An exploration of the UK carer world

 Mencap here

This is the monthly newsletter where you could pick up some contact.

Rose Hunt has lived and "experienced" Hereford life from both sides and has a great deal of energy, contacts and you may benefit from discussing your ideas with her.

Also, I hope you feel able to discuss things with Hereford Carers, Jackie, Sue or Cathy's equivalent on the adult groups. Together we are stronger!

Google search

carer support children learning disabilities here

page 1 - Mencap is there - once

page 2 result here from which I have learnt about this

and this.


 My first question concerns how many unpaid carers

have carees in this context.

One help is the heading "Family carers of people with learning disabilities", p2 here.


       
Presume you mean Sue Black.  Don't know Cathy.  Have sent an email to Rose on 2 Dec, copy to you.   

The attachment you sent is below but without pics. Have done little editing. Need a link.
Brought to you by Herefordshire mencap
This is the twenty-fifth newsletter put together by Herefordshire mencap.  After reading it, please pass it on to someone else.  If you have any comments please let Rose know: contact details are on the back page.

 No excuses, the newsletter is starting off with the following link to a short film of the Orchard Art Celebration in Hereford Cathedral.  It is beautiful – enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5DaJbR1Sr4&feature=youtu.be
Orchard Art was subsequently discussed in Parliament.  Go to http://www.parliamentlive.tv/Main/Player.aspx?meetingId=13101&st=10:05:42.5730000

Quick update on the ‘safe places’ scheme.  
 
The registration cards will be ready during the first week in September.  Due to everybody being on holiday, or about to go on holiday, the Ambassadors will be starting to sign up places in Hereford city from mid-September.  Rose will be sending cards to everyone who has registered.  If you know of any ‘hot spots’ in Hereford or any of the market towns, please let Rose know.  Similarly, if you have a suggestion for a ‘safe place’ let Rose know.  Rose and Paul will be at the Hereford Celebration on 7 September with more information and the cards.  Please come and see us, details about the Hereford Celebration event below.

 Learning Disability Week 2013
19 – 25 August.  This year it was all about families.  Rose and Fran were in Hereford talking to lots of passers-by.  

Local events

 Saturday 7 September
King George V Playing Fields
12noon to 5pm
Join the Noise  Band Parade: be part of the experience.  Contact Jo Pewsey on 01432 343 932 or email: jpewsey@herefordshireva.org
Bring your own gazebo: a section for charities, community groups, craftspeople, artisan foods and special interest groups.  To book a place contact Michael Hancock on 01432 343 932 or email: mhancock@herefordshireva.org
Charities Market: the Charities’ Tent offers a vibrant array of many of the county’s not-for-profit groups.  To book a table contact Angela Legg on 01432 343 932 or email: angela@herefordshireva.org
Be part of the Tea Extravaganza: invites voluntary groups across the city to sell their homemade refreshments to the event visitors.  There is no charge to participate.  To take part contact Jo Pewsey on 01432 343 932 or email: jpewsey@herefordshireva.org
Health & Wellbeing Zone: the zone that will leave you feeling invigorated and full of positive energy!   Offering advice on physical, spiritual and mental health along with taster sessions and demonstrations in a variety of natural and alternative therapies.  Contact Claire Hergest on 1woodfield@tiscali.co.uk or the HERE FOR the CITY team on 01432 343 932.


 Housing and Support for adults with learning disabilities.
Salter’s Hill will be hosting a workshop for families who are thinking about the housing and support choices for their relatives when they are ready to leave home.
The workshop is aimed at families and friends of adults with learning disabilities who want to live in their local communities and to receive support that can be designed to suit their individual needs.  It will be of particular interest to people who think there are limited options locally and in rural areas.
WHEN: 17 September 6.30-9pm
WHERE: Salter’s Hill Barn, Keepers Cottage, Falcon Lane, Ledbury. HR8 2JN
We will cover:
How to find people to share with
What are the housing and support options
Who pays for housing and support
How can families help
Who do you need to talk to and involve
Planning for the future
This workshop is free to families. If you are interested please contact:Amanda Johnson ( previously at Housing Options ) who will be leading the workshop: Amanda.johnson@saltershill.org.uk or tel: 01531 671080
The workshop will be held at Salter’s Hill Barn, and parking is available. Places are limited to 12 on this occasion. If you are interested, but not able to make this date, please do let me know.
Salter’s Hill has been supporting individuals with learning disabilities for over 25 years. During this time people have moved from home, to residential care and often onto shared houses as tenants. People we support are active in their communities through work, volunteering and local events.

Herefordshire Clinical Commissioning Group
Shaping Herefordshire’s Urgent Care Services
The CCG needs your input to help shape the future of urgent care.  They will be hosting a series of events around the county where you can share your views and experiences of urgent care.  
Events will be from 6.30pm – 8.30pm, excepting the 30 September event.  
Tuesday 10 September: Hinton Community Centre, Hereford
Wednesday 11 September: Larruperz community Centre, Ross
Tuesday 17 September: The Forbury, Leominster
Thursday 19 September: Queen Elizabeth College, Bromyard
Tuesday 24 September: Lady Hawkins Community Leisure Centre, Kington
Wednesday 25 September: Royal British Legion Club, Ledbury
Monday 30 September (2pm-4pm): Saxon Hall, Hereford
Phone 01432 383 861 for more details or email: urgentcare@herefordshireccg.nhs.uk
If you are unable to attend an event, you can complete a survey by visiting www.herefordshireccg.nhs – closing date is 14 October 2013.






Leisure Link
NEW PHONE NUMBER FOR JULIE: 07808 088 054
 
Monday 2 September
7pm - 9.30pm	Buckingham Pub	Skittles and Curry	£7.00 – money for drinks and raffle	   
Saturday 14 September
Show starts 8pm Bus with limited spaces will leave St Owens at 6.30pm	Blake Theatre, Monmouth	AC/DC Tribute	£13.00	   
Friday 20 September
Show starts 7.45pm
Bus with limited spaces will leave St Owens at 6.15pm	Malvern Theatre	Back to Broadway	£19.50	   
Thursday 26 September
6pm –  9pm
Food served 6pm - 7pm	St Owens Centre	Karaoke + Pizza + Pop	Let Julie know if you are going	   
Tuesday 1 October	Courtyard	About Time
A Richard Curtis comedy		   
Monday 7 October
8pm – 10pm	Barrels	Jazz Night	Money needed for drinks	   
Sunday 20 October
7.30pm	Green Dragon	John Spices 
Indian, Chinese and English		   
Friday 25 October 
Show starts at 8pm
Bus with limited spaces to leave St Owens at 7.15pm	Lyde Court	Magical History Tour
Re-telling The Beatles Story from 1957 - 1969	£12.00	 
 Herefordshire Vision Links are currently looking to recruit volunteers for a personal shopper service. If you enjoy a little retail therapy and would like to help someone enjoy the occasional shopping trip, then they’d like to hear from you.  Contact Julie Johnson on 01432 353 565 for more details.  

 Take a look at ECHO’s new website: http://www.echoherefordshire.org.uk/

 Carers’ Rights Day Event
Friday 29 November 2013
Great Western Railway Staff Association Club
9.45am for 10am start – 2.30pm approx. with lunch at about 1pm.
Contact Herefordshire Carers support for more details: 01432 356 068


And now for other bits and bobs

 Starting with my favourite topic: 
Petition for Motorway Changing Places toilets:
http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/motorway-service-station-operators-provide-toilets-for-all-disabled-people.  There are 2 motorway service stations with a ‘changing places’ toilet: Cherwell Valley, junction 10 of the M40 and Moto Toddington Services (north bound), junction 11 – 12 M1, Luton.
The European Commission has conducted a survey in order to better understand the demand for accessible tourism.  It closed on 22 August but I’m just keeping everyone abreast of developments.  
 Do you know about Parliamentary Outreach?  I didn’t until Clare Mullin asked to join Fran and me at HM’s Learning Disability Awareness event in High Town, Hereford.  Parliamentary Outreach spreads awareness of the work, processes and relevance of the institution of Parliament, encouraging greater encouragement between the public and the House of Commons and House of Lords.  Their work includes FREE training explaining the work of Parliament.  Clare brought with her various easy read guides that have been produced for her work with people with a learning disability.  She would like to work with local groups and I have sent her a list of groups that I know, so you may be having an email, but if you’re interested, Clare’s contact details are below.  
mullinc@parliament.uk
http://www.parliament.uk/outreach

 I’m sure that most of you will have read about this: the High Court has ruled that a man with learning disabilities can be sterilised because it is in his best interests – a legal first.  To read more, go to http://www.learningdisabilitytoday.co.uk/high_court_rules_that_man_with_learning_disabilities_can_be_sterilised.aspx.  For the judgment go to http://www.judiciary.gov.uk/Resources/JCO/Documents/Judgments/de-judgment-16082013.pdf

 Legal challenge to Worcestershire Council’s cap on social care packages fails: following a judicial review, the High Court has rejected the challenge to Worcestershire’s ‘maximum expenditure policy’ which will set a limit on the amount the council will spend on supporting a disabled adult in the community equivalent to the cost of meeting their eligible needs in a care home.  To read more, go to http://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/08/2013/119397/legal-challenge-to-council-cap-on-social-care-packages-fails.htm?cmpid=NLC|SC|SCNEW-20130814
 A new report from the Family Fund looks at the impact of sleep problems on families with disabled children from across the UK. The report, “Tired all the time” draws attention to how widespread the issue of sleep
deprivation is, and the effect it has on the whole family.  It captures experiences, and the feelings of parent carers who speak freely about their routines, the care they provide, and the support available locally and nationally.  Many of the parents who responded to the survey were in crisis due to the lack of sleep.

The report also found that families need three key things:
to be listened to, believed and heard when they talk about sleep
difficulties
for their concerns to be acted upon
timely and regular support, not just one appointment, as sleep
deprivation is not a short term problem
For more information, go tohttp://www.familyfund.org.uk/news/news-and-announcements/severe-sleep-deprivation-amongst-families-raising-disabled-children

National Clinical Director for Learning Disability appointed – Dr Dominic Slowie.  Dr Slowie is a GP and has been a senior medical tutor at Newcastle University Medical School.  Most importantly he established and chaired the North East and Cumbria Learning Disability Network.

Personal Health Budgets: on 1 August 2013, the Direct Payment in Healthcare Regulations came into force across England.  This means that the NHS can now lawfully offer direct payments for healthcare.  For further information go to http://www.personalhealthbudgets.england.nhs.uk/News/item/?cid=8694

 Following on from the information in last month’s e-newsletter about Herefordshire’s Autism Strategy, the Department of Health’s deadline for its Review of Adult Autism has been extended until 6 September.  For more information email: autism@dh.gsi.gov.uk and to complete a survey go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/AutismStrategyReview.

Mark Neary, a guest blogger on the BBC News website, has a 23 year old son with autism and other learning disabilities.  He has written an article about the jargon he frequently encounters in the social care system, go to http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-ouch-23423541.

And to help the above - Think Local Act Personal (TLAP): Social Care jargon buster
TLAP has produced a jargon buster of the 53 most commonly used social care words and phrases.  Go to http://www.thinklocalactpersonal.org.uk/Latest/Resource/?cid=9555
 
Inspired Services has produced another inspired easy-read leaflet – this time on lung cancer.  http://www.inspiredservices.org.uk/ISL029%2013%20Be%20Clear%20on%20Lung%20Cancer%20EasyRead%20WEB%20ACC%2002Jul2013.pdf

 Read SeeAbility’s new easy read factsheets: "Getting the best eye care” and “If Things Go Wrong" to improve eye care for people with learning disabilities.  They’ve been written with the Association of British Dispensing Opticians, Local Optical Committee Support Unit, and the Optical Consumer Complaints Service. Also available to download: "Telling the optometrist" and "Feedback from the optometrist".  These documents help people with learning disabilities to have successful eye tests.   All available on this link http://www.seeability.org/myeyecare/eye_test/

 The Department for Work and Pensions has recently published its ‘Employers’ guide to Access to Work: money to help disabled people do their jobs’.  To read the guide, go to https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/225330/employer-guide-atw.pdf

 “Changing cultures, working creatively and in collaboration” - BILD Conference 2013 - 18 October, Birmingham 
A day for learning from good practice – and to be inspired! 

BILD Conference in 2013 is about finding the best ways to challenge and change the cultures that limit the possibilities for people with learning disabilities, and how we can use creative approaches to break down barriers and work across the boundaries that can frustrate so many of us.  You’ll hear from leaders in a range of areas, and be able to talk with and learn from people already making things happen, to share experiences and ideas and the how to put them into practice. We’ll want to hear what you are doing too – it’s an exchange! 

Baroness Sheila Hollins is a keynote speaker at the conference.

 The latest Rough Guide to Accessible Britain is full of ideas.
A free online guide, it is now in its fourth edition, and includes more than 200 suggestions for a good day out, with all the sites reviewed for accessibility. Britain is divided up into 10 regional chapters, and it includes all the crucial information, like disabled parking, wheelchair access, toilet facilities, etc, to ensure a successful outing.

Every review contains hints and tips from the Rough Guides team of disabled reviewers who visited each venue, looking for well thought out accessibility features and unique attractions, both of which contribute to making a great day out. For a bit of fun when you can't get out, the site includes "virtual visits", with webcams at Alton Towers, Twycross Zoo and the Donkey Sanctuary at Sidmouth, enabling you to look in on what's happening without leaving the comfort of your own home.

The Rough Guide to Accessible Britain series has been developed in association with Motability, the leading provider of adapted vehicles.

Other guides are available, and a really useful resource provided by Tourism for All, is Open Britain. Here you can find accessible campsites, hotels and B & Bs, as well as visitor attractions, restaurants and self-catering facilities, around the country. Their database includes more than 6000 places to stay and 1300 attractions, all graded for accessibility.  Go to http://www.openbritain.net/

 Disability football in Hereford
Herefordshire Football Association is offering a new opportunity for disabled people to get involved on a regular basis.

 
Who?  
	Youth 11-15 years
	Adult 16+
	Male and female
	   
Where?	Point 4, Hereford			   
When?	Wednesday evenings from 25 September – 11 December			   
Time?	6pm - 7pm			   
Cost?	First 2 weeks free then £30 for a 10 week block			 
For further information or to confirm interest, contact Sarah Phipps on 01432 342 179 or email info@herefordshirefa.com


I must thank all the people and organisations whose information I happily pinch to put into this newsletter.  

I cannot print every item of information within this newsletter.  I do have copies, so PLEASE ask for a copy of anything that interests you.  Contact details below.

Stop Gap Press is a Herefordshire mencap publication.  Stop Gap Press aims to be accurate and fair and we apologise for any errors outside our control.   
Herefordshire mencap works with local people with learning disabilities, families and anyone who is interested in making a difference.  
Herefordshire mencap is affiliated to Royal Society mencap

Rose Hunt, development worker
Tel: 01885 400 257
Mobile: 07969 524 476
Email: rose@herefordshiremencap.co.uk
Website: www.herefordshiremencap.co.uk                 	
Follow us @HfdMenc or find us on facebook
	

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