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Carer’s

Newsletter April - September 2019

Volunteer with us - contact our Volunteer Coordinator on 0121 788 1143

What a difference 6 months can make!

Since our last newsletter Carers Trust Solihull

won the ‘All Age Carers Support’ contract

from SMBC and will be continuing to support

the carers of Solihull!

We are now part of the Community Wellbeing

Service along with several other third sector

charities and projects. We will continue to

work cooperatively to improve the services to

Solihull residents.

Through these last few months our staff, volunteers and trustees have worked to improve

and develop our services. This is to ensure that when the new services start on April 1st

there will be minimum disruption, ensuring continuity for the services you say work and

meet your needs, as well as new services that add to what we offer. Behind the scenes

we are investing in improving the range of frequency of training we can provide, the

quality of our information materials and, after a major overhaul of our website, we want to

refresh and improve its core content, making it more accessible and our website truly

interactive.

We hope you will come to enjoy and value the established and new services we will be

able to offer. And be confident your views and constructive criticism would be eagerly

welcomed.

Brandon Scott-Omenka

Chief Executive Officer

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News and updates

Our annual network meeting

On Monday 4th February we held our annual network

meeting at Solihull Council Civic Suite. We were

joined by members of the council, other organisations,

professionals and carers to celebrate our work over

the past year and to look at our plans for the future.

Our CEO Brandon Scott-Omenka lead the meeting

and presented some local statistics on caring. There

are now approximately 26,520 carers in Solihull and

carers registering with the Carers Trust Solihull rose

by 24.8% between 2017-2018. Over the year we have

delivered 22 training sessions, 14 respite days, 6

relaxation sessions and 34 carers support groups for

adult carers.

Brandon also shared the vision for the future of Carers Trust Solihull with plans to grow

access to social and web-based information along with personal and practical support for

safe and compassionate caring. We also said goodbye to our Chair Trustees Jane Cove

who has chaired the trust for 5 years and her dedication and contribution to Carers Trust

Solihull has helped to make it what it is today. We are happy to welcome Carole Whittock

as our new Chair of Trustees.

Social Media

Over the next six month we aim for our

service to be more interactive and we

are working on our digital strategy.

Through this we hope to give carers

access to more support. To make sure

you don’t miss out on what's coming

make sure you are following us on…

@solihullcarerstrust

@carerssolihull

@carerstrustsolihull

Isn’t it time you had

your say?

Would you like to share your views regarding

initiatives, funding, plans and services that

make a difference to carers in Solihull? The

Carers Partnership Board is looking to recruit

carers to become full members. It meets in

the afternoon once every two months and

travel expenses to this meeting can be paid.

We really want to hear you views.

If you are interested in or would like to find

out more, please contact Michelle Stoddard

on 0121 788 1143.

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Our Dementia Friends Champion, Susan

Prince runs regular dementia workshops

throughout the year.

At our last Dementia workshop delivered

in November, attendees learnt some new

coping strategies and how to change their

thinking and approach around caring for

someone with Dementia. The carers that

attended the session fed back to us that

the session “helped me to understand the

Our next Dementia Workshop is on May 9th

check our events diary for more

information and other courses that may support you in your caring role.

What is a Twiddle Muff?

A twiddle muff is for the hands and decorated with

items of interest to that person or items that have

colour or texture that provides sensory stimulation.

They also provide warmth for the hands.

Twiddle muffs can be invaluable for dementia

patients as the decorations (buttons, beads, zips

and ribbons) give them something to do with their

hands and can help calm restless impulses.

Placing of a multi colored blanket can help

someone with dementia easily locate their chair or

bed when there is little to define it as theirs.

We still have some Twiddle Muffs and blankets available to carers who are supporting

someone with dementia. If you would like one please contact us on 0121 788 1143.

We were fortunate to have some twiddle muffs and multi coloured blankets donated to

us from the Mothers' Union in the Diocese of Birmingham and also from Knowles

Mothers’ Union “Knit Wits”.

Dementia Workshops for Carers

main types of dementia” and “it showed me different approaches to challenging situations”.

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Parent Carers Assessments

A Parent Carers Assessment is for carers aged

18+ who provide care to a child with a disability or

additional need for whom they have parental

responsibility. By having an assessment you will

be given the chance to discuss your caring role

and the impact this has on your physical, mental

and emotional wellbeing. The assessment will

focus on support for yourself and is not a means

of accessing support for your child. Don’t be put

off by the word ‘assessment’, it is not a test about

how good you are at caring, it is to work out what can be done to make life easier for

you. We have completed 130 assessments since the project started in April last year,

and have carried out 78 reviews, which has allowed us to measure the impact of the

assessments on parents wellbeing. So far we have found that 90% of parents feel the

support plan gives them enough information to make change, with the most significant

improvements being in ‘how I feel’ and ‘time for myself and family’.

If you would like to find out more about parent carer assessments

call 0121 788 1143

The assessment is for the parent carer only and not a means of accessing support for

the child

A formal diagnosis for the child is required

Contingency Planning

Over the past 6 months we have delivered 4 Contingency Planning Workshops for

carers and carried out 16 one to one contingency plans in carers homes.

As a carer it is important to know that if an emergency happens, replacement care will

be sorted out speedily and efficiently. Through our Contingency Planning Workshops we

help carers to think about different types of emergencies and create an emergency plan.

We look at what resources are available and tools that can help in a crisis. Having a plan

in place will help to ease your worries if you are not able to care for the person you look

after at any point in the future.

You can find the dates of future workshops in our events diary or if you would like a one

to one meeting to discuss a contingency plan, call us on 0121 788 1143.

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GP Health Liaison Project

Surgeries have received a carers pathway and regular Carers information. The

Health Liaison service has attended flu vaccination sessions, talked with Patient

Participation Groups, visited GP and hospital carer’s coffee afternoons and worked at

many health events. Carers Week has been celebrated with surgeries and Carers

Questions sessions are being held in a variety of surgery receptions.

The Health/GP coordinator also works closely with health professionals at UHB

(University Hospitals Birmingham) to shape Carers Support on the wards.

There are some great GP practice initiatives taking place, some examples are,

Bosworth Drive Surgery staff work directly with us to improve services for carers.

Northbrook Surgery introducing a carers coffee afternoon and collecting over 100

Easter Eggs for Young Carers. Hobs Moat Surgery has been rated as outstanding

within the “caring” category of their CQC inspection and includes reference to our

monthly Carers Questions sessions. The G.P.S Group have welcomed our services

with open arms throughout their surgeries and Bernays and Whitehouse Medical

partnership are holding their second Under One Roof event (see our events diary)

bringing together services that benefit carers and service users alike.

With heavy demands placed on Carers, health professionals and support agencies it

is evident that working together can help improve experiences for Carers in health

settings.

Ask your GP or receptionist to include your details on the surgeries carers register to

alert them of your caring responsibilities. Any queries when registering let us know

and we can help.

If you have Carer experiences in health services good or not so good, contact Linda

Bonfield the GP/Health Coordinator with your views. We can use your feedback

positively to help shape Care services .

email lindabonfield@solihullcarers.org or call 0121 7881143 .

From April 2019 Health Liaison becomes a

core part of Solihull Carers Trusts services.

Our work will continue to encourage health

professionals to “Think Patient Think Carer”

asking health professionals to recognise and

support carers within their work settings.

Since the project started over 20 Solihull GP

Practice Managers representing 36 surgeries

have engaged in a variety of initiatives.

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Useful Information

Solihull Council, working with Dodd Group and Act on Energy,

is starting a new project offering some residents free gas

central heating.

The project will focus on the installation of first time gas

central heating to owner occupiers and Solihull Community

Housing tenants where gas is not the primary heating source.

Where electricity is used for heating we will be replacing this with gas condensing boilers with the aim of:

improving energy efficiency, and

reducing the running costs for residents

The project will support households from fuel poor areas or those on low incomes. The aim is to help improve the health of local people which could be made worse by living in a cold home. We will be providing support for up to 125 owner-occupied households using external funding from National Grid. With a further 125 for Solihull Community Housing tenants

For further information about this project, or to register your interest, either: email Act on Energy at advice@actonenergy.org.uk or

call the Freephone number 0800 988 2881

The Better Living Centre in Solihull works to provide help and support to elderly adults,

young disabled adults and carers. It gives free and impartial advice from trained staff

and demonstrations of useful gadgets, adaptations and equipment.

The Centre is located at

The Better Living Centre

Unit 4, Elmdon Trading Estate, Bickenhill Lane,

Solihull B37 7HE

We showcase the equipment available on tours of the Better Living Centre every

Wednesday and Friday at 9.00am, 11.00am and 1.00pm. Places on the tour must be

pre-booked in advance by:

calling 0121 329 0909 sending an email to blc@solihull.gov.uk

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Recom’s aim is to get people online! The charity aim to bridge the gap in the local

community where some individuals may be digitally excluded. They do this by

providing a variety of training and low cost refurbished computer for charities,

individuals with disabilities and low income families.

To find out more

Phone: 0121 663 0335 or email admin@recom.org.uk

Find Reputable Trader

If you’re looking for a builder, roofer, landscaper, electrician or any other trade

professional visit www.noroguetradershere.com. No Rogue Traders Here (NRTH)

works in conjunction with Solihull Trading Standards, to rigorously vet all businesses

who apply to join the network. This decreases the chances of things going wrong,

when you need to hire a trader.

More than just a recommendation service, NRTH is completely free for consumers;

monitoring the work and the price you are charged. Working with Trading Standards,

NRTH will also provide practical support to consumers if things go wrong.

Just go to www.noroguetradershere.com to register

or you can phone for free on 0800 233 5000.

Solihull Active is a campaign which aims to

promote participation in sport & physical

activity. There are a wide range of opportunities in

Solihull that can help you be more active. They

have activities including walking groups, Tai Chi, Dance and walking football. Not

only do they have a range of activities to meet everyone's needs they have a

wellbeing hub which includes exercise programmes for those with long term health

conditions such as Cancer, Parkinson's, Respiratory and cardiac problems. They

also provide healthy lifestyle assessments.

To find out more visit there website www.solihullactive.co.uk alternatively you can

contact them on 0121 704 8207.

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The theme for Carers Week 2019 is Getting Carers connected to their community.

Carers Trust Solihull will be celebrating and raising awareness all week. We will be

holding...

Information and advice points in

Chelmsley Wood and Solihull Town

Centres.

A carers celebration event at a

secret venue with music, food

and entertainment.

A live online question and

answers session hosted by

our Chief Executive Brandon

Scott-Omenka.

A carers and family beach trip to

Western Super-Mare!

Through digital platforms we aim to make carers week accessible to everyone. Keep an

eye on our social media and website to find our more details about what we have planned

for the week and how you can get involved.

Annual Charity Walk

Join us on our annual charity walk in the

beautiful Warwickshire countryside. This

will be our 3rd annual walk and we hope

to make it the biggest one yet. For more

information call us on 0121 788 1143.

Sunday 9th

June 2019 10am – Register

10.30 – Walk Begins Venue: Badesley Clinton House B93 0DQ

Walk registration Fee: £5 adults / £3 Children

All money

raised goes to

support carers

in Solihull

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Adult Carers (25+) how can the

Carers Trust Solihull Support you?

Emotional Support

a listening ear when you need it

Events and Activities

We support carers with day trips and short breaks

Information and Advice

we offer info & advice and help carers access support

Carers Assessments

helping you to manage your own health and wellbeing

Carers Support Groups

Offering peer support

Training and Workshops

Giving you tools to continue to care

Carers Card

Recognising you as a carer with access to some discounts

Befriending

We link carers with volunteers who assist them in achieving goals

Influencing Change

We will keep an eye on local and the national picture and act as a voice for carers

We understand how important having the right support

at the right time can be. We offer a wide range of free

services that can support you in your caring role. The

aim is to equip carers with the information, skills and

confidence to continue in their caring role.

If you are caring for someone and you would like some information and support you

can call us on 0121 788 1143 and speak to one of our Carers Practitioners. You can

also arrange to drop in to see us at our centre.

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Thank you for supporting us!

Shirley Lions kindly donated £800 to

adult carers for respite activities. This

funding was used to take 30 carers to

the theatre to see Dirty Dancing. Carers

feedback they had a wonderful night!

Moore & Tibbits Solicitors have kindly

run a variety of free workshops and talks

for the Carers Trust Solihull. They have

covered topics such as Wills and Power

of Attorney, Care Cost and CHC funding.

This information has been so valuable

for our carers, it has allowed them to be

empowered in their caring role and make

informed decisions.

If you live in Solihull and you are caring for someone

you can register with our service. When you register

(which is free) you will be sent an information pack

containing your Carers Identity Card. This can be used

to...

Keep the telephone numbers of who to contact in an

emergency.

Alert others, including the emergency services that

you are a carer and may have someone at home who

depends on you.

Obtain concessions at varies local venues and

attractions when presenting the card.

Cards expire every 2 years so if you do have one

check to see if it is still in date.

Carers Card

Please call us on 0121 788 1143 if you require a new carers card or would like to

find out more about it.

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Recent Events

Over the past 6 months over 150 carers have engaged in our events and activities

programme. There have been trips to the theatre, museums visits, relaxation days,

training sessions and support groups. Through these sessions we hope to offer

carers respite and the opportunity to look after their own wellbeing.

Keep updated with the latest information by joining our email mailing

list. You will receive a monthly email letting you know what's on that

month, information you may find useful and the opportunity to feedback

and share your views around carer issues.

To join our mailing list email

michellestoddard@solihullcarers.org

Dirty Dancing the Musical

Black Country Living Museum

Group Christmas Party

Wedgewood Pottery Museum

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Useful Contacts

Carers Trust - Solihull 0121 788 1143

Solihull Social Services 0121 704 8007

Social Services out of hours 0121 605 6060

Community Advice Hub 0121 705 3588

Drop in service

Carers Trust Solihull

620 Streetsbrook Road

Solihull

B91 1QY

Tel: 0121 788 1143

Email: centre@solihullcarers.org

Website: www.solihullcarers.org

Twitter: @carerssolihull

If you are a carer and need advice

or support feel free to drop into the

carers centre. Our drop in times

are...

Mon - Thurs 10am - 4pm

Friday 10am - 3pm