Adult Carers Newsletter - Spring 2014

KINGSTON CARERS’ NETWORK Improving the lives of carers in Kingston

Kingston Carers’ Network, Noble Centre, 109a Blagdon Road, New Malden, KT3 4BD, 020 3031 2757

Registered Charity No. 1151456 Company No. 8376060

Supported by...

Free Workshop: Help, advice and

support to get you

online using a tablet

Adult Carers’

Trips and Activities

Young Carers’ at

Christmas

Cakes for Carers

Launch

Spring 2014

Also inside:

KCN News

NEW Mentoring Project

for Young Carers

Fundraising News

Meet the new KCN Staff

Focus on the

Asperger’s Support

Group

National News

KCN Support Groups

Kingston Carers’ Network www.kingstoncarers.org.uk 2

A message from our CEO

’

’

Help, advice and support to get you

online using a tablet

Wednesday 26th March, 11.00am to 12.30pm

Noble Centre, 109a Blagdon Road, New Malden, KT3 4BD

Community Connected invites you to come to our help, advice and support

event so you can find out more about getting on line and whether a tablet

might be the answer to your needs.

We’ll cover the basics of the different types of connections you can have to

get onto the internet and the different devices you can use to make this

connection. We’ll show you how to use an online price comparison site, and

we will look at some of the simple changes you can make to a tablet to

make it easier to use, if you have issues with sight or mobility.

We will be bringing the following tablets for you to try out - Kindle Fire, iPad

mini, Nexus 10 and 7, Breezie and the latest entry into the tablet market -

the Hudl from Tesco that retails as £119. Our team will be here to show you

how to use them and answer any questions you have.

3 020 3031 2757 Spring 2014

Why do we think tablets score highly over traditional

technology?

3 reasons why we think tablets score highly over traditional

technology

One: Tablets are light and portable with no moving parts,

which make them perfect for using anywhere in the home.

The battery life is great – lasting up to 10 hours.

Two: Using a screen between 7 and 10 inches – you can

start your tablet up immediately… no waiting around… and

with a couple of swipes with you finger you’re in. Any typing

you want to do is done ‘on screen’ and you have the option

to add a braille display or separate keyboard.

Three: Tablets use wireless internet (or WiFi), so you can

use them out and about, connecting to the wide network of

free WiFi hotspots. For an additional cost, you can buy a

tablets with a subscription that can connect to the 3G

networks that all mobile smartphones use.

So if you are looking for a device that makes it easy for you

to read up on information, check facts like train and bus

times quickly, or you fancy curling up and listening to an

audio book read by one of your favourite actors, then come

to our information session. One thing we promise we won’t

do is sell to you, we are an outreach training project, part of

the UKonline Centres Network and this event is to give you

enough information to help you make your own decision.

For more information and to book your place, please contact

Jo on 020 3031 2751.

Kingston Carers’ Network www.kingstoncarers.org.uk 4

Carol Harvey continues to work intensively with a small number of young

carers and their families. New funding from Comic Relief means that whole

family support can be extended to even more young carers and their

families and an exciting new mentoring project for young carers is also

underway. Carol will be delivering a Family Links Nurturing Programme

with Karen Penny from Homestart targeted at parents of young carers and

parents from families supported by Homestart. It is expected that there will

also be some places available for carers who are also parents of children

under 12. Please see below for more details.

What is the Nurturing Programme? Children are rewarding, stimulating and fun, but looking after them can be stressful and challenging. The Nurturing Programme helps deal with those challenges so you have a calmer, happier family life. A tried and trusted programme, it helps us think about what we do, why we do it and how it makes us feel.

Then we have the answer! Where? Kingston Carers’ Network, Noble Centre, 109A

Blagdon Road, New Malden, KT3 4BD When? Course starts – Wednesday 30th April 2014, 10am to

12noon for 10 weeks finishing Wednesday 9th July 2014 (excluding half-term 28th May)

More information? Call Carol Harvey on 020 3031 2753

News from the Family Support Project

5 020 3031 2757 Spring 2014

What a winter it has been with us at the Young Carers’ Project! Not only have we welcomed two brand new members of staff, Andora and Matt, we have also had a whopping 38 new referrals since September! We are now supporting 308 children and young people in the borough; which is definitely keeping us busy!

Alongside our awareness-raising work in schools and local community groups, our regular drop ins, one-to-one sessions with young carers and our family support interventions, we have been rushed off our feet with activities and outings! Thanks to the generosity of Surbiton Farmers’ Market, at Christmas time we were lucky enough to be able to go ice skating at Hampton Court; two very chilly, exhausting and

fantastic evenings! Our under 12s went along to the circus and had lots of laughs and we had two festive Christmas parties (and did much more besides!) These activities, apart from being great fun, allowed the children to spend time with new friends, gain in confidence and a have a well-deserved break from their caring responsibilities.

As always, we couldn’t do the work we do without the help of our fantastic volunteers so all of us at the Young Carers’ Project would like to take this opportunity to say a huge THANK YOU to each and every volunteer.

If you know of anyone who is between the ages of 5-18 years who cares for a family member and who would benefit from our support, please do refer them to the Young Carers’ Project.

Diane, Matt, Liz and Andora Young Carers’ Project 020 3031 2754 [email protected]

News from the Young Carers’ Project

Kingston Carers’ Network www.kingstoncarers.org.uk 6

News from the Parental

Mental Health Pilot Project

Andora, from the Young Carers’ Project, is in the process of developing a training programme and peer support group for any young person aged

8-18 who cares for a parent with a mental health issue.

The first programme is due to begin in March; if you know of anyone who would benefit from this

programme please call or email Andora:

020 3031 2756 or

[email protected]

Adult Social Care Services

Local Account

The local authority have recently released their Local Account tells you

about how Adult Social Care services supported people using their services

to live independently, safe and well during 2012/2013.

Simon Pearce, Executive Head of Adult Care, says “2012/13 was another

challenging year. Since 2010/11 Government funding to Kingston Council

has fallen from over £67 million to just under £45 million. At the same time

demand for health and social care services continues to grow.”

“Despite these difficulties we manage to achieve major changes in the way

we deliver services so that more people were able to be supported to live at

home.”

“We would very much welcome your feedback on our 2012/13 Local

Account. This is an opportunity for you to say what you liked or disliked and

what you’d like to see covered in next year’s report. You can contact me

directly with your feedback or complete our online form.”

“Looking forward, we are very keen to work with the people who use our

7 020 3031 2757 Spring 2014

Could you help a young carer achieve their potential? KCN are currently looking to recruit volunteer mentors to support our young carers.

Why is a mentoring project needed? Based on BBC figures there are approx. 2,000 children and young people in the borough of Kingston undertaking caring responsibilities for a parent or sibling.

Through the work of our whole family support service we have identified locally a significant number of young carers who are at risk of harmful/excessive caring. Research has shown that harmful levels of caring negatively impact on relationships, education, mental and physical health.

What are we doing about it? Consultation with young carers has shown a high demand for more emotional support from our project. As a result of this and funding from Comic Relief we will provide a mentoring programme for 45 young carers over the 3 years of the funding.

What can you do? If you would like to know more about becoming a mentor then visit www.kingstoncarers.org.uk/mentoring-project or call the office on 020 3031 2757

NEW Mentoring Project

for Young Carers

services, their families and friends, our staff, our partner organisations and

voluntary sector colleagues to produce our 2013/14 Local Account.

If you’d like to be involved by telling us what you would like to see in our

2013/14 Local Account or what your issues and priorities are, please get in

touch.”

You can see a full copy of the report by visiting http://bit.ly/1fnmpkG or

calling the RBK Contact Centre on 020 8547 5000.

Mentors

Needed!

Kingston Carers’ Network www.kingstoncarers.org.uk 8

Focus on the Asperger’s Support Group

I started attending the group for carers of adults with Asperger Syndrome just over a year ago, shortly after my daughter was diagnosed.

It felt amazing to be among people who were experiencing exactly the same problems as me. Sympathetic as some health professionals, and even other family members, can be, they still cannot imagine what it is like to live with a person with Asperger Syndrome day in, day out. It was a huge relief to be able to talk about the issues I was facing with others who totally understood what I was

going through.

I look forward to each monthly session, and the two-hour time slot

always flies by.

I would encourage all carers of adults with AS to go to these groups. Sometimes others can help solve your problems (e.g. if

they know of a service you have not been told about), but even if they can't, it is wonderful to be able to get things off your chest that you have probably been bottling up at home. You will certainly be made to feel welcome.

Lesley, Carer

“It was a huge relief to be able to talk… with others who totally understood what I was going through.”

Eleanor Reed, Carers Support Worker, will be leading on the Asperger’s Carers Support Group. To ensure that we are running it to the best of our ability and that we are running it at the most appropriate times and days for our carers, she has produced a short questionnaire. Please contact Eleanor on 020 3725 3049 for a copy or more information. See page 19 for forthcoming meeting dates.

Cakes for Carers!

Every year Carers Week raises awareness of the important role played by unpaid carers. It aims to improve the lives of carers and those they care for. This year Carers Week runs from 9

th-15

th June and Kingston Carers’

Network is using it to launch a new fundraiser to raise awareness of our work and crucially money to fund it.

Fundraising News

Continued on page 13

9 020 3031 2757 Spring 2014

Senior Management Team: Sarah Haspel is the new permanent Services’ Director

for Kingston & Richmond (K&R) Mental Health Services. Sarah is joined by Iain

Richmond as the Operations Manager for the community teams in K&R, Phyllis

Prendergast Finn as the Operations Manager for age specific services in K&R and a

third post to be permanently filled will be Operations Manager for the acute services

(wards and crisis teams) in K&R. Sharon Putt is now working as the Modern Matron

covering all K&R wards, including Lilacs & Azaleas. SWLStG has streamlined all

senior management teams since September 2013, in order to invest additional

resources in frontline services. The cost savings from the management re-structure

will be re-invested in developing the services delivered by the Crisis & Home

Treatment Teams across SW London.

Other staffing updates: Dr Ed Burns continues to be the Consultant Psychiatrist of

the Kingston Home Treatment Team but has relinquished the role of Interim

Associate Medical Director (AMD) as a new Clinical Director has been appointed

and will shortly be in post. On Lilacs Ward, Dr Javier David Lopez Morinigo is the

new Consultant Psychiatrist, a new Ward Manager has recently been appointed and

is due to be in post shortly and we welcome Chloe Perkins to Kingston as the new

Deputy Ward Manager. Lilacs also has a new Carers’ Lead in Maxine Obeng and in

March a new OT will be in post. Dr Alonso has moved from the Assertive Outreach

team and is now working in the South Team alongside Dr Earl and Dr Wright.

New guidelines for Psychosis Care have been published that describe what the

best treatment and care for people with psychosis and schizophrenia should be like.

Although health services do not have to follow these recommendations, they are

seen as the ‘gold standard’ of care. The Mental Health Charity, Rethink Mental

Illness, has produced a short useful guide which you can find here: https://

www.rethink.org/get-involved/campaigns/new-guidelines-on-psychosis-care.

How to care for someone with an eating disorder: the Eating Disorders Research

Unit at Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London is looking for people to take

part in a research project to evaluate a new DVD written, produced, and directed by

carers, patients, & clinicians with experience of eating disorders to train family and

friends to become a recovery mentor. Family and friends who are interested, can

complete a short online questionnaire: www.surveymonkey.com/s/recoverymentor1

and a questionnaire for people with an eating disorder is available at

www.surveymonkey.com/s/patients1 What next? You’ll be randomly allocated to

start the recovery mentor training either now or after a short waiting period. Training

involves watching the DVD which they will loan you & working through a workbook

Focus on …….Staffing Updates at SWLStG

Carers of People with Mental Health Problems

Kingston Carers’ Network www.kingstoncarers.org.uk 10

with an email coach. Contact Charlotte Rhind ([email protected]/ 020 7848

5963) for help, technical problems or further information. An information sheet is

also available; please contact Veronica if you’d like a copy. A youtube clip by

Professor Janet Treasure from South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust

provides advice about what to do if you are worried that a family member may have

an eating disorder and can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=yG2xh87db-E.

These Helplines can offer expert advice, whether you're concerned about

yourself or someone you know: Rethink Mental Illness, support/advice for people

living with mental illness 0300 5000 927 (Mon-Fri, 10am-2pm) • Samaritans,

confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair 08457 90

90 90 (24-hour helpline) • Sane, offers support and researches mental illness 0845

767 8000 (daily, 6pm-11pm) & SANEmail: [email protected] • Mind, promotes the

views/needs of people with mental health problems. 0300 123 3393 (Mon-Fri, 9am-

6pm) • Positive Outcomes for Dissociative Survivors, information/support for

people with dissociative identity disorders. 0800 181 4420 (Tuesday 6pm-9pm or by

appointment) • Beat, eating disorders support 0845 634 1414 (Mon-Thurs, 1.30pm-

4.30pm) • OCD Action, support for people with obsessive compulsive disorder 0845

390 6232 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-5pm) • No Panic, support for sufferers of panic attacks

and OCD 0800 138 8889 (daily, 10am-10pm) • OCD UK, charity run by people with

OCD, for people with OCD 0845 120 3778 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) • Anxiety UK,

support with anxiety conditions 08444 775 774 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-5.30pm) • PAPYRUS, prevention of young suicide HOPElineUK 0800 068 4141 (Mon-

Fri,10am-5pm & 7pm- 10pm. Weekends 2pm-5pm)

'Putting it into words': A video to help support families cope with drug misuse - This

short video aims to highlight that families of drug users need support. The families of

drug users discuss their experiences of having a drug user within the family, how

families react when they discover drug use in the family, how families cope and

where they access support. You can view this Adfam video on Carers in

Hertfordshire’s web page via the following link http://www.carersinherts.org.uk/have-

your-say/drug-and-alcohol/.

Family values: Council services to family and friends who care for others’

children – This report is from the point of view of the Ombudsman, whose role is to

independently assess complaints about councils; it judges each case on its merits

and can recommend redress including apologies, financial awards and changes to

practice. Its headline message is that family and friends carers provide a vital

support system for children who can no longer live with their parents, but they are

Carers of People with Substance Misuse Issues

11 020 3031 2757 Spring 2014

being treated unfairly and are not receiving the practical and financial support they

are entitled to from Local Authorities. There are 145,000 children being looked after

by people who are not their parents, and many of these are cared for by family and

friends rather than foster carers; kinship care is also on the rise, according to

census data. [… estimates suggest that nearly half of kinship carers are looking

after children because of the drug and alcohol problems of their parents.*] The

report sets out where things go wrong at Local Authority level: failure to consider

that a child should be ‘looked after’; failure to provide sufficient information for

kinship carers to make informed decisions about an informal care arrangement;

putting a child at risk by failing to adequately assess the suitability of the placement;

systemic failure to pay family and friends carers the same rate as foster carers; and

an unfair policy on family and friends care. Recommendations include better

consideration of the child’s views and publishing a clear policy on family and friends

carers, which has been demanded by successive Government Ministers. Taken from: Adfam policy briefing, 25 November–6 December 2013

*Kinship Carers Project, Mentor UK, 2010

These Helplines can offer expert advice, whether you're concerned about

yourself or someone you know: Alcoholics Anonymous 0845 769 7555 (24-hour

helpline) • Narcotics Anonymous 0300 999 1212 (daily until midnight)

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the regulator for health and social care

in England. The way services are inspected is changing. In the past, CQC has done

surprise visits – that has now changed. CQC now pre-announce where they inspect

and when, to get more community feedback, pick up issues and guide their

inspection. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) will be inspecting South West

London and St Georges Mental Health NHS Trust starting 17th March 2014.

Parkinson’s UK is asking people with Parkinson’s disease dementia or

dementia with Lewy bodies about what they would like future research to focus on.

Call 020 7963 9398 or visit www.parkinsons.org.uk/researchquestions.

Alzheimer’s Society is funding one of the world’s largest clinical trials into

vascular dementia, which will begin recruiting in the next few months. The trial,

funded jointly by the Society and British Heart Foundation, will test whether the

existing blood pressure drug amlodipine could be used to treat subcortical

ischaemic vascular dementia, the most common form of the condition. It will run for

two years with participants either being given the drug or placebo tablets to see if

there is a positive effect in people with vascular dementia. Alzheimer’s Society

Director of Research and Development, Doug Brown said, ‘There are currently no

treatments for vascular dementia so, if successful, this trial could have a massive

impact on the lives of those affected by this particular form of dementia. … Our …

Carers of People with Dementia

Kingston Carers’ Network www.kingstoncarers.org.uk 12

Drug Discovery programme will look to fund more groundbreaking research in 2014.

It aims to take existing drugs used for other conditions and test them in dementia so

that we can discover new treatments in a way that is faster and cheaper.’

Participants will not be recruited for a few months but to register your interest

please visit alzheimers.org.uk/vasculartrial. Taken from: Alzheimer’s Society’s Living with dementia magazine February 2014

These Helplines can offer expert advice, whether you're concerned about

yourself or someone you know: Alzheimer's Society National Dementia Helpline,

information/support/guidance/signposting 0300 222 1122

KCN is providing a monthly outreach/drop-in service on the Acacia Unit at

Tolworth Hospital for carers and staff on the 1st Monday of the month from 12

noon to 2pm. The next dates are: 7th April, 12th

May (due to Bank Holiday

closing), 2nd June.

Alzheimer's Society Kingston runs a monthly carers’ support group for carers of

people with dementia. The group offers carers a chance to talk about their

experiences with others in a similar situation, as well as receiving useful information

about dementia and advice on how to cope. Since January 2014, the group now

meets on the first Tuesday of every month at the Noble Centre, 109a Blagdon

Road, between 10am and 12 noon. The next meetings are: 4th March, 1st April, 8th

May, 3rd June. If you would like to find out more or book a place (as places are

limited) call Alzheimer’s Society’s Kingston office on 020 3513 5147 or email

[email protected].

Kingston Bipolar UK Group is open to carers and meets every second Monday

of the month from 7:30pm-9pm at the Kingfisher Leisure Centre, Kingston

swimming pool. The next meetings are: 10th March, 7th April, 12th May, 10th

June.

‘South Place’ Mental Health Carers’ Support Group welcomes all relatives and

carers of people with mental health problems. It meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each

month, at Tolworth Hospital, Hughes Room B, Red Lion Road, Tolworth KT6 7QU.

Meetings are from 6:00pm-7:15pm but may be extended to 7:45pm when there

are guest speakers. Light refreshments are provided. The next meetings are: 11th

March, 8th April, 13th May, 10th June.

KCN’s Lilacs Ward monthly evening drop-in sessions for carers are held on the

last Thursday of the month from 6pm-7pm; 27th March, 24th April, 29th May, 26th

June. Kingston Mental Health Carers’ Forum (KMHCF) provides additional support

on the ward to carers on the 2nd Wednesday of the month from 4pm-5pm; 12th

March, 9th April, 14th May, 12th June. For more information contact 07983 063 578

or email [email protected].

What's On?

13 020 3031 2757 Spring 2014

This June we are inviting everyone put on their pinnies, seek out their wooden spoons and join in our brand new fundraiser ‘Cakes for Carers’! Whether you are an accomplished baker or a relative beginner we urge you to unleash you inner Mary Berry and get baking for KCN.

It couldn’t be simpler, although if you want to push the boat out and come up with some elaborate ideas, please feel free. Here are some ideas to get you started.

At Home Keep it simple and invite the neighbours round for a

coffee (and cake!) morning. Add a raffle to boost funds raised. Ring the changes by making puddings for guests

to buy and take home.

At Work In our experience every workforce marches on its stomach and can’t

resist a sweet treat to go with their morning coffee. Hold a simple cake sale or a bake-off between departments, or your bosses. Some

companies will match funds raised by their employees – it is well worth asking.

At School Simply sell cakes at break time or hold a competition, for example

guess the number of chocolate beans covering a large cake. Provide plain cakes, bowls of icing and sweets and invite pupils (and staff) to decorate their own – give a prize for the best. Combine with a Mufti

Day for added fun and funds!

At your Club or Class Add a fundraising twist to your usual tea and biscuit break. Make a

charge for more elaborate refreshments, for example a strawberry tea, and add a guess the weight of the cake competition.

If you cannot take part in Cakes for Carers during Carers Week then you can still get involved at any time. Choose a date to suit you and go for it!

If you would like to hold a Cake for Carers event please contact Jo on 020 3031 2751 or [email protected] for a fundraising advice leaflet. If you have a favourite family recipe you would like to share, please do send it to us and we will publish it on our website for everyone to enjoy.

Continued from page 8

Kingston Carers’ Network www.kingstoncarers.org.uk 14

Anyone that has recently visited our office in New Malden will have noticed

that we have been busy rearranging the office to make way for four new staff.

Read on to find out more about the newest members of the team.

Hi, my name is Eleanor Read and I have recently joined

Kingston Carers’ Network as a Generic Carers Support

Worker. I am a mum of two and my previous work was

with disabled children. I have personal experience of

caring and the pressures it can put on people’s lives. I am really looking

forward to working with the team and helping to support all the carers

that need our support in Kingston.

Hi, my name is Emma and it is a pleasure to be

introducing myself as the new Young Adult Carers

Support Worker for Kingston Carers Network. I’m fairly

new to London, having lived in Bristol before relocating

last year. Whilst based in Bristol I completed a degree in Spanish

(although I have forgotten far too much of it!) and more recently a

Diploma in Counselling. Over the last ten years I have been

developing my skills in working with children and young people; mostly

within schools, first as a language assistant and more recently as a

therapist but also within the voluntary sector. I have been on adventure

camps in the Brecon Beacons and volunteered for Bristol Young

Carers and the Samaritans. I’m excited by the new project for Young

Adult Carers. My aim is to build meaningful relationships, to support

and encourage you to discover what you want for your future. By

working together we will identify the areas that matter to you – whether

developing a new skill, socialising or finding out what training or

education options you have. I can’t tell you how much I am looking

forward to the start of what has the potential to be an incredible

journey.

Meet the new KCN Staff!

15 020 3031 2757 Spring 2014

Hi, my name is Beth Salisbury and I am the new part-

time Wellbeing and Inclusion Worker. I recently qualified

as a Dramatherapist. I have had a varied career with

experience working with children and adults with

learning and physical disabilities, adults with mental health difficulties

and domestic violence survivors. This has given me some

understanding of the demands on carers and the importance of time to

relax and have fun.

I joined the team end of January and I’ve been busy setting up some

outings for the coming months. These include a trip to the theatre and

a visit to Barnes Wetland Centre. For more details, please see pages

16 and 17. I hope to see you on one of these trips soon. If you have

any suggestions for activities you would like to do, please do get in

touch with me. I’m particularly eager to hear from male carers about

what sort of activities would appeal.

Hi, my name is Ruxandra Ratiu and I have been

appointed as the Carers’ Outreach Worker to work for 5

years on a project on identifying hidden carers in

Kingston. The aim of the project is to engage GP

surgeries and hospital discharge teams as well as BME community

leaders in identifying and signposting carers from an early stage.

At the moment I am meeting with organisations in Kingston that work within the health sector to map out the services and needs of carers. The aim this year is to engage with five GP surgeries to come up with a plan on how best carers could be identified and supported appropriately.

More information on this work will come as the project progresses. Please do contact me for more information.

Eleanor 020 3725 3049 [email protected]

Emma 020 3725 3050 [email protected]

Ruxandra 020 3725 3048 [email protected]

Beth 020 3375 8226 [email protected]

Kingston Carers’ Network www.kingstoncarers.org.uk 16

The Sociable Book Club for Carers

If you like reading and chatting, this book

club, run by carers, for carers is ideal for you!

The club meets on the 1st Thursday of the

month from 10.30 to 11.30

at the Noble Centre, 109a Blagdon Road.

Social Activities and Outings

The Sociable

for Carers

The Hogsmill Tavern

Carvery Lunch

Join us for a relaxing carvery lunch

(vegetarian options available).

Thursday 13th

March, 12.30pm to 3.30pm

£5 includes carvery (or vegetarian option) and transport.

Drinks not included

Meeting at the Noble Centre

Grey Horse Pub Quiz

How good is your general knowledge?

Come along and find out at the Pub Quiz.

We will divide into teams of 6 on the night so the more the merrier.

Monday 24th March, meet at the pub at 7.45pm

Quiz starts 8.00pm and is usually done by 10.00pm

£1 entry on the door.

The Grey Horse, 46 Richmond Road, Kingston, KT2 5EE

17 020 3031 2757 Spring 2014

Barnes Wetland Centre This trip is a chance to get a closer view

of a variety of wetland birds and their habitat.

We will have our own private tour of the centre before heading to the

café where you will be able to buy lunch.

Thursday 24th April, 10.00am to 3.30pm

£5 includes entrance and transport

Meeting at the Noble Centre

See overleaf for booking details.

“The Play That Goes Wrong”

This West End smash hit comedy is

about a theatre company that gets everything wrong and

promises “to leave you aching with laughter!”

Thursday 8th May, 2:00pm to 4.45pm

£10 includes cost of ticket, subsidised by KCN

Meeting at the Rose Theatre, 24-26 High Street, Kingston

Zumba Gold Taster Session

Zumba is a fun way to get fit and improve

flexibility using dance moves. This session will be run by an

experienced teacher who will tailor the session to your ability and

level of fitness.

Thursday 3rd April, 11.00am to 12.00pm

£3, meeting at MEFAS, New Malden

Do come wearing loose comfortable clothing

and bring a bottle of water.

If it proves popular, there will be an ongoing class starting in May.

Kingston Carers’ Network www.kingstoncarers.org.uk 18

In the coming months there will be new Acts of Parliament that should

enhance the rights of many carers, as well as change the way care and

support is delivered and funded. The Care Bill will see the introduction of

the ‘Dilnot Cap’ – a cap on the level of community care contributions of

£72,000. This may be good news for around 10% of those paying care

costs, however, the way that this will be implemented conceals a higher

level of contribution than £72,000. For more information see

www.carers.org/care-bill-carers.

The Care Bill will give all adult carers the right to an assessment of their

own needs, although council’s may be able to charge for services to carers.

KCN are currently involved in the Government’s consultation on the Care

Bill.

The Children and Families Bill will see stronger rights for young carers to

receive assessment and support, protecting them from the impact of

harmful caring.

National News

Did you know that you can now book any of

the activities from pages 16-17 online? Visit

www.kingstoncarers.org.uk/wellbeing-project/

activities to book. You can still book calling

Beth on 020 3725 3048 or by sending a letter

to “Kingston Carers’ Network, FREEPOST

RSET-JATX-UEAS, New Malden, KT3 4BD.”

KCN

L.E.A.D Kingston is a community of parents and carers of disabled and

young people living in Kingston. They are running a free one-day workshop

for parents and carers in Kingston. Presentations and workshops include

essential information on education and the law and local and national

changes to disability provision and local resources including hands on

demonstrations and workshops and local support services, activities and

associations.

The session will take place on 15th March at Kingston College. For more

information and to register your interest visit www.leadkingston.org.uk.

Disability Matters

19 020 3031 2757 Spring 2014

Carers Support Group

Merritt Medical Centre, Chessington, 10.00am to 11.30am

Wednesdays: 19th March, 16th April, 21st May, 18th June

Carers of Adults with Asperger's

Noble Centre, New Malden, 10.00am to 12.00pm

5th March, 2nd April, 7th May

Carers of Children and Young People with ADHD King’s Oak Primary School, New Malden, 10.00am to 12.00pm

14th March, 25th April, 16th May, 13th June, 11th July

Mental Health Carers Group

Tolworth Hospital, 6.00pm to 7.15pm

2nd Tuesday of each month

Mental Health Drop-in

Acacia Unit, Tolworth Hospital, 12.00pm to 2.00pm

1st Monday of each month ***12th May due to Bank Holiday***

The Voice of Carers in Kingston

Thursday 20th March, 6.30pm to 8.30pm

Tuesday 16th September, 1.00pm to 3.00pm

Wednesday 10th December, 1.00pm to 3.00pm

Noble Centre, 109a Blagdon Road, New Malden KT3 4BD

We know that not all carers can or want to come along to meetings,

but we are keen for as many carers to be a part of the forum as

possible. If you have an issue to raise or comment to make, but cannot

attend the meetings, please let us know and we will represent you at

the next meeting.

For more information or to have your say,

contact Kate on 020 3031 2752.

Please visit http://bit.ly/1knBzp0 to see minutes from December 2013

KCN Support Groups

Kingston Carers’ Network www.kingstoncarers.org.uk 20

Complementary Therapies

and Beauty Treatments Holistic Therapies with Marina

Alternate Mondays, 10.00am to 4.00pm

Fridays, 10.00am to 1.00pm

£12 for 30 minutes, £20 for 1 hour

Therapies include anti-ageing facial therapy, holistic

eye therapy, foot and ankle therapy, holistic bowel

massage, massage therapy

Reflexology with Mitsuko

Alternate Tuesdays and Wednesdays,

10.00am to 12.30pm

£15 for 50 minutes

Reflexology is a therapy that treats the feet in

order to balance the whole body.

Hairdressing by Gina

One Wednesday a month, 10.00am to 2.00pm

Free of Charge

Manicures and Pedicures

One Wednesday a month, 1.00pm to 4.00pm

£5 per Treatment

For more information or to book an appointment, please contact Jo on

[email protected] or 020 3031 2751