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What A Month! June is always a busy

time at Cheshire Carers Centre with Carers Week and Carers days falling in the same month. This year we held 2 Carers Days, one in Cheshire East at Cottons Hotel & Spa, Knutsford and one in Cheshire West &

Chester at The Macdonald Portal Hotel, Tarporley, both of which were well received by Carers once again with many positive comments.

Carers enjoyed activities such as beauty therapy (kindly provided by South Cheshire and West Cheshire College students), flower arranging, pilates, archaeology, Buddhist relaxation and comedy workshops to name but a few. We hope to be holding 2 days again in 2010, dates and details to follow in the January edition.

We also had an action packed Carers Week, with trips to Chatsworth, Brereton and two boat trips plus a whole host of other activities and lunches at some of our drop in sessions which took place during the week.

We also held information events at GP practices in Ellesmere Port and Crewe. During the week, we had contact with over 130 Carers, many of whom were new to the centre.

Cheshire Carers Centre Newsletter

Cheshire Carers Centre offer information, advice and support to those who look after someone with a disability, illness or frailty who live in

Cheshire East or Cheshire West and Chester. Autumn 2009

Cheshire Carers Centre, 146 London Road, Northwich, Cheshire. CW9 5HH

Tel: 01606 828151 Helpline 0800 085 0307 [email protected] www.carers.org/cheshire

Highlights In This Issue

Prize Competition

P2

Grants & Funds P2

Chief Executive’s Report P3

Advice in East & West Cheshire P4

Disabled Children’s

Database P5

Local Drop Ins P6 & 7

Carers of Older

People Project P8

Volunteers And

FundraisingP9

Crossroads Care News P10

Ableworld Feature

P11

Carers Emergency Card P12

Centre Drop in Times For Carers

Northwich Tuesday & Friday 10.00 am until 4.00 pm

Macclesfield & Chester Wednesday 10.00 am until 12.30 pm

Crewe Wednesday & Friday 10.00 am until 1.00 pm (extended hours)

Other days or times by appointment.

East Cheshire Carers Flower Arranging

Advice For Carers Project - Chatsworth

Beauty Therapy At Cottons

National Pandemic Flu Service

This new self care service, launched by the government gives those with swine flu symptoms fast access to information and anti-viral drugs.

The service has a dedicated website and phoneline for people to get information, check their symptoms and obtain a unique number which allows access to anti-virals if necessary. In these circumstances, a “flu friend” who doesn’t have the virus, would need to collect the drugs.

Anyone who suspects that they may have swine flu should not go to their GP or visit Accident & Emergency. People should contact their doctor by telephone if they have a serious underlying illness, are pregnant, have a sick child under 1 year old, if the condition suddenly gets much worse or if the condition is still getting worse after 7 days (5 for a child)

www.pandemicflu.direct.gov.uk Phoneline: 0800 1 513 100 Textphone: 0800 1 513 200

Funds & Grants for Carers

The Carers Funds for Cheshire East and Cheshire West and Chester are

continuing to be very successful in supporting many Carers across

Cheshire. Averaging 35 applications for each area per month, in July

alone the Centre funded more than 80 Carers across Cheshire. For

2008/9, the Centre funded 562 Carers.

You may be interested to know about other Funds available through

the Princess Royal Trust for Carers network to which Carers can apply.

Grants are available through the Carers Relief Fund up to a

maximum of £400 to support the purchase of essential household

items – cookers, washing machines, fridge freezers, beds etc.

Applications to support vital transport costs such as hospital visiting

will also be considered.

The Carers Break Fund offers grants up to a maximum of £200 to

enable Carers to get a break – like the Carers Fund, this may be a

short break away or supporting a recreational activity.

With both these grants from the Princess Royal Trust for Carers,

priority is given to Carers who have previously not been funded by the

Trust. The Carers Centre supports and processes all the applications

made to the these funds so for further information, please contact

Ruth, the Information Co-ordinator at Cheshire Carers Centre on

01606 828151 extension 2.

In the next newsletter look out for information on funds for Young

Carers, and the Family Fund.

Autumn 2009 Competition Below are clues to the names of well known TV programmes, past and

present. Good luck!!

1. Liz and Phil’s clan 2. Great existence 3. Mysterious medic 4. Roman heroes 5. Ghosts 6. Venomous reptile 7. Flag 8. Homemaking spouses 9. Dwelling 10. Quiet observer

11 Received at the end of a meal out 12 Trainee at work 13 Event of 1953 14 A&E 15 Spherical information 16 Unbound ladies 17 London dwellers 18 Current am 19 Spouse exchange 20 Large sibling

Welcome to our autumn Welcome to our autumn Welcome to our autumn Welcome to our autumn 2009 newsletter!2009 newsletter!2009 newsletter!2009 newsletter!

I can’t believe we’re talking about Christmas already! Not only are we talking about it but there are events and activities planned right

up until January 2010 across Cheshire! Where booking is required, please contact

the Helpline as soon as possible.

If you haven’t already registered for your Carers Emergency Card, find out more on

the back page. In partnership with Crossroads Care, we’ve now issued more

than 500 cards.

Take a look at the prize competition opposite, the first correct entry out of

the bag will win a £10 shopping voucher.

Please send all entries to our Northwich address (see front page) by Monday 19th October 2009

to be in with a chance to win.

Congratulations to Wendy who won the voucher in May!

May answers: 1. Humbug 2. Quality Street 3. Wispa 4. Mars 5. Polo 6. Midget Gems 7. Lion Bar 8. Black Magic 9. Skittles 10. Turkish Delight 11. Minstrels

12. Picnic 13. Dime 14. After Eight 15. All Gold 16. Bounty 17. Rhubarb & Custard 18. Smarties /

Starbursts 19. Buttons 20. Tictacs

If you have any comments, stories or ideas for the next newsletter, which is due out in January,

please let me know on 01606 828151 ext 5 or email:

[email protected]

Best wishes! DawnDawnDawnDawn

Cheshire Carers Centre cannot be held responsible for any errors, omissions or amendments to the information provided in this newsletter

Have you got your

Carers Factsheet Pack yet? The Carers Factsheets contain useful information on issues

relating to Caring, along with a list of essential contacts which is updated on a regular basis.

Ring the Helpline on 0800 085 0307 to get your copy.

Message From The Chief Executive During the past 5 months the Carers Centre has been adapting to working across both Cheshire East and Chester West and Chester Authorities. Many of our services such as the Carers Helpline have continued with little change, supporting Carers across both areas, whilst other services are now being publicised and delivered in slightly different ways. These changes are likely to intensify during the coming months as each authority begins to develop its individual priorities and decide what services are needed to support Carers. We will continue to keep everyone up to date with any developments and by the time of the next newsletter in January 2010 we should be much clearer about any changes we might need to make. We are always keen to hear the views of Carers on how our services have helped and how they can be further improved. In May and June, the Advice for Carers Project, which is funded through the Big Lottery sent out a questionnaire and held 2 small focus groups asking for feedback on the Project’s work in the Macclesfield and Chester areas. Some of the views expressed are summarised below: “Social activities have been excellent”, “form filling, very useful” “help from Carers Fund for a tumble dryer” “both staff have been of invaluable assistance” “one to one support” “please can we have more activities in Chester” “maybe some counselling needed” “more information days” “help with respite”. Many thanks to all the Carers who took part with this review, your views and comments will be used to help shape future services at the centre.

This year the Centre’s Board of Trustees is looking to recruit some new Trustees, particularly from Cheshire East. We also want to involve more Carers in having a say as to how the Centre develops its services in the future. If you are interested and would like to know more, please do let me know as the Trustees and myself are

happy to meet and discuss the role in more detail.

David Harvey Chief Executive Officer

Beauty & Relaxation Sessions for Carers

We are now offering beauty and relaxation appointments for Carers at our Northwich Centre.

Charlotte Forbes is one of our volunteers and a trained beauty therapist. She will be at the centre on Thursdays from 10.00 am until 1.00 pm. To book an appointment, please contact the Helpline.

Thurs 1st October Thurs 8th October Thurs 15th October Thurs 29th October Thurs 5th November

Room Hire

Are you a member of a

community group

supporting Carers or

people with care needs?

Cheshire Carers Centre

has a meeting / resource

room in Northwich that

is available to book,

most evenings and

weekends.

We offer reasonable

rates and reductions for

regular bookings.

For more information,

please contact

David Harvey on

01606 828151

extension 6

Thurs 12th November Thurs 19th November Thurs 3rd December Thurs 10th December

Advice For Carers In Cheshire Project

Susan John Advice for Carers Project Worker

Chester Office Canal Street House, Canal Street, Chester . Cheshire. CH1 4EJ. Tel: 01244 343040

[email protected]

Lyn Ankers Advice for Carers Project Worker

Macclesfield Office Room 3, Kendal House, Ambleside Close (off Kendal Road) , Macclesfield. Cheshire. SK11 8XA Tel: 01625 616686 stcheshire@cheshirecarerscentre

[email protected] an an an

Focus on West Cheshire -

The groups in West Cheshire have enjoyed various activities over the last few months.

The Chester group had a photography workshop on their normal meeting date, and followed it up with a ‘river cruise’ up the River Dee. Members from the Neston group also took part in the trip. The weather was fine and warm on the way up-river, so everyone practiced their photography techniques – but not many have submitted the results for publication! Thankfully the weather held off till the boat was almost back to the landing stage, and there was enough room ‘downstairs’ for everyone who wanted to get under cover.

The Neston group’s June meeting took the form of a ‘reminiscences day’. Everyone brought along, for the others to see, something that held childhood recollections for the owner. There were lots of amusing memories and stories to tell, as well as some more serious reflections.

The July meeting in Chester fell on 14 July, so we enjoyed coffee and croissants in honour of Bastille Day. Alison Roberts of the Learning and Enterprise Centre gave a short presentation on the courses available through the Centre – some of them free, and all of them sounding very interesting. Raphaelle Jones also told us about some free classes being held in Blacon.

The Neston group enjoyed a session of flower arranging, under the guidance of one of the members, who is quite an expert. Many thanks to Isabelle for the ideas she gave us.

Next issue - Focus on East Cheshire.

Join us on our trip to see

A Timeless Collection “A musical trip down memory lane from music hall right through the decades to the ‘70’s!”

Wednesday 14th October at 7.00 pm The Brindley Theatre, Runcorn

Transport from West Cheshire & Chester areas can be arranged.

Places are limited so please call the Helpline now on

0800 085 0307 to book.

‘Protecting your Assets’ presented by Matthew Martin, an Estate Planning Specialist from Collective Legal Solutions.

This will be an informative talk covering Wills (especially providing for vulnerable relatives), Trusts (especially protection from care fees and state benefits) and Lasting Powers of Attorney.

The talk is aimed at all Carers who are looking after a vulnerable child, adult or older person. There will be refreshments on arrival, and a light lunch will be served after the talk, with an opportunity for questions.

The talk will take place at Sandbach Library on Friday 2nd October from 10.00 am until 1.00 pm. To book your place, or for more information, please call the Helpline on 0800 085 0307.

Many parents on the Disabled Children’s Database belong to the Cheshire Parent Forum which is facilitated by the Parent Partnership Service.

The group meet approximately once a term and have had presentations from a wide range of professionals, and had a chance to feed into various consultations around services for disabled children. A big thank you to all the parents that attend because your feedback is very important. Look at the latest database newsletter for more information on the forum and its future meetings.

It was Parent Carers’ feedback, and funding from the National Lottery Awards for All programme, that helped us organise Parent Carer Leisure Day 2009.

Eighty parents / Carers came along to our special day in May at Portal Golf Hotel and Spa, Tarporley. After an uplifting keynote talk around coping with daily living, there was a chance to try a selection of workshops from designing a bag to wine tasting, beauty therapy to pottery. The day was for parents / carers on the Disabled Children’s Database and allowed lots of chances to network with others in similar situations and exchange information – not forgetting the chance to simply have a bit of fun and relaxation.

Our next event is the Family Fun Day which will be on Saturday 23rd January 2010 at Winsford. Families that are on the Database are invited along for a day with a difference. We are still in the planning stages at the moment so if you have any brilliant ideas that could be included please get in touch.

Contact the Disabled Children’s Co-ordinator Telephone: 01270 215440 Cheshire Carers Centre, Unit 14, Brierley Business Centre Mirion Street Crewe CW1 2AZ

Cheshire’s Disabled Children’s DatabaseCheshire’s Disabled Children’s DatabaseCheshire’s Disabled Children’s DatabaseCheshire’s Disabled Children’s Database

Christmas

Shopping Trips

Join us on one of our Christmas shopping trips.

Cheshire Oaks Thursday 26th November

(Carers in Cheshire West &

Chester)

Trafford Centre Tuesday 1st December

(Carers in Cheshire East)

Please call the Helpline on

0800 085 0307 to book.

Carers Rights Day 2009 Friday 4th December

“December 4th 2009 will be national Carers Rights Day - when groups all across the UK will work together to support, inform

and speak up for the UK's 6 million Carers.”

This year's theme - 'Caring for your income and pension' Visit Carers UK website www.carersuk.org.uk

Look out for our information stands in the outpatient departments of :

Leighton Hospital, Crewe Victoria Infirmary, Northwich

From 10.00 am until 3.00 pm

Carers Decorating Canvas Bags

Making Space Carer

Development Drop In Sessions

Making Space will be holding informal drop in sessions for anyone who cares for someone who is affected by mental ill health. Information, guidance and advice will be available around the issue of employment, training and education for Carers. The drop in will be from 10.00 am until 12 noon on Fridays, alternating between our Northwich and Crewe Centres. Carers are invited to call in or if they would like to make a specific appointment to call Vicki Rathbone on 01606 43327

Cheshire Carers Centre 146, London Road, Northwich.

Friday 25th September, Friday 9th October Friday 23rd October, Friday 6th November,

Friday 20th November, Friday 4th December.

Crewe Carers Resource Centre Unit 14, Brierley Business Centre

Mirion Street, Crewe.

Friday 2nd October, Friday 16th October, Friday 30th October, Friday 13th

November, Friday 27th November, Friday 11th December.

Regular Drop In Sessions In Cheshire East

Macclesfield Drop In – Please note new venue!

Held on the 3rd Friday of each month at Kendal House, Kendal Road, Macclesfield

from 1.30 pm until 3.00 pm

Friday 16th October

Friday 20th November

Friday 18th December

Friday 15th January

Introduction To Massage

Craft Session

Christmas Party

Board Games

Poynton Drop In

Held on the 4th Tuesday of each month at Poynton Methodist Church, Park Lane,

Poynton from 1.30 pm until 3.00 pm

Tuesday 27th October

Tuesday 24th November

Tuesday 22nd December

Tuesday 26th January

Board Games

Craft Session

Christmas Party

Coffee & Chat

Lyn Ankers Advice For Carers Project Worker 01625 616686

Lyn Ankers Advice For Carers Project Worker 01625 616686

Alsager Drop In

Held on the 4th Tuesday of each month at Alsager Civic Centre (Committee Room),

Sandbach Road North, Alsager from 2.00 pm until 4.00 pm



Tuesday 22nd December


Carers Massage Therapy

Christmas Craft Activity

Christmas Meal

Coffee & Cakes

Dawn Brown Publicity & Events Co-ordinator 01606 828151 ext 5

Crewe Drop In

Held on the 4th Wednesday of each month at our Carers Resource Centre, Brierley Business

Centre, Mirion Street, Crewe from 10.30 am until 12.30 pm

Wednesday 28th October

Wednesday 25th November

Wednesday 23rd December

Wednesday 27th January

Craft Session

Alternative Therapies

Christmas Coffee Morning

Coffee & Chat

Janice Birdsey Vale Royal, Crewe & Nantwich Outreach Worker 01606 828151 ext 4

Audlem Drop In

Held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at Audlem Public Hall, Chester Street, Audlem

from 10.30 am until 12.30 pm



Tuesday 8th December


Massage Therapy Workshop

Christmas Craft Activity

Christmas Lunch

Coffee & Cakes

Dawn Brown Publicity & Events Co-ordinator 01606 828151 ext 5

Regular Drop In Sessions In Cheshire West & Chester

Chester Drop In

Held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at The Quaker Meeting House, Frodsham Street,

Chester from 10.00 am until 12.00 noon





Alternative Relaxation

Christmas Card Making

Christmas Reminiscences

Coffee & Chat

Susan John Advice For Carers Project Worker 01244 343040

Held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at The United Reformed Church, Parkgate Road,

Neston from 10.30 am until 12.30 pm





Christmas Card Making

Alternative Relaxation

Christmas reminiscences

Coffee & Chat

Susan John Advice For Carers Project Worker 01244 343040

Neston Drop In

Northwich Drop In

Held on the 4th Thursday of each month at The Cheshire Carers Centre, 146 London Road,

Northwich from 10.30 am until 12.30 pm

Thursday 25th October

Thursday 26th November

Thursday 17th December

Thursday 24th January

AlternativeTherapy

Christmas Cake Icing

Christmas Party

Alternative Therapies


Frodsham Drop In

Held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at The Community Centre, Fluin Lane,

Frodsham from 11.00 am until 1.00 pm





Coffee & Chat

Alternative Therapy Work-

shop

Xmas Coffee Morning


Winsford Drop In (Please note, October drop in is at Hazelmere Extra Care Housing)

Held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at St Luke’s Hospice,

Winsford from 10.30 am until 12.30 pm





Hazelmere Extra Care Housing

Trip to Wyvale Garden Centre

Christmas Coffee Morning

Coffee & Chat


The Carers of Older People’s Project provides information, advice, one to one support and support groups to those who are caring for someone over the age of 65 in Cheshire East and Cheshire West (excluding Chester & Ellesmere Port).

During the summer months the Project ran ‘Caring at Home’ courses in three new areas, Middlewich, Frodsham and Mobberley, and enabled Carers to learn about the services available to help them with different aspects of caring for an elderly person at home. Each week, guest speakers explained how Carers could access services from Social Services, home care agencies and Telecare providers, and gave advice on welfare benefits, Direct Payments and legal issues. We also introduced the new topic of Doorstep Crime Prevention to the Frodsham and Mobberley courses, and the Middlewich group had a guided tour around the new Avantage Extra Care housing development in Middlewich. Carers who attended the Frodsham course had a reunion in September and can continue to meet up at the Frodsham drop in, and the Project has now started a new support group in Middlewich for Carers in the area to meet for a coffee and chat. Another new support group will be set up in the near future for Carers in Mobberley, supported by Sunrise Senior Living, who hosted the course.

If you would like to attend a Caring at Home course, call Laura on 01270 257 331. We can help with transport to the venue if required, and arrange for someone to stay with the person you care for if you can’t leave them on their own. Refreshments and a light lunch are provided each week and we always round the course off with a trip out to a local place of interest.

The next Caring at Home courses are:

Northwich: Monday 2nd November – Monday 14th December, 12.30 pm – 3.30 pm, Cheshire Carers Centre, 146 London Road, Northwich

Crewe: Thursday 21st January – Thursday 11th March, 11.00 am – 2.00 pm, Crewe Carers Resource Centre, Brierley Business Centre, Mirion Street, Crewe

A course programme will be sent out with confirmation of your place.

It’s the perfect time to join us at one of our support groups for Carers of older people as we have organised an excellent programme of speakers and activities for Autumn and Winter. It’s also a great way to meet other Carers who understand your situation, and Cheshire Carers Centre staff are on hand to offer information and advice.

New Life Church, West Road, Congleton, CW12 4EY, 1st Monday of the month 10.00 am until 11.00 am

Volunteer Centre, 11 Hope Street, Sandbach, CW11 1BA, 1st Wednesday of the month 11.00 am until 12.00 noon

Crewe Carers Resource Centre, Unit 14 Brierley Business Centre, Mirion Street, Crewe, CW1 2AZ, 2nd Thursday of the month 12.00 pm until 2.00 pm. (No drop in for November)

Willowmere, East Road, Middlewich, CW10 9HW, 3rd Monday of the month 10.30 am until 12.00 noon

British Red Cross, Memorial House, Northwich Road, Knutsford, WA16 0AW, 4th Friday of the month 12.00 noon until 2.00 pm.

Carers of Older People’s Project (COPP)

INCHES – Cheshire Carers Centre information database

supporting Carers across Cheshire East and Cheshire West and

Chester.

Are you looking for details of a support group or specialist service, a recreational activity or a dedicated service to support the person you care for? The Centre maintains a database of over 700 essential contacts for Carers in Cheshire. We use this database to support our Helpline Service.

For further information ring the Helpline or contact Ruth, Information

Co-ordinator on 01606 828151 extension 2.

Laura Knight, Carers of Older People’s Project Co-ordinator, Crewe Carers Resource Centre Unit 14 Brierley Business Centre, Mirion Street, Crewe CW1 2AZ. Tel: 01270 257331. Email: [email protected]

Cheshire Carers Centre Needs You!

As you may know, we have a team of volunteers who work on the Helpline every week. They listen to Carers, supply information and refer to other members of staff for more complicated queries. No two days are the same and they really

make a difference to Carers’ lives.

We are now looking to find extra volunteers and would like to invite any current or former Carers to call or come in and have an informal chat.

If you can say Yes to any of these questions, please think about coming to us as a Helpline Volunteer:

Could you give 3 hours a week of your time?, Do you understand the concerns of Carers? Do you enjoy talking to people and are you a good listener?

We will give you all the training you need and make sure you are made very welcome. For more information, please give me a call on 01606 828151 ext 3.

Sheila Advice & Information Officer.

Have you ever wondered how this newsletter arrives through your door? Obviously the postman has something to do with it, but so do our team of volunteers.

Each newsletter has to be put into an envelope, addressed and franked, when you’ve got around 5,000 to distribute, it’s a huge job. The volunteers who help us with the newsletter are invaluable and greatly appreciated .

If you would like to help out and offer us a couple of hours of your time in the future, please call the Helpline.

Dorothy’s Corner

It’s good to be back, I

hope you are all well

and have enjoyed the

summer!

I’d like to mention a bit about my role as a volunteer at the Centre and how it all came about.

I was first approached to be a trustee, which was overwhelming at first but I went for it and enjoyed it. I then became a volunteer for Helpline and for a drop in session. This was all in 1994 and in 2009, I’m still here. It is very rewarding, I enjoy working with everyone, they’re a great bunch! I also immensely enjoy writing my “corner” for the newsletter.

I also have other voluntary commitments relating to caring and adults with learning disabilities. I can certainly say that I am very active in my roles and my experience has made me more outspoken and confident in approaching my aims in life.

I’d just like to say to anyone that if you have a chance in life to do something like this, take that opportunity and try it! You may be very surprised as sometimes things pass you by - there’s no looking back for me!

My group for Carers of adults with learning disabilities, will be meeting at Cheshire Carers Centre in Northwich from 10.30 am until 12.00 noon on Monday 5th October, Monday 2nd November and Monday 11th January. There will be no meeting in December, but we will be having Christmas lunch!

As this is the last newsletter for this year, I would like to wish you all a merry Christmas, I hope you have many nice surprises!

Take Care! Dorothy xxDorothy xxDorothy xxDorothy xx

Over £200 was raised by our staff and volunteer team collecting at Morrisons and Asda in Crewe. These funds will be used to help Carers in the Crewe area and is a vital part of our fundraising. Thanks to Morrisons, Asda and those who helped out.

If anyone has any ideas for any fundraising events or would like to join the fundraising group, please let us know.

D u r i n g N a t i o n a l Volunteers Week in J u n e t h i s y e a r , volunteers were treated to a day out at Capesthorne Hall and a days sailing in Pwhelli, N o r t h W a l e s . Amazingly, the weather held out and was glorious on both days and everyone had a great time!

Extra Care Housing help people over 60 to live safely but still with the freedom to live

independently, in the knowledge that help and support is available if and when they need it.

Avantage are working in partnership with Cheshire East and Cheshire West and Chester to

offer people over 60 an opportunity to rent, buy or part rent/part buy new stylish

apartments across Cheshire.

Hazelmere is the development in Winsford - they have a wide programme of events and

activities and many facilities available to residents and non residents. Please contact 01606

862401 or email [email protected] for further information or if you are interested in any of the other

developments Middlewich (Willowmere), Handforth (Oakmere), Crewe (Beechmere), Ellesmere Port (Hollymere)

please contact 0845 618 5008 or log on to www.avantage.org.uk

Great News For Cinema Lovers! The Cinema Exhibitors' Association card is a national card

that can be used to verify that the holder is entitled to one free ticket for a person accompanying them to the

cinema. Terms and Condition of use apply.

To apply for the card, you will need to meet one or more of the following criteria:

a) Be in receipt of the Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance.

b) Be a registered blind person.

The card is valid for 1 year from the date of issue. Application forms are available from cinemas across the UK

supporting this card and from Cheshire Carers Centre. A processing fee of £5.50 is chargeable per card. This is to be

sent along with the completed application. You can also download an application from the website www.ceacard.co.

uk and find out about participating cinemas or by contacting: The Card Network, Network House, St Ives Way,

Sandycroft CH5 2QS. Tel: 0845 123 1292. Fax: 0845 123 1296. Minicom / Text phone: 0845 123 1297

RNIB can offer information about audio description services in cinema, on DVD, on

digital television and in the theatre. For information regarding subtitles and audio

description for cinemas visit www.yourlocalcinema.com

New look for Crossroads

This August Crossroads Care Cheshire East will be one of the Crossroads schemes around England and Wales re-launching with a new name and a new look. Childline founder Esther Rantzen, is getting behind social care by supporting the re-launch

“There are an astonishing six million carers in this country, many of them school age children. When they reach a point at which they can no longer cope on their own, they need to know where to find help they can trust.”

Crossroads Care is Britain’s leading provider of support for carers, with 35 years experience and consistently high service quality ratings. They are expanding their services to meet the growing demand for carer support but without compromising the service quality for which they are widely admired.

“We’re re-launching ourselves”, says Anne Roberts of Crossroads Care Association “we need to be clearer about what we do and make sure that more carers and the people they support know about us. We’ve never had to market ourselves before, but now we do, so we’re raising our profile with a new look, a new name …. Crossroads Care ….. and a new energy in our communication, hugely helped by Esther”.

Crossroads is now called Crossroads Care, a simple change that points to what they do so well.

The new name and marketing mission, their quality care standards and their continuing focus on people not profit, will help more carers and the people they care for find the peace of mind they need.

If you would like any further information about Crossroads Care Cheshire East and the support available for carers and those they care for please visit

www.crossroadsce.org.uk or ring 01260 292850.

Independent Living In Cheshire

There are 3 Independent Living

centres in Cheshire, each

offering advice and information

for people who have a disability,

their Carers and professionals

who work with them.

Each centre has a wide range of

equipment on permanent display

for demonstration and hold

information on local retailers and

mail order suppliers. There are

also themed demonstration days.

For more information about the

services offered or to make an

appointment contact:

Poole Independent Living Centre, Ellesmere Port 0151 337 6399

Hartford Independent Living Centre, Northwich 01606 881980

The Independent Living Centre, Handforth 01625 374080

Warning Over Second Hand Mobility

There have been discussions regarding the purchase of second hand mobility products. Often a deal can be got, however be warned you could end up paying more for the second hand product than a new product from a reputable dealer!

Mobility Scooters and Powerchairs

One of the main products purchased second hand but one of the major problems for ongoing costs. If you’re buying from the press then you must presume the minimum ongoing cost will be a set of batteries - if the scooter looks well kept then hopefully the batteries will be the only problem. Some retailers sell second hand scooters. If you’re buying from one of these ensure you get a computer print out of the state of the batteries or a written guarantee that new batteries have been put on the product - plus ensure you have a minimum six-month product, parts and labour warranty in writing. As with all second hand equipment it’s Buyer beware - keep in the back of your mind at all times that there are reputable dealers out there that sell brand new scooters for under £400 or road scooters (over 4 mph) for around £1000 with full warranty and security of mind. If you’re “trading in” a scooter beware of the selling price of the new scooter, often the more disreputable dealers will give you a “fair price” for your product but then sell the new product at an inflated price - always check what the price of the product you are buying is from other dealers - you may be better off selling your product privately and buying the new product from a reputable company.

Riser Recliner Chairs

Once again if you know the person you are buying from then you know the situation. The issue here is more of a health issue - ensure the chair is clean and has been chemically treated to ensure no infectious bacteria has been left from a previous owner. With all the “Super bugs” and “MRSA” going around along with the previous users may have had incontinence problems for your own peace of mind have it cleaned and treated. If you’re buying from a dealer ensure you have in writing that it has been cleaned and sprayed with a relevant chemical treatment. Also remember that you get a minimum of 6 months written warranty for parts and labour. Remember though don’t overpay, you can get a brand new riser recliner chair from a reputable dealer from under £400.

- Promotional Feature By Ableworld

“Fun, Health and Fitness Day at Alsager Leisure Centre, Hassall Road, Alsager.

Starting at 11.00 am on Tuesday 27th October 2009.

We will have a tour of the fitness centre with an introduction to the equipment and a chance to try it out.

There will also be a talk on health and well being before lunch. In the afternoon we will be having a session in the pool and then people are free to stay on in the pool until 4.00 pm if they wish. Places limited so please book with the Helpline as soon as possible.

Keep Fit & Chair Based Exercise Classes

Nantwich - Gentle Music and Movement - Keep Fit 50+ special!! Every Friday at 1.30 pm (no floor work) - Good Fun! For Carers & friends. Wistaston - Gentle Chair Based/Music Therapy - "Feel Good Class" Every Wednesday at 10.00 am (Refreshments served) - Very sociable class - ideal for men and women. Very Popular!! Wistaston - Keep Fitness & Pilates Stretch and Tone Very Gentle Low Impact - Ideal for weight loss and toning. (mat required). 6.00 pm - 7.00 pm & 7.30 pm - 8.30 pm (later class to be arranged). Crewe - Gentle Chair Based Exercise - Beechmere Extra Care Housing, Rolls Ave, Crewe. Every Wednesday afternoon at 1.30 pm Non Residents Most Welcome + Carers most welcome. (starts end of September). Haslington - Gentle Keep Fit to Music 50+ special! (No Floor work) Yoxall Village Hall - Every Friday at 10.30 am Sandbach - Gentle Keep Fit Music & Movement Wesley Centre, Town Centre - Every Monday at 11.30 am (no floor work) plus stretches and relaxation. Winsford - Gentle Keep Fit to Music/Stretch & Tone Winsford Lifestyle Centre, The Drumber, Winsford (swimming baths) - Every Tuesday at 1.30 pm

To book or for more information, call Lynne on

01270 663958

Carers Helpline 0800 085 0307

Monday to Friday 10 am to 4 pm

The production of this newsletter has been supported by

Cheshire Carers Centre is a Registered Charity, Number 1092606 A Company Limited By Guarantee, Number 4172914

Register Now For Your Free Carers Emergency Card!

Cheshire Carers Centre launched the Carers Emergency Card, in partnership with Cheshire East Crossroads Care’s Carers Emergency Response Service (CERS), last year.

Carers emergency schemes have been developed across the country to provide peace of mind should a Carer have an emergency. Examples could include having an accident, being admitted to hospital, being unavoidably delayed or having to deal with another crisis elsewhere.

So far, over 500 cards have been issued and we have received some very positive feedback from Carers who feel the card has given them greater confidence. The CERS team has now responded to around twelve emergencies and provided invaluable support that might not have otherwise been available.

Once Carers have registered with the scheme, support will be available twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. CERS will provide up to forty eight hours of

support (seventy two hours on a bank holiday) without charge and will assist in organising more long term care if necessary.

To sign up for a card and the emergency

response service, you need to complete a simple two page form. This can be

requested by ringing the Helpline on 0800 085 0307, or by e-mailing

[email protected].

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