Benefits changes

Carers Break Scheme in Westminster re-opens for applications in July 2015 Due to a huge number of applications in April the Carers Break Scheme grant budget for this quarter has now been taken up in full. We will have further grant funding available from 1st July 2015. If you would like to apply for a break scheme grant from July onwards please talk to your support worker about putting in an application from 1st July.

Benefits changes From 6 April a number of national benefits changed – Carer Allowance is one of the benefits that increases each year in line with inflation, as measured by the Consumer Prices Index. So Carer Allowance has now increased from £61.35 to £62.10. The Carers’s Allowance earnings threshold for those in paid work has increased from £102 to £110. This means that a carer working 16 hours a week at the national minimum wage will now have earnings below the threshold. So some carers will be able to claim both Carer’s Allowance and meet the requirement to be in full time work for Working Tax Credits.

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Thanks

Spring/Summer Edition 2015

Website: www.carers-network.co.uk

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1 Network News Westminster Spring/Summer 2015

Latest news

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED the Care Act for carers in Westminster

On 1st April the Westminster City Council made some changes to local services for carer to be in line with the new Care Act. Below Carers Network sets out the basic changes you need to know about. You can find out more by coming along to one of our peer support groups or visiting our website: www.carers-network.co.uk

Q What is the Care Act? The Care Act replaces most law regarding carers and people being cared for. It outlines the way local authorities should carry out Carer’s Assessments; how local authorities should determine who is eligible for support; and how local authorities should charge for both residential care and community care. Q Do carers have any new rights? Yes. From April 2015 all carers are entitled to a Carer’s Assessment where you appear to have needs. This is different to the previous situation where carers had to show you provide ‘regular and substantial’ care before you were entitled to a Carer’s Assessment. Q Have Carers Assessments changed? Yes. Carer Assessments have changed to be more focused on the outcome you want to achieve as a carer. The assessment looks at your overall needs and how caring has an impact on all areas of your life. The assessment includes a support plan in which you identify the areas where you want to take action or get support. Q Who will carry out my Carer Assessment? The assessment can be completed either with your local authority or with Carers Network. If the person you care for is already known to social services and has a care plan you should ask the local authority to complete a Carer Assessment 020 7641 1444/1175, otherwise please contact Carers Network to book an appointment for an assessment on 020 8960 3033. If you aren’t sure who you should approach, please call Carers Network and we will be able to advise you. Q Will I have to pay for services provided to me as a carer? Westminster City Council does not currently charge carers for services. Local authorities now have the option of charging for any services provided to carers. However most local authorities don’t charge carers for services, including services which give them a break from caring. They recognise that charging carers for services is not in the interest of carers, the disabled person or the local authority. Q How can I feed back or find out more on the changes in the Care Act? Carers Network will continue to be involved in refining and improving Carers Assessments and processes so please let us know your experience of the changes by writing to us or emailing us or by joining your local carers forum (contact Carers Network for details). You can feed back direct to the local authority 020 7641 1444/1175. You can also find out more detailed information on the excellent People First website: www.peoplefirstinfo.org.uk/money-and-legal/care-act-2014 or www.westminster.gov.uk/care-act

Network News Westminster Spring/Summer 2015 2

Latest news and services for carers

You said, we did Over the past four months Carers Network has run a series of social and information events for carers: Carers Rights Day, two Christmas parties and a Care Act event. We asked for your feedback on each of these events and we will use this to improve future events for carers in the borough. Here’s what you told us about these events and the actions we plan to take:

You said

We did

We had a great turn out of carers for Carers Rights Day and you told us you found the information useful. Some of you asked for a larger venue next time because of the noise and for us to make the times of talks clearly visible.

We will book our venues for Carers Rights Day earlier this year to ensure we have more space.

You told us you really enjoyed the food and atmosphere of the Christmas party. There were many compliments about the organisation and running of the event. You suggested some future activities: more trips out of London. Feedback from the Cumberland members’ party was excellent but many of you told us you did not like the ticket-draw as you wanted to attend with someone you knew.

So, we will not use the ticket-draw this year. We will fundraise to provide a Christmas party again this year, and will try to provide hot food if we raise enough money! We ran a trip to Bath in late January and plan to run another seaside trip in the summer.

You asked speakers to give ‘less waffle’ and more specific So, we will provide chairs for each session in future to facts. You also asked for more time for discussion of keep discussions on track. issues.

These events in your own words… ‘Very good talk given by Dame Phillippa Russell, many thanks to the other speakers’ ‘Event was very well organised’ ‘I enjoyed myself and had a fantastic time and good food. Thanks to all the team’ ‘Very well conducted, informative, articulate, erudite speakers’ ‘Well organised and made me feel a lot better’

Singing for the Brain Sessions For people living with dementia

When: Every Tuesday 7 July for 12 weeks 1:30pm – 3:30pm Where: All Saints Church, All Saints, Fulham Parish Office, Pryors Bank Pavilion, Bishops Park, Putney Bridge Approach, London SW6 3LA. The sessions are for people with dementia and their carers. Hidden in the fun are activities which build on the wellknown preserved memory for song and music in the brain. For more information or to confirm attendance, please contact us on: Tel: 020 8563 0001 or 07725 215526 Email: [email protected] [email protected]


Latest news and events for carers

Goodbye Cecilia, welcome June After four years working for Carers Network Cecilia Faduola is moving on. We want to say a big thank you to Cecilia for all her hard work on overseeing our events, our newsletters and Carers Week. June Mascoll will take over from Cecilia as our Communications and Engagement Officer. Many of you will have met June over the past year as she has been covering Cecilia’s maternity leave. June at last years Christmas party 2014. Most people, including staff; had a caricature of themselves drawn during the festivities!

SUMMER OUTING to Brighton on Wednesday 8 July Please call 020 8960 3033 to book a space on the coach! Once all bookings have been taken, full details will be sent out to you before the trip. So once you’ve booked yourself on, just save the date! Please do let us know asap if you need to cancel at any time so that we can offer your place to someone else. Please note: Priority will be given to those who did not go on the Brighton trip last year, and we will be asking for a £5 deposit to secure your place.

Get involved… I’d like to invite any carers who are interested in helping out with ideas for our newsletter and events to get in touch with me. I would welcome your input so please send me an email at: [email protected] or give me a call on: 020 8960 3033 if you’re interested.

Carers Network and Westminster Carers Timebank working closely together… Carers in Westminster will see the two main charities working increasingly closely together to ensure that carers are supported as well as possible across the city. The Carers Timebank Service is an innovative way of building a community of carers that support each other and exchange their skills, knowledge and time. It complements the services of Carers Network and we are excited about working more closely and planning our activities together to ensure that all carers benefit from the wide range of support that both organisations can offer. If you are a carer in Westminster, you can join the time bank for free to meet other carers, build friendships, develop new skills and enjoy days out. Contact the Timebank staff at: [email protected] or on: 020 3757 7286. Carers Timebank Find out more about the Timebank at the Mayor’s Parlour lunch in Carers Week on Thursday 11 June (see programme page 4) Book your place by calling 020 8960 3033. Membership is free!


News & services for Westminster carers

Carers Week Programme for Westminster carers Carers Network is pleased to bring to you an exciting range of free activities and events to celebrate Carers Week. Take a look at what’s on offer for the week and contact us to reserve your place. About Carers Network Carers Network was founded in 1991, and now helps more than 4,000 people in London who are providing unpaid care. Unlike employed care workers/ assistants, the carers we support are unpaid and in many cases managing the demands of employment in addition to their caring responsibilities at home. We work within the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham and Westminster; offering carers specialist advice, information, emotional

support, social activities and training and employment opportunities. We prov1de a tailored service to every carer; supporting them to identify their needs and empowering them to make informed choices for themselves and the person they care for. Our vision is a city where the role of unpaid carers is not just supported, but celebrated. We aim to: • Help carers make informed choices & support them to care effectively and sustainably

• Support carers to maintain a healthy family & social life alongside their caring role • Give carers access to the learning, leisure and employment opportunities they need • Ensure that the physical & emotional health of carers is protected and promoted Carers Network is funded by London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham and Westminster to provide carers services.

Monday 8 June

Tuesday 9 June

Wednesday 10 June

Thursday 11 June

Friday 12 June

Hampton Court Palace Group Visit Meeting Time: 11am 1pm- 4pm

Historical Walk ‘Hidden London’ Monument Tube (Fish Street Hill Exit) Meeting Time: 10.15am Walk: 11am- 1pm

Health & Information Day The Beethoven Centre Third Avenue W1 0 4JL 11am- 2pm

Booking Required

Booking Required

Mayor’s Parlour Lunch Westminster City Hall 64 Victoria Street SW1 E6QP 12pm: Introduction & Speeches 12.30- 2.30pm: Lunch, Membership & Networking

Boat Trip On The Thames Westminster Pier SW1 A 2JH Meeting Time: 10.15am Cruise Departs 11am Booking Required Houses of Parliament Guided Tour & Tea with Karen Buck MP Meeting Time: 3.45pm 4.15pm- 5.30pm Booking Required

Booking Required

Booking Required

Bookable activities operate on a first come first served basis and are only open to carers. Once registered, you will receive an email or letter in the post with details about each activity or event, including, maps, meeting times and ways to get there. A Carers Network member of staff will accompany you on all trips & tours. To reserve you place, please call Carers Network on 020 8960 3033 or email: [email protected]

Carers Action News CA Steering Group–CA had its regular meeting on 15 April 2015. We welcomed two new members as well as our guest, Berni Jennings, a senior commissioner from the council. Berni came to talk about the Care Act and listen to carers' views, did a short presentation, and answered questions from group members. She pointed out that the Carers Action day on the 18 February 2015 was helpful in making carers aware of the new legislation, but wanted to come and talk to the Steering Group now that the Act is being implemented, as from 1 April 2015. As well as talking about the emphasis in the Act on wellbeing, prevention and providing information, Berni also talked about how the new carers’ assessment forms and support plans focus on what matters to carers and helps identify the outcomes that carers want to achieve. Berni also spoke about how the council has been getting ready for the Act, for example updating the new People First website. Berni explained that the changes implemented by the Act are a work in progress and carers are encouraged to give feedback on the website and on the changes. Several action points were generated, and their progress will be monitored.

CA Social Outing Club–We organised another hit visit, this time to Two Temple Place gallery, a hidden gem overlooking The Thames showcasing publicly owned art from UK regional collections. We received a private tour around the building and managed to catch up over a cuppa. We would love you to join us so register your interest for the next outing! CA Away Day–The next meeting will be an Away Day on 15 July where we will exchange experiences with personal carers’ budgets, effects of the Care Act, participation in carers support groups and more. New carers are welcome! Carers Action: Suggestions, Questions, Getting involved CA is a voluntary, independent group run by carers for carers in Westminster. If you would like to get involved in shaping health services, mental health services and local authority services, or if you have any queries, do get in touch. Phone: 020 8960 3033. Email: [email protected]


Westminster Carers Network Support Group and Drop-in Calendar May 2015 ACTIVITY

DATES & TIMES

LOCATION

Support Group for Carers of Older People

19 May 11am - 1:30pm

Beethoven Centre

Carer Support Group *Arabic speaking facilitator Carer Advice Drop-in

20 May 12:30pm - 2:30pm 2pm - 4pm

Abbey Centre

Learning Disability Carers Coffee Morning

26 May 10:30am - 12:30pm

Beethoven Centre

Carer Evening Support Group

27 May 6pm - 8pm

Jack’s Café

Peer Support Group for Carers of Older People

29 May 1pm - 3pm

Cardinal Hume Centre

Autism Carers Support Group *in partnership with NAS West London

29 May 11:30am - 1:30pm

Westbourne Grove Church

ACTIVITY Drop-in at Advice Plus

DATES & TIMES Every Monday 1pm - 4pm

LOCATION Beethoven Centre


16 June 11am - 1:30pm

Beethoven Centre


17 June 12:30pm - 2:30pm 2pm - 4pm

Abbey Centre


24 June 6pm - 8pm

Jack’s Cafe


26 June 1pm - 3pm



26 June 11:30am - 13:30pm

Westbourne Grove Church Small Hall

ACTIVITY Drop-in at Advice Plus–Closed Monday 27July




21 July 11am - 1:30pm

Beethoven Centre

Carer Support Group *Arabic speaking facilitator Carer advice Drop-in

22 July 12:30pm - 2:30pm 2pm - 4pm

Abbey Centre


31 July 1pm - 3pm


June 2015

July 2015


July 2015 continued Carer Evening Support Group

29 July 6pm - 8pm

Jack’s Cafe

Learning Disability Carers Coffee morning

28 July 10:30am - 12:30pm

Beethoven Centre


31 July 11:30am - 13:30pm

Westbourne Grove Church–Main Hall

ACTIVITY Drop-in at Advice Plus



Mental Health Carers Support Group

11 August 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Westminster Mind


18 August 11am - 1:30pm

Beethoven Centre


Closed for August

Abbey Centre


26 August 6pm - 8pm

Jack’s Cafe


28 August 1pm - 3pm



28 August 11:30am - 13:30pm

Westbourne Grove Church Main Hall

August 2015

PLEASE NOTE: Groups may be affected during Carers Week (8 - 12 June) So please do check with the relevant group or location beforehand. Groups will also not be running on Bank Holidays: 25 May & 31 August. VENUES: Beethoven Centre, Third Avenue, Queen’s Park, W10 4JL Westminster Mind, Radstock House, 5 Eccleston Street, SWIW 9LX Abbey Centre, 34 Great Smith Street, Westminster, SW1P 3BU Cardinal Hume Centre, 3-7 Arneway Street, SW1P 2BG Jack’s Café, 101 Salusbury Road, NW6 6NH Westbourne Grove Church, Westbourne Grove, W11 2R



To Know Me books

Carers Support Meetings SW1 Carers Monthly Support Meetings the Abbey Centre, 34 Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3BU. (Wednesdays) 20 May, 17 June, 22 July (no meeting in August) between 12:30 -2:30pm. The SW1 carers monthly support meetings are aimed at BME carers, but all are welcome. Please call: 020 7222 0303 The meetings provide: • A friendly environment for the carers to come together, to meet each other, and for mutual support • Information from speakers on different health topics, normally requested by them • Information about carers welfare entitlements from a professional from Carers Network • Wellbeing therapies and healthy refreshments

For people living with dementia, their families and all those involved in supporting them. You can have the option of creating a book for your loved one, if they wish to do so. You can find out more about the books and how people living with Dementia and their families can create them at www.toknowme.org

Elders Club Opens Elders Club is a day care centre for senior citizens with low to moderate care needs in Brent, Hammersmith, Fulham and Westminster. Activities provided include exercise, pottery, dance and art classes, as well as lunch, access to the cafe, IT training and more. The cost is £25 per day which includes lunch, access to the cafe and all activities. The Centre will provide Salsa, Zumba and Ballroom dance classes, exercise workshops, art therapy including trips to Pottery Classes and off site trips during the summer. To book a place contact the centre on 020 8960 0838.

Self-Management Online The local health services in Westminster are locally piloting Self-Management Online, a structured online course for people with a long term condition. It is based on the Expert Patient Programme and enables access to those who prefer online learning or may find attending a face-to-face course difficult. Course participants are supported by an online tutor and the course is currently only available in English. You can self-refer to the course. Who are the services for? • People aged 18 or over with one or more long-term condition who live or are registered with a GP in Westminster • People will need to have access to a computer and an internet connection • Patients who are not already demonstrating a high level of confidence in managing their condition will benefit most from the course For further details call us on 03333 445 840, email us at [email protected] Or visit us at www.selfmanagementuk.org



Whether you want help or advice to sort out an issue in your life, or want to find new things to do, there are plenty of options in your local area. But it’s not always obvious how to find out more. The Care Act, which came into effect on 1st April 2015, makes it a duty for councils to provide better information and advice to local residents and to support them to lead healthy, active, independent lives. The People First website aims to

give you the information you need. Whether you need support in your home, want details of local accessible transport options, or want to take up yoga or learn French, it’s all on People First. The website is colourful and easy to use and aimed at adult residents in Westminster, and their carers, treating them as the experts on their own lives. It has three main sections – jargon-free easy to read information, a list of agencies and organisations that can help residents, and a

comprehensive list of local events and activities for everybody, whatever their interests. Although the website is funded by three local councils’ adult social care departments, it doesn’t look or feel like a council website. It’s a single point of reference for a wealth of ideas, information and things to do. Have a look at the website now at www.peoplefirstinfo.org.uk and please do feedback any comments, ideas or suggestions via the feedback buttons.

Free Priority Service Register in case of power cuts UK Power Networks owns and maintains electricity cables and lines across London, making sure your lights stay on. They have set up a Free Priority Service Register for more vulnerable households in the event of a power cut. If you’re a carer, you can register for free on behalf of the person or people you care for. On joining the register, priority service customers will receive:

• A welcome pack with helpful tips and advice on preparing for a power cut. • A priority phone number to call and regular text or phone updates during a power cut • If appropriate, assistance from the British Red Cross and other emergency benefits. You can find out more and sign up to the Priority Service Register online at: www.ukpowernetworks. co.uk/priority or call 0800 3163 105 to speak to an advisor.



Health and Social Care Patient Panel needs new representatives in Queens Park and Paddington The local health service is now looking for more patients to join us and help implement our recommendations, by joining the West London Clinical Commissioning Group’s Task and Finish groups. These groups are open to all patients living in Queen’s Park or Paddington, who are interested in shaping the new integrated health and social care services. Contact: [email protected] or telephone 0203 235 0008. All out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed and support will be available for patients who wish to take part.

Tea and Teach Morning Barclays Bayswater 18 June 9.30am–11.30am Come in and join our Digital Eagles specialists in all things Digital… should it be sending an email, going online, or looking at price comparison sites. The Barclays Digital Eagles are here to help you! Please bring in your laptop, tablet or smartphone so they can deliver the best experience. Where: Barclays Bank, 93-97 Queensway, London, W2 4QG Places are limited, so to book a place please phone us at Carers Network on 020 8960 3033 Or email: [email protected]

Are you a grandparent looking after your grandchild most of the time? You are not alone. Come and meet up with others in a similar situation from across London for a cuppa & a chat. When: 10am–12pm Second Wednesday of each month Venue: Lillington and Longmore, Garden Resident Association, Community Hall, Under Morgan House, 57 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London, SW1V 2LF Unfortunately children cannot be accommodated at this group. Contact: Carmelita on 07960 696 680 or 07595 776 960 Email: [email protected] For general information call The Grandparents’ Association on: 01279 428 040 www.grandparents-association.org.uk

Healthwatch Volunteering opportunities Healthwatch is always looking for volunteers to come on-board and help to make a difference to how our health and social care services are delivered in Westminster. We currently have opportunities in the following areas: • Communications–Helps us with our website • Research–Helps us gather information. • Dignity Champions – Help us carry out assessments of local health and care services. • Outreach support Member – Help us promote our work at local events. • Patient Participant Group – Help your local GP practice. • Authorised Representatives – Help us shape our health and care services by attending committee meetings. If you would like to have an informal chat about any of the positions advertised above please feel free to contact Healthwatch on: 020 8968 7049 or 0800 008 7455



FREE TRANSPORT TO AND FROM HEALTH APPOINTMENTS Do you have problems accessing public transport because of age or disability? Do you live in the Westminster postcode areas Queen’s Park (W10, W9), Harrow Road (W9), Westbourne (W11, W2), Church Street (NW1, NW8)? Do you need help to get to GP and hospital appointments, or health and wellbeing classes? Then Westminster Health Link can help–Call them on 020 8968 4056. Their service is FREE and offers daily trips to

Open Age Time for Me Westminster–Free activities for unpaid carers over 50 Upcoming activities include: • Creative Writing for beginners 3 June 1.30pm–3.30pm Barbara Brosnan Court, St John's Wood • Health walk and lunch: Bushy Park 4 June–11am–4pm • Trip to Hindu Temple, Neasden–24 June, including a tour of the temple and a free buffet lunch For more details and to register please contact Liz Sowden on 020 8962 4536 or [email protected]

main hospitals in or out of the borough (long distance journeys are subject to availability) as well as your doctor’s surgeries or other key places in your local community, using fully accessible vehicles. The service is door-to-door! For more information, an application form or to register, please call 020 8968 4056 Please NOTE: The application form will need to be countersigned by your Health Professional.

BME Wellbeing Support Service Are you going through a difficult time? Need someone to listen to you? If you would benefit from support to gain a positive outlook or make some changes, we are offering confidential one to one emotional support, advocacy and signposting with trained bilingual wellbeing sessional workers by appointment and referral. The Abbey Centre, 34 Great Smith Street, London, SW1 3BU For more information please contact Phayza Fudlalla by email: [email protected] or call 020 7227 0647


Contacts

Out of hours Carers can contact the council’s Care Management Team for any emergencies with the person they care for on: 020 7641 6000 www.westminster.gov.uk/social-services-emergency-contacts/ Carers UK national advice line open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm 0808 808 7777 Please help us keep in touch With news and opportunites, by letting us know your mobile number and email address: 020 8960 3033 or [email protected] Let us know what you think If you have a complaint, a compliment or any other feedback please write to us at our address or email [email protected] A full copy of our complaints policy and our customer service statement are available on our website or by post on request.