways you can have your say, but one of the best ways is to become a member of the organisation. The organisation is held to account by a council of governors, who the members elect to represent them and ensure they take into account the views of the people living in the area they serve. Membership is FREE and you will receive regular updates from them, as well as opportunities to be involved if you wish, right up to standing for election as governor. You will also get access to NHS Discounts. To join, all they need is your name, address and an up-to-date email address. Very few trusts across the country are actively building their membership right now, so this would be a great chance for you to get involved. If you are interested in becoming a member, please use this link to find out more https://www.esneft.nhs.uk/get-involved/become-a-member/ Dementia friendly swim taster sessionAs part of the 125th birthday celebrations at Fore Street swimming pool in Ipswich, they are running a dementia friendly swimming taster session on 23rd March between 10-10.50am. If you care for someone with Dementia, this might be a great way to get out and meet others, as well as enjoy the swimming pool as the weather warms up.For more information, please contact Fore Street Swimming Pool in Ipswich directly on 01473 433655.

FREE caravan breaks for family carers As the warmer weather approaches, we wanted to take the opportunity to inform you that Suffolk Family Carers has a static caravan at Kessingland Beach Holiday Park, which is available to hire for short family breaks. Breaks are available free of charge to registered family carers, although a suggested donation of £50 towards the caravan's site and maintenance fees would be gratefully accepted. More details about the park itself can be found here: https://www.park-resorts.com/holiday-parks/east-anglia-and-lincolnshire/kessingland-beach/ The caravan has 3 bedrooms with a pull out bed in the living area, and sleeps a maximum of 8 people. The caravan is fully equipped for a family stay with a large lockable decking area. All we ask is that you take your own bedding, pillows, sheets (or sleeping bag & pillow), towels and tea towels. We do not have the funds available to pay for a cleaner and laundry service between uses, so we ask that the caravan is cleaned to prior to your departure ready for the next family to use.Sadly the caravan is not wheelchair accessible as there are 3 small steps with handrail to gain access. Unfortunately pets are not allowed to stay at the caravan due to potential allergies of other users. The caravan site is open all year round but the entertainment and amenities are closed during the winter months. Families with school aged young carers take priority during school holidays but the caravan is available to hire for all carers during term time & weekends If you would like to book a short break, or require more information, please contact the Young Carers team on 01473 835430 or email young.carer@suffolkfamilycarers.org

Sarah's story

Sarah cares for her mother, aged 75, who has been sectioned and now has severe Depression, Agoraphobia and experiences panic attacks. She also has a weak chest, and has had pneumonia, which has led to end of life care. Sarah describes her mother as being lonely, demanding and needing to be the centre of attention. She has been her mother's carer since she was 14 and is the only person her mother will accept help from. Sarah said of her caring role. “It’s like treading on eggshells.”

Dates for your diary

Community Connector - new dates in MarchThe Community Connector Project is available for a private face-to-face discussion with anyone who feels stuck in a rut and needs support to get more active or more involved in their local community. The Community Connector asks ‘what matters to you?’ and not ‘what is the matter with you?’. To find out more and to get an appointment, pop along to the bus (dates below - all dates are 10am-2pm) or call 01473 835445. Tuesday 12th March - Holbrook Community Car Park, The Street, Holbrook IP9 2PZWednesday 13th March - Woodlands, Chelmondiston, IP9 1DUTuesday 19th March - Birch Drive, Brantham CO11 1TGWednesday 20th March - Shotley Village Hall, The Street, Shotley, IP9 1LXTuesday 26th March - Stutton Village Hall, Manningtree Road Stutton, IP9 2TAWednesday 27th March - East Bergholt Surgery, Heath Road, Colchester, CO7 6RT Ipswich Hospital pharmacy at the Carers CabinThe Ipswich Hospital pharmacy is visiting the Carers Cabin onThursday 7th March 2-5pm, to answer any questions you, or theperson you care for, may have about medication.

Our adviser visited Sarah at home to complete a Carers Assessment, which led to discussions about how her caring role impacts on her own mental and physical health. She had in fact had a re-occurrence of suicidal thoughts. Sarah was referred to local support services and registered for the Suffolk Family Carers Caring with Confidence course. Sarah also had concerns about her finances, so she agreed to contact local Citizens Advice for a welfare benefit check. Our adviser applied for £500 carers personal budget, as Sarah desperately wanted to go and visit her daughter at University, who she rarely sees. Following our visit and follow up contact, Sarah says she no longer feels so isolated and was in fact now much more hopeful for the future. She was excited about seeing her daughter as the visit would give her a break and allow her to spend quality time with her daughter, which she felt would boost her mental health. She is now aware of the services that exist locally and feels much better just for talking about her situation and knowing that help is available.

Do you care for someone affected by drugs and/or alcohol?Redressing the balanceA NEW two hour workshop designed especially for those caring for someone affected by drugs and/or alcohol in Suffolk. It will explore how we might lose ourselves when supporting someone with a substance misuse problem, and look at how we can redress the balance. The workshop will take place at The Kirkley Centre in Lowestoft on Monday 25th March 10am-12pm. Refreshments will be provided free of charge. Places are limited, so if you would like to book your place, please contact Juanita Rampley by telephone 01473 835411 or email subsmisuse@suffolkfamilycarers.org. Relaxation sessions for family carers - Time For You is a NEW relaxation session for family carers of people with mental health difficulties. The sessions will include Reflexology, hand massage, Indian Head Massage, cranial relaxation techniques, Acupressure Massage, Reiki, as well as an introduction to mindfulness. These will be run by Natalie and Dawn from Workplace Serenity as well as Stacey from Heart of The Matter. The sessions will take place at The Carlton, 564 London Road South, Lowestoft on the 1st Monday of each month 10.30am-2pm.You will need to book your place for the mindfulness taster sessions as places are limited. To book, please email liftloudfordanny@gmail.com. Local groups for youLocal groups are a great way to meet other family carers. For further information about a specific group, please contact the facilitator of that group as listed below. Bildeston group 1.30-3.30pm - Bildeston Health Centre, IP7 7EX. Last Tuesday of each monthContact Louise Bissett 01449 740254 or email louise.bissett@nhs.netBury St Edmunds group 1-3pm - Mount Farm Surgery, IP32 7EW. First Thursday of each monthContact Maureen on 01284 762985 or Robert rghbourne@gmail.comBury St Edmunds Wellbeing group 6-8pm - The Oakes Barn, Community Meeting Room, St Andrews St South, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3PH. Last Tuesday of each monthContact Bev Stearn on 01473 835455/07766367021 or email bev.stearn@suffolkfamilycarers.orgClaydon craft & tea 1-4pm - Unit 9, Hill View Business Park, Claydon, IP6 0AJ. Third Monday of each monthContact Irene Davis on 01473 652303 or email irene.davis2009@googlemail.com

Family carer support groups

Eye group 1-3pm - The Eye Bowls Club, IP23 7HW. First Monday of each monthContact Katrina on 07867844702Family Carers Trauma Support - 10am-1pm - The Cedars, Needham Road, Stowmarket, IP14 2AJ. First Saturday of each month An independent family carer peer support group sharing information and support to help manage the impact of trauma and secondary trauma within the family. Open to family carers supporting people affected by trauma and/or those family carers experiencing secondary trauma.Contact Lizzie Cross on 07818891344 or email lizziecross67@yahoo.co.ukFelixstowe & villages group 1-3pm - The Community Hub, Maidstone Road, IP11 9EF. Second Monday of each monthContact Dennis Weston on 01473 832591 or email dennisweston.49@btinternet.comHadleigh group - 2-3.30pm - Hadleigh Pool & Leisure, Stonehouse Road, Hadleigh, IP7 5BH. Last Tuesday of each monthContact Jill Mason and her team on 01473 823470Haverhill group 1-3pm - Chestnut Room, The Burton Centre, CB9 8HB. Fourth Thursday of each monthContact Jo on 07711669386 or email dwendell@btinternet.comIpswich group 2-3.30pm - 19 Tower Street, IP1 3BE. Second Wednesday of each monthContact Mary Quinton on 01473 742839Long Melford group 10.30-12pm - The Bull Hotel, CO10 9JG. Second Monday of each monthContact Diane Poulter on 01787 375833Mildenhall group 1-3pm - Market Cross Surgery, IP28 7EG. Third Monday of each monthContact James on 01638 750847 or email jamescalvert276@btinternet.comNeedham Market group 10.30-12.30pm - Community Centre, School St, Needham IP6 8BB. Second & fourth TuesdayContact Amanda King on 01449 258418Newmarket group 1.30-3.30pm. The Rookery Medical Centre, CB8 8NW. Second Thursday of each monthContact James on 01638 750847 or email jamescalvert276@btinternet.comStowmarket group 1.30-3pm - Hillside Community Centre, IP14 2BD. First Thursday of each monthContact Liz on 07936380127Sudbury group 1.30-3.30pm - Sudbury Community Health Centre, Church Field Road, CO10 2DZ. Second Tuesday of each monthContact Chris Proffitt on 01787 374289Wickhambrook group 1.30-3.30pm - Wickhambrook Memorial Centre, Cemetery Road, CB8 8XR. First Wednesday of each monthContact Gloria 07581712421 or Ruth on 01440 820631Woodbridge group 1.30-3pm - Framfield Medical Centre, Ipswich Road, IP12 4FD. Third Tuesday of each monthContact Fiona Baker on 01394 384028

Groups for family carers who care for someone with mental health difficulties - to find out more about these groups, please contact the Suffolk Family Carers' mental health team on 01473 835420. Lowestoft group - Coconut Loft, 8 Waterloo Road, Lowestoft, NR33 0AAStowmarket group - 10.30am - 12.30pm - Richmond Fellowship, Cricket Meadow, The Lounge, 9 Finborough Road, Stowmarket, IP14 1PNSudbury group - 2-4pm - The Bridge Project, 20 Gainsborough Street, Sudbury, CO10 2EU

GP surgery drop-in's

Support in GP SurgeriesWe are working in GP surgeries to support family carers.Working in partnership with mainly West Suffolk GP surgeries, our GP family carer advisers are scheduled to spend time in GP surgeries, as detailed below. They are in the surgery to help people identify as family carers, provide information & guidance & raise awareness.You are welcome to drop in. Please note: sometimes our Advisers may be in a quiet room talking to another family carer, usually near the end of a session. Advisers scheduled time at surgeryBotesdale Health Centre - Botesdale, Diss - First Monday of each month 9am-12pmBury St Edmunds - Mount Farm Surgery - First Thursday of each month 9am-12pmBury St Edmunds - Victoria Surgery - Fourth Wednesday of each month 9am-12pmBrandon Medical Centre (Elbourne Surgery) - Second Wednesday of each month 9am-12pmBrandon - Forest Surgery - Fourth Tuesday of each month 9am-12pmClare - Guildhall Surgery - Second Monday of the month 9am-12pmGt Cornard - Cornard Surgery - Third Thursday of each month 9am-12pmGlemsford Surgery - Sudbury - Third Thursday of each month 9am-12pmHadleigh Health Centre - Hadleigh - Third Tuesday of each month 9am-12pmHaverhill Health Centre - Haverhill - Fourth Thursday of each month 9am-12pmLakenheath Surgery - First Wednesday of each month 9am-12pmLavenham - Long Melford Practice - Fourth Wednesday of each month 9am-12pmLong Melford Practice - Lavenham - Second Tuesday of each month 9am-12pmMildenhall - Market Cross Surgery - Third Monday of each month 9am-12pmNewmarket - Rookery Medical Centre - 2nd Thursday morning & fourth Monday all dayNewmarket - Orchard House Surgery - First Thursday of each month 9am-12pmNewmarket - Oakfield Surgery - Third Wednesday of each month 9am-12pmRed Lodge - Reynard Surgery - Third Monday of each month 9am-12pmSudbury - Hardwicke House Surgery - Second Monday of each month 9am-12pmSudbury - Siam Surgery - Second Tuesday of each month 9am-12pmStowmarket - Stowhealth - Third Wednesday of each month 9am-12pmWickhambrook Surgery - First Tuesday of each month 9am-12pmWoolpit Health Centre - Third Tuesday morning & fourth Thursday morning 9am-12pm

Family carer one-to-one sessionsYou can also have a private face-to-face discussion at one of the surgeries listed above, or if you live in West Suffolk. These private appointments are normally held in the GP surgery you attend, however, if this is not possible, other arrangements can be made. If you would like more information, please call 01473 835407. Our admin staff work part time so please leave a message and we will get back to you within a few days.

Latest courses from us

Support programmes for family carersWe are currently in the process of planning our programmes in for April, May and June. Once these are confirmed, we will be sending out full details to people on our waiting lists and advertising them on our website. If you aren’t registered to receive our training schedules, please contact us either via email supportprogrammes@suffolkfamilycarers.org or call 01473 835446. An overview of the programmes we run can be found below. Caring with ConfidenceThis information programme runs for 3 hours a week over a 3 week period, and is open to all family carers over the age of 18. It is a friendly, informative and safe space to meet others in a similar situation, and gain information to make your caring role easier to manage. We cover a variety of topics, such as managing the emotions of caring, understanding your rights and entitlements, regaining balance and control in your caring role, effective communication and useful resources. Caring for Dementia with ConfidenceThis 3 week programme is especially for family carers who care for someone with Dementia. It is an opportunity for you to gain information and resources on subjects such as managing stress, regaining balance in your caring role and your rights and entitlements, as well as specific information on Dementia as a diagnosis, and the challenges this can bring to the family. Wellbeing for meThis 2 hour, 3 week programme enables you to look at how your caring role can impact on your emotional wellbeing, and explore different exercises to help you concentrate on how you can fit your own needs in as well as those of the person you care for.

Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) trainingYMHFA training gives family carers of young people under 18 understanding of how to support the person they care for if they go through a mental health crisis. The course is accredited by Mental Health First Aid England, and all of our instructors have been fully trained by Mental Health First Aid England's national trainers. Who’s In Charge?The Who’s in Charge? group is an 8 week programme for parents or carers of young people (8 to 18) who are beyond control, violent or defiant. The group aims to• Provide a supportive environment to share experiences and ideas• Reduce the guilt and shame which most parents feel• Offer ideas to help you develop individual strategies for managing your child’s behaviour• Explore ways of increasing safety and well-being• Help parents feel more in control and less stressed For more information and to book your place on any of the above courses, please email supportprogrammes@suffolkfamilycarers.org or call 01473 835446. Places for all programmes MUST be booked in advance. If you have difficulties with transport to and from any of these events, or respite for the person you are caring for while you attend, please contact us to discuss further. We also want to hear from you about any further information or education programmes you may like to see us produce. Your ideas can help shape future programmes and our direction. Do contact us via the email address above with any ideas you may have. Suffolk advice, guidance and emotional support - Our SAGES team is here to help.SAGES is a FREE & confidential service for family carers, families & friends of people with mental & emotional wellbeing needs. We aim to help you maintain your caring role & look after your own wellbeing by providing information, advice, guidance & emotional support. One-to-one with a SAGES workerIf you would like some emotional support, the team offers one-to-one support with a SAGES worker. This may be via the telephone or face to face. Making Space sessions for mental health family carersThese four sessions focus on the issues and needs of family carers caring for someone with a mental health/emotional wellbeing need. They will provide an opportunity to receive information, share ideas and experiences and meet other family carers who may be in a similar caring role.

The session plan is as follows:Session 1 - Introduction and carers rights and servicesSession 2 - Mental health awareness and positive changeSession 3 - Coping strategies, communication and boundariesSession 4 - Emotional needs and resources Please note: the Stowmarket group has changed venue - it is now being held at The Garden Room, Red Gables, Ipswich Road, Stowmarket, IP14 1BE. The dates remain the same. Peer-led information sessionsDeveloped from our programme & other group activities, these sessions provide an opportunity to receive & share information & peer support. Currently there are groups held once a month in Stowmarket on the last Wednesday of each month 2-4pm, and in Bury St Edmunds on the last Tuesday of the month 6-8pm. Our Sudbury group meets on the last Friday of each month 10.30-12.30pm. We also have a group in Lowestoft that meets on Tuesdays once a month between 10am-12pm. Please contact us for dates. How to book:If you are caring for someone with a mental health need and you would like some help and support from our team, please email MH@suffolkfamilycarers.org or call 01473 835420. There is a new group in Leiston for mental health family carers. It is an opportunity to receive information, share ideas and experiences and meet with other family carers that may be in a similar caring role. This is as 6 week course starting on 6th March 2019 and is every Wednesday thereafter for 5 weeks. It is held at The Quaker Meeting Place in Leiston. New SAGES website for help and supportWe have been working in partnership with Suffolk Mind and Suffolk Libraries to develop a new website that will provide Suffolk Advice, Guidance and Emotional Support to people and carers who are dealing with a mental health concern or issue. It is not long now before the site is officially launched so watch this space for further updates. There will be opportunities for you to comment and feed back once the site is up and running, as we value your comments.

Are you affected by someone else's drug or alcohol use? Would you like some information and support? Our Substance Misuse team are here to support you! Navigating the Road to RecoveryA five session programme designed to give information and support to those affected by someone else's drug or alcohol use. The workshops will focus on:Drug and alcohol use and its effectsThe impact of substance misuse on a family carer's wellbeingUnderstanding recovery and supportCommunicationExploring ways to copeCaring for yourselfSignposting to other agencies These programmes are evaluated as having a positive impact on family carers' lives. We support family carers to explore difficult issues, such as controlling and enabling, manipulation and social isolation. It is also a great opportunity to meet others in a similar situation, share viewpoints and discuss different strategies. Drop in sessions/1-2-1 appointmentsWe hold regular drop-in sessions at Turning Point Ipswich, Bury St. Edmunds and Lowestoft to help guide you with the challenges of having a drug or alcohol user in your family. Come in and talk to our Family Support Worker for:Basic information and adviceRegistration with Suffolk Family CarersReferral onto our Family Support programmeSignposting to other agencies You can either just turn up, or contact us to book an hour appointment.To find out about any of our services, to enquire or book places please contact Juanita Rampley on 01473 835411. The bus is out and aboutCome and see us if you would like information, advice and guidance in your caring role. When our bus is out and about, it will feature on our website events calendar, so keep an eye out for future events.Our bus can also be booked for events & activities. If you would like to book our bus or get more information, please visit the bus page of our website or call 01473 835445. If you would like to donate to us so we can support more family carers across Suffolk, you can do so via our Facebook page. For more information about the support we can offer, please visit our website www.suffolkfamilycarers.org.