What’s Onat the Carers

Support Centre

April 2018

Carers Support Centre24 George Street, Croydon CR0 1PB(Mon to Fri, 10am - 4pm)020 8649 9339, option 1 (Mon to Fri, 9am - 5pm)www.carersinfo.org.uk Twitter: @informingcarersFacebook: Carers Information Service

Support GroupsContact organiser for details

Diabetes Parent Support GroupMonthly on a Monday, 9.30am - 11.30am on: 9 AprilA group for parents caring for a child with diabetes, with guest speakers. For more details, email marian.drennan@nhs.net.

Carers Support GroupMonthly on a Wednesday, 2pm - 4pm on:11 AprilFind emotional support and meet other carers in a safe, confidential space facilitated by trained staff. To attend, call Helen Thompson on 020 8649 6284 or email helenthompson@carersinfo.org.uk.

About usThe Carers Support Centre is the result of a partnership between

Croydon Council and The Whitgift Foundation.

The Centre is open Monday to Friday, 10am - 4pm. Carers

are welcome to drop in for information and advice on their

caring role

Health and Wellbeing Service

No need to book - just turn up!

Carers Café Monday to Friday, 10.30am - 12.30pm Enjoy free refreshments, books, games and Wi-Fi at the Carers Café. A laptop is also available. You are welcome to bring the person you care for with you.

Carers Dance Weekly on a Friday, 10.30am - 11.30am Get fit and have fun with our dance sessions led by professional dance teacher Anusha. No previous dance experience is required.

NAS Croydon Branch Parent GroupMonthly on a Tuesday, 10am - 12noon on: 17 AprilMeet other parents/carers who have or are waiting to receive a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) for a family member. For more details, email croydon8@nas.org.uk.

Together Disabled Carers GroupMonthly on a Thursday, 1.30pm - 3.30pm on: 26 AprilFind mutual support and raise awareness with the disabled carers group. For details, text Mandy Maddock on 07889 971 713 or email mandy@dpact.org.uk.

Note on eventsDates may be subject to change.

Call 020 8649 9339, option 1, visit www.carersinfo.org.uk or ask an advice worker at the Carers Support Centre.

Easter opening timesThe Carers Support Centre will be closed from Friday 30 March and

re-open on Tuesday 3 April.

Health and Wellbeing Service (cont.)No need to book - just turn up!Carers Book Club Monthly on a Wednesday, 11am - 12noon on: 4 AprilCollect each month’s chosen read from usand discuss with fellow carers. This month’sbook is Ten Days by Gillian Slovo.

Croydon Carers ChoirFortnightly on a Wednesday, 10.30am - 11.45am on: 11 and 25 AprilSing your heart out with our friendly guided singing group! No experience necessary, just come along and join the fun.

Bookable Wellbeing Activities

Ladies Who Lunch (FULLY BOOKED)Every other month on a Friday, 1pm - 2pm on: 6 AprilAn opportunity for female carers to enjoy a free lunch together. Please inform us of any dietary requirements when booking.

Pilates (FULLY BOOKED)Weekly on a Monday, 1pm - 2pm and2.15pm - 3.15pm on: 9, 16 and 23 AprilTake care of body and mind with our carers’ Pilates sessions.

Massage for Carers (FULLY BOOKED)Monthly on a Friday, 10.30am - 3.30pm on: 13 AprilRelax and unwind with a 25 minute neck and shoulder or hand and arm massage.

IT BuddyAlternate Wednesdays and Thursdays (check when booking)IT Buddies offer one-to-one support with your smartphone, laptop or tablet. Bring your own device or use the Carers Café laptop. Please note that we cannot provide repairs.

Drop-In Advice SurgeriesNo need to book - just turn up!

DPACTTuesdays, 1pm - 3pm; Thursdays, 1.30pm - 4pm (not Thursday 26 April)Advice, support, casework and advocacy for parents and carers with a long-term illness or disability. Call 0800 689 7474 and leave a message to check availability.

Gateway Employment Drop-In Fortnightly on a Tuesday, 10.30am - 12.30pm on: 3 and 17 AprilDrop-in employment advice provided by Gateway Employment for carers and former carers looking for full or part-time work. Can provide advice on CVs, skills and training.

Stroke Association @ Carers CaféMonthly on a Thursday, 10.30am - 12.30pm on: 12 AprilGet advice and a free blood pressure check from Croydon Stroke Association.

Coffee with a CopperMonthly on a Wednesday, 10.30am - 11.30am on: 18 AprilChat with a police officer over a cuppa in the Carers Café. Please note that sessions may be cancelled due to police commitments.

SEN AdviceWeekly on a Friday, 10am - 12noon on: 20 and 27 AprilDrop-in advice on any SEN issues provided by Kids Croydon SENDIAS and Mediation Service.

NEW: Direct Payments Drop-InTuesday 24 April, 10.30am - 12.30pmMeet a representative from the Croydon Council Direct Payments Support Service and learn how to buy and arrange social care services with a direct payment.

Bookable Advice Surgeries

Benefits SurgeryWeekly on a Wednesday, 2.30pm - 4pm on: 4, 11 and 18 AprilAppointments for carers with Croydon Welfare Rights Team. Offers full benefits checks and support with complex benefits issues.

Debt ClinicMonthly session on a Monday, 11am - 2pm on: 9 April60 minute session with a SWLLC Advisor who can look at current debt issues, income maximisation and assess eligibility for a white goods or utility bill debt grant.

Mental Health Carers SupportFortnightly on a Thursday, 10.30am - 12noon on: 12 and 26 April30 minute session with Mind in Croydon. Can discuss any issue related to caring for someone with a mental health problem.

Legal ClinicMonthly on a Thursday, 12noon - 3.30pm on: 26 April 30 minutes of free legal advice from Bisons Solicitors. Any further legal advice or support may be chargable. Please let us know which legal area you are seeking advice on when booking.

Information and WorkshopsYoung Carers Homework ClubWeekly on a Thursday, 4pm - 5.30pm (term-time only)Run by Young Carers Service. Supports young carers with school issues, including homework, coursework, bullying and revision. Provides access to a laptop and printer. Young carers must register with the Young Carers Service to attend. Email anyadestiney@talkofftherecord.org for details.

COMING SOON:

Managing StressTuesday 1 May, 10am - 3pmCaring can be extremely stressful at times. Learn positive and practical ways to manage your stress levels on this full-day workshop.

First Aid for CarersThursday 3 May, 10.30am - 12.30pmLearn basic first aid skills tailored to carers with a representative from the British Red Cross. No previous first aid experience is required.

Call 020 8663 5674 or email enquiries@carersinfo.org.uk to book the following:

Call 020 8663 5608 or email appointments@carersinfo.org.uk to book the following:

Call 020 8663 5674 or email enquiries@carersinfo.org.uk to book the following: