Summer Newsletter 2015 - Angus Carers Centre€¦ · Angus Carers Day 2015 Wednesday 10 June 2014 10.30am to 3.30pm Carnoustie Golf Hotel You are invited to our Carers Day 2015 which
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3 Fisheracre, Arbroath DD11 1LE Tel: 01241 439157 Fax: 01241 876903
Email: enquiries@anguscarers.org.uk Website: www.anguscarers.org.uk
Angus Carers Association Charity No. SC026052
Summer Edition 2015
CONTENTS
Page 1 Welcome
Page 2 Young Carers’ Day
Families Programme
Page 3 New Dawn Project
Drug & Alcohol Project
Fundraising
Graeme Dey Surgery
Annual General Meeting
Dementia Ambassador
Power of Attorney
Page 4/5 Carers Events and
Activities
Page 6 Angus Women's Aid
SHOUT
Note from editor
Page 7 Coalition of carers in
Scotland
Page 8 Dates for your diary
NewsletterNewsletterNewsletterNewsletter
Welcome to the Summer 2015 newsletter.
As I’m writing this introduction to the Summer Newsletter
the sun is streaming through the window… I hope it is still
shining brightly as you are reading it.
The staff team is now up to full strength, ensuring that you
get all the support you need to help you in your caring role
and to ensure you have time out to re-charge your batteries.
We have put together a diverse programme for you this
summer, hopefully something for everyone. If you have any
ideas for future activities or events please let the staff team
know. We want to give you all the help we can to attend our
programmes, so if you have specific requirements, let a
member of staff know and we will see how we can meet those
needs. Make sure you complete the reply slip enclosed to let
us know what you would be interest in attending
We also have a responsibility to ensure you are kept up to
date with all the changes happening to service planning and
delivery, both at a local and national level. On page seven you
can read one carer’s experience of the Coalition of Carers
National Conference in March where the new Carers
(Scotland) Bill was discussed.
Can I just take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to the
people of Angus for supporting our work. You have donated
raffle prizes for our fundraising events and have donated food
and drink for our carers activities and programmes. Your
clubs and local organisations have donated money to help us
extend the range of support we can give and this generosity,
along with all the hard work put in by our volunteers, is what
makes the heart beat in this place. My staff tell me that they
feel privileged to share your lives and that they receive a
fantastic amount of personal satisfaction from the time they
spend with you.
Whatever 2015 brings, let us make sure we work together to
make the most of it!
Alison Myles—CEO
One of the points raised at the
Young Carers’ Day
Angus Carers Centre holds its first ever Young Carers’ Day
A special day for young carers in Angus took place at the Panbride Centre,
Carnoustie, on Wednesday 8 April 2015.
Organised by the young carers team, this is the first time that a dedicated day
for young carers has been held in Angus.
A ‘World Cafe’ event started the day, where young carers met with local
leaders in the fields of education, health, community and employment, to
discuss caring matters and to plan a new regional strategy for young carers.
These are a few of the issues they raised:
In the afternoon, the young carers attended workshops where they gained skills in African drumming, cake
and biscuit decorating, pampering, mental health support, football and arts & crafts. During the course of
the day an artist storyboarded, in cartoon-strip format, the main issues that affect the young carers. Lots
more news on the Young Carers Summer Programme coming soon in their newsletter. (check out
www.angusyoungcarers.org.uk for more info).
Families Programme Update
In 2014, we completed a really successful pilot project with families in Angus who have a disabled child.
This project delivered a programme of social, recreational and leisure activities which supported the
whole family, including siblings, to take time out together.
Quote from a mum—”Hi, just wanted to say thank you for last night. It was the first time in a long time I
have felt so relaxed with other people and my children and it was a lovely experience. The staff were so
nice and kind, even my four year old happily left my side and did arts and crafts without me. In fact, at
one point my daughter told me to leave her- which never happens- as she was doing craft with your staff.
It was lovely that all my children and not just C, could experience being with others. Again, thank you so
very much.” Family Session at Frostys in Forfar
Shared Care Scotland, through their Short Breaks Fund, have now confirmed that they will fund us for
another two years to continue this work. They are particularly interested in how we can support parents to
take control of programme planning, so that the programme is sustainable after the funding ends.
We will be inviting families to a few activities over May and June, whilst we are recruiting a new
Families Programme Worker to assist in planning a much fuller programme. We will contact parent carers
who have registered for the Families Programme directly with more details. If you care for a child under
the age of 18 and would like to find out more about the Families Programme, please contact
lynne@anguscarers.org.uk.
Page 2
New Dawn Project
Many thanks to the Colin Grant Charitable Trust,
who very generously contributed £1,000 to help
us support former carers.
When a caring role ends through bereavement of a
family member it can be a very emotional and
isolating time.
This funding will allow us to provide bereaved
carers with more opportunities to come together,
socialise and make new friends.
Drug and Alcohol Project
We offer specific support to carers who are
affected by someone’s alcohol or drug
problem. This can include information,
practical advice on coping, signposting to
other agencies, contact with other carers who
are or have been in a similar situation, support
and a listening ear. If you would like further
information on this service, please contact
Belinda or Allie on 01241 439157.
Fundraising
We raised the fantastic sum of £541 at the Bingo Night held on Friday 27 March in Arbroath and
had a lot of fun. Thank you to the volunteers that helped put on the event, those that attended and the
people that donated prizes. A special thanks to The British Legion for supplying the bar and letting
us use their premises.
We have also recently re-established our fundraising committee, so look out for more events in the
future. All funds raised are used to add quality to young and adult carers lives and the fundraising
events themselves give people the opportunity to come together in a fun the relaxed environment.
Graeme Dey Surgery
Graeme is the SNP Member of
the Scottish Parliament for the
Angus South Constituency.
He will be holding a surgery at the Carers Centre on
Monday 1 June from 11.00am–12.00pm. If you live
within Angus South constituency and have anything you
would like to discuss with him or any issues you want to
raise, please call Linda on 01241 439157 to make an
appointment.
Annual General Meeting
Thursday 24 September 2015
Following your feedback from the Carers’
Day last year, we have separated the AGM
and the Funshop Day at Carnoustie. Full
details of the AGM will be in the Autumn
Newsletter.
Dementia Ambassador
Jacqui Moran, our Carer Development Worker for the
North West Locality, recently completed The Angus
Dementia Ambassador Training and The NES Dementia
Skilled – Improving Practice Learning Resource. This
course was delivered in partnership with NHS Tayside,
Scottish Social Services Council and Angus Council.
The skills learned will enable Jacqui to share her
expertise on supporting carers who care for someone
with dementia and pass on her knowledge to other staff
members.
Did You Know?
Without power of attorney you
cannot act for your husband, wife,
mother, father or anyone else
should they have loss of capacity.
Find out more at the POA Website:
www.mypowerofattorney.org.uk/
Page 3
A Summer
Garden Party
Thursday 25 June 2015
2.00pm—4.00pm
Come and enjoy an hour
or two at a traditional garden party to be held
in the Angus Carers Centre garden. Strawber-
ries and cream and scones will be on the
menu, as well as outdoor fun and games. Let’s
hope for a sunny afternoon!
Carers’ Day Trips
The Retreat in Glen Esk
Wednesday 3 June
Why not join us for a day in the beautiful Angus
Countryside when we visit The Retreat in Glen Esk.
Enjoy a gentle walk, visit the Folk Museum and Gift
Shop or just enjoy your lunch in the Retreat
Restaurant and Tea Room, then sit and admire the
scenery
Scottish Antique & Arts Centre
Wednesday 15 July 2015
Back by popular demand!
Following a successful trip last year please join us
for a day out to the Scottish Antique & Arts Centre in
Abernyte, followed by a visit to Glendoick Garden
Centre for tea/scones.
Angus Carers Day 2015
Wednesday 10 June 2014
10.30am to 3.30pm
Carnoustie Golf Hotel
You are invited to our Carers Day 2015 which will once again be held in Carnoustie Golf Hotel.
There is a fun filled programme with some old favourites and some new ideas as well.
We have 12 different activities for you to choose from. How about trying your hand at Cake
Decorating, Arts and Crafts, Digital Photography or African Drumming? For those who want a
more relaxing time join in the Tai Chi, Reflexology or Indian hand massage. For the inquisitive
come along to the Family History Research session.
The format of the day will be a wee bit different this year as we will not be holding our AGM at
the start of the programme. (See page 3 for details on this)
In the morning our chairperson, Steve Nicoll, will give a short update on the developments at
Angus Carers Centre over the past year and share our plans for the year ahead.
You can then share the day with other carers, the staff team, the directors and the tutors of the
various workshops/talks (aka ‘Funshops’). A superb lunch will also be provided, as well as
breaks for tea and coffee.
To see the list of all the interesting workshops/talks that are being held and to book your place at
a workshop, please refer to the separate flyer, booking form and pre-paid envelope.
Booking forms for the workshops must be returned by Tuesday 26 May 2015.
Upcoming event
Energy Therapy—Coming in July and
August, an energy therapy class to re-balance
and re-energise the body.
If you think you may like to try this, please
tick the Reply Slip.
If you are interested in attending any of ouPage 4
Table Top Herb Gardening. Monday 25 May 2015
10.00am—12.00pm
Trellis, a charity which specialises in supporting health through gardening, will be at the Angus Carers
Centre in Arbroath to demonstrate herb planting and the benefits of using herbs.
This is table top gardening so it’s not at all strenuous.
Male Carer Support Group
Graham Scott has joined our staff team to
develop the Male Carers’ Support Group with
the help of some of our volunteers. This group
gives male carers the chance to take time out
and socialise with others who understand the
difficulties that their caring role may bring.
The group is now planning a new programme
of outings and activities for 2015.
If you would be interested in joining the group
or would like more information, then please
contact the centre on 01241 439157.
Working Carers Group
At the February meeting, James Kennedy of NHS
Tayside joined us to talk about maintaining good
mental health and well-being both for carers and the
cared-for.
The meeting in April was both a social and exchange
of information evening, which included Carers
Emergency Cards and changes to benefits that might
affect some carers.
The next meeting will be in June. If you are a carer
who is working full-time or part-time and would like
more information, please contact Linda on 01241
439157 or e-mail linda@anguscarers.org.uk .
Gardening Group
The Gardening Group started up again in
February and, despite a cold start, have made
great progress with the garden.
The group is always looking for new members;
it doesn’t have to be strenuous.
So if you fancy showing your green fingers off,
why not come along on Monday mornings from
10.00am till 12.00pm.
Refreshments are provided
Family Fun Day
This year all registered young carers and their families
will be invited to a Family Fun Day at Monikie Park on
Wednesday 8 July 2015.
More information regarding the day’s programme and
booking details will be in the Young Carers Summer
Newsletter.
Basic Computer Training for
Carers
Are you interested in finding out more about
computers or the internet but not very
confident in using a computer? Then come
along and join in a new group for carers. There
will be small informal groups of carers, here at
the Centre in Arbroath and at a venue in Forfar.
The training will be given by experienced
volunteers and the classes will be run accord-
ing to ability. We may also be able to provide
one to one specialist support. If you are
interested please tick the Reply Slip.
Reminiscence Group restarts in
Arbroath.
Just to let all you local history buffs know that the
Arbroath Reminiscence Group has now resumed.
We meet on the first Tuesday of each month at
Arbroath Library from 2.00pm-4.00pm. The next one
being on 2 June.
The group is for both the carers and the cared for and
transport is available if required.
At the last meeting in May the group had a great
afternoon talking about “Forgotten Streets and
Buildings”, as well as enjoying a brew.
If you’re interested in coming along, please contact
Vanessa on 01241 439157. Look forward to seeing
you there.
our events/activities please tick the Reply Slip Page 5
A note from the Editor
Our registered carers are very welcome to
attend all trips, activities and cuppy times.
Friends and Family can only attend events
where an exception to this is stated.
If you are a carer and would like to
register with Angus Carers Centre, please
contact the centre for a referral form.
Who is a carer?
Carers can be wives, husbands, partners,
parents, daughters, sons, friends or
neighbours who look after someone of any
age who may have:
• a physical disability
• a medical condition
• a learning disability
• mental ill health or dementia
• a dependency on alcohol or drugs
SHOUT Loud and Proud
What is SHOUT?
SHOUT is a group for people with
learning disabilities to come together to
stand up and be heard as a group.
Who is it for?
SHOUT is for anyone who lives in Angus that has a
learning disability and wants to be involved in the
group. The group is supported by volunteers.
What we do…
♦ We work with others to understand us,
♦ We come together as a group to help us speak up
for ourselves,
♦ We encourage more people to come to SHOUT,
♦ We speak together about issues that are
important to us,
♦ We want to make a more inclusive community
for everyone.
For more information visit www.shoutangus.org.uk or
contact Morag on 01241 875525
Angus Women’s Aid
Angus Women’s Aid is seeking the help of women in their 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s .
We are aware that domestic abuse affects women of all ages, however, we are unsure whether do-
mestic abuse services meet the needs of women over the age of 60.
The majority of publications relating to domestic abuse depict images of younger women and the
research also tends to focus on women in their 20s and 30s, yet we know that domestic abuse does
not stop when you reach the age of 40.
Research into domestic abuse in older women is fairly scarce and we would like your help to ensure
our service continually meets the needs of all women who are affected by domestic abuse.
We would be grateful if you could take a few moments to look at our website,
www.anguswomensaid.co.uk and tell us what you think. In particular,
• As soon as you look at the website, what’s the first thing you notice?
• Would you be tempted to stay on the website and look further?
• If yes, why?
• If no, why?
For further information about this piece of research, you can contact Jane on 01241 439437.
Page 6
Coalition of carers in Scotland
A Report from Caroline Petrie
SAPALD (South Angus Parents for Adults with Learning Disabilities).
Carers Coalition Meeting, Glasgow
“As a Carers Representative on the Angus Carers Planning & Delivery Group, Angus Carers
Centre kindly asked me to accompany Belinda McMartin, Team Leader, Adult Services,
through to Glasgow for a Carers Coalition meeting at the Thistle Hotel on Wednesday 25
March 2015. The theme was "Constancy, Clarity & Consistency", ensuring the Carers
(Scotland) Bill which was introduced on the 9 March 2015 to the Scottish Parliament has an
EQUAL impact for all carers.
The first speaker, Andrew Strong, Policy Information Manager from Health & Social Care
Alliance talked us through the process of how a 'Bill' goes through stages to become an 'Act' of
parliament, i.e. becomes a law that cannot be ignored. He also pointed out how to engage and
get involved. Examples of getting involved were writing, emailing, meeting your MSP. Writing
to Ministers in parliament, join groups, submit petition. It was voiced that using social media to
campaign ministers and MSP's was important and had proved so in the referendum campaign.
The second speaker was Moira Oliphant from the Scottish Government. This was quite heavy
going with a lot of legal jargon, but on a quick reading of it I saw quite a lot of ambiguous
language in the document which could be open to a local authority’s interpretation. For
example "Each local authority must (which is good) take such steps "it considers
appropriate" (not good, open to interpretation). Also the term "local eligibility criteria" was
through the whole Bill which certainly is not constant and consistent. Questions and discussions
with Moira Oliphant before lunch saw quite a few carers relating passionately how their support
had been cut and care was a postcode lottery. This resulted in the government spokesperson
getting a rather bumpy ride and running over time.
The strength of feeling was borne out after lunch when 5 carers gave 5 CLEAR reasons
pointing out that it was essential for this Carers Bill to adopt NATIONAL ELIGIBILITY
CRITERIA not local. This would mean that all carers across Scotland would have equality with
the same entitlements to support and resources. Carers do not want the same as now a postcode
lottery with 32 different councils with different criteria and resources.
There was an interactive session with message boards and the overwhelming feedback was that
this was a national issue which had to deliver equality across the country to protect all carers
equally in the invaluable job they do.
What I have taken on board from attending this meeting is that this is an ideal opportunity to
get involved and show the obvious strength of feeling there is amongst carers and the need to be
heard. Especially just now the politicians are listening, they have woken up to the fact that
people realise they have a right to be heard. I urge carers to take this opportunity, go online,
look at what the carers groups are doing, lobby your MSP'S, use social media to help get a
fairer Scottish deal for all carers, to give us constancy, clarity and consistency”.
We will keep our website updated on the progress of the Bill as it travels through the legislative
stages. If you would like a paper copy of any of the information please call the office and let us
know.
Page 7
Diary of Events
Date Event
Monday 25 May Table Top Herb Gardening
10.00am—12.00pm
Angus Carers Centre
Monday 1 June Graeme Dey, MSP Surgery
11.00am—12.00pm
Angus Carers Centre,
Wed 3 June The Retreat—Glen Esk
Day Trip
Wed 10 June Angus Carers Day
10.30am—3.30pm
Carnoustie Golf Hotel
Thursday 25 June Garden Party
2.00pm—4.00pm
Angus Carers Centre
Wed 15 July Scottish Antique & Arts Centre
Day Trip
Thursday 24 Sept Annual General Meeting
Every effort is made to ensure that the information in this newsletter is correct. Angus Carers Centre can accept no liability
for errors and omissions and cannot recommend products or services. Views and opinions expressed in this publication are
not necessarily those of Angus Carers Centre.
Please note …
As an organisation that holds information, we are required by law to ask those who are on our mailing list if they still wish
to receive regular mailings. If you do not wish to remain on our mailing list or if the information we hold on you is incor-
rect, please contact us so that we can make the necessary alterations.
Carers Groups
ADAPT Appointments 10.00am—12noon
Angus Carers Centre (First Thursday of
the month)
Thursday 4 June
Thursday 2 July
Thursday 6 August
SDS Drop-ins 1.30pm—3.30pm
Angus Carers Centre (Second Thursday
of the month) Thursday 14 May
Thursday 11 June
Thursday 9 July
Carers Cuppy Times 10.30am—12.00pm
Monday 18 May Thrums Hotel,
Kirriemuir
Thursday 28 May Craw’s Nest,
Carnoustie
Thursday 25 June Portcullis,
Arbroath
Thursday 30 July Panmure Hotel,
Monifieth
ARBROATH 10.30am Angus Carers Centre 11 May 8 June 14 Sept
BRECHIN 2.00pm Brechin Baptist Church 28 May 25 June 23 July
FORFAR 10.30am VAA 3 June 2 September 7 October
KIRRIEMUIR 10.00am Age Concern Hall 29 May 26 June 25 September
MONIFIETH 2.00pm Panmure Hotel 28 May 25 June 30 July
MONTROSE 2.00pm George Hotel 25 May 22 June 27 July
AUTISM GROUP 9.30am Angus Carers Centre 20 May 17 June
Queen Street Tavern, Forfar 3 June Summer trips and meetings to
be arranged
DRUG & ALCOHOL Kirriemuir 13 May 27 May 10 June 24 June
8 July 22 July
SMART F & F VAA, Forfar 19 May 2 June 16 June 30 June
REMINISCENCE GROUP 2.00pm Arbroath Library 2 June
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