Registered Charity Number 1123043

Tel: 07807 210913E-mail: ccsg.group@hotmail.com

Website address: www.ccsgsupport.com

AT KINGSLEIGH METHODIST CHURCH KING STREET, LEIGHWE OPEN AT 11. A.M.WEDNESDAY JUNE 8THWEDNESDAY JULY 13THWEDNESDAY AUGUST 1OTH

Crossroads Carers Support Group (C.C.S.G.)

INSIDE THIS ISSUEForward Pg1AGM Pg2Carers Break Pg 3Money Matters Pg4Dementia Pg5Mental Health Pg 6Out And About Pg 7Children and Young People Pg 8Health Matters Pg 9Young Carers Pg10Carers Registration Form Pg11Contact Numbers Pg12

Available Online

Why not join us at one of our coffee mornings.What can you expect?• A friendly welcome on arrival.• Opportunity to get to know others and share experiences.• Free refreshments.• Time to socialise, make new friends.• Entertainment, quiz or an activity and a raffle.

Royal VisitThe Carers Centre were delighted to WelcomeThe Princess Royal to their Centre in April.Pictured right is Janet Burtonwood fromCCSG who attended on the day and gavean insight into the work and support ourGroup offers to carers in the Borough.

Thank You to all the members that attended our Annual General Meeting and made the daySuch a success.Thank you to Gillian, Jean and Pauline for the catering and Bridget for officiating on the day.We would like to thank Jean Atherton who has retired as Chairperson for her work over thelast twelve months as Chairperson. Jean continues as a committee member.

Annual General Meeting

Thank you to Alison Waitefor creating the prizes forthe draw.

Let me introduce you to the Committee;John Booth - Chairperson / WebsiteAndrew Shacklady - Secretary / NewsletterJanet Burtonwood - TreasurerJean Atherton - Committee MemberPauline McCormack - Committee MemberGillian Gaskell - Committee MemberAlison Waite -Committee Member

Please remember to tell us if you move or change your e-mail address,We won't know if you don’t tell us and you won't get the newsletter orany other information from the group

Relaxation Indulgence

Terry gives us a song with the Entertainment Team

Arrival Time

On the 20th of May we went to the Clifton Park Hotel in Lytham St Annes where 24 carers had theOpportunity to have a carers break.Thanks to the staff at the Hotel. The food was excellent as was the service. Everyone enjoyed theweekend.The group made use of the leisure suite at the hotel and entertainment was provided, where we couldrelax and socialiseBelow are. some pictures of our break.

MONEY MATTERS

CARERS ALLOWANCECarer's Allowance is the main state benefit for carers, so it's important to find out if you can receive it.It is currently £61.35 a week, with a one-off £10 Christmas bonus in December.You might be able to get Carer's Allowance if all of the following apply:

· you're 16 or over and spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone· you have been in England, Scotland or Wales for at least two of the last three years· you normally live in England, Scotland or Wales.· you're not in full-time education or studying for more than 21 hours a week· you earn less than £110 a week.

Unlike other benefits, your savings or National Insurance contributions record won't make adifference to your claim for Carer's Allowance.In fact, getting Carer's Allowance can help you build up your National Insurance contribution record, which will make getting a State Pension easier in the future. Carer's Allowance is taxable.

Carers Discount CardThe Carers Discount Card is an exciting new initiative from Wigan Council, Wigan and Leigh CarersCentre and Wigan and Leigh Young Carers for Carers which recognises Carers as well as offeringdiscounts to carers from various local businesses to make life that little bit easier.

Step 1- To get your card you will need to be registered as a Carer with either Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre or Wigan and Leigh Young Carers.Step 2- Once registered you can ask for the Carers Card which is now a joint card for both the Carersdiscounts and the emergency card. Please note- if you have already have been issued an emergencycard, this will need to be replaced to access the discounts available.Step 3- Once you have been issued a card you will then be eligible for the discounts and special offers available. All you need to do is show your discount card to staff at the participating organisations inorder to receive your discount ( please note Some businesses may require further proof of I.D suchas a driving licence or credit card).How will I know where the discounts are?Each business that has kindly offered to support the Carers Discount Card Scheme will be given a poster to display in the shop window or at the counter which will show the same logo that is on the carers card.

If you would like to donate to the GroupYour donation big or small will help us to continually improveand expand our support to carers.

DEMENTIA

Grow for Giving Based at the Community Patchwork plot at Tyldesley Allotment delivering a 2 yeardementia friendly programme for people with dementia in the Tyldesley area, in their new purpose built log cabin. For details call Pamela Brown at Grow for Giving on 07772481421.

Lloyds Pharmacy – TyldesleyLloyds Pharmacy will be using an innovative iPad app to identify those at risk and refer to a GP for early diagnosis. They will have a member of staff who will be available as the shops Dementia Friend Champion and promotional material to raise awareness of dementia within the Tyldesley area and support those whoare living with dementia. For details call Lloyds Pharmacy on 01942 883249.

Mobile Multi-Sensory Service To provide a mobile multi-sensory service to those people living with dementia. Multisensory stimulation is the use of equipment to stimulate the senses such as touch, sight, hearing and smell. For example, specialist equipment such as bubble tubes, sensory projectors and aromatherapy, provides a calming environment in a darkened space. Call Amy on 07899924696 or email amy@sensoriel.co.uk

Dementia Buddy The Good Deeds Trust purchased Guardian Angel devices which are programmed tocontain in case of emergency details of a family member or carer (usually a name and phone number)Placing a smart phone against the tag will reveal these details on the screen of the mobile from whichthe family member or carer can be contacted.For further information please contact Mark Aldred at Good Deeds on 01942 888990or email dementiabuddy.co.uk.

What is an assessment?An adult social care assessment is for someone with an illness or disability that needs additional care and support. An assessor looks at their individual needs and draws up a plan for their care.As a carer you also are entitled to a carer's assessment (even if the person you care for doesn't want anassessment of their needs), and it is your opportunity to tell us about the things that could support you in your caring role. This can be done at the same time as the social care assessment for the person you carefor if they have one, but if you prefer we can do it separately.If you are assessed as not eligible for a personal budget we may still be able to offer you advice and someother help, or put you in touch with other organisations who may be able to help.

Useful contactsFor further information and/or to arrange a carers assessment for yourself:Adults - Wigan & Leigh Carers Centre - Phone: 01942 705959

Support for you and the person you care for

HELPLINES

Samaritans – 08457 90 90 90 (24-hours a day)

SANEline – A national, out-of-hours helpline offering specialist emotional support and

information to anyone affected by mental health difficulties (open every day of the year

6pm to 11pm) – 0845 767 8000

No Panic – Support for those experiencing panic attacks, compulsive disorder, anxiety

etc (open every day 10.00 am to 10.00 pm) – 0800 138 8889

Mind Legal Advice Line – Provides legal information and general advice on mental

Health related law – 0300 466 6463 or legal@mind.org.uk

Since March 2015 a law has been introduced bout driving after taking certain drugs (including some medicines)

in England and Wales. This law states that it is an offence to drive with certain drugs above specified blood levels

in the body, whether your driving is impaired or not. The new law includes eight drugs commonly associated with

medicinal use. These are:

1 morphine used to treat pain

2 diazepam, clonazepam, flunitrazepam, lorazepam, oxazepam, temazepam used to treat anxiety or

inability to sleep

3 methadone used to treat drug addiction.

What should I do if I need to take any of the specified medicines?

Keep taking your medicines as prescribed. Do not drive after taking your medicines until you know how they

affect you. Check the leaflet that comes with your medication for information on how your medicines

may affect your driving ability. If you are unsure how the change will affect you, talk to your doctor or a pharmacist.

For more information, please visit: www.gov.uk/drug-driving-law

MENTAL HEALTH

No Panic 0808 808 0545Helpline for people experiencing anxietydisorders such as phobias, obsessive/compulsive disorders, panic attacks andOther related anxiety disorders. Advice,Listening support and onward referrals.Everyday 10am to 10pmwww.nopanic.org.uk

Mental Health & DebtA useful free guide available todownload which provides help,information, guidance and supportfor carers and individuals withmental health problems.Download atwww.moneysavingexpert.com/mental health

DRIVING YOUR CAR

MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING DIRECTORYThis section is a dedicated online directory for Mental Health and Wellbeing Services, activities and GroupsIf you are looking for help, then the aim of the Mental health and Wellbeing directory is to help people findtheir way through the maze of mental health and wellbeing options.This site should be useful if you are looking for yourself or to help a friend or family member.More details at www.5boroughspartnership.nhs.uk/our-mental-health-and-wellbeing-directory

RailcardsThere may be savings you can make on rail travel - theDisabled Person’s Railcard costs 20 for a year or 54For three years. It gives the person and an accompanyingadult one-third off most rail fares. Ask at your local trainstation or visit www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk orphone 0845 605 0525.The Senior Railcard costs 28 for a year or 65 for threeyears and is open to anyone 60 or over. Savings of up toa third on standard and first class rail fares. Ask at yourlocal train station for details or visitwww.senior-railcard.co.uk or phone 0844 871 4036

ACCESSIBLE HOLIDAYS

Are you considering a holiday this year and have a disability or care for

someone with a disability.

The following sites may be able to help you plan an accessible holiday:

www.disabledaccessholidays.com

www.accessibletravel.co.uk

www.disability-grants.org

www.disabledholidays.com

www.sykescottages.co.uk

www.enableholidays.com

RADAR National Key SchemeThe RADAR National Key Scheme (NKS) allowsdisabled people to access around 7,000 lockedpublic toilets around the country.For a small charge you can buy a key from:Wigan Life Centre, The Wiend, Wigan WN1 1NHLeigh Town Hall, Market Street, Leigh, WN7 1DY

Out and About

Guide- In the Driving SeatAge UK have produced a new guide ‘In the DrivingSeat’ - what you need to know to stay driving forlonger.The guide covers: renewing driving licences; declaring healthconditions; reassessing driving ability; boosting confidence;driving safely; adapting a car; the Blue Badge scheme; makingthe decision to stop driving; and a list of organisations that canoffer help and advice.You can download the free booklet from Age UK’sWebsite www.ageuk.org.ukor phone their helpline to order a copy0800 169 65 65

BLUE ASSIST

It’s a little blue card, or an app for your phone,

that enables you to display a message, whether

that’s asking for directions, an item in a shop or

help getting on the train.

This is a useful communication method for people

who are deaf, suffer with anxiety or other mental

health conditions, or who have dementia or a

learning difficulty, or lots of other reasons that

make it harder to communicate.

For more information visit:

www.blueassistuk.org.uk

or telephone 01273 906 221

CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

ADVOCACY FOR INDIVIDUALSMy Life offers advocacy for individuals going through any process ofAssessment or review in relation to the Care Act 2014 and any generaladvocacy.For more information call us on 01257 472900 or email advocacy@my-life.org.uk http://my-life.org.uk/advocacy/

Children’s Learning Disability ServiceThe Learning Disability Children’s Nursing Service, based at Platt Bridge Health Centre, providessupport in managing behavioural issues for children aged 4-16 with a learning disability.What does the Children’s Learning Disability Service Provide?Young People and their families can access expert knowledge in the following aspects

· In depth functional assessment of behaviour issues· Advice on behavioural issues, eating and drinking difficulties (of a behavioural nature.)· Advice on sleeping and toileting issues.· Support for implementing strategies in the home such as structured timetables, symbols,

social storiesReferrals, on correct referral form, can be accepted from:

Parents/carers (telephone referral accepted)· Paediatricians Therapy Staff e.g. Physio, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy· Social Workers, (Targeted disability service). General Practitioners.Telephone 01942 481347

Once a referral has been received families are usually seen for an initial screening assessment within 3-4 weeks.

From Child to Adult :Disability Transition and Family FinancesA useful guide as young disabled people turn16, 17, 18 or 19 years of age.The guide can be downloaded fromwww.workingfamilies.org.ukin the Waving not Drowning section of the site.

Free Cinema TicketsIf the person you care for is in receipt of DisabilityLiving Allowance or holds a Disabled Persons Railcardor is registered blind, they may be entitled to a nationalConcessionary Cinema Exhibitor Association Card.This entitles the holder to a free ticket for a personwhen accompanying them to the cinema. So you only

and the CEA Card is valid for 1 year. For further detailsand an application form, please contact:CEA Card, The Card Network 0845 123 1292Network House St Ives Way, Sandicroftwww.ceacard.co.ukAirport Awarenessfor Children on the Autistic SpectrumThe booklet is available online atwww.manchesterairport.co.uk.

National Autistic Society Education Rights ServiceCall 0808 800 4102Leave a message on their answering service and they will call you back (free from landlines and most mobiles).The Education Rights Service provides impartial, confidentialinformation, advice and support on education rights andentitlements for parents and carers of pre-school and school-agechildren with autism to help them get the educational supporttheir child needs

HEALTH MATTERS

NHS Health Check – an MOT for you!Do you know that anyone between the ages of 40 –74 years can have a freeNHS Health Check at their GP surgery?An NHS Health check is a way of detecting problems with your healthbefore any real damage occurs. It’s an MOT for you that checks all isrunning smoothly. Blood pressure, cholesterol levels, your weight andphysical activity levels will be checked and personalised advice given onhow to keep fit and well.Carers, we know, we often ignore our own health due to many reasons.Speak to your GP practice for more information.

HEALTHWATCHHave your say about health and social care in Wigan borough and give your feedback on local services,whether your experience has been good or bad.

If you are giving general feedback, or you just want to get in touch, please use our Contact form instead.Or you can call us on 01942 489737.

If you have a specific complaint about a health service in Wigan borough, you can contact the Healthwatch NHS Complaints Advocacy Service on 01942 489731 or email nhs.complaints@healthwatchwigan.org -For more information visit http://www.healthwatchwigan.org/complaints

BLIND VETERANS UKBlind Veterans UK provides ex-Service men and women affected by severe sight loss and blindnesswith free services and lifelong practical and emotional support, regardless of when they served orhow they lost their sight. You can contact Blind Veterans UKby telephone on 020 7723 5021 or online at www.blindveterans.org.uk.

CongratulationsTo four of our members whocompleted and passed thefood hygiene course atWigan CollegeOur members pictured rightwith their certificates.Well done from left to rightJean Atherton, Gillian Gaskell,Alison Waite and Pauline McCormack

Skills SolutionsSkills Solutions is the largest work-basedlearning provider in Greater Manchester, andis one of the largest providers ofApprenticeships in the North West. Call themon 0161 233 2656 to see if they have anapprenticeship that’s right for you.

NationalApprenticeshipScheme0800 0150 600.www.apprenticeships.org.uk

National Careers Service0800 100 900.www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk

W

Looking For WORK

NationalApprenticeshipScheme0800 0150 600.www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Wigan Youth Zone 01942 612061Enterprise and Employability Youth Worker Sikander AliFrom our dedicated Enterprise Suite he runs our jobclubs, CV workshops, application and interviewtraining and apprentice opportunities.Wednesday Drop In 4-8 pm. Cost 50p

HELPLINESChildline 0800 111 ,For Anyone aged 18 or under who wants to talk day or night talk about any problem.You can make up a name, they keep everything private and it doesn’t show up on BT ‘telephone bills’.

Samaritans 0345 909090 For anyone in distress or suicidal. They will listen day or night and keepeverything private.

Talk to Frank 0800 776600 Yes Confidential advice or information for anyone with a drug problem,their own or someone in the family e-mail: frank@talktofrank website: www.talktofrank.com

AlateenAlateen is for teenage relatives and friends of alcoholics. Alateen is part of Al-Anon.For details of local Alateen meetings contact 0207 7593 2070. Website: www.al-anonuk.org.uk/alateen

Brook Confidential sexual health advice to the under 25’s 01942 614390

BABBLE is an online service for young carers were you can find other young people in a similar position, chat, share your stories and hear about others experiences.You can access information and advice to support you in your caring role and talkdirectly to Babble’s team of specialist workers. To find out more visit: www.babble.carers.org

5 – 11 YearsJUBILEE GROUP – BASED IN ASHTON – TUESDAYS (W)GRASSHOPPERS – BASED IN GOLBORNE – THURSDAYS (M)TURTLES – BASED IN LEIGH – THURSDAYS (F)TRINITY STARS – BASED IN WIGAN – WEDNESDAY (F)

12 – 16 YearsPARKSIDE – BASED IN ASHTON – THURSDAY (F)SUNSHINE – BASED IN WIGAN – THURSDAY (F)TRINITEENS – BASED IN WIGAN – WEDNESDAY (F)TURTLETEENS – BASED IN LEIGH – THURSDAY (F)THE ESTUARY – BASED IN ATHERTON – THURSDAY (F

Wigan and Leigh Young Carers Groups

Contact;Paul Caroll orNicola Woodon01942 679352

Email;info@walyc.org.uk

CROSSROADS CARERS SUPPORT GROUPREGISTRATION FORM

CARERS DETAILS

Name:

Date of birth:

Current address:

Postcode

Email: Phone: Mobile:

CARED FOR DETAILS

Name

Address: Date of birth:

What kind of care is provided and how often:

Who do you care for? What is your relationship to them?

GP NAME AND ADDRESS

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE CONACTED BY US

Telephone: Post: Face to Face: Email:

DO YOU WANT ANY SPECIFIC INFORMATION

Signature Date:

All the views expressed in the publication are individual and not necessarily the view orpolicy of the support group or its supporters.

Editor. Andrew Shacklady

UTILITIES Gas Escapes - Transco 0800 111 999 Electricity Supply 0800 195 4141 Water Supply - United Utilities 0845 746 2200

HEALTH Dental Emergency - In Normal Hours 01942 614390 Out of Normal Hours 0845 603 8504 Wigan Infirmary Accident and Emerg 01942 822 440 Continence Advisory Service 01942 482497 Stop Smoking Service 05007867669

Drinkline 0800 917 8282 Lose weight feel good 01942 496496

Mental Health self refer 01942 482239

WIGAN COUNCILPhone:01942 244991 Minicom: 01942 404141Housing Benefits Council Tax - 01942 489002Housing Options - 01942 487717Central Duty Team 01942 828 777 Childrens Services - 01942 486123Housing Repairs - 01942 705040 Environmental Services - 01942 404364Adult Services out Of Hours 0161-834-2436Care and Repair - 01942 239360

You can accessthe Website byscanning theQR CODE

Greater Manchester Police Non Emergency Ring 0161 873 5050For fire, police, ambulance emergencies Emergency Ring 999 Crimestoppers 0800 555 111

Useful Contacts For Carers

Local OrganisationsAge Concern Leigh - 01942 607 337 Wigan - 01942 241 972Citizens Advice Bureau - 08701 264459Think Ahead Community Stroke Group - 01942 824 888Lowton, Golborne & Ashton Mencap - 01942 608 942Dementia Buddy - 01942 888990Wigan and Leigh Young Carers -Embrace Wigan and Leigh - 01942 233323Home Delivery Library Service - 01942 486985Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre - 01942 705959

NATIONAL ORGANISATIONSCarers UK - Advice line - 0808 808 7777Lone Parent Helpline - 0800 018 502Diabetes UK Careline - 0845 120 2960Parkinson’s National helpline - 0808 800 0303Mencap - National helpline - 0808 808 1111.National Autistic Society - 020 7833 2299

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If you have anything you would like tosee in the next newsletter, a poem or astory, an article, your favourite recipe.Please E-mail it to:ccsg.group@hotmail.comor contact us on 07807 210913