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INDEPENDENT SUPPORT A new advice service for parent carers and young adults with learning needs or a disability. Caring Caring Caring CaringMatters Matters Matters Matters Call: 020 8795 6240 brentcarerscentre.org.uk Does your child/children have a statement for their learning needs? Are you thinking about whether your child needs additional help at school? If the answer is yes, then you will need to know about the new Education, Health and Care Plans. P2 Latest News Carers Counselling P3 Carers Forum Carers Profile P5 Community News P6 Carers Week Quest Highlights P8 Money Matters Travel Cost P9 Health Matters Health Passports P10 Young Carers Y.Carers Profile P11 Support Activities In this Issue Education, Health and Care Plans (EHC Plans) will start to replace statements of special education needs and Learning Difficulty Assessments from 1st September 2014. EHC plans will be for children and young people aged 0-25 years old who have a learning need or a disability that cannot be met by the regular support that a school or college would usually provide. Additional support is required for the child or young person to progress and achieve their learning goals. An EHC plan is tailored for the individual child or young person’s needs, with the focus on: Information about the child/young person How the child/young person likes to communicate What the child/young person wants to achieve The type of support which is needed How this support will produce outcomes Brent Carers Centre has team of knowledgeable and helpful Independent Supporters who can assist families on the whole process of an Educational, Health & Care plan. We provide impartial information, advice and 1 to 1 support to ensure parent carers and young people know their rights, understand and can fully participate in the assessment process to ensure your views, needs and wishes are heard. We will also help you to ensure that the expectations to be achieved by the EHC plan are realistic and relevant to the personal goals of the child or young person. You will learn more about the Local Offer which is published by Brent Council. It lists the provision and services available in the borough, you will also be advised on how the Local Offer can be helpful to you as a parent carer and your child or young person who has learning needs or a disability. If your child already has an educational statement, you WILL have to be assessed for the new EHC Plan. You don’t need to worry, as you will be contacted by Brent Council when it is time for your annual review or at a transitional point in your child's educational pathway. To obtain further information about our Independent Support Service or to obtain personal advice and support about a new EHC Plan or transferring from the old system, please call our Independent Support Service on 020 8795 6240 and ask to speak with an Independent Supporter. 20 years of Supporting Carers in Brent 1994 - 2014

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Page 1: Caring Matters - The Brent Carers Centre...INDEPENDENT SUPPORT A new advice service for parent carers and young adults with learning needs or a disability. Caring Matters Call: 020

INDEPENDENT SUPPORT

A new advice service for parent carers and young adults with learning needs

or a disability.

CaringCaringCaringCaringMattersMattersMattersMatters

Call: 020 8795 6240

brentcarerscentre.org.uk

Does your child/children have a statement for their learning

needs? Are you thinking about whether your child needs

additional help at school? If the answer is yes, then you will

need to know about the new Education, Health and Care Plans.

P2 Latest News

Carers Counselling

P3 Carers Forum

Carers Profile

P5 Community News

P6 Carers Week Quest Highlights

P8 Money Matters

Travel Cost

P9 Health Matters

Health Passports

P10 Young Carers

Y.Carers Profile

P11 Support Activities

In this Issue

Education, Health and Care Plans (EHC Plans) will start to

replace statements of special education needs and Learning

Difficulty Assessments from 1st September 2014. EHC plans

will be for children and young people aged 0-25 years old

who have a learning need or a disability that cannot be met

by the regular support that a school or college would usually

provide. Additional support is required for the child or young

person to progress and achieve their learning goals. An EHC plan is tailored for the individual child or young

person’s needs, with the focus on:

� Information about the child/young person

� How the child/young person likes to communicate

� What the child/young person wants to achieve

� The type of support which is needed

� How this support will produce outcomes

Brent Carers Centre has team of knowledgeable and helpful

Independent Supporters who can assist families on the

whole process of an Educational, Health & Care plan.

We provide impartial information, advice and 1 to 1 support

to ensure parent carers and young people know their rights,

understand and can fully participate in the assessment

process to ensure your views, needs and wishes are heard.

We will also help you to ensure that the expectations to be

achieved by the EHC plan are realistic and relevant to the

personal goals of the child or young person.

You will learn more about the Local Offer which is published

by Brent Council. It lists the provision and services available in

the borough, you will also be advised on how the Local Offer can

be helpful to you as a parent carer and your child or young

person who has learning needs or a disability.

If your child already has an educational statement, you WILL

have to be assessed for the new EHC Plan. You don’t need to

worry, as you will be contacted by Brent Council when it is time

for your annual review or at a transitional point in your child's

educational pathway.

To obtain further information about our Independent Support

Service or to obtain personal advice and support about a new

EHC Plan or transferring from the old system, please call our

Independent Support Service on 020 8795 6240 and ask to speak with an Independent Supporter.

20 years of Supporting Carers in Brent 1994 - 2014

Page 2: Caring Matters - The Brent Carers Centre...INDEPENDENT SUPPORT A new advice service for parent carers and young adults with learning needs or a disability. Caring Matters Call: 020

BCC Welcomes New Staff We would like to extend a very warm

welcome to the following new staff

members:

Deputy Chief Officer:

Deborah Howe

Carer Information Support Officers:

Trusha Patel, Ezequial Irles and Clive

Warrington.

Counsellor Co-ordinator:

Jeraline George

I have set up and managed counselling

services for over thirteen years for a

variety of charities throughout London,

and am an accredited psychotherapist

and counsellor.

As mentioned in the last newsletter, the

counselling service is being specifically

developed to support carers who care

for someone with a mental health condition, however

sessions will also be available to other carers living in the

Borough too.

NEW - A Carer’s Counselling Service We will shortly be launching a new Carers Counselling

Service. We are very excited that we are able to provide

this much needed service to carers in Brent.

Carers will have a confidential space to talk about any

emotional struggles or challenges they may be facing,

difficulties they are encountering in their caring role, as well

as many other issues which could include:

� Adjusting to being a Carer

� The challenge of caring for someone with a mental

health condition

� Grief

� Anger

� Depression

� Isolation and loneliness

Counselling can provide you with a space to look at your

choices, make decisions that feel right for you and develop

greater understanding of who you are and what you want in

life so you feel happier.

Jeraline George our new Counsellor Co-ordinator is very

excited to be working in Brent and is passionate about

providing carers with a safe space to talk about those things

that are worrying them, so they can cope better in their

caring roles, make decisions that are right for them and

lead a life of their own life.

The service should be ready to launch in December 2014.

Carers can refer themselves to the service and we will also

accept referrals from GP’s and any other professionals

working with Carers.

To find out how you can refer to the service or to enquire

about a counselling placement please contact Jeraline by

email: [email protected] or call the

confidential counselling line: 020 8795 6244

Message from our Chief Executive Well what a summer we have had, with a sweltering

summer heat wave, a range of summer activities &

outreach events in raising awareness on who is a

carer, both in schools and in the community it has

really been busy. It all seems such a long distance

memory now, but we have really had a good summer!

On pages 6 & 7 you can read all about our Carers Week

Quest and the activities you enjoyed.

We’ve also been busy in recruiting new staff so we can

re-organize ourselves in delivering good quality services

efficiently to carers as well as increase our community

awareness outreach to new and hidden Carers. Some

of you may not be aware that Brent Carers Centre

celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, we are

celebrating this with a special AGM to mark our progress

and achievements, see page 9.

We have also launched a new and really important

advice and guidance service for Learning disability

carers, It is such a valuable service that we have given it

our prestigious front cover to ensure as many people are

aware of it and know how to access the support.

Don’t miss our Carers Rights Day on November 28th,

this year see page 9. We hope you find the information

useful and that we see you at our events.

Happy Reading!

Anne-Marie Morris

Clive Warrington Man 2 Man

Are you a male carer? We would like to invite you to lunch to meet other male

carers, relax, have a chat and spend a little quality time just for you. Date, time and venue to be confirmed, perhaps you might

suggest somewhere!

Don’t be shy, give us a call - there are more male carers out there than you think.

You are not alone!

Call us now on 020 8795 6240

Page 3: Caring Matters - The Brent Carers Centre...INDEPENDENT SUPPORT A new advice service for parent carers and young adults with learning needs or a disability. Caring Matters Call: 020

3

We were very pleased that 61 carers were able to attend our Carers Forum on 26th June 2014. Our Guest Speakers were Amy Manji (Team Manager of Learning Disability Support Planning & Review Team) who talked about the customers journey within the Adult Social Care & the Disabilities Team, Pat Debengwa (Acute Liaison Nurse) presented on Learning Disability Strategies in Hospital & Joseph Umunegbu who introduced the Brent Shared Lives Scheme.

Adult Social Care & the Disabilities Team

The team aims to work with Carers to find solutions, help the cared for have a full and active life as possible. Referrals for Social Services come through the Customer Services Team who take basic details and check against the criteria. Those eligible then get a full assessment of needs. Part of Support Planning is to assess needs and plan how to meet them through services, followed later by review planning process to see if the needs are still being met. The aim is to support and maintain independence, so working with carers is very important to achieve this.

Part of the assessment is to assess: Physical, health & well-being, keeping safe, looking after themselves, being part of the community. The criteria of needs which they are checked against are, critical needs and substantial needs.

Learning Disability Strategies

Pat shared how she worked and advocated on behalf of learning disability patients to ensure they were not misunder-stood, misdiagnosed or discharged incorrectly because of their limited communications skills - Health Passports is an important document which every LD carer should have as it is a record of the LD persons needs, likes & dislikes etc. See page 9 for further details on Health Passports.

Brent Shared Lives This is a scheme which is seeking carers who may be inter-ested in providing paid care for an adult with a learning need or disability who would live with carer. If you have a spare

room and are interested call 020 8937 4159 or 020 8937 4130

A Carer’s Profile Shabnam Shah I care for a lot of people: my mother is elderly, my husband

has a heart condition, my son has mental health needs,

ulcerative colitis (similar to Crohn’s Disease) and ankylos-

ing spondylitis which causes stiffening of the joints in the

lower back and inflammation of the spine, my two brothers

both have learning disabilities and mental health problems,

I care for my niece who is profoundly physically and

mentally disabled and her mother, my sister, who has mild

learning difficulties. I also have 6 other surviving children

ranging from 4 – 27, 4 of whom are under 18.

I would say I have been a Carer all my life as I was helping

with my brothers for as long as I can remember, I have

always looked out for them. My mum can’t speak English

so I helped translate at appointments and fill out forms.

As I got older I understood more about their conditions and

took on a more practical role, at 12 / 13 I started to deal

directly with GPs and doctors.

Being a carer is very stressful. There are lots of different

and unexpected challenges. I have had to learn to cope

and find strategies to resolve as many issues as possible.

Typically my mum is at home with me every day, my

brothers come to me from 3-5 Monday-Friday, all weekend

and their holidays. My niece is here all weekend and

school holidays. I go to her house in the evenings to

support her mum with looking after her. My husband needs

support with his appointments. My son is a young adult

now and wants to take control of his health, so I am

supporting him in this. He needs more support and care

when his condition relapses. Juggling everything is difficult,

making sure everyone is looked after to my standard. The

most difficult time was when one of my son was diagnosed

with Leukaemia in 2001 and then died in 2003 aged only 9.

I still had all my usual caring responsibilities plus going into

the hospital. I’ve never had the time to grieve.

““““My own health and needs always gets put on the My own health and needs always gets put on the My own health and needs always gets put on the My own health and needs always gets put on the

back burner. I feel they are trivial. The reality is if my back burner. I feel they are trivial. The reality is if my back burner. I feel they are trivial. The reality is if my back burner. I feel they are trivial. The reality is if my

health is good or bad it makes no difference, I have to health is good or bad it makes no difference, I have to health is good or bad it makes no difference, I have to health is good or bad it makes no difference, I have to

carry on.carry on.carry on.carry on.””””

The problem with this approach is I have got really ill and

ended up in hospital which caused a crisis. The most

important thing a carer needs is someone to listen and be

genuinely interested in helping. I always get that from the

Brent Carers Centre. They have a calming influence on me

when things are too much or there is a crisis I have to

Continued on page 4

Date: Friday 26th September 2014 10.30am - 13.00 Venue: Patidar House, 22 London Road, HA9 7EX

Theme: Care Planning & Carers Roles, Learning Disability - Health Passports Independent Support Service - support on acquiring an Education Health & Care plans which replaces statements.

Date: Friday 20th February 2015 10.30am - 13.00 Venue: The Unity Centre, Church Road, NW10 9EG

Theme: TBC

Refreshments available. Please call us to confirm your attendance so we can plan catering for refreshments.

(Full notes of this mee�ng are available on request)

Page 4: Caring Matters - The Brent Carers Centre...INDEPENDENT SUPPORT A new advice service for parent carers and young adults with learning needs or a disability. Caring Matters Call: 020

Carers Profile: Continued from page 3.

deal with. I get practical advice and support. It’s important

there is somewhere for Carers to go and get advice on a

wide range of issues around caring. They have a lot of

expertise. Brent Carers Centre is also independent which

is so important.

I would say Carers need a Key Worker [from Social

Services] specifically for carers’ and a clear, set procedure

to follow to make sure carers’ needs are assessed

thoroughly and followed up on. At the moment you have

an assessment and needs are identified, but there is no

follow up. Where’s the consistency?

Shabnams’ advice to a new carer is to:

““““try and balance everything out including your own try and balance everything out including your own try and balance everything out including your own try and balance everything out including your own

health. If you neglect your own health you won’t be health. If you neglect your own health you won’t be health. If you neglect your own health you won’t be health. If you neglect your own health you won’t be

able to fulfil your caring responsibilities. Take care able to fulfil your caring responsibilities. Take care able to fulfil your caring responsibilities. Take care able to fulfil your caring responsibilities. Take care

of your health first!of your health first!of your health first!of your health first!””””

If you would like to be featured in our Carers Profile please contact us on 020 8795 6240 or [email protected]

Brent Carers’ Support Groups

All groups offer peer support for carers in a relaxed and friendly environment. To confirm your attendance to any one of our support groups please call us on 020 8795 6240

Wembley Carers’ Support Group

Day | Thursday Time | 11 am – 1pm, Frequency | Monthly (2nd Thurs of each month) Location | Wembley Centre for Health & Care

Willesden Carers’ Support Group

Day | Friday Time | 1 - 3pm

Frequency | Monthly (Last Friday of each Month) Location | Willesden Centre for Health & Care

Kenton Carers’ Support Group

Day | Tuesday Time | 2 - 3.30pm

Frequency | Monthly (1st Tuesday of each Month) Location | Kenton Methodist Church

Sudbury Dementia Carers’ Support Group

Day | Wednesday Time | 11am - 1pm

Frequency | Fortnightly Location | Harrow Road, Wembley Wembley Dementia Carers’ Support Group

Day | Monday Time | 11am - 1pm

Frequency | Fortnightly Location | Carlton Ave East, Wembley

Willesden Mental Health Carers’ Support Group Facilitated by Brent MIND Day | Tuesday Time | 1.30pm - 3.30pm Frequency | Monthly (Last Tuesday of Each Month) Location | Willesden Centre for Health & Care

For carers who care for someone with a mental health condition, including dementia.

Wembley Mental Health Carers’ Support Group Facilitated by Brent MIND Day | Wednesday Time | 6.00pm - 7.30pm

Frequency | Monthly (Third Wednesday of each Month) Location | Wembley Centre for Health & Care

Willesden LD Carers Support Group

facilitated by Anne Cover of Afaisic & Parent Carer

Day | Tuesday Time | 10am - 12 noon

Frequency | Monthly (Last Tuesday of Each Month) Location | Willesden Centre for Health & Care

For carers who care for someone with a learning disability.

Carer Support Groups in Brent

Do not under estimate the

power of a carer support group.

Peer support from other

carers has been extremely

helpful to carers over the

years. They offer a lifeline

of support from others who

share similar experiences

and challenges in their role as a carer.

Carer benefit from the following:

� Share information advice and caring tips

� Hear about training and volunteering opportunities

� Receive news and updates on resources and information

that may be helpful

� Quality time out with other like minded individuals.

Take a little time out for yourself and attend a carers support

group, you have a choice (see opposite).

News Flash: A New Advice Surgery

Offering 1-2-1 appointments with a Brent Adult Social Worker

for carers who care for some with a Learning Disability.

Starting in October 2014 from 12 noon - 1pm, straight after

the LD Carers Support Group. Please call 020 8795 6240 to

book an appointment.

Page 5: Caring Matters - The Brent Carers Centre...INDEPENDENT SUPPORT A new advice service for parent carers and young adults with learning needs or a disability. Caring Matters Call: 020

5

A&E Services are changing at

Central Middlesex &

Hammersmith Hospital On Wednesday 10 September 2014, the accident and

emergency (A&E) departments at Central Middlesex and

Hammersmith hospitals closed. Both hospitals continue to

provide treatment in the Urgent Care Centre's, for patients

with minor illnesses and injuries that are not serious or life

life-threatening, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You do

not need an appointment.

In an emergency, dial 999.

If it’s not an emergency, you should contact your GP for

medical advice. You should use the NHS 111 service if

you urgently need medical help or advice but it’s not a life

threatening situation. Call NHS 111 by dialing 111 from

any landline or mobile phone free of charge.

Carers - Your Involvement is

Needed in the Planning of Brents‘

Future

The Brent Borough Plan 2015-19 Consultation

Some tough decisions will have to be made next year as

Brent continues to face further cuts in its budgets amidst a

climate of growing complex needs in the borough.

Brent residents are being asked for their views on how

local public services should evolve and what they can do

to improve the borough given the continuing squeeze on

budgets.

The borough plan consultation which opened on

September 16th invites residents to help shape the future

of the borough in the context of significantly reduced

budgets for local public services.

Over the next four years services in Brent face the most

challenging financial cuts ever. Despite the difficult

financial position they have big ambitions for Brent – they

want to make sure that all residents have the opportunity

to use their full potential, to enjoy the best that Brent has

to offer and to contribute actively to the community. They

want to work with you to find the best way of building for

the future and providing great services when we have less

money and greater demands.

For more information on how you can help plan Brent’s

future, please visit http://www.brent.gov.uk/your-council/

the-borough-plan-consultation/the-challenges-brent-

faces/

The deadline for participating is 28th November 2014.

Please spread the word! Printed copies of the

consultation form are available from our offices.

Call us on 020 8795 6240

Northwick Park Hospital

Open Mic An ‘Open Mic’ night is taking place at

the Hospital Social Club on Thursday 2

October.

The aim of this event is to raise money for the

Theatre Departments, wonderful Charity N-Ghana Aid

which has built a school and an operating theatre for a poor

village in Ghana. They now need funds to complete the

project.

We also aim to give talented people a chance to perform in

front of a live audience as well as have a fun night out.

We are looking for staff or carers who can sing a song, play

a musical instrument or tell a funny story.

We have 5 acts including some Philippians dancers, with

space for another five acts. Time slots are about 20mins.

If you are talented or know someone who is who could help

with this, then call: Charles 07909922450 or email:

[email protected]

Last year they raised raised £1000 for the Philippian

disaster!

The event is on 2nd Oct starts at 18:00 and all welcome

and cost is a donation at the door. It is at NPH social club.

Book your place now to attend: Brent Carers Centre 20th Anniversary & AGM

On

12th November 2014 @ Brent Civic Centre

6pm - 8.30pm

Hot buffet, Anniversary Cake & Gifts bags

See page 9 for full details.

Page 6: Caring Matters - The Brent Carers Centre...INDEPENDENT SUPPORT A new advice service for parent carers and young adults with learning needs or a disability. Caring Matters Call: 020

Raffle Prize Winners...

SPECIAL THANKS to...

Our Carers Week Quest Partners, who have been

great in promoting our activities and contributing to

raising awareness of Carers in Brent.

Alperton for donating gift vouchers for

our Carers raffle and welcoming us in promoting our

charity work at the store during the summer, as well

as inviting us back on a regular schedule later this

year!

The Queensbury Restaurant in

Willesden Green for donating a

meal out for two.

As well as to our staff, trustees

and volunteers for donating gifts

and their time during Carers

week.

Thank you!

Self Care & Healing with Nutrition & Herbs Bridge Park Complex on 10

th June

Ms K Randhawa with CE - Anne-Marie Morris

Mr L Baldwin with CISO - Vicky Trimikliniotis

Ms D James

Brent Carers’ Summer BarBQ @

Brent Mencap’s Garden,14th June

Carers Week Quest Activities Carers week this year turned out to be a real success, we had

three main aims this year and the lovely weather was a plus.

� Raising Awareness with professionals to identify

carers and direct them to support available.

� Raising awareness in the community on who carers

are.

� Providing a wide range of respite activities for carers

to enjoy whilst taking time out from caring.

We were out in the community with our partners around the

borough raising awareness on identifying new carers.

Carers Quest Week

Raffle Prize Winners Raffle was drawn at our Carer Bar

� £100: Ms K Randhawa

� £35 Sainsbury Voucher: Ms D James � Meal for 2: Mrs R Landeata

� Stacy Sullivan perfume: Mrs A Thompson � Hamper: Mrs B Raithatha

� Champagne: Mr L Baldwin

� Cher Lloyd perfume: Ms C Daniel � A selection of Spanish Biscuits: Vashakha

Reminder: Ms C Daniel & Vashakha, please make arrangements to collect your prize by 31st October, After that date we will donate all left over prizes to the next raffle. Very pleased to say we raised £451

This will be used to pay for a carers respite activity.

Thank you to all those who participated!

Page 7: Caring Matters - The Brent Carers Centre...INDEPENDENT SUPPORT A new advice service for parent carers and young adults with learning needs or a disability. Caring Matters Call: 020

7

Brent Big Health Check Up Day Thursday 16th October 2014

10am - 3.30pm

Bridge Park Community Leisure Centre

Harrow Road, NW10 ORG

Mencap & NHS Brent are holding a Health Check day for

people with learning disabilities, their carers and health &

social care professionals.

How good or bad are health & Social Care Services in

Brent for people with learning disabilities age 14 and older

and carers? Have your say! Get Information about health,

social care & staying safe. Take part in fun exercises and

eat healthy food.

You can come all day or just 1or 2 hrs, but you must book

before 13th October. Contact Claudia on 020 8451 5278

Brent Self Care A new website has been put together by Brent CCG to

provide you with advice and information related to

maintaining your health and well being. It also provides

advice on various health conditions, ie, dementia,

diabetes, as well as provides guidance on exercise, diet

and nutrition.

� Self care means looking after yourself in a healthy

way, whether it’s brushing your teeth, taking

medicine when you have a cold, or doing some

exercise.

� If you have a long-term condition, there are extra

things you may need to consider, such as making

changes to your diet, different types of exercise or

different types of medication you may need to take.

� Self care also means staying active by doing things

that are important to you, such as gardening,

seeing friends and family, going on holiday, or

continuing to work, if possible. It involves looking at

what you can do and want to do, rather than what

you can’t do.

Check it out on: www.brentselfcare.com

Equipment for Sale or Donation? Do you have mobility aids or adaptation equipment that

you no longer need, taking up space? Would you like to

donate or sell it to other carers? Let us help you find it

another home, call us on: 020 8795 6240

Queens Park Open Gardens 15th June

We also provided a range of respite activities for carers to

participate in such as:

� Carers pampering day;

� Self-care & Healing with Nutrition & Herbs Seminar

� Options Day: Careers, Training & Employment Fair

� Day Trip to Kew Gardens

� Afternoon Tea at the Crown Moran Hotel

� Brent Carers Summer Barbecue

� Queens Park Open Gardens.

� Thriller theatre trip for Young Carers

� 2 days break @ Nottingham Uni for Young Carers

Please see below a few picture highlights from some

of our Carer Quest events & activities

Options Day

@ Bridge Park Complex on 11th June

Quest Week Launch Event & Outreach at Sainsbury's

Page 8: Caring Matters - The Brent Carers Centre...INDEPENDENT SUPPORT A new advice service for parent carers and young adults with learning needs or a disability. Caring Matters Call: 020

Nominate Us - Support Us So

We Can Support You!

Thank you to a Brent carer who will remain anonymous,

for considering us being entered into the Santander

Community Plus scheme. This scheme provide grants to

local charities who help disadvantaged people in the

community. Charities could be awarded up to £5,000 to

help disadvantaged people in the community.

Brent Carers would like to use this grant to provide more

respite grants to both adult carers’ and young carers’ in

Brent, up to £200 per carer to replace or buy necessary

equipment or used towards a respite break or activity. We

know how valuable respite grant is to carers’. However to

qualify we need you - carer, to nominate us.

This can be done by simply dropping into any branch of

Santander, completing a nomination form and dropping it

into the Community Plus box, within the branch. A grant

of £5,000 could help up to 25 carers’ in Brent.

Bring this newsletter with you as it will have all the

details you will need to complete the form. Thank you!

Travel Cost Reimbursement

Fund FOR CARERS OF MENTAL HEALTH DEPENDENTS

The Travel Costs Reimbursement Fund is still open.

This fund is for carers who care for someone with a mental health condition. We know that carers who care for someone with a mental health condition may have a lot of medical appointments to attend with their dependent, which can entail significant costs. This fund is designed to alleviate some of the high travel expenses incurred by carers.

To claim reimbursement of travel expenses you must:

� Be registered with Brent Carers’ Centre as a Carer of someone with a mental health condition, such as clinical depression, bi-polar, dementia etc. � Provide written proof on letter-headed for each of your medical appointments for your dependent. � Provide original receipts of travel expenses.

Travel expenses will be administered on a monthly basis. Each carer can claim up to £10 per trip maximum and up to 10 trips per annum, subject to availability of funds. Payments will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

To claim reimbursement of travel expenses, call our office on 020 8795 6240 and ask for a Mental Health Travel Expenses Claim form.

Energy Bill Discounts For this winter you could get a £140

discount on your electricity bill through the

Warm Home Discount Scheme.

The Warm Home Discount Scheme is a one

off payment discount, if you qualify, on your

electric bill. Depending on your supplier,

you could be entitled to up to £140, paid directly on your

bill not to you. If your supplier is part of the scheme,

they can tell you if you are eligible. Each supplier has

their own rules and criteria. If you don’t qualify, some

suppliers offer other discounts to vulnerable people

(e.g. those on low income).

To find out more information, contact your energy

supplier and see if they are part of the Warm Home

Discount Scheme.

A team of specialists chosen by Brent is helping people

stay warm and cosy in their homes. They assist house-

holds with children, the elderly, vulnerable people with long

term illness and people living in fuel poverty or in cold

homes.

Services provided are for people who cannot afford to keep

their homes up to the recommended levels of 21°C in living

rooms and 18°C in other rooms.

This may be because you have a broken or inefficient

boiler, you may owe lots of money to their energy suppliers,

or because you do not have enough money to feed the

pre-payment meters. Whatever the reason we could refer

you to this service to access help and support. Anybody

can refer a case. The referral form can be found at:

www.keepwarmandhealthy.org.uk/The-Referral-Form/

index.php

Carers can favourite this page on their smart phones,

laptops or tablets. Please do not think twice about using

the link to alert them if you and/or your dependent are

struggling to keep warm this winter.

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9

Health Passports The NHS Clinical Commissioning want to

improve the healthcare for People with a

learning disability in

Brent. They have

now launched Health

Passport from ages

14+. This is a

passport which will

support a person with

LD who has to go in a Care Environment

whether that be the Acute Hospital, Nursing

Home, Dentist, Opticians and Outpatients

Appointments. This can also be used by

other Health Professionals like Doctors, GPs,

Nurses and Pharmacists. This will help them

to listen to you as a Carer and the person

with a disability enabling them to give the

care and treatment that is best for your cared

for. We think it is a good idea to have a

Health Passport but it is your choice. This

Health Passport will help you to explain your

health problems so that you can get the right

support, right treatment, right reasonable

adjustments and right information.

How a Health Passport has been helpful:

A patient with a severe learning disability and

autism was admitted to hospital with a chest

infection. He did not have a Health Passport

when he was admitted. During his stay he

became what was considered to be

“disruptive with challeng-

ing behaviour”. He was

opening patients bedside

cupboards and searching

around. The staff were

concerned and discussed

his behaviour with his

carers. His carers were encouraged to

complete a Health Passport. By doing so

they noticed that at home he goes around

holding his teddy bear. It turned out that he

was looking for his bear which comforted

him. Once he got it he settled down.

A Health Passport really helped staff to

support the patient in having a stress free

treatment, care and good experience whilst

in hospital.

Carers Rights Day Friday 28th November @

Bridgepark Community Centre Brentfield, London NW10 0RG

The New Care Act 2014The New Care Act 2014The New Care Act 2014The New Care Act 2014 The Implications for Carers in Brent By:

Nancie Alleyne Head of Direct Services Brent Adult Social Care

Education Health Care Plans Education Health Care Plans Education Health Care Plans Education Health Care Plans Understand the changes

By Brent Special Education Needs Assessment Team

Health Passports Health Passports Health Passports Health Passports Chris Harris

Learning Disability and Adult Safeguarding Lead for CCG

Lunch provided, please book to confirm your place on 020 8795 6240

BRENT CARERS CENTRE

Annual General Meeting Celebrating 20 years of

supporting Carers in Brent Wed 12th November 2014

6pm - 8.30pm

Venue: Brent Civic Centre, Wembley, HA9 0FJ

GUEST SPEAKERGUEST SPEAKERGUEST SPEAKERGUEST SPEAKER

The Worshipful the Mayor of BrentThe Worshipful the Mayor of BrentThe Worshipful the Mayor of BrentThe Worshipful the Mayor of Brent

Councillor Kana NaheerathanCouncillor Kana NaheerathanCouncillor Kana NaheerathanCouncillor Kana Naheerathan

Performances by Young CarersPerformances by Young CarersPerformances by Young CarersPerformances by Young Carers

Anniversary Cake & Gifts Bags!Anniversary Cake & Gifts Bags!Anniversary Cake & Gifts Bags!Anniversary Cake & Gifts Bags!

Hot buffet provided, please book to confirm

your place on 020 8795 6240

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Drop in Times are Changing... From the New year we will be changing our Drop in

times for Carers at our offices. The drop in times will be:

Tuesday Afternoons 2pm - 4pm

Thursday Mornings 10am - 12noon

Please note these changes will commence from 1st

December 2014 Please call to make an appointment if

you need to see someone outside of these times.

happen to his dad one day.

Junior has received lots of support from Brent Carers, he

has been invited to a different range of trips this year, such

as Thriller at the Theatre, The Centre of the Cell, a narrow

boat trip, have lunch at McDonalds, the Picnic and Horse

riding. Junior said I have been lucky the kind staff have

collected me so I could attend all the activities I

have been on. They even wrote a special letter

so I have now got back into a school, which is

just a bus ride away. One of the things I would

like to see happen is for someone to be a friend

to my dad, so he is not lonely.

My dad is also happy about Brent Carers because

they have helped him with lots of forms. Brent Carers are

important for people like me because they look after me,

care about me, and give me and other children a break from

caring. If I could tell other children who are new to looking

after someone about Brent Carers Centre, I would tell them

about the things they do and say they’re amazing!

(Names has been changed for Anonymity)

Picture posed by a model

Young Carers Profile

Junior is eight years old and has been a carer for his

elderly father since last year

Over the past 13 months Junior, has supported his dad by

helping him to do food shopping, attend hospital

appointments, and bring water so that his dad can take his

medication. Junior’s dad has multiple

illnesses and disabilities. He has a pace-

maker, diabetes, cancer, and breathing

problems.

In a normal week Junior does not attend

school because his dad is unable to

transport him there because of his

illnesses and the distance they live from

school. This means that Junior remains at home and helps

his dad to prepare meals throughout the day. Junior also

goes out with dad to his hospital appointments.

Junior said that his most challenging times are not mixing

with other children and going to school, and although,

Junior does not have any illnesses of his own, his dads

illness affects him because he worries that something may

A Very Big Thank You … The Board of Trustees, Chief Executive Officer and the Brent

Carers staff team, would like to say a very big thank you to

Silverholme Housing Association, for making a voluntary

donation of £3,000 towards our work with young carers.

The generosity will make an immense difference to our work with

young carers, so thank you so very much indeed. We also know

that our young carers very much appreciate the support.

Thank you!

Parent Carers Forum For Learning Disability Carers.

On Wednesday 5th November 2014

10.20am - 12.30pm

@

Brent Civic Centre

Board Rooms 7 & 8

RE: Education, Health & Care Plans + more

Interested? Call us on 020 8795 6240

Brent CCG’s AGM Brent residents are invited to attend NHS Brent Clinical

Commissioning Group’s AGM on

Wednesday 15th October 2014

Sattavis Patidar Centre

Forty Avenue, Wembley HA9 9PE

8 pm - 9.30 pm

Hear them explain their work undertaken to improve

healthcare, and outline its current work programme in

Brent. You will also be able to ask questions.

For further information contact Jenny Campbell via email

[email protected] or telephone 020 8795 6485.

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11

Carers Music Group Day | Tuesday Frequency | Fortnightly Time | 1pm – 2.30pm

Location | Willesden, NW10

Beginners welcome. Learn to play tunes & read music. We have recorders to lend but you are welcome to bring any instruments of your own.

Carers Book Club Day | Tuesday Frequency | Monthly (2nd Tue) Time | 11am – 12.30pm Do you love reading? Love talking about books?

Then come along to the Carers Book Club, its friendly, informal and a place to meet other like minded carers.

Tai Chi Classes

Day | Saturdays

Frequency | Weekly Time | 11am – 12.00 noon

Location| Wembley Fee | £8.00 per person. For 4 sessions Slow & graceful movements to improve health & wellbeing.

Yoga for Carers

Day | Thursday Frequency | Weekly Time | 11.30am – 1pm

Location | Stonebridge NW10

No previous experience required. Wear comfortable clothing, be ready to work in bare feet; Taught by a former carer who knows the benefits of yoga, especially in reducing stress.

Relaxation Therapies for Carers

Day | Thursdays

Frequency | Weekly Time | 1pm – 5pm (individual 45min sessions) Location | Wembley Central Fee | £2.00 per person.

Phone us on 020 8795 6240 to make your appointment. Massage, Indian Head Massage and Reflexology are currently available.

Please call us on 020 8795 6240 for further details or to book a place on any of the above support activities.

Brent Samaritans 020 8961 6181

Carers UK 0808 808 7777

Citizens Advice Bureau (Brent) 0845 050 5250

Culture Dementia UK 0800 014 8682

Debt Advice Foundation 0800 043 4050

Elders’ Voice 020 8968 8170

Jewish Care 020 8922 2222

NHS 111

1 Voice Parent Group 020 8556 0983

The Junction Drug & Alcohol Service 020 8961 7007

Sickle Cell Society 020 8961 7795

West Indian Senior Citizens Organisation

020 8965 3533

Addaction 020 8459 9510

Age UK Brent 020 8965 7711

Asian Peoples Disability Alliance 020 8459 1030

Asian Women’s Resource Centre 020 8961 6549

Brent Bereavement Service 020 8459 6818

Brent Council - Customer Services 020 8937 4300

Brent Community Law Centre 020 8451 1122

Brent Indian Association 020 8903 3019

Brent Irish Advisory Service 020 8459 6655

Brent Mencap 020 8451 5278

Brent Mind 020 7604 5177

Brent Out of Hours Social Services 020 8937 5250

If you have attended and event or use our services and would like to give feedback anonymously you can do so online, just select the relevant address and type the address to complete an online evaluation form. I only takes a few minutes:

Young Carers Services: www.surveymonkey.com/s/BrentYCServices Young Carers Activities: www.surveymonkey.com/s/BrentYCActivities Adult Carer Services: www.surveymonkey.com/s/BrentCarerServices Adult Carer Activities: www.surveymonkey.com/s/BrentCarerActivities

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ACTIVITIESACTIVITIESACTIVITIESACTIVITIES

Month Date & Time Details Location

September 2014

Saturday 20th 12noon Young Carers Support Group & McDonalds, Wembley

Sunday 28th 12 noon Horse Riding & Picnic Westway

October 2014 Thursday 30th 11am Cinema Vue, Acton

November 2014 Saturday 22nd 1pm Bowling Acton, Park Royal

December 2014 Saturday 13th Xmas Dinner Chiquito, Staples Corner

February 2015 Thursday 19th Young Carers Forum Wembley Centre for H &C

Month Date & Time Details Location

September 2014

Fri 26th 10am -12.30pm

Carers Forum Patidar House, Wembley

October 2014 Wed 8th 10am - 12 noon

Healthy Eating on a Budget Willesden Centre for Health & Care

Wed 22nd 2.30pm

Memphis the Musical £3 per person Shaftesbury Theatre

November 2014 12th Wed 6pm &

28th Friday 10am

AGM & 20th Anniversary &

Carers Rights Day

Brent Civic Centre & Bridge Park Complex Full details on Page 9

November 2014 Fri 14th, 21st Nov & 5th & 12 Dec 2014

10.30am - 1pm

Carer Information and Support Programme (CrISP) for Dementia Carers (You will need to attend all four sessions)

Wembley Centre for Health & Care

December 2014 Tuesday 9th @ 1pm Carers Xmas Lunch - £5 per person Blue Check Restaurant,

Wembley

February 2015 Friday 20th 10.30am Carers Forum The Unity Centre, NW10

Places for the above activities are limited and will be offered on a first come first served basis.

To confirm your attendance at any one of our activities, please call us on 020 8795 6240

Brent Carers Centre

Wembley Centre for Health & Care

116 Chaplin Road

Wembley Middx HA0 4UZ

Tel: 020 8795 6240

Fax: 020 8795 6250

E: [email protected]

W: www.brentcarerscentre.org.uk

Opening Times:

Mon to Fri: 9.00am - 5.30pm

Wed: 9.00am - 8.00pm

Last Saturday in every month: 12noon - 4pm

Charity No: 1066691 Limited Co. No. 3354038

Do you have some news for us? If you have some any news of offers that would be of use to carers, then please let us know and we will try and include it in future issues of our Caring Matters Newsletter.

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Events and Activities and much more!

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YOUNG CARERS’ ACTIVITIES

CARERS’ TRAINING & ACTIVITIES