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Contact us:Head Office: Enterprise House, Enterprise CityMeadowfield Avenue, SpennymoorCo Durham DL16 6JF
Telephone: 0300 005 1213 Text: 07860 017 632Email: [email protected] Web: www.dccarers.org www.facebook.co.uk/durhamcountycarerssupport @dccarers
Charity No: 1069278Company No: 3534933
Caring MattersYour local charitysupporting carers
August 2018
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Celebratingour VolunteersAchievements
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Telephone0191 338 5155to see how you can join our
caring workforce and be part
of a team that makes a real
difference to real lives in
your area
Rates of pay up to £8.60 an hour.Full training provided.
The Max Card is designed to make days out more financially accessible for families of children with
additional needs. Please visit http://www.mymaxcard.co.uk/browse
To enquire about obtaining a Max Card please email Children and Young People’s Network
The Max Card is designed to make days out more financially
accessible for families of children with additional needs.
Please visit www.mymaxcard.co.uk/browse
To enquire about obtaining aMax Card please email Children
and Young People’s Network [email protected]
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This newsletter is produced 4 times a year and is sent to over 17,000 supporters. If you have any comments we would very much like to hear from you. If you would prefer to receive the newsletter by email or not to receive it at all please email, telephone or write to us using the details below.Freepost RTXA-HHGH-SAGE, Durham County Carers Support, Enterprise House, Enterprise City, Meadowfield Avenue, SPENNYMOOR DL16 6JF. Telephone: 0300 005 1213. Email: [email protected]: www.dccarers.org Charity Number 1069278. Registered Number Company 3534933
A Celebration of Volunteers WeekWe recently held our Volunteers Week event at North Road Methodist Church in Durham where Andrea gave a presentation and we celebrated our fantastic 2731 hours of volunteering over the last financial year.Corrinne Morgan of Authentic Self Help kindly donated her services to treat the volunteers to a hand massage, we all enjoyed a fabulous afternoon tea and look forward to the challenges and successes of the next year!If you are interested in any opportunities we may have then please contact Andrea Emerson [email protected] telephone 0300 005 1213
Why not join our Facebook group forParent Carers? Follow this link and joinwww.facebook.com/DCCSparentcarers
Notice of Durham County Carers Support Annual General Meeting Friday 5th October 2018, 10am at 4 Clocks Centre, Bishop Auckland
This years AGM Durham County Carers Support and our partners will be talking about the fantastic work we do with Parent Carers.The agenda will include:
• Annual Report• Election of Officers• Presentation and adoption of Financial Accounts• Presentation on successful partnership working with other
Organisations• Plans for the future
If you would like to attend please complete your details below and return to:Liz Johns at Durham County Carers Support,Enterprise House, Enterprise City, Meadowfield Avenue, Spennymoor, Co. Durham, DL16 6JF
NAME ....................................................................................
ADDRESS...............................................................................
...............................................POSTCODE .............................
TRUSTEE VACANCIESWe currently have vacancies forTrustees (Voluntary Positions)This is your chance to shape and support the strategic development of an exceptionally dedicated team of staff who are passionate about making a difference to the lives of Carers in County Durham. The main skills we are looking for are business, fundraising, HR and Management in Health and Social Care. Working alongside existing Board Members you will help to advise, govern and oversee policy and promotion of Durham County Carers Support.
Full role descriptions are available by contactingJenni Wood, CEO.Enterprise House, Enterprise City, Meadowfield Avenue, Spennymoor, Co. Durham, DL16 6JFEmail: [email protected]
PLEASE NOTE DATE OF AGM – LETTER CIRCULATED TO MEMBERS SHOWED WRONG DATE
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It is recognised that people with learning disabilities may experience inequalities in accessing mainstream health services and may benefit from reasonable adjustments and additional help and support.Although there are several incentives aimed at improving health we are keen to continue to try to support the health agenda and want to ensure that people with learning disabilities and their families and carers have the information they need to address health needs and prevent illness.There are services available locally to support adults with learning disabilities with health promotion and prevention these include;Health Facilitation Team:Tees Esk Wear Valleys NHS Trust have a small team of nurses and non-registered staff available across Co. Durham and Darlington to help support access to mainstream health and to address health inequalities. The team can also help with education and training and Health Action Planning and assist with Best Interest Decisions and consent.
Acute Liaison Nurse:This service is provided by a learning disability nurse and lead nurse. They assist people who require treatment, and support admissions to hospitals and enable reasonable adjustments, including flagging learning disability status, help with completion of hospital passports. The nurses cover Co Durham and Darlington hospitals.Primary Care have an Enhanced Service which means that local GP practices can offer Annual Health Checks to all patients on their Learning Disability registers (aged 14 years +) to have a health check. The Annual Health Check is an opportunity to assess health and wellbeing and address any unmet health needs.Because of the Annual Health Check, a Health Action Plan should be developed which details what health needs have been identified and any action required.There is a significant amount of work going on to ensure people with learning disabilities take up and are offered support where required to attend NHS screening
programmes. The support includes education and training to raise awareness, help and advice with reasonable adjustments, and availability of easy read information and resources.The NHS screening priorities for people with learning disabilities includes Bowel, Cervical and Breast Screening Over the coming months services will be developing a ‘flu plan’ to increaser the uptake of the seasonal flu vaccination as people with learning disabilities and their Carers are an ‘at risk group’
STOMP: Stopping Over Medication of People with Learning disabilities:Nationally there is a campaign to ensure that people with learning disabilities are not prescribed medication they do not need, trusts and pharmacies are working with Clinical Commissioning Groups and primary care to educate and raise awareness of this campaign, the aim is to ensure people have medication reviewed, explore appropriate alternatives and involve people and their Carers in decision making when prescribing.
Learning Disability Mortality Review (LeDeR)This programme aims to improve the standard and quality of care for people with learning disabilities. The LeDeR programme was a recommendation from the Confidential Inquiry into premature deaths of people with learning disabilities. Since 2015 the programme has sought to review the deaths of people with learning disabilities, a local team manage the programme and it is important to understand that this work is a review to consider lessons learned (rather than a formal investigation) with the aim of prevention and improving practice, by learning more about the person and the circumstances leading up to death – we recognise that families/carers need more information and support with reviews and hope to deliver some sessions to do just this.This is just a snapshot of the current focus, Michaela Hopps Team Lead of the Health Facilitation County Durham and Darlington is happy for Carers contact her for more information or advice. Michaela says, ‘I am keen to learn from your experiences (Carers), and understand what works best, what good support looks like and what areas need
further development’. Michaela and the teams would like to work with Carers to ensure people with learning disabilities have the information they need to address health needs and prevent illness. Carers can contact Michaela [email protected] or Sue Garrett [email protected]
Improving and Supporting Healthfor adults with Learning Disabilities in Co. Durham and Darlington
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Mental Health Information WorkshopsThese FREE one day workshops are being delivered in partnership with TEWV (Tees, Esk & Wear Valley) Mental Health Trust. They will be of particular interest to anyone caring for someone with mental ill health or Carers who have mental ill health themselves.The workshops are being held in two venues:Thursday 13th September 10am-4pm Lanchester Road Hospital, Durham, DH1 5RTThursday 27th September 10am-4pm Auckland Park Hospital, Bishop Auckland, DL14 6AEThe workshops will look at various topics including:• Mental Well Being / Mental Ill Health• Stress & Anxiety • Depression • Bi Polar Disorder • Schizophrenia • Stress & Vulnerability (We can discuss
other conditions if requested by the group, depending on time restrictions, e.g. OCD, Eating Difficulties, PTSD, Personality Disorder, Self-Harm)
• Sections of the Mental Health ActTea and coffee will be available but lunch will not be provided. You can either bring your own packed lunch or food can be purchased in the cafeteria at each venue. If you would like to attend one of the workshops, please contact:Sue Garrett on 0191 5006030 oremail: [email protected]
FREE Understanding Stress andResilience Course for Parent CarersWednesday 19th September 2018 10am-1pmThe aims of the session are to understand how stress can impact on your lives and how you can build resilience. The session will explore the causes, signs and symptoms of stress and how to recognise the long-term effects and develop strategies to prevent and reduce stress. The seven characteristics of resilient individuals will be explored to enable participants to reflect on areas where they could develop their own resilience or support others to do so.The course is being held at our office: Enterprise House, Enterprise City, Meadowfield Avenue, Spennymoor,Co. Durham, DL16 6JF. To request a place please contact Emma Whitelock, Parent Carer Support and Development Worker on 0191 5006035 or [email protected] Please note places are limited.
DUN-N-DUSTED North EastRubbish Removals
[email protected] 581 1004• Domestic
• Commercial• Asbestos Removals• Green Waste•House&OfficeClearance
• Wheelie Bin Emptying Service• Hazardous Waste Removed• Small Demolition Work
Consett CarersSupport GroupThe Group welcomed Rhythm Not Blues to their April meeting, they certainly brightened up a cold rainy day. Rhythm Not Blues are a group of friendly volunteers who bring joy, laughter music, song, dance and fun to those with memory problems, long term illness or perhaps people who feel isolated. Consett Carers Group are a friendly bunch who meet on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at The Masonic Hall, John Street, Consett DH8 5AS. Carers are welcome to come along to the group for a cuppa and a chat and enjoy the company of other Carers and volunteers.Rhythm Not Blues meet every Monday at Chester le Street Community Association, DJ3 3TS at 2.30pm-3.30pm. Enquiries to Kath: 07825155009
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North East and North Cumbria LeDeR Confirm and Challenge GroupLeDer is the Programme that reviews the deaths of people with a learning disability. The programme was set up because people with a learning disability often die earlier than they would if they did not have a learning disability. The programme wants to learn what can be done better to help people live longer, healthier lives.
How to get involved and make a differenceNorth East and North Cumbria LeDeR Steering group asked Inclusion North to set up a Confirm and Challenge group. We talked to Child Bereavement UK and decided to work together to run the group. The group will think about what needs to change to make sure people with a learning disability live healthier, longer lives. We will work with the LeDeR steering group to help them learn from the reviews they are doing.
Who are we looking for? People with a learning disability and family members who live in the North East or North Cumbria, people who are good at speaking up and people who are also good at listening.
What will the Confirm andChallenge group do?Meet regularly to talk about the LeDeR programme and what could be done to make things better. Work as a team and speak up together to make a difference. Be positive and find solutions. Support each other to talk about difficult issues.
Dates of next meetings31st August, 21st September, 12th October
How will we do this?Meet up every month to look at what is happening in the LeDeR programme. Ask questions, suggest solutions to make things better. Work together to share our skills and expertise. Feed back to the steering group, to help them get things right.
What will you get from us if you get involved?A warm welcome and support to get to the meetings and join in. Accessible information, drinks and lunch, all out of pocket expenses paid.
To find out more or please talk to Karen Parry (Inclusion North) Tel: 07375034291email: [email protected] orSusan Garrett 0191 5006030email: [email protected]
It’s very important to let your GP know you are caring for someoneGP surgeries have been asked to keep registers of their patients who are also Carers. This can help them better understand the condition of the person you care for, and to look out for the warning signs of illnesses that are common among Carers, such as back pain resulting from heavy lifting.
The surgery might be able to offer extra support, such as more readily available home visits, flu jabs or more flexibility with appointments or obtaining repeat prescriptions.
By using one of our forms your practice can mark your records to indicate that you are Carer and if the person you care for consents, they can mark their records to indicate you are caring for them.
The Carers register can be accessed by 111, Ambulance Service and hospitals which enables them to identify you as the person that knows their patient the best.
Leaflets can be found in your surgery waiting area or you can request one by phoning 0300 005 1213.
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Free flu vaccination for carers livingin County DurhamMake sure you get your free flu vaccination this year in order to protect yourself and the people you care for from flu.
A new flu vaccination is needed each year to match the new strains of the virus. A flu vaccination will:
• Help you avoid getting flu.
• Help reduce the risk of you being too ill to look after the person you care for.
• Reduce the chance of you passing flu on to the person you care for, who due to their age, long-term health condition, or disability will be at increased risk of developing the serious complications of flu.
You can unknowingly spread the flu virus to the people you care for even if you feel well, seven out of ten people that are affected with the flu virus show no symptoms.
Flu is a highly infectious disease and on top of long-term health conditions can easily develop into something very serious. It is not like catching a cold, flu can come on very suddenly and you will find it very difficult, if not impossible, to look after the person you care for.
The flu vaccination given to adults cannot cause flu.There are some fairly common but mild side effects that are unlikely to prevent the carer from caring. Some people get a slight temperature and aching muscles for a couple of days afterwards, and their arm may feel a bit sore where they were injected. Any other reactions are very rare.
How to get your free NHS flu vaccinationIf you are aged 18 and over and either in receipt of a carer’s allowance, or are the main carer of an older or disabled person whose welfare would be at risk if you fell ill, then you are entitled to the NHS flu vaccination for free.
You can receive your free NHS flu vaccination either at your GP practice or your local pharmacy.
If you visit a pharmacy and do not receive a carers allowance you can show the pharmacy your current County Durham Carers Card instead.
Durham CountyCouncil Update
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Please return completed slip if you would like to attend any of these sessions which will take place between 10am and 2pm (including a buffet lunch):-
I am interested in attending the Stress Less and Relax session on:-
Thursday 18th October at St Patricks Church Hall, Victoria Road, Consett.
Saturday 22nd September at Arlington House, 4 North Bailey, Durham.
Tuesday 23rd October at Wesley Room, The Four Clocks, Bishop Auckland.
Name: .....................................................................................................................................
Address ...................................................................................................................................
Tel: .........................................................................................................................................
email (if available) ....................................................................................................................
Please reply to DCCS, Enterprise House, Enterprise City, Meadowfield Avenue,Spennymoor DL16 6JF a.s.a.p. as places are limited!
Back due to popular demand!Stress Less & Relax delivered by‘The Feel Good Factory’The Stress Less & Relax session will give you tips, techniques and support tools that will help you to bounce back when you take a knock, handle challenges and give you the tools to take back some control of your life.
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Are you new to Caring for a family member or friend? Do you find it difficult to understand the jargon and Healthand Social Care Systems? Do you know what help is available for you and your family?We are holding some half day sessions for Carers looking after an adult to cover thefollowing topics:-
• Jargon busting
• What to expect when someone comes out of hospital
• Looking at your needs as a Carer
• What is a Care Plan?
• Confidence with confidentiality
• Your health matters too!
Newton Aycliffe – Tues 25th September @ Newton Aycliffe Youth & Community Centre
Bishop Auckland – Wed 19th September @ Bishopgate Medical Centre, Bishop Auckland
Consett – Wed 3rd October @ St Patricks Church Hall, Consett
Peterlee – Wed 10th October @ William Brown Centre, Peterlee
Durham – Saturday 20th October @ Arlington House, North Bailey, Durham
Durham – Wednesday 26th September @ Newton Hall Community Centre, Pity Me, Durham
All sessions take place from 10 am until 1pm followed by a buffet lunch
Name: ..............................................................................................................................
Address ............................................................................................................................
.............................................................................. Postcode ............................................
Tel: ..................................................................................................................................
email (if available) .............................................................................................................
Please reply to DCCS, Enterprise House, Enterprise City, Meadowfield Avenue,Spennymoor DL16 6JF a.s.a.p. as places are limited!
Making Sense of Caring
If you are interested in attending one of the sessions, please complete and return the reply slip below
I am interested in attending the MAKING SENSE OF CARING session on (please tick):
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When? Thursday October 11th 2018 Time? 9.30am - 2.00pm Where? Blackhall Community Centre, Heselden Road, Blackhall TS27 4LG
There is no charge for this event. Book early as places are limited.
Name: ....................................................................................................................................................................
Address: .................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................Postcode: .......................................................................................
Contact number: ................................................... Email: .......................................................................................
Do you have any dietary requirements? - Vegetarian/Gluten free/other
..............................................................................................................................................................................
Please complete and return no later than Wednesday October 3rd 2018Freepost Plus RTXA-HHGH-SAGE, Durham County Carers Support, Enterprise House, Enterprise City, Meadowfield Avenue, SPENNYMOOR DL16 6JF.Any questions please contact Karen Wilson 0191 5006011 or email [email protected]
Opportunities for Carers in East DurhamRemember! There is a Carers Pop-in at Healthworks in Easington on the first Friday of every month from 9.30am-11.30am. You are welcome to just come along - you don’t need an appointment. August 3rd, September 7th, October 5thNovember 2nd, December 7thIf you live in East Durham and are a Carer supporting someone with mental ill health, or have mental ill health yourself, and would like to speak to someone please contact your Carer Support Co-ordinator direct or Karen Wilson on 0191 5006011 oremail [email protected]
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Time just for youIf you live in East Durham and are supporting someone with mental ill health, or have mental ill health yourself, then this is an opportunity to take some time just for you! Meet other Carers, enjoy a Mindfulness workshop, holistic therapy treatment, hand massage, some creative therapy and - lunch!
Peterlee Carers Support GroupFirst Tuesday of each month 1pm - 3pm Weatherspoons - The Five Quarter,Peterlee SR8 1AB
Horden Carers Support GroupSecond Friday of each month 10am - 12noon Horden Youth and Community Centre,Eden Street, Horden, SR8 4LH
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Durham County Carers Support50:50 Club (formerly known as the 500 Club Lottery)We’ve changed the name to help show how the funds are allocated.50% of the funds raised per month is given back out to 3 lucky winners, average prizes are:1st £107 2nd £70 3rd £35Joining the 50:50 Club gives you the opportunity to support our FREE counselling for Carers and gives you a very good chance of winning a monthly prize. 50% of funds raised will be used to support our FREE counselling service to Carers Our Counsellors create a comfortable non-judgmental environment that is characterised by the counsellor being genuine, displaying empathy and having an acceptance of the person regardless of circumstance. The result is that the client gains better coping skills and confidence through various techniques. If you require any information about this service please contact Andrea Emerson on 0191 5006010 or email [email protected]
#Lottery Registration Number LOT142 Charity Number 1069278
50:50 Club MembershipApplication FormCarers’ 50:50 Club MembershipPlease complete in BLOCK CAPITALS
Name ...................................................................
Address ................................................................
............................................................................
.................................... Postcode ..........................
Telephone .............................................................
Email ....................................................................
We would prefer payment by Standing Order but are happy to accept cash or cheque. Please note if you are paying by cash or cheque you must join for a minimum of 1 year (£12). Please make your cheque payable to: Durham County Carers Support and return this completed membership application form to: Durham County Carers Support, Enterprise House, Meadowfield Avenue, Spennymoor, DL16 6JFMinimum stake is £1 per month, but remember, the more stakes you take, the more chance you have of winning!
Monthly or Annual Standing OrderYour Bank Name ..........................................................Bank Address .................................................................................................... Postcode ................................Account Name .............................................................Account No.: ................. Sort Code ................................Please send this completed form to:Durham County Carers Support,Enterprise House, Meadowfield Avenue, Spennymoor, Co Durham, DL16 6JF oremail it to: [email protected]
Please debit my account and pay:Durham County Carers SupportAcc. No. 20132424 Sort Code 60-83-01The sum of .............................................................On the (start date) ..................................................And then on the same day (please tick):Monthly Annually Signed ....................................................................Date .......................................................................
Previous WinnersMay 2018 Joan Hendry 1st James Haggett 2nd Neil Geddes 3rdJune2018 Catherine Pennell 1st Margaret Burt 2nd John Tate 3rdJuly 2018 Joanne Lowe 1st Caron Barnett 2nd George Cowie 3rd
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I’m looking for people that can help us by letting me record your story. We often deliver training and presentations to people about what it is like to be a Carer and we feel that the best way to illustrate our talks is to take people like yourselves out with us, but we know that’s often not possible. I have been recording people’s voices anonymously which has left them free to talk to me about their feelings and experiences. By anonymous I mean we do not attach a name to the recording, we protect people’s identity. Just imagine how powerful and memorable our presentations will be when we play real people’s voices. If you could talk to me about things that have gone right for you, things that haven’t gone well and what might have made things better it would help us enormously. I don’t have any posh recording machines I’m afraid, it’s just me and my iPhone. If you care for someone or you have cared for someone over the age of 18 and are able to spare about an hour to do this please email or phone me. Jan Burden – Health & Social Care Development Worker, Email: [email protected]: 0191 500 6034
Help needed - Carers Voices
“I am running the Great North Run this year in aid to raise lots of money for Carers Support. As I am a Carer for my mam, I know how difficult it is at times. So after being out of the running game for such a long time, I decided to take on my 5th Great North Run. It feels amazing to be back in my trainers and training hard for such a fantastic charity like Carers Support, who we all may need some day”.Andrea Vickers, Peterlee
You can support our runners by sending in a donation by cheque to Durham County Carers Support or by going onto Virgin money and searching for Durham County Carers Support or you can donate via our website www.dccarers.org
SedgefieldMemory Cafe3rd Thursday of each month10-30am to 12noon atSedgefield Fire StationThis is a venue for Dementiaclients and their Carers,to come along for coffee,cakes and a chat in arelaxed atmosphere. Next Cafe dates:August 16thSeptember 20thOctober 18thNovember 15thDecember 20thFor further information call:Dorothy on
07773 286 743
Better Health At Work AwardAs part of us working toward the Better Health at Work award a number of members of staff formed a running group, Who Carers Wins, and have taken part in the “Couch to 5K” challenge. Since October 2017 the group has been training 3 times a week and were thrilled to get their awards this week. Jenni Wood CEO said “This is a fantastic achievement and the group are not stopping there. I am very proud of them for showing the commitment to improving their health and fitness alongside working for this very busy charity. Three members of the group have also signed up to run the Great North Run this year which is fantastic”.
Meet Andrea who’s running this year’s Great North Run to raise funds for our Counselling Service
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Time to Change is a growing social movement campaigning nationally to change how we all think and act about mental health and improve everyone’s attitude and behaviour towards people with mental ill health. In any year around 1 in 4 people will experience mental ill health. Too many people will be made to feel ashamed and isolated because of the attitudes and behaviour of those around them. The stigma and discrimination people experience in their communities, schools and workplaces can be as challenging as the mental ill health they are experiencing. Durham County Council’s Health and Wellbeing Board promotes integrated working between all the organisations providing health, public health and social care across the County aiming to improve the health and wellbeing of everyone living in County Durham and supports Time to Change County Durham and Stamp It Out. Stamp It Out is a partnership approach to challenging mental health stigma and discrimination in County Durham. Durham County Council’s Children and Adult Services, mental health services, social housing, Public Health, Voluntary and Community Sector Services are working together with people with lived experience to “Reduce stigma and discrimination towards people who experience mental health problems by raising awareness amongst the general public, within the workplace and other settings”.Durham County Carers Support is proud to be a part of Stamp It Out.
@StampOutStigmaInDurham
@StampOutStigma
Are mental health services working?Share your views…Around one in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year. Effective, timely support is vital to help people manage their conditions and recent governments have promised to increase support for mental health services. But are services in County Durham working? Healthwatch County Durham would like to hear from anyone who has experience of local mental health services to help them identify ways they can be improved in future. If you, or a loved one, has used mental health services, how did you find them? What worked, what didn’t, and what would you do to improve them? Maybe you feel there is gap that needs to be filled or perhaps something worked so well for you that you think more services should do the same. Healthwatch will be
sharing their findings based on everyone’s feedback with local clinical commissioning groups and NHS Trusts to help them improve services for future. Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, which is responsible for many mental health services across County Durham, has already said it is very interested in hearing what people have to say.Whether it’s about talking therapies, inpatient services, or any other mental health support, your views can help make a difference. And you can be sure that anything you share will be kept in the strictest confidence. Contact Healthwatch County Durham at [email protected] or Freephone 0800 304 7039.
Durham County Carers Support Learning Disabilities Facebook GroupThis group is for people caring for someone who has a Learning Disability and/or Autism. It is a closed group where Carers can share information and access peer support, in a safe and enclosed environment.At present we have over 200 members, if you would like to join or would like more information please contactSusan Garrett 0191 5006030 oremail: susan.garrett@dccarersorg
Where: Greenhills Centre, Stephen’s Terrace, Wheatley Hill, Durham, DH6 3JS
When: Every Friday from 10.00 - 11.30am
How to register:To register your interest please contact Kerrie Highcock on 0191 410 9974 or email [email protected]
Parent & Toddler GroupThis is a FREE service for parents and carers with toddlers who have autism and special needs.
www.ne-as.org.ukRegistered Charity No.1028260
Where: Greenhills Centre, Stephen’s Terrace, Wheatley Hill, Durham, DH6 3JS
When: Every Friday from 10.00 - 11.30am
How to register:To register your interest please contact Kerrie Highcock on 0191 410 9974 or email [email protected]
Parent & Toddler GroupThis is a FREE service for parents and carers with toddlers who have autism and special needs.
www.ne-as.org.ukRegistered Charity No.1028260
Where: Greenhills Centre, Stephen’s Terrace, Wheatley Hill, Durham, DH6 3JS
When: Every Friday from 10.00 - 11.30am
How to register:To register your interest please contact Kerrie Highcock on 0191 410 9974 or email [email protected]
Parent & Toddler GroupThis is a FREE service for parents and carers with toddlers who have autism and special needs.
www.ne-as.org.ukRegistered Charity No.1028260
Where: Greenhills Centre, Stephen’s Terrace, Wheatley Hill, Durham, DH6 3JS
When: Every Friday from 10.00 - 11.30am
How to register:To register your interest please contact Kerrie Highcock on 0191 410 9974 or email [email protected]
Parent & Toddler GroupThis is a FREE service for parents and carers with toddlers who have autism and special needs.
www.ne-as.org.ukRegistered Charity No.1028260
Where: Greenhills Centre, Stephen’s Terrace, Wheatley Hill, Durham, DH6 3JS
When: Every Friday from 10.00 - 11.30am
How to register:To register your interest please contact Kerrie Highcock on 0191 410 9974 or email [email protected]
Parent & Toddler GroupThis is a FREE service for parents and carers with toddlers who have autism and special needs.
www.ne-as.org.ukRegistered Charity No.1028260
Where: Greenhills Centre, Stephen’s Terrace, Wheatley Hill, Durham, DH6 3JS
When: Every Friday from 10.00 - 11.30am
How to register:To register your interest please contact Kerrie Highcock on 0191 410 9974 or email [email protected]
Parent & Toddler GroupThis is a FREE service for parents and carers with toddlers who have autism and special needs.
www.ne-as.org.ukRegistered Charity No.1028260
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As the roll out of Universal Credit Full service was completed on 20th June 2018, there is more need to understand exactly what this might mean for you. The changeover for existing claims is between 2019 and 2023 and will include anyone who claims:-
• Employment and Support Allowance (Income Based)
• Jobseekers Allowance (Income Based)• Housing Benefit• Income Support• Child Tax Credit• Working Tax Credit
Remember that anyone who already claims one of these 6 benefits will not be affected as long as their claims continue without any big changes (such as moving out of the area into a new Local Authority or County).
Renewing an ESA claim that has reached the end of the award period will not swap you to Universal Credit but any new application made after 20th June will.
One of the best ways to find out more may be to visit some reliable websites to get information as this puts less strain on services who operate a “drop in” or telephone support, but do what is right for you to get the answers you need.
Typing “Universal Credit and you” into your search box brings up the GOV.UK site which has many of the things you need to know in one place.
Turn2us.org.uk have an easy to understand section on benefit information and are now featured on the “Benefits and Grants” section of our website dccarers.org for benefit checks and grant searches for extra financial help.
Citizens Advice and Age UK also have a lot of useful info on their national sites.
Whatever your worry, County Durham has someone to help.
Vehicle tax reductionYou can get a 50% reduction in vehicle tax if you get the PIP standard rate Mobility component
You can’t get a reduction for getting the DLA lower rate Mobility component.
How to claim
You must include the following with your application:
• a letter or statement from the Department for Work and Pensions that shows your award rate and the dates you’re getting it
• the vehicle log book (V5C)• a V10 form (Vehicle Tax application) • an original MOT or GVT certificate (if your vehicle
needs one)• a cheque or payable order (made out to ‘DVLA,
Swansea’) for 50% of the full rate of the taxable amount of the vehicle.
• an insurance certificateDon’t send your PIP assessment or any other medical information with your application.
Send the documents to: DVLA, Swansea SA99 1DZ
Assistance with Benefit FormsAs a result of increasing need for support due to the changes to Welfare Benefits, it is more important than ever to contact us when you know you may require assistance with a benefit form. Many forms have to be returned by a certain date, so If you are able please complete as much of the form as you can including the information about the medical or professional appointments that are attended as our wait times for appointments for non-urgent support are variable.We are in the process of adding downloadable guides to completing “Disability Living Allowance for a child under 16 years old” and “Personal Independence Payment” in the “Publications” section of our website at www.dccarers.org so have a look for some extra support. We are always happy to be emailed or called for some extra guidance with some of the questions so contact your Carer Support Coordinator if you are unsure.
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All material published in Caring Matters, including adverts, editorials, articles and all other content is published in good faith. Durham County Carers Support accepts no liability for any errors or omissions and does not endorseany companies, products or services that appear in this publication. This publication is available in alternative
formats and large print. To let us know your requirements, please contact 0300 005 1213.
Charity No. 1069278Company No. 3534933
Become a supporterof Durham County Carers Support by making a regular donationA regular gift of between £2 and £10 per month will help us to continue our work in supporting Carers, it also allows us to plan ahead for our future projects. 100% of funds donated are used to support Carers living in County Durham and Darlington.
Changes/cancellations can be made at any time to your regular gift by contacting your bank.
If you have any questions about making a regular donation, please call0300 005 1213
Banker’s Order
To: (your bank name & address) ................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................Please pay to: Unity Trust Bank, Nine Brindley Place, Birmingham, B1 2HB for the credit of Durham County Carers Support, Account Number 20132424, Sort Code: 08-60-01
The sum of £ ...........................Commencing: ................................................. (date of first payment) and thereafter every month until further notice, debit my account accordingly.
Name of account to be debited: .................................................................................................................
Account No: ......................................................................... Sort Code:.....................................................
Your signature: ...................................................................Date: .............................................................
Your address: ............................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................. Post code: .............................................................
Please return the above completed form to: FREEPOST RTSU-LJRT-HZBEDurham County Carers Support, Enterprise House, Meadowfield Avenue, Spennymoor DL16 6JF
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ELECTRIC RISE RECLINERSby Sherborne and
Celebrity with 5 years warranty.Other brands include: Vale Bridgecraft
and Cotswold ChairCompany
with 5 years warranty.
Over 30 in stock forimmediate delivery.
Manual recliners andsettees to match.
A large selection of high seatchairs, occassional
furniture and accessories.Prices to suit all pockets by a
company established in 1898.
Big size Menswear 2X - 8Xnow in stock at Shildon.