Visitors to Twickenham Riverside will once again be able new …static.carers.org/files/newsletter-autumn-09-v2-4422.pdf · Autumn 2009 Carers Support Line 020 8867 2380 Monday-Thursday

RCC Newsletter is produced by: Richmond Carers Centre, 5 Briar Road, Twickenham, TW2 6RB

Tel: 020 8867 2380 Fax: 020 8538 3712

www.carers.org/richmond [email protected] Registered Charity No. 1092459 Company No. 4412793

The Staff at Richmond Carers Centre

Disclaimer: Although the information provided in the RCC Newsletter is carefully checked, RCC cannot accept legal liability for any inaccuracy or omission. RCC does not recommend any product or service and the views expressed in the articles do not necessarily represent the views of the organisation. From time to time RCC may want to inform you of current events outside the normal circulation of the newsletter. If you do

not wish us to use your address for such additional postings please contact the Editor at the normal address.

www.carers.org/richmond 12 Carers Support Line: 020 8867 2380 www.carers.org/richmond 20 Carers Support Line: 020 8867 2380

Visitors to Twickenham Riverside will once again be able enjoy a range of drinks, snacks and light meals, when a

new cafe opens its doors to the public on Monday 6 July.

Café Sunshine, run by Richmond Council, will be staffed by people with learning disabilities, and support catering staff. It will remain open until

the re-development work on Twickenham Riverside begins.

Commenting on the opening Cllr Denise Carr, Cabinet Member for Adult

Services, Health and Housing, said: “I am delighted that Café Sunshine is open for business. The council has run a café for many years staffed by people with learning disabilities, and this new location will expand the opportunities available for work and

independence for this group.

“The café will be open seven days a week and I hope people take

advantage of the great service on offer.”

Café Sunshine will be open Monday-Friday, 9.30am - 5.30pm and, 9am -

6pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

The café has been running successfully for over a year at the Business Centre in Grimwood Road, Twickenham which is home to Power Employment, the Council service that helps people with a learning disability find work.

Source: www.richmond.gov.uk/press_office

Mark T Kelvin Freya Linda Susie Mark M Robert Karen Rob

The Princess Royal Trust for Carers is a Registered Charity No.SCO15975

Autumn 2009

Carers Support Line 020 8867 2380 Monday-Thursday 10.00am-2.00pm 24hr answerphone service

Drop-in service Wednesday 9.30am -12 noon

www.carers.org.uk/richmond

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History

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Richmond Carers Centre

www.carers.org/richmond 2 Carers Support Line: 020 8867 2380

Chief Executive Update

IMPORTANT NOTE: Calling all carers supporting someone with a learning disability.

We have a specialist support worker for carers of people with a learning disability. If you have not recently received a direct mail from Susie, please

contact our support line on 020 8867 2380 so that we can update your records. This will ensure that you receive targeted mailing concerning learning

disabilities.

Welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter, full of interesting and hopefully helpful information to see you through the sunshine (and rain!) in the weeks to come.

Firstly I’d like to thank everyone, staff and carers, who helped to make our carers event on June 9th such a success. It was deliberately a rather different event from previous years, focusing on celebration and moving away from the conference format, as this was what carers had told us they would prefer. Personally I think it worked very well, with the vast majority of comments we have received from carers stating how much they enjoyed the event. In addition, feedback from people made on the day will help us develop our services to better meet the needs of carers. There were also lessons to be learnt from the event, including a little less volume from the musical entertainment!, and perhaps trying a different venue next year might be a good idea, but for now I think everyone should be very pleased with their efforts.

Looking ahead the next big event will

be Carers Rights Day on Friday December 4th. The planning for this, believe it or not, is starting now and we hope to combine an interesting and informative day with our AGM. If anyone has any thoughts or ideas they’d like to contribute then please let us know.

It is also a time of comings and goings at RCC. Noshin, our Young Carers Worker, is sadly leaving us to further her career. Whilst we wish her the very best of luck we will all miss her hard work and good humour. However, just as Noshin leaves we have Freyah starting here as a part time Young Carers Worker and Kelvin will be stepping into the full time post. In the next couple of weeks we will also be advertising for a part time Team Leader and Carers Support Worker, so watch this space.!

Finally, I hope everyone has had an enjoyable and hopefully not too hot summer. Mark Tuohy

Chief Executive Officer

Carers Payments

Richmond Adult and Community Services will implement a new system for assessing carers for an annual payment from 1st August 2009.

Care managers will continue to offer carers a formal ‘Carers Assessment’ to identify the impact caring is having and to help identify carers needs in coping with their caring situation.

Care managers who believe that a carer would benefit from a single Carers Payment (formerly known as a Carers Small Payment) to help with their own well-being would then

complete an assessment that will identify how much should be offered. Carers Payments will range form £50 to £200 per year.

These payments are for a carer to use towards helping with their own needs. It is acknowledged that the payments are less than they used to be (£250) and the main reason for this is to ensure that the limited budget is offered to as many people as possible.

The payments could help towards the cost of a short break, counselling sessions or even a day at a local spa, that is up to you, in fact it could be used for anything that will help you as an individual. However, it cannot be used towards

the cost of providing care to the person you look after.

There is no legal obligation for a local authority to provide any direct services to carers to meet any needs identified through a Carers Assessment, but Richmond Adult and Community Services are trying to address this by offering these payments.

A similar process is currently being reviewed in the local mental health trust and it is unclear if any changes with be made by Children and Families section of Social Services. We recommend that you enquire with your allocated social worker/care manager for further information.

Rob Carers Support/Development

Worker

Stop Press - Local News

FULL NAME: ________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS: ________________________________________________________________________ Please complete the name and address details above, ensuring you also sign and date.

I would like to donate the sum of £ _______ and enclose a cheque payable to Richmond Carers Centre (Please do not send money by the post) If you would like to make a donation and are a UK taxpayer, then we would ask that you complete the Gift Aid Declaration below. This will enable us to reclaim tax on your gift (If you

Gift Aid your donation, RCC will continue to receive an additional 28p. RCC can claim Gift Aid tax relief of 25p on every pound you give. HMRC will also be operating transitional provisions for Gift Aid donations made from 6 April 2008 until 5 April 2011, paying a Government supplement of 3p on every pound you give).

Gift Aid Declaration: I am a UK taxpayer and wish any donations I make to Richmond Carers Centre from the date of this declaration to be treated as Gift Aid donations, unless I notify you otherwise.

Signature _______________________________________ Date _______________________

Donations to Richmond Carers Centre �


Please return to: FREEPOST RRKZ-TTCE-RYES, Richmond Carers Centre, 5 Briar Road, Twickenham. TW2 6RB

NB. You must pay enough Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax during the year to at least

equal to the amount that we reclaim. If you are a higher rate taxpayer you can claim further tax relief through tour self assessment tax return.

Mark M Black and Minority Ethnic

Carers Support Worker


National News

Black History Month (BHM) started to be celebrated in the UK in 1987, but in many countries it started as far back as 1926. Over the years it has grown from strength to strength and is a way to recognise and acknowledge the contribution of Ethnic Minorities groups to our wider cultures, in such ways as clothes we wear, food we eat, music we listen to, education, medicine and technology, as well many things we take for granted which have a great influence on our society. BHM, which is in October, aims to promote wider knowledge of Black history, culture and heritage. As part of the many events and festivals held all over the country to mark BHM, Richmond Carers Centre are working in partnership with Richmond’s Ethnic Minorities Action Group (EMAG) towards holding a BHM event on Saturday 17th October 2009 at Percy Road Community Centre in Whitton between 12.30 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. The event this year, which is open to everyone in the community, will feature works of contemporary fine art,

traditional Indian and African music, complimentary therapies and a variety of diverse foods to sample. A number of carers will be coming to this event so I do hope many more of you will be able to join us for a great family day out.

For more information contact Mark at RCC on 020 8867 2382.

Black History Month

An inclusive event for Carers in Richmond.

Spaces will be available on our

Counselling Service very soon.

To register call our Carers Support line on 020 8867 2380.

Pictures from BHM 2008


What’s on What’s on What’s on What’s on at Richmond Carers Centre Event Dates Time Venue Details

Morning Social Group

Wednesday 12 August Wednesday 16 Sept Wednesday 14 October Wednesday 11 November

10.30 a.m. to

12 noon

Richmond

Carers Centre

Meet other carers in a social atmosphere, share experiences and make

new friends. No booking required

Carers Art Workshop

Friday 7, 14, 21 August Friday 11, 18, 25 Sept Friday 2, 9,16 October Friday 6, 13, 20, 27 Nov

9.30 a.m. to

12 noon

Richmond

Carers Centre

Join others who want to use art as a way to relax

and explore their thoughts and feelings.

No booking required

A.F.T.E.R. Group

Monday 14 Sept Monday 9 November

10.30 a.m. to

12 noon


A group for people who have recently stopped

caring. No booking required

Evening Social Group

Thursday 20 August Thursday 19 November

5 p.m. To

7 p.m.


Early evening social group. Bring a bottle. Call 020 8867 2380

to book

B.M.E. Carers Support Group

Tuesday 11 August Monday 8 Sept Tuesday 13 October Tuesday 10 November

12.30 p.m. to

2.30 p.m.

Richmond

Carers Centre

A group for carers from black and minority ethnic backgrounds.

No booking required

Book Club 1st Friday of each Month

10.30 a.m. to

12 noon


No booking required

Digital Photography Group

Wednesday 26 August Wednesday 30 Sept Wednesday 28 October Wednesday 25th Nov

12 noon to

4.00 p.m.


A new group offering carers the chance to learn

how to improve their photography skills

through peer support.

V.I.S.O.R Carers Group

Thursday 15 October 2.15 p.m. to

3.45 p.m.


For carers of people and carers with a visual

impairment. No booking required

Relaxation Group

Individually arranged dates and times Call our Carers Support Line to join the

waiting list.


Groups of 4 people learning relaxation

techniques.

Laughter Yoga

Tuesday 20th October 10.30a.m. to

2p.m.

To be advised

Highly popular. Early booking recommended.

See page13 for details.

Knit and Natter

Thursday 13, 27 August Thursday 10, 24 Sept Thursday 8, 22 October

2.30pm to

4pm


An opportunity for carers to meet socially

while sharing their skills.

Since 1st May 2009, Richmond and Twickenham PCT has been known as NHS Richmond.

NHS Richmond is the organisation responsible for health services in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. It shares its boundaries with the borough of Richmond, serving over 197,805 registered residents (data as at 31/03/2009). However, there are many more people who work and visit the borough of Richmond each day and use some of our services, such as Teddington Walk-in Centre, which provides advice and

treatment for minor ailments and injuries.

NHS Richmond co-ordinates the funding of all it's independent primary care contractors; this includes 31 GP practices and 171 GPs, 46 Community Pharmacies, 24 general Dental Practices and 7 orthodontic practices and 22 ophthalmic premises. We plan and pay for all hospital services for local residents as well as providing some services ourselves such as health visiting, district nursing, therapists and some specialist services and facilities at Teddington Memorial Hospital.

Karen Carers Development

Worker, Training and Primary Care

Health


Swine Flu Update The most common symptoms are fever, sore throat, diarrhoea, headache, feeling

generally unwell and a dry cough – in other words, symptoms very similar to seasonal influenza. Most people recover within a week, even without special treatment. High-risk groups Some people are more at risk of serious illness if they catch swine flu, and will need to start taking antivirals as soon as they are confirmed with the illness. The following groups of people are particularly vulnerable:

• people with

- chronic lung disease - chronic heart disease, - chronic kidney disease, - chronic liver disease, - chronic neurological disease, - immunosuppression (whether caused by disease or treatment), - diabetes mellitus,

• patients who have had drug treatment for

asthma in the past three years,

• pregnant women,

• people aged 65 years and older, and

• children under five years old.

Swine flu vaccine A vaccine is being developed but it is not available yet. The first batches of vaccine are expected to arrive in late August, and 30 million double doses – enough for half the population – are expected to be available by the end of the year. The government has ordered enough vaccine for the whole population and, when it becomes available, will focus on those at the greatest risk first.

Catch it, bin it, kill it It is important that people continue to do everything they can to stop the virus from spreading. The key is to practise good respiratory and hand hygiene. In other words, remember to Catch it, Bin It, Kill It. Catch your sneeze in a tissue, place it quickly in a bin and wash your hands and surfaces regularly to kill the virus.

Continued on P5


National News

Cinema - The Cinema Exhibitors Association (CEA) runs a scheme where a carer can escort a person who needs assistance, due to their disability, free to the go to the cinema.

The free ticket is provided on the assumption that the accompanying person is able to provide

appropriate assistance such as, helping in an emergency evacuation or accompanying the card holder to the washrooms. The accompanying person, for this reason, needs to be over 16 years old and the cinema operator reserves the right to make a judgement on the ability of the person to assist during their visit.

The provision of a free ticket is a way the cinema operator meets the duty to make “reasonable adjustments” for people with

disabilities under the 1995 Disability Discrimination Act.

The person requiring support needs to apply for CEA Card and take it with them to when they go to the cinema each time to qualify for a free ticket for their carer.

Application forms can be obtained from us here at the Richmond Carers Centre. Further details can be found at

www.ceacard.co.uk.

Carers Go Free!

National Trust Access Guide http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-accessguide09-2.pdf

Accessible National Trust Properties http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-disability-access.pdf

Rough Guide to Accessible Britain http://www.accessibleguide.co.uk/

National Trust Properties - admission policy

admits the “necessary companion of a disabled visitor” free of charge. This is on request and while the normal charge applies to the disabled visitor. An 'Admit One' card can be issued in this instance. Please contact the Access for All Office on 01793 817400 or email

[email protected] for further details. Occasionally, visitors may be accompanied by a very severely disabled child or adult. In such a case only the companion pays for entry unless they are a member. In this case no charge is made for either person.

Useful Web Resources


National News

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of health and social care in England and came into force on the 1st April 2009. It brings together independent regulation of health, mental health and adult social care which was previously carried out by three separate organisations, the Healthcare Commission, the Mental Health Act Commission and the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI).

Their aim is to make sure better care is provided for everyone, whether that’s in hospital, in care home’s, in people’s own homes, or elsewhere. They regulate health and adult social care services, whether provided by the NHS, local authorities, private companies or voluntary organisations as well as protecting the rights of people detained under the Mental Health Act.

The main activities of CQC are:

• Registration of health and social care providers to ensure they are meeting essential common standards.

• Monitoring and inspection of all health and adult social care.

• Using enforcement powers if standards are not being met.

• Improving health and social care services undertaking regular reviews of how well those who arrange and provide services locally are performing.

• Reporting outcomes of work so that people who use the services have information about the quality of their local health and adult social care services.

So if you are looking for services to provide care, for example a care home or a care agency, you can find out the details of how they are performing by contacting the Care Quality Commission or visiting their web site.

For further information see www.cqc.org.uk

or you can contact them at: Care Quality Commission

National Correspondence Citygate

Gallowgate Newcastle upon Tyne

NE1 4WH Telephone: 03000 616161

Email: [email protected]

Rob Carers Support and Development Worker


Health Will there be a more severe second wave of the pandemic in the winter? Previous flu pandemics suggest that the current viral strain will become even more widespread in the autumn or winter, causing more illness.

Swine flu spreads in the same way as ordinary colds and flu. The virus is spread through the droplets that come out of the nose or mouth when someone coughs or sneezes. These droplets can spread about 1metre and if you are close to the person you might breathe them in. If someone coughs or sneezes into their hand the virus can be transferred onto any surface they touch, such as door handles, hand rails, telephones etc. If you touch these surfaces and touch your face, the virus can enter your system, and you can become infected. The flu virus can live on a hard surface for up to 24 hours, and a soft surface for around 20 minutes.

Is it possible to catch swine flu twice? Yes, the virus can mutate (change). If you become infected with the swine flu virus, your body produces antibodies against it, which will recognise and fight off the virus if the body ever encounters it again. However, if the virus mutates, your immune system may not recognise the new strain and you may become ill again.

Should I have a 'swine flu party' or try and catch swine flu now, so I will be immune to more serious strains that may emerge later? No, it is irresponsible to purposefully catch the virus as you may perpetuate the spread. Catching swine flu will not necessarily protect you from strains that may emerge later.

How can I be prepared?

• Confirm a network of ‘flu friends’,

friends and relatives, who could help you

if you fall ill. They can collect medicines and other supplies for you so you do not have to leave home and possibly spread the virus.

• Know your NHS number and those of

other family members and keep them in a safe place. It is not essential, but it can help NHS staff to find your health records. You will be able to find your NHS Number on your medical card or other items such as prescribed medication, GP letter or hospital appointment card.

• Make sure you have adequate

quantities of cold and cough remedies in your medicine cupboard.

What should I do if I think I’m infected? Stay at home and call your GP, who will assess you over the phone. If your GP confirms swine flu, they will give you a voucher reference number which your “flu friend” can use to pick up antivirals from your local collection centre - normally a pharmacy or community centre. In the meantime, take paracetamol-based cold remedies to reduce fever and other symptoms, drink plenty of fluids and get lots of rest. Do not go into your GP surgery, or to a hospital, as you may spread the disease to others. Ask your 'flu friend' to go out for you.

If I have a mild infection, is there no cause for concern? Don’t be complacent. Anyone who has been infected with the virus in this country has so far been diagnosed early and treated with antivirals, which reduce the severity of symptoms. The flu virus changes character very rapidly. It can pick up and swap genetic material, which can dramatically change its character. The virus could change in the autumn.

Source: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Pandemic-flu/Pages/Introduction.aspx

Continued from P4


DO YOU teleCARE?

Of course you Care but do you Telecare? Some of you may have already seen articles in the papers and on the news about central government has been funding councils to pilot Telecare and other assistive technologies. But how does this affect the carers of Richmond? Many of you have experienced stress, anxiety and concern for a loved one who needs your support. Some of you may be

aware of how the Careline service helps share that responsibility, providing valuable extra support to you and whomever you care for. Existing users say Careline has given them and their relatives peace of mind, a feeling of greater security and reduced feelings of isolation. Feeling reassured knowing that Careline is there 24hours a day 365 days a year so that when the pendant is pressed Careline knows who and where you are and ensure you get the response you need when you need it.

In addition to Careline, Richmond Council have invested in expanding the function of the Careline service. Now Careline/Telecare is able to monitor for emergency situations such as, falls, fire, flood or even when someone has forgotten to take their medication, left the door open, or left the gas on have, not moved for a period of time, or are prone to wandering. The additional equipment required, commonly known as Sensors, are generally small, inconspicuous and connect wirelessly. Careline can be programmed to call the carer first should a sensor alert to an emergency, if you want to be the first to know.

Local News


Activities and Events

Carers Week 2009

Singing Hands

Circle Dancing

Cllr Anna Davies

The theme we took for Carers Week this year was much more of a celebration of carers rather than the usual consultation. The event was opened by Mark Touhy, Chief Executive of Richmond Carers Centre followed by performances by Singing Hands and circle dancing led by one of our carers.

It was a much more informal approach which was well received by those attending. After the performances there was a superb lunch and the opportunity for carers to enjoy the music provided by a steel band while socialising with each other and professionals who had come along. Information/display stands provided carers with the opportunity to ask questions about their own specific situation. Cllr Anna Davies closed the day with a sensitive speech acknowledging carers and thanking all those who had come along.


Activities and Events

Personal Stories from the

A.F.T.E.R. Group I cared for my husband, Tony, when his health started to deteriorate in 2000. He would loose his balance and coordination, his muscles became progressively weaker and his character changed becoming aggressive, the opposite of the quite English gentleman that he was.

I read an article by Lord Sebastian Coe about his mother who had Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). I recognised many of the symptoms in Tony and fought with doctors for formal diagnosis in 2007.

On a Saturday morning in September 2007 Tony suffered from a major brain haemorrhage and finally passed away in hospital on 3rd October.

My initial feelings were of anger, how could he leave me alone? I was mad, angry not only at being alone, but at what such a lovely man had to go through. He didn’t deserve it.

I cried constantly, I couldn’t believe I would be alone. Initially, in the first year, my children where a great support visiting me regularly. But now they have to get on with their own lives and families. I feel very isolated and abandoned. My friends still have their husbands and I no longer fit in. It’s been a lonely two years.

I rarely cook for myself and often eat out. I have tried to fit in with groups of people but I don’t feel part of their group and I feel like they exclude me. I find it hard to join in, which may be due to my strong French accent and character , which are both often misunderstood (I was born in Gibraltar and brought up in France during the war). I’m now scared to make new friends. At 78, I find it hard to break into new groups.

Yolande

The group was very supportive of Yolande’s story and Peter shared his experiences.

I had to fight with myself to get out and join groups like this one. I was shy and after I lost my wife I realised I had isolated myself. On a day trip with the group a number of pictures where taken. When I saw them I realised how I had set myself apart from everyone. I was full of misery. Inside a bell rang and I could see that I would become a very lonely man if I didn’t make some changes.

Slowly I took the opportunity to join a variety of groups and started work as a volunteer. I was very nervous, but I am now much more confident and have a good circle of friends.

Peter

The group talked about these conversations and agreed on some useful points:

• Be aware that after a death you may

withdraw from friends and family.

• You will need to push the boundaries you

put up, try to meet new circles of friends.

• Try doing some voluntary work.

• Consider changing your perspective from

“I can’t do that” to “I can do it”.

• Try joining new groups - like this one.

These are some examples that the group came up with to cope with the changes we encounter when we are going through a bereavement. They are not the right answer for everyone because everyone experiences bereavement differently.

If you would like to talk to someone about your personal situation you can talk to us here at the Carers Centre or contact Cruse for more formal counselling.

CRUSE Bereavement Care Tel: 020 8876 0417


Local News Telecare is designed to support and complement care in the home. It does not replace emergency services but acts as another way of getting an emergency response where you may not have been able to raise an alarm yourself. Some people might be concerned that it is a bit like “Big Brother” but all carers and the cared for have a choice, are aware of what is being fitted and with support from a Telecare Assessor will be able to choose the sensors that best suited to meet their individual needs. Currently Telecare sensors are provided and installed free of charge with a small monthly

monitoring charge payable to Careline.

Richmond Council will be running Telecare for Carers workshops at the Carers Centre soon.

So if you think you or someone you know or care for would benefit from Telecare contact:

Careline

Telephone: 0845 600 7413 Textphone: 0845 600 7752

Or if you just want to know more you can visit the web site: www.richmond.gov.uk and type “Careline” into the search box.

What is Richmond upon Thames LINk? Richmond upon Thames LINk is one of 150 local involvement networks set up throughout England to monitor, evaluate and influence health and social care services. It is a network of local individuals and organisations who want the borough of Richmond residents to receive the care and support which best serves their needs.

What will Richmond upon Thames LINk do? It will gather together everyone’s views and ideas for improvements and then use these to directly influence and inform decisions about the planning, design and provision of local services. The LINk plays an important role in supporting the community to hold providers and commissioners of services to account.

How can I get involved? Membership of the LINk is open to everyone who has an interest in our local services and there will be different levels of engagement depending on how much time you might have to commit to LINk activities. You can join either as an individual member or as an organisational member. Please see the membership form for more details.

What can I contribute? Anyone with an interest in health and social care for the borough of Richmond upon Thames can participate in the LINk in a way that suits them. For instance, you can:

• share any concerns you have about

health and social care in Richmond

through participating in surveys, questionnaires or discussions at meetings

• take part in a project looking at, for

example, the quality and reliability of maternity services, or catering and nutrition in care homes. You could contribute to projects by carrying out research or contributing to writing a report

• represent the LINk on groups or

committees set up by other organisations or you may just wish to be kept informed of what is going on, and possibly fill in a survey from time to time.

Will I get paid for it? No, but as a volunteer you can claim reasonable expenses for undertaking the work of the LINk.

Does the LINk have any powers? Yes, the LINk will be able to:

• enter and view some premises

providing health and social care services

• ask for information and expect a

response within a specific timescale

• make recommendations for

improvements and expect a response within a specific timescale refer matters to the local Overview and Scrutiny Committees which have health and social care responsibilities

Copies of this information are available to download at www.richmondlink.org.uk or can be requested by contacting the support team:

Contact details Michael Derry LINk Service Manager 020 8255 8500 [email protected] Hilary Davidson Communications & Administration Coordinator 020 8255 8500 [email protected]


Local News

Carers Art Workshops

Tuesdays 10am to 12noon Fridays 9.30am to 12noon

Call for our Support Line for details

Events and Activities

A chance for carers who are registered with Richmond Carers Centre to join

together and find the healing power of laughter. You will explore with a trained

facilitator, through a number of exercises, how laughter can change your overall well being, improve your personal outlook and your

general health.

Limited to 30 free spacesLimited to 30 free spacesLimited to 30 free spacesLimited to 30 free spaces Booking required – Call 020 8867 2380

Location: Twickenham (Venue to be notified on booking)

Dress: Comfortable clothing (which will offer free movement)

Buffet Lunch from 1pm -2pm

Food for the SoulFood for the SoulFood for the SoulFood for the Soul

Laughter Yoga A Workshop for CarersA Workshop for CarersA Workshop for CarersA Workshop for Carers

Tuesday 20th October 2009

10.30am to 1pm

Laughter ...Laughter ...Laughter ...Laughter ...

Knit-and-Natter Group

at Richmond Carers Centre

Alternate Thursdays

2.30pm to 4.00pm



Carers Digital Photographic Group A group of carers are getting together to create their own photographic group. They will meet monthly at Richmond Carers Centre to swap skills and arrange regular photographic outings/activities. Dates: Wednesday 26 August Wednesday 28 October Wednesday 30 September Wednesday 25th November at Richmond Carers Centre from 2pm to 4pm

Any carer registered with us is welcome to join the group.

Events and Activities

In April, we set a Photo Challenge for everyone involved in the group and we will be continuing this at each meeting. The group reviews each others pictures and discusses it on technical merit and composition. Any one joining the group is welcome to take part in the challenge.

Do remember to bring your cameras with you to each meeting as we will pop out on occasions to complete a group task. At our last meeting the group we went out and took some abstract street photos which were most successful. Don’t worry if you only have a compact camera, we can still get some good photos.

We have set up a portrait session for when we meet on Wednesday 30th September. We have booked the room for an extra hour (from 1pm to 4pm) and one of the group will be leading this session. They have kindly agreed to bring their studio lighting and back drops for us to use and will demonstrate this to you.

For this group you would be welcome to bring a guest who you may like to photograph, or you can simply take pictures of one of the group. You may like to think of some nice props to bring such as hats, scarves or feather boas for example. I have booked the reception space for your guests, but space will be limited so it would be wise to let me know if you wish to come on that day so I can ensure it doesn’t get too busy.


Hello! I’m Freya and I’m very excited to be joining Richmond Carers Centre as the new Young Carers Activities Coordinator. Some of the things I love to do are; going to the theatre, the cinema, bowling, swimming and outdoor activities! And I’m always up for trying new things! I am looking forward to meeting all the young carers and their families over the summer holidays and taking part in some fun trips and outings. If anyone has any ideas for an activity I’d love to hear from you so email me on [email protected] Freya

Young Carers Activities Coordinator

After four years at the Richmond Carers Centre I will be leaving my post as the Young Carers Support Worker at the end of July. It’s been a great four

years and within this time I have met so many amazing people, both carers and professionals. I have also been lucky to go on some fabulous trips with the young carers and have some great experiences such as, the photo challenge in London, paint balling, theme park trips and so much more, just some of the memories I am taking with me.

I won’t be going too far though…I am joining the team at one of the Children’s Centres in the Borough of Richmond, which I am very excited about. This is also an exciting time for the carers centre as new staff join the team, including Freya who is our Young Carers Activities Coordinator and Kelvin who will be taking over my post as the Young Carers Support Worker. I am certain that the great work done at the carers centre will continue to develop and further improve services to carers. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all your support and raising awareness of carers issues.

Noshin Young Carers Support Worker


Young Carers

My name is Kelvin Corriette and I am going to be taking over the role as young carers support worker from Noshin. I am very happy to be a part of the team at Richmond Carers Centre. I have a great love of all sport particularly football and I hope to be able to share my passion with young carers that I meet. I look forward to meeting as many young carers as possible over the summer holidays. Kelvin

Young Carers Support Worker

Staff Changes


Young Carers

ARTHOUSE OPEN STUDIOS

““

Colourful exhibition. Well

done.

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Some wonderful works of art.

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Congratulations on a fabulous

exhibition. Some wonderful work, beautifully

exhibited. What talented people!

On Friday 26th June Richmond Carers Centre hosted an Art House Exhibition displaying the work of young carers.

The Festival was organised by London Borough of Richmond upon Thames Arts Service at Orleans House Gallery and featured the work of local artists and craftspeople, as well as some of the younger budding artists from the borough's schools. The principal aim of ARThouse was to promote the wealth of creative talent within the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and to provide visitors with a unique experience of viewing an artist's work in the very space that the work was created.

With over 110 local artists, three community groups, and 10 of the borough’s schools all exhibiting, this year’s Open Studios Festival was a spectacular event.

If you would like to be notified when the applications for ARThouse 2010 begins, please contact the Arts Service requesting to be added to the ARThouse mailing list.

Contact: The Arts Service at Orleans House Gallery Riverside Twickenham TW1 3DJ Telephone: 020 8831 6000 Fax: 020 8744 0501 Email: [email protected]

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Well done! What a fantastic display of

artwork. You are all fantastic stars!

Young Carers in Schools PEMIER NIGHT

On Tuesday 14th

July we gathered at the Hampton Playhouse for the launch of the Richmond Carers Centre – Young Carers in Richmond DVD.

A reception attended by young carers, their families and representative of professional services was followed by the viewing of the film in the main auditorium.

The DVD has been the inspiration and work of the Young Carers Steering Group at the

Carers Centre. Developed and filmed during the spring, this project has enabled some of our younger carers to tell their stories and what is like for them as young carers.

All those taking part want share positive aspects of being part of a family where there is a care need, as well as the understandably more difficult issues around being a young carer, and we think

they have convey that message brilliantly.

The DVD is intended to be used to help raise awareness amongst professional about the issues facing children and young people who find themselves in a caring situation. It is also being offered to all schools in the Borough of Richmond to use with pupils as a means of helping identifying and supporting the needs of young carers in school.

If you would like any further information about the Young Carers in Richmond DVD please contact Linda Joyce on 020 8867 2383 or email [email protected]


Documents

Visitors to Twickenham Riverside will once again be able new …static.carers.org/files/newsletter-autumn-09-v2-4422.pdf · Autumn 2009 Carers Support Line 020 8867 2380 Monday-Thursday