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Issue 19 Registered charity no. 299889

For people with learning disabilities and their families

Family Carers UpdateFor family carers of adults with a learning disability

Produced byCentre 404404 Camden RoadIslingtonLondonN7 0SJ020 7697 1336

www.centre404.org.ukEmail: family@centre404.org.uk

CONTENTS

p.2: Centre 404 News

p.4-7:Islington News

p.8:Camden News

p.9:Carer Focus

p.10-11:Notice Board

p.12:Dates for Your Diary

Visit our website at www.centre404.org.ukFind us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/centre404

Follow us on twitter: @centre_404

Views expressed in this newsletter are those of the contributors and may not

represent the views of Centre 404 or the London Borough of Islington.

The Supporting Families Team would like to wish all our family carers a very happy new year! If you managed to come down to the Carers’ Festive Lunch held at St Luke’s Church (Hillmarton Rd) on 17th December, we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did! We catered to 75 people who enjoyed a traditional turkey lunch, with the option of a halal or vegetarian menu. There was a real mix of family carers from across Camden and Islington and it was a great opportunity to meet old friends and make new ones.

We had a lot of positive feedback on the day. Carers’ comments included:

“Fantastic food & company’’, “We had a fabulous time’’, “It was my first time. I felt that what I am going through I am not alone, there are others like me’’, “I made a new friend. I liked everything about today’’

We also received some interesting suggestions regarding what other events/activities carers would like to see:• Live Music• Dancing• Bingo

We are very interested to hear directly from carers regarding what activities you would like the Supporting Families Team to put on for you. If you have any ideas please do get in touch either through email family@centre404.org.uk or call a member of the team on 020 7697 1325/36.

Happy New Year from Centre 404!

Centre 404 UpdateWelcome, CharityHi, I’m Charity and I am a new Family Carer Support Worker at Centre 404. I will be working with carers of adults with learning disabilities living in Camden.

This role is part of the new Camden Carers Service (CCS) — a partnership between Camden Carers Centre, Centre 404 and Crossroads Care (Central and North London), which was launched in April 2013.

I will be providing information about services for carers in Camden, support groups and arranging fun outings and events. After the recent success of the Carers Festive Lunch, I hope to be involved in more social activities!

My previous role as a social work student with Islington Council (within the Community Mental Health Team) involved working directly and in partnership with adults with mental health problems and their carers. I helped them make informed decisions and supported them to create care plans according to their wishes and preferences.

I will always be at the end of the phone for help or advice. My contact number is 020 7697 1337 or email: charityM@centre404.org.uk

Welcome, BethHi, I’m Beth and I am the new Camden Carers Engagement Worker. Before this role I was working for a mental health charity supporting projects and events. Many of these were focused on involving young people in decisions about the services and help they received.

At Centre 404 I will be working with the Family Members’ Reference Group and the Camden Carers’ Voice group (see p.8 for more information about this group).

I will be working to get more carers involved with these groups and to help carers’ voices to be heard in Camden.

To contact me, phone 020 7697 1336 or email beths@centre404.org.uk My regular days are Monday – Wednesday.

Future meeting dates:Camden Carers Voice - 27th February at Argenta House, 1 Aspern Grove, NW3 2AF

Camden Family Members Reference Group - 26th March at Centre 404

Over 60’s Trip to Crews HillIn November, Centre 404 took a group of family carers to the lovely countryside area of Crews Hill as a festive treat. Here’s what happened on the day...

The sun was shining for the day out to Crews Hill so all the carers were in a great mood and looking forward for the day to come. The coach turned up early and with a very helpful and friendly driver.

On arriving, the group agreed to meet up for lunch at ‘The Plough’ pub next to the Springtime Garden Centre. Carers then split into smaller groups to do some festive shopping and browse the lovely plants in the garden centre.

The atmosphere at Springtime was very festive with all the lights and decorations. There was also lots of merchandise set up on old fashioned market stalls with great present ideas for friends and family.

The time for shopping went very quickly and it was suddenly time to meet for lunch. The Plough made the family carers feel really welcome. There was a long table so everyone could sit together to chat and show each other what they had bought. Everyone decided what they wanted to eat and then had drinks. Although the group had to wait a while for the food, they were all served together and it arrived freshly cooked and hot. All in all it was a lovely day out and everyone enjoyed themselves. The day was such a success that we hope we can put it on again in the near future.

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Planning for the Future - Wills & Trusts WorkshopIn November 2013, Jane Whitfield from Wellers Law Group came in to Centre 404 to talk to carers about Wills and trusts. A number of issues were raised so here is a quick re-cap of what was covered on the day in case you missed it.

Any person who cares for a relative with a learning disability will at some point be concerned about what will happen to their loved one after they die.

What are your options?• Do nothing• Make a Will and include a direct legacy to the person with

a learning disability• Make a Will which leaves a legacy to another family

member/friend on the understanding that it will be used to support the disabled person

• Make a Will which includes a trust• Create a separate trust in your lifetime

What happens if you die without having a valid Will?

When a person dies without leaving a valid Will, their property must be shared out according to the rules of intestacy (which leave a person’s estate to their next of kin in a fixed order). These rules do not take into account the possibility that the beneficiary (the person inheriting) may have learning disabilities and may not have the capacity to manage their

Government decision to Abolish Independent Living Fund is OverturnedThe Independent Living Fund (ILF) provides money to help disabled people live an independent life rather than in residential care. The ILF allows an individual to employ personal assistants to support them to live as independent a life as possible.

In 2012 the government decided to abolish the £320 million ILF which helps nearly 19,000 disabled people in the UK. It is a ring-fenced budget which means that the money has been set aside specifically to be used for the ILF. Last April the High Court ruled the decision to abolish the ILF as lawful. Thanks to 5 recipients of the ILF who legally challenged the Government’s decision, it was overturned by the Court of Appeal in November. This was on the basis that there hadn’t been proper consideration given to issues raised by the Equality Act.

Applications to the ILF are currently closed but the government will now have to reconsider its plans for the future of the fund.

Planning Your Journey on London TransportTransport for London’s Journey Planner is a great tool to plan a journey in London that meets your needs. It gives you information on step-free access and shows options where you can avoid using escalators or stairs.

You can also call their 24-hour travel information centre (0843 222 1234) or textphone (020 7918 3015) for help and advice.

Handy accessibility maps show stations with step-free access, information on gaps between the platform and the train, and stations which can be accessed by using escalators. You can order audio and large print versions of the Tube map. The maps can be found online here - http://www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/14091.aspx

Another thing that’s important to note is that all car parks operated by Transport for London have accessible spaces, free for use by Blue Badge holders.

SOURCE: Transport for London.

finances. If a legacy is left to another family member they are not obligated to use the money or property for the benefit of the person with a learning disability. Similarly, if a trust is made the Trustees will control the money and property, so there is no guarantee that they will use the assets in the way that you would like.

Making a Will is the only guaranteed way of saying exactly what you want to happen with your money. A Will can be used to protect a member of your family who has a learning disability, as well as appointing trustees and/or guardians (in the case of children). You can also use your Will to save Inheritance Tax. The rules that apply if you die without a Will can have terrible results.

Writing a letter of wishes is a way in which you can give instructions and guidance on your affairs. Since its legal document, it is easier and less costly to update as and when circumstances change.

Factors to consider when making a Will• Who should act as your executors and trustees?• Do you wish to include any specific gifts (e.g. gifts to

charity)

We will also have more information soon on how people can leave a legacy to Centre 404. This workshop takes place annually so if you didn’t manage to make it this time around then you have another chance in 2014. Contact Isabella on isabellaz@centre404.org.uk for more information about this workshop.

For further reading about Wills and Trusts visit www.mencap.org.uk/what-we-do/wills-and-trusts

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Islington UpdateMaking It Real – What’s it all About? Islington Council have kindly written a few words to explain what Making it Real is and how it’s taking shape in the borough.

What is Making it Real?

Making it Real (MiR) is a national initiative devised by Think Local Act Personal (TLAP) - the national partnership focused on driving forward work with personalisation. MiR provides a basis for assessing how we

are doing in terms of advancing personalisation of services. The first step in MiR involves engaging service users, carers, staff and key stakeholder organisations in an honest conversation about how we are performing. We will then work together to agree priorities and create an action plan, do the work and review our progress.

MiR provides a great opportunity to re-affirm our commitment to personalisation and to ensure that we are providing services in line with the priorities of services users and carers. It provides an opportunity to work together with service users and carers in relation to policy and service developments.

How are we doing Making it Real in Islington?

MiR is being approached with having service users and carers at the heart of everything we do and with meaningful engagement and co-production. We have established a MiR Board that includes various stakeholders including voluntary sector partners, London Borough of Islington managers, frontline staff, Clinical Commissioning Group and NHS representatives.

The first Board meeting was held on the 30th September and the following three themes were agreed as initial priorities: ‘Information, Workforce, Joined-up care and support (integration).’

Follow us on Twitter @IslingtonReal check out the MiR website www.islington.gov.uk/makingitreal visit the TLAP website www.thinklocalactpersonal.org.uk or contact Mary Keats, Making It Real Project Manager on 020 7527 2112 or email makingitreal@islington.gov.uk

PHOTO SOURCE: Think Local Act Personal

PHOTO SOURCE: Think Local Act Personal

PHOTO SOURCE: Think Local Act Personal

Family Carers Reference Group (FCRG) UpdateThe FCRG is a family carer led group that meets every two months to gather the views, needs and wishes of family carers of people with learning disabilities in Islington.

Back in November 2013 the FCRG topic was Making it Real (MiR), an initiative to personalise services (MiR - see right for more in-depth information on this)

Mary Keats attended our meeting and talked us through how MiR came about. She explained the 6 themes of progress and how these themes show us whether personalisation is really working. These themes include information and advice, personal budgets, supportive communities and flexible integrated care.

Carers discussed what their priorities were for making personalisation work better for family carers in Islington:• There needs to be one source of accessible information

(e.g. Islington Learning Disabilities Partnership, Centre 404). Then secondary sources such as phone support, websites, leaflets, newsletters etc.

• ‘Tell us once approach’: carers feel frustrated at having to repeat things over and over.

• Within the council there needs to be better interdepartmental communication and understanding of learning disabilities and carers.

• Council departments and other relevant organisations to be aware of who has a learning disability – there should be a shared list.

• Worry about continuity of care – planning for the future (when the family carer is no longer able to provide care.

In the second part of the meeting Paul Winter (Mencap) and Katy Anderson (Centre 404) told us about activities and groups which both organisations were running for adults with learning difficulties.

January’s meeting focused on employmentJimmy Flynn and Nicky Freeling from Islington Council’s Business and Employment Support team, gave us an overview of the work being done by the Employment Sub-Group. She spoke about the positive work being done by Islington Council to support people with learning disabilities into employment and how family carers can be involved in various projects to support this work.

Yvonne Lehmbach (Customer Services Manager, Islington Council) attended the first part of our meeting. She spoke about the importance of making an effective complaint, how this can improve services for all and trying to find out how to make the complaints system as accessible as possible, if there are specific reasons why people don’t feel able to complain and how these can be addressed.

Please see the back page for future meeting dates of the FCRG.

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Getting Young People with Learning Disabilities into Jobs in Islington

Research shows 65% of people with a learning disability want to work, and that with the right support they make highly valued employees. For the past 18 months Islington Council has been working with employers around Islington to create more jobs for people with learning disabilities and to help those people who want a paid job to get a paid job.

The project works with a range of businesses around Islington to help develop jobs ranging from administrative assistants, gardeners, kitchen assistants and retail workers. Once a job is found, it’s advertised to all services that work with people with learning disabilities in Islington who assist interested people to apply (including Centre 404, Daylight, Elfrida, the Youth Careers Team, Mencap and Job Centre Plus).

One person who has recently found employment from the project is Neil Doyle who is 26:

“For about four years I was unemployed, but then my support worker put me forward for a number of jobs that had been brokered through the Islington learning disability employment initiative. I was delighted to be offered a job at Unite Group as a post person. Having a job is just brilliant - my confidence just keeps going up and up.”

To help get more people with learning disabilities into paid employment, Islington Council is starting the ‘Family Led Jobs Project’. The project will provide information about the services and support available, and show parents ways to help young people into paid employment.

The project aims to:• Get more young people into paid jobs.• Build a network of support around the young person and their families.• Explain benefits and how getting people into work will not mean you have less money.

We will be holding an information session from 10am-2pm on Tuesday 21st January at Laycock Street Professional Development Centre. If you would like to come along, please contact Gary Hamilton on 020 7527 5208.

PHOTO SOURCE: The Guardian

Islington UpdateMencap Islington Social Inclusion Service (ISIS)Mencap support adults (18+) with a learning disability living in the London Borough of Islington to access social, leisure and community-based activities from art and football to gardening and bowling.

ISIS provides an opportunity for informal learning. It allows people with a learning disability to improve and develop their skills that can lead to new opportunities. Each person can set their own goals, and enjoy and achieve the things that matter to them.

The ISIS programme

By using the Mencap Me Time model, we support each individual to take part in a wide range of activities in their local community during the day, in the evenings and at weekends.

The main aim is for people to enjoy themselves. However, our support also helps people build new relationships and develop personal and social skills For example: greater independence, getting involved in the community and moving into work through our Employ Me services.

The benefits of joining ISIS

• We have a dedicated team that supports each person with their activity, in a variety of settings, to enhance their learning and development of new skills.

• We can put people in touch with each other if they are interested in similar activities.

• We can arrange extra sessions for small groups if the activity they are interested in is not currently available in their area.

• We are flexible and responsive to the different levels of support people need.

• Our service gives people the opportunity to develop a network of friends, stay in touch with people who have similar interests and take part in their local community more.

• We can help people take part in a variety of activities such as: swimming, DJ-ing, gardening, going to the cinema and knitting.For more information call: 07930 563 790

PHOTO SOURCE: Mencap

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Islington UpdateIslington Learning Disabilities PartnershipIslington Learning Disabilities Partnership (ILDP) is a learning disabilities service that comprises health and social care staff from the Council and the NHS (Whittington Trust and Camden and Islington Foundation Trust). The service aims to support people to be as independent as possible and to maintain their health and wellbeing.

Some people will have a named care coordinator at all times, especially those with complex needs and limited family support. Care coordinators may come from a range of professional backgrounds but are most likely to be a social worker, a nurse or an occupational therapist .

Care coordinators can:• support people to make choices about how they want to

live their life through person-centred planning• work with people to develop a support plan to spend

their personal budgets in the way they choose to meet their needs and to help them plan their future.

• assist with the overall co-ordination of support where there are several different professionals involved and who may often be from different agencies

• arrange short stays away from home or support at home to give family carers a break

• discuss education, training and employment opportunities and plan daytime activities.

In addition there are some roles which are more specific to certain professions:

Occupational therapists can:• support clients to make everyday

activities easier using different tools and methods to get things done

• help clients to learn new activities

Community Support Team:The role of this team usually is to work closely with service users and their networks for time limited periods in order to support:• people to make transitions to new circumstances,

accommodation or services• support people who are experiencing crises such as

bereavement or abuse

There are three specialist teams within the service:1. A transition team for young people aged 14-252. A team for adults with global learning disabilities and primary

care needs3. A team for adults with global learning disabilities and

additional needs in relation to mental health or behaviour that challenges services

• support parents with learning disabilities in their parenting roles

Speech and language therapists can:• help clients communicate using different

tools and methods• help with eating and drinking difficulties

Community mental health nurses can: • provide specialist nursing assessments and care plans for

people with mental health needs• help to manage mental health needs, e.g. counselling and

educating people about their illnesses• help with medication• carry out risk assessments to minimise risks in the

community

Psychologists can:• support clients if they feel sad, worried,

angry or do not feel they are being cared for properly

• help people to think about changes to relationships

• help people find different ways of coping

Social workers can:• Conduct assessments and reviews to identify support

needs• Identify risks to individuals and respond appropriately• Enable individuals to identify appropriate outcomes which

will meet their needs and wishes

Pharmacists can:• support clients and their families to get the

help they need to take medicines, • explain what medications are for • find ways to help people remember to take

medication

Physiotherapists can:• support clients to use tools to improve mobility• find different ways to carry out tasks which do not hurt• help improve balance and well being

Psychiatrists can:• support clients at times when they are

emotionally unhappy, to find ways of coping and feeling better

• prescribe medication in cases of mental illness in collaboration with the client’s GP

Learning disability nurses can:• advise on keeping well and healthy• give information and locate other sources of help• give advice about taking medicines• support with general practitioner and hospital

appointments• support people to attend annual health checks with their

general practitioners

Please contact us on 020 7527 6600 for more information on how to access these services.

Islington UpdateHave Your Say in Islington’s Health Services

We all need to be included in the conversation about health and social care services, and how they can be developed to better meet people’s needs. Local people who actually use the services are best placed to observe what works well and what doesn’t. Healthwatch Islington’s role is to gather that insight and to make sure that those messages are carried back to the committees and boards that take decisions on how our health and social care services will look in the future.

Let us know what you think of the services you useThis year we are especially interested in hearing from people with long term health conditions. We would like to learn about the experiences of young people with learning difficulties who also suffer from conditions such as asthma, or diabetes. We would also like to hear from carers for example coping with depression, or managing heart and lung conditions. We want to find out whether enough support is being provided for long term conditions by GP’s in the borough.

Call Emma Whitby on 020 7832 5814 to give us your views on long term health conditions or to comment on local health and social care services in general. You can also make a comment via our website www.healthwatchislington.co.uk

We can also help you to find and access services

Finding out about everything that is available for your needs or the needs of people you care for is not always easy.Healthwatch Islington can give you information about local health, social care and well-being services. Maria Gonzalez and Sarah Lee are our staff members providing this information service, which is sometimes referred to as ‘signposting’. Phone them on 020 7832 5828.

Sarah and Maria, Healthwatch Islington’s signposting officers

Are You Getting all the Benefits You’re Entitled to?Islington Council’s Income Maximisation Service can help make sure you are receiving all the benefits that you are able to claim. The service is for all Islington residents and some non-residents such as carers of disabled people living in Islington. The team advises and gives support with all benefit and tax credit issues and helps with making claims for benefits, including help with completion of forms. They can visit you in your home if you are unable to go to their office. They also help to challenge benefit decisions and provide representation at appeal tribunals.

The Income Maximisation Team give advice and support with benefit changes such as the bedroom tax, the benefit cap and the personal independence payment.

You can contact them on freephone (from landlines) 0800 731 8081 available Monday-Friday between 9.30am-4.30pm and via email: claimit@islington.gov.uk

The Government offers a benefits check calculator on their website which can be found here: www.gov.uk/benefits-adviser

Carers’ Rights Day A huge thanks to everyone who made it down to the Resource For London Centre for Carers Rights Day on 29th November. Over 50 carers attended the information-filled morning to hear great talks from Islington Council representatives and visit a variety of stalls.

Carers Rights Day is a chance for carers to find out what kind of guidance and practical support is available such as replacement care to give a carer a break or specialised equipment for their home. Even those who have been caring for a long time may not be aware of the support they’re entitled to, so carers Rights Day is important in helping carers know their rights.

The theme was ‘Rights, Advice, Support’, 33 different organisations and council departments came to exhibit and give carers in Islington the help, support and information they need. We had our own stall and hope you all managed to pop by and say hello! The theme for 2014’s Carers Rights Day is to be confirmed but if you didn’t manage to come in 2013 we hope to see you at the next one.

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Camden UpdateNew Ways to Pay for Parking in CamdenCamden Council is changing the way you can pay for parking in the borough. New eVisitor permits are replacing the paper scratch cards currently in use and will cost the same. Instead of scratching them and displaying them in your vehicle, you will now have to ‘activate’ them for parking time slots for your chosen vehicle (s). eVisitor permits can be purchased in 2

ways:

On Camden’s website through your permit account pages or register as a new customer. Find out more on www.camden.gov.uk/parking

Contact Camden on 020 7974 4444 8am-6pm Monday to Friday

Camden Carers VoiceThis group is a forum that meets quarterly to campaign and lobby for carers rights. Camden Carers Voice is carer-led, drawing on everyone’s skills, talents and abilities to shape and inform local services. It’s a real opportunity for you to have your say on what’s on offer for carers in Camden.

The next meeting will be held on 27th February at Argenta House, 1 Aspern Grove, NW3 2AF. The topic will be topic will be Camden Carers’ Strategy.

Please call Camden Carers Centre on 020 7428 8950/55 to book, or for more information.

Getting Online in CamdenDon’t know the first thing about computers? There are lots of courses available in Camden to get you started:

Camden Council’s Adult Community Learning Centre

Open to adults over the age of 19, Camden runs several courses including basic computing skills for over 50’s, computing skills for beginners with English language support and even qualifications such as the European computer driving licence (ECDL). They also have computer introduction classes for using sites for benefit applications, registering on Homeswap and paying for your council bills online.

Call the Camden Adult Community Learning Team on 020 7974 2148 for more information and enrolment dates or email adultlearning@camden.gov.uk

Age UK Computer Training Project

Age UK offers computer skills lessons for Camden residents aged 50 or over. There’s a 10 week beginner’s guide and a drop in class that start this month (January). Their courses teach you how to use social networking sites, Skype (handy if you have relatives and friends living abroad) and digital photography.

For more information on how to attend these classes call 020 77239 0400 or visit www.ageukcamden.org.uk

People’s Centre for ChangePeople’s Centre for Change is a new charity in Camden led by family carers and advocates of people with severe learning disabilities/complex needs/autism. The group has transformed the centre into a vibrant and inclusive community resource offering innovative day opportunities for the host users, new comers and the rest of the neighbourhood. People’s Centre is currently working on running a full service in late 2015.

People’s Centre offer a warm and friendly welcome to all and aim to build a place where everyone is valued for who they are, has opportunities and the support they need to develop their potential, make new friends and strengthen their social networks. In addition to activities in the building, outings are being planned. We are constructing a programme designed to attract the rest of the neighbourhood to join in, in a phased and safe way, and to promote social inclusion for all.

We are building partnerships and are grateful for support from Co-op Hub, National Lottery, Comic Relief, Lloyds School of Social Entrepreneurs and Camden Carers Service.

Please call us on 07906 621449 or 07862 113435 for more details, to join our sessions or to express your preferences for future services. Activities are open to Camden residents,

take place at 96-98 Shoot up Hill, London NW2 3XJ, Kilburn and at present cost £2.50 for the afternoon. Carers activities are free. Visit our friendly and informal facebook.com/peoplescentre

Carer Focus

Free NHS Health Checks for CarersCamden and Islington are offering FREE health checks to people living in the boroughs if:

• You are between 34-75 years old.• You are registered to an Islington or Camden GP or an Islington or

Camden resident not registered to a GP.• You have not had an NHS Health Check within the last 5 years.• You have not been diagnosed or not taking medication for >Heart disease or heart failure > Stroke or TIA (mini stroke) > High blood pressure > Atrial Fibrillation > High cholesterol > Kidney disease > Heart attack > Arterial disease

The health check only takes 20 minutes and will help you identify your risks of developing heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and kidney disease. The test includes a blood pressure test, blood glucose and cholesterol assessment along with a body mass index (BMI) calculation. All this is put into a personalised report and you are given the results straight away. To check if you are eligible and you live in:

Islington - call 020 3282 7886 or visit http://bookings.smartgp.com/Islington

Camden - call 020 3317 3681 or visit www.myhealthcheckcamden.co.uk or contact Camden Carers Service on 020 7428 8955 or info@camdencs.org.uk

A New Beginning!A mother writes about her son’s move into supported living

I work full time and care for my 27 year old son Nicolas. He has a learning disability and health problems. He has always been totally dependent on me which was a bit of a strain, especially as I got older.

He first expressed an interest in having his own place a couple of years ago when his younger sister left home and he too wanted independence and his

own place just like any other young person.I had serious health problems at about the same time and knew the best option for Nick was to be more independent from me. When I had recovered my health I decided that it

would be a good time for Nick to be set up in his own home, but with appropriate support. We attended several meetings about the types of housing on offer for adults with a learning disability. Nick was determined to have his own flat with his own front door, luckily a new development was nearly ready and he was allocated a beautiful flat.In March last year he moved into his new home, which is near me so that I can pop over ‘when invited’. I was concerned that Nick would be isolated, but using his personal budget he was able to have regular sessions with a personal trainer and has support workers to assist him in going out and about and trying new things and seeing new places. They also support Nick with practical tasks such as shopping, correspondence and more.It was not an easy transition - there were initial problems that I had to sort out like the melting fuse box, the keyless door entry system, having a walk in shower fitted, but now nine months later I can honestly say he has really settled in and he is so happy to have his own place. I feel that now things are in place and at a stage where I can go on holiday without the worry of leaving Nick without enough support - and I love my holidays.This new beginning would not have been possible without the wonderful support from the social worker at ILDP and the support I received from Centre 404.

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Moira with her children Alex and Nick

Free Training for CarersIf you are a family carer and you support the person you care for to employ a personal assistant, you or the person you care for could apply for some money to pay for training or qualifications.

Skills For Care is an organisation that is funding any learning development or qualification that demonstrates value for money or meets your or the cared for’s needs.

To qualify, you or the person you care for will need to be 18 years old or over and live in England. Funding is not guaranteed but each application is treated in a case by case basis.

Applications must be made to Skills for Care by 28th February 2014

For more information on the kinds of training you or the person you care for can take part in, and for guidance on how to apply please contact Skills for Care on 0113 241 1275 or email funding@skillsforcare.org.uk Alternatively please call Jayne from the Islington Personal Budgets Network on 020 7527 2675

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Notice BoardJargon-buster!This time we’re looking at the jargon related to

the personalisation of services:

Personalisation - A way of thinking that puts the

cared for person at the centre of the process

when working out what their needs are. The aim

is to develop support that is tailored to individual

need rather than ‘one size fits all’

Person-centred planning - the essence of

personalisation, fitting the service to the person

rather than the other way around

Independent living - an important goal of

personalisation, it depends on giving people the

right kind of support and services when they are

needed

Self-directed support - support that is controlled

by the person who receives it

Personal budget - usually council money, which

is allocated to a person in order to meet their

assessed support needs

lovely lunch at Crews Hillenjoying the festivities in Dec ‘13

having a giggle

at the carers cream tea!

New ‘Out of Borough’ GroupMany of you have relatives you care for living outside of Islington and find it hard to talk openly about particular issues that arise once your relative lives some distance from home. This is why Centre 404 have been busy setting up a new monthly ‘out of borough’ group to provide a safe, comfortable and welcoming space for carers to meet. It’s an opportunity to get together with other people who share similar experiences to your own. The meetings take place at Centre 404 10:30am to 12pm on Wednesday 19th February and Wednesday 12th

March. Please call 020 7697 1336 for more information.

Free computer training in IslingtonAs part of Islington Libraries, the Islington Computer Skills Centre is running free computer skills training for Islington residents. If you struggle using computers, need help getting online or would like to improve your job prospects then these courses may be ideal for you.

Qualification classes at levels one and two are being offered to Islington residents of working age who are currently unemployed and/or on income related benefits. These classes are held on weekdays; one 2½ hour session per week.

All classes are taught by a qualified tutor in a relaxed and friendly environment. Each student has sole use of a computer and class sizes are kept small, with a maximum of 12 students per session. There is wheelchair access to all services and a disabled toilet.

For details on enrolment days, course start dates and for more information contact the Islington Computer Skills Centre via phone on 020 7527 7002 or email - info@icskills.co.uk Visit the website - http://www.islington.gov.uk/services/libraries/librarylearningcentres

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Prefer to receive the newsletter by email? Or perhaps you receive the newsletter twice in the post? All you have to do is email daphneh@centre404.org.uk or call me on 020 7697 1325 and I will make a note.

Cut out and keep!

Have something to say?The Supporting Families notice board in the hall at Centre 404 is a place for you to post news you think others would find useful so please go ahead and use it!

For all the latest Centre 404 news, benefits updates and top tips follow us on Twitter @Centre_404 and Facebook www.facebook.com/Centre404 For help on how to access them, please see p.7 & 8 for computer skills training.

The Supporting Families team would like to say a massive THANK YOU to all the volunteers who helped in the mailing out of the last Family Carer Update newsletter and who gave up their time for the Carers festive lunch. We couldn’t have done it without them. They are all STARS!

Handy numbers:Supporting Families020 7697 1336

Islington Carers Hub 0800 0851141

Islington Learning Disabilities Partnership 020 7527 6600

Camden Learning Disabilities Service020 7974 3737

Camden Carers Service020 7428 8955

BILD (British Institute of Learning Disabilities) 01562 723010

Challenging Behaviour Foundation 0845 6084321

National Mencap (learning disability) 0808 808 1111

The Elfrida Society 020 7359 7443

Carers Allowance0845 608 4321

Benefits Advice Line 0800 88 22 00

Islington CAB 020 7947 7771

Islington People’s Rights 020 7561 3685

Islington Income Maximisation Team0800 731 8081

Mary Ward Centre 020 7269 6000

Motability (car scheme) 0845 456 4566

Shelter (housing advice) 0808 800 4444

Hospitals:Royal Free: 020 7794 0500

Whittington: 020 7272 3070UCLH: 0845 1555 000

Notice Board

New ‘Raising Our Sights’ GroupThis is a new group for family carers who have children and adults with high needs and multiple disabilities.

We share information, ideas, and give each other tips. The second half of the meeting is for “Hot Topics” chosen by the group and we invite guest speakers to talk with us. We aim to ensure everyone listens to each other‘s point of view and find good ways of working together.

Next meeting dates:4th March and 1st May 1pm-3pm at Centre 404. Call 020 7697 1336 for more information.

Dates For Your Diary

For more information about events, training and workshops, call us on

020 7697 1336

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Carers Coffee MorningA great way to meet other carers, share ideas and find out

what Centre 404 has to offer. Contact Pat on 020 7697 1336 for more details

Islington Housing & Tenancy for People with Learning Disabilities

WorkshopTaking place at Centre 404, 10.30am-1.30pm

Call 020 7697 1336 for more information.

Islington Out of Borough Group

Meets at Centre 404 10.30am-12pm.

Councillors’ SurgeryRaise your issues with a Borough Councillor at Centre 404

by appointment only.Contact 020 7697 1336 for more details

Islington Family Carers Reference Group

Have your say about the big issues facing people with learning difficulties and their families in Islington. Takes

place at Centre 404 10.30am to 1pm

Over 60’s Cream TeaTaking place at Centre 404, scones, cakes and tea will be

provided! Call Shirley on 020 7697 1336 for more details

Raising Our Sights Group For family carers who have children and adults with high

needs and multiple disabilities. The group meets at Centre 404 1pm - 3pm

19th February &12th March

19th February & 19th March

4th March7th May

26th March

4th March & 1st May

3rd Tuesday of the month

11th February