Welcome to the April edition of our newsletter ‘Carers Connected’. This newsletter is released monthly giving you our latest news and letting you know what is happening in the weeks ahead to support you in your caring role.

Latest news

Suffolk Family Carers Recognition AwardsOn Thursday 14th June 2018 we will be celebrating our 30 year anniversary by recognising the

support family carers receive in the community, health sector, schools and workplace.

We are asking you, as family carers, to nominate someone who has made a positive difference to your caring role.... it could be a neighbour, professional, someone in your community who

has made a particular effort to support you in your caring role.

It is easy to nominate someone - simply complete the short form at the end of this newsletter and return it to our freepost address at the bottom of the form.

A panel of judges, including family carers, will shortlist those for each award category and they will be invited to attend Suffolk Family Carers 30th Anniversary event.

For more information, please see the nomination form or call us 01473 835477

Carers Connected April 2018

A new way to tell us what you thinkHave you ever had a great idea but just didn’t know who to take it to? Maybe you have had a particular experience when using a service related to your caring role and you wish there was a place you could use this experience to impact on the help and support you receive in the future…. Well, now there is… it’s called Online Community. You can log in to our website and write freely about your great ideas and experiences with the full confidence that those who need to see and/or respond to your post will do so. Your message will be publicly available for all to see and you will be sure to get replies from others to help and support you, or who may have had a similar experience. We want to hear from you and so do your fellow family carers… so log in today!https://suffolkfamilycarers.org/forums/forum/we-provide-on-line-community/

Community Connector projectThe Shotley Peninsular Community Connector project has been providing mobile social prescribing to the people of the Shotley Peninsular since November 2017. Social Prescribing is all about asking ‘What matters to you?’ and not ‘What’s the matter with you? - supporting people to make positive changes in their own lives.The Community Connector bus is on the peninsular twice a week visiting Shotley, Holbrook, Chelmondiston and Stutton to enable people from across this rural area to meet with the Community Connector. For those who can’t get to the bus, it may be possible to arrange a lift or a home visit.Over the course of four sessions, participants work with the Community Connector to co-produce an action plan, enabling them to improve their lives in ways that are important to them. This can include reducing loneliness by becoming connected to local groups and organisations,finding more time for themselves, reducing stress, improving fitness, getting more active, becoming involved with local volunteering opportunities and connecting with debt, benefits or housing advice.Participants who have accessed the scheme so far have worked on goals that have included improving motivation to lose weight and get fitter, adjusting to reduced health and mobility, learning to accept more help, reducing loneliness brought about by a change of career and mental ill-health, learning to prioritise the participant’s own needs alongside those of family, work etc and tackling financial concerns.Participants can self refer, or be referred by any professional. Please call 01473 835445 or visit www.suffolkfamilycarers.org/communityconnector for the referral form and a list of upcoming dates and venues.

Suffolk Family Carers finalists at PENNA AwardsWorking in partnership with Ipswich Hospital, Lavenham ward, we were finalists at The Patient Experience Network Annual (PENNA) Awards held in Birmingham on the 1st March 2018.We were shortlisted for 2 awards - ‘frailty care on a surgical ward support for carer givers’ and ‘measuring, reporting and acting’. Both awards were highlighted for involving patient and carer feedback. Some changes on the ward include stronger links with Suffolk Family Carers to improve support, being part of the frailty pathway, and being an identified family carer referral point to Suffolk Family Carer Support Workers with consent.

A conversation really can change someone’s dayAs part of National Conversation Week (19th-26th March), we have produced a promotional video for our Talk and Support service. Our team of amazing volunteers call family carers on a regular basis to offer a listening ear. The calls can help to reduce the isolation that some family carers may feel. It can be a lifeline if you are caring for someone who has Dementia, or someone who has lost the power of speech after having a stroke.

If you are interested in becoming a talk and support volunteer, please contact Frances on 01473 835450 or email volunteer@suffolkfamilycarers.org.

Look out for the video on our social media accounts and our our website using the links belowhttps://suffolkfamilycarers.org/a-conversation-can-change-someones-day/ https://www.facebook.com/SuffolkFamilyCarers/https://twitter.com/SuffolkCarers

Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust (NSFT) Engagement eventsIf you attended one of the NSFT engagement and listening events in Suffolk recently, we would like to hear from you!

These events were hosted as a way of NSFT gaining feedback from family carers, users of services and stakeholders regarding their services and how people feel they need to improve.

The opportunity to get involved in this process will continue throughout 2018 and we would like to hear from a wider range of family carers who have or are caring for people accessing NSFT services, to see what you think of the improvement plan.

The Improvement Plan can be accessed by following this link http://www.nsft.nhs.uk/Pages/Search-Results.aspx?k=improvement%20plan

As an organisation working in partnership with NSFT, we would like to help you feedback your views and experiences and your suggestions for improvement. We have set up an online forum to capture your views around a few topics with the topic title ‘NSFT Improvement Plan’. You can access this by following this link https://suffolkfamilycarers.org/forums/forum/we-provide-on-line-community/ Alternatively, you can email your feedback on the 3 topics below to MH@suffolkfamilycarers.org 1. What is your view on NSFT’s improvement plan?2. What do you feel needs to improve and how?3. Would you like to become more involved in giving feedback in the future and, if so, how would you like to do this?

Through the Garden Door - workshops for adult family carersWould you like to take some time out from your caring role? Why not take advantage of these FREE workshops in Suffolk?All materials are provided and each workshop is run by a different Art Branch Associate with expertise in their field. No experience is required as the workshops are suitable for all levels.The next workshops will take place on Wednesday 25th and Sunday 29th April as well as Saturday 12th May 2018.

To book your place, please email artbranches@icloud.com.

Our bus will be attending Suffolk’s TGA’s latest Mobility Scooter Safe Driving and Charity Awareness Day - 19th April 11-3pmOur SFC bus will be attending TGA, the nationwide specialist in mobility scooters based in Suffolk, Safe Scooter Driving and Charity Awareness Day in the Sudbury Mobility Showroom.TGA is committed to maximising safety for its customers. This is why it only supplies mobility scooters through a structured assessment-led process so owners receive a product that is safe and suitable for their capabilities. This is enhanced by a safe driving awareness programme which involves free events and readily available information.TGA’s forthcoming Safe Scooter Driving and Charity Awareness Day will provide the opportunity for existing and prospective mobility scooter users to learn the latest techniques for competent driving in a safe and welcoming atmosphere. All visitors will be able to experience the TGA test track which will comprise of obstacles typically found when travelling on a scooter. Helpful and trained TGA advisors will be on hand to support and offer guidance on manoeuvres such as crossing the road. This free programme is not a driving test or formal training. It is a relaxed and informal awareness day that builds confidence and a better understanding of individual capabilities.Event attendees can bring their own scooter or select one from the latest TGA range. The event will provide:Free safe driving tips and adviceFree health check for all mobility scootersFree safe driving certificateFree test drives of our latest award-winning scootersNew ‘Carers Hub’This brings together a diverse range of charities that offer support to people with restricted mobility or those who care for others. Visitors will be able to source a variety of information from:Suffolk Family CarersAlzheimer’s SocietyBridge ProjectColchester CatalystDrive AbilityMS SocietyParkinson’s UKRehab UnitedSuccess After StrokeAdvisors from Autochair, the car boot scooter hoist specialist, will also be available.

Daniel Stone, TGA Managing Director, says: “We welcome all existing and potential mobility scooter users from across East Anglia to come to our safe driving day. It will help everyone gain confidence and discover how to enjoy freedom with peace of mind. With the impressive range of charities also attending, our latest event will be rewarding for all.”

Mindfulness for me - a free course for family carersThe taster session and introduction to mindfulness takes place on Tuesday 10th April from 2pm at Moat Farm, Otley, IP6 9PE.

The 8 week course follows this and begins on Tuesday 17th April 2018.For more information, please email Anne-Marie on amb@rightnowworks.co.uk or call 07850029257.

Family carers & professionals’ day - Monday 23rd April 10am - 2pmWe are holding a day, in partnership with Medequip, for family carers and professionals to come together and receive some FREE advice, support and product demonstrations. Lunch will also be provided.The day will be held at our HQ in Claydon - Unit 9, Hill View Business Park, Old Ipswich Road, Claydon, IP6 0AJ.Please RSVP by Wednesday 11th April by calling our Health Team on 01473 835407 or email healthteam@suffolkfamilycarers.org.

Support in GP Surgeries

We are working in GP surgeries to support family carers Working in partnership with mainly West Suffolk GP surgeries, our GP family carer advisers are scheduled to spend time in GP surgeries as detailed below. They are in the surgery to help people identify as family carers, provide information & guidance & raise awareness. You are welcome to drop in. Please note: sometimes our Advisers may be in a quiet room talking to another family carer, usually near the end of a session.

Advisers schedule time at surgery Mount Farm Surgery - Bury St Edmunds - First Thursday of each month 9am-12pm Victoria Surgery - Bury St Edmunds - Fourth Wednesday of each month 9am-12pm Brandon Medical Centre (Elbourne Surgery) - Brandon - Second Wednesday of each month 9am-12pm Forest Surgery - Brandon - Fourth Tuesday of each month 9am-12pm Lakenheath Surgery - Lakenheath - First Wednesday of each month 9am-12pm Market Cross Surgery - Mildenhall - Third Monday of each month 9am-12pm Reynard Surgery - Red Lodge - Third Monday of each month 9am-12pm Rookery Medical Centre - Newmarket - Second Thursday 9am-12pm and fourth Monday all dayOakfield Surgery - Newmarket - Third Wednesday of each month 9am-12pm Orchard House Surgery - Newmarket - Third Wednesday of each month 1-4pm Wickhambrook Surgery - Wickhambrook - First Tuesday of each month 9am-12pm Haverhill Family Practice - Haverhill - Fourth Thursday of each month 9am-12pm Guildhall Surgery - Clare - Second Monday of each month 9am-12pm Long Melford Practice - Long Melford - Second Tuesday of each month 9am-12pm Long Melford Practice - Lavenham - Fourth Wednesday of each month 9am-12pm Siam Surgery, Sudbury Community Health Centre - Sudbury - Second Tuesday of each month 9am-12pmMeadow Lane Surgery - Sudbury - First Tuesday of each month 9am-12pm Hardwicke House Surgery - Sudbury - Second Monday of each month 9am-12pmCornard Surgery - Gt Cornard - Third Thursday of each month 9am-12pm Botesdale Health Centre - Botesdale, Diss - First Monday of each month 9am-12pmStanton Surgery - Stanton - Second Wednesday of each month 9am-12pmIxworth Surgery - Ixworth - First Wednesday of each month 9am-12pm

Woolpit Health Centre - Woolpit - Third Tuesday morning and Fourth Thursday morning 9am-12pm Stowhealth - Stowmarket - Third Wednesday of each month 9am-12pmGlemsford Surgery- Sudbury - Third Thursday of each month 9am-12pm

Family carer one-to-one sessions You can also have a private, face to face discussion at one of the surgeries listed above or if you live in West Suffolk. These private appointments are normally held in the GP surgery you attend, however, if this is not possible, other arrangements can be made. If you would like more information, please call 01473 835407. Our admin staff work part time so please leave a message and we will get back to you within a few days.

Local groups for you

Local groups are a great way to meet other family carers. For further information about a specific group, please contact the facilitator of that group as listed below.

Bildeston group 1.30-3.30pm - Bildeston Health Centre, IP7 7EX. Last Tuesday of each month Contact Louise Bissett 01449 740254 or email louise.bissett@nhs.net Bury St Edmunds group 1-3pm - Mount Farm Surgery, IP32 7EW. First Thursday of each month Contact Maureen on 01284 762985 Bury St Edmunds Wellbeing group6-8pm - The Oakes Barn, Community Meeting Room, St Andrews St South, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3PH. Last Tuesday of each month Contact Bev Stearn on 01473 835455/07766367021 or email bev.stearn@suffolkfamilycarers.org Claydon craft & tea 1-4pm - The View, Hill View Business Park, Claydon, IP6 0AJ. Third Monday of each month Contact Margaret White on 01473 830135 or email wmargaret383@aol.com Eye group 1-3pm - The Eye Bowls Club, IP23 7HW. First Monday of each month Contact Katrina on 07867844702 Felixstowe & villages group 1-3pm - The Community Hub, IP11 9EF. Second Monday of each month Contact Dennis Weston on 01473 832591 or email dennisweston.49@btinternet.com

Hadleigh group 2-3.30pm - Hadleigh Pool & Leisure, Stonehouse Road, Hadleigh IP7 5BH. Fourth Tuesday of each month Contact Jill Mason and her team on 01473 823470

Haverhill group 1-3pm - The Burton Centre, CB9 8HB. Fourth Thursday of each month Contact our Health team on 01473 835407

Ipswich group 2-3.30pm - 19 Tower Street, IP1 3BE. Second Wednesday of each month Contact Mary Quinton on 01473 742839 Leiston & villages carers and friends Group 1-3pm - The Bell Hotel, High Street, Saxmundham IP17 1AF. Third Tuesday of each month Contact Sue Bateman on 01728 602969

Long Melford group 10.30-12pm - The Bull Hotel, CO10 9JG. Second Monday of each month Contact Diane Poulter on 01787 375833 Lowestoft - Waveney carers & friends 1-3pm - Community Church, Lowestoft, NR33 7NF. Last Wednesday of each month Contact Janet Betts on 01502 380475 or Pat Cruse on 01502 511892 Mildenhall group 1-3pm - Market Cross Surgery, IP28 7EG. Third Monday of each month Contact our Health team on 01473 835407 Needham Market group 11-1pm - Community Centre, School St, Needham IP6 8BB. Second & fourth Tuesday Contact Amanda King on 01449 258418 or Pat Gould on 01473 831129 Newmarket group 1-3pm. The Rookery Medical Centre, CB8 8NW. Second Thursday of each month Contact our Health team on 01473 835407 Stowmarket group 1.30-3pm - Hillside Community Centre, IP14 2BD. First Thursday of each month Contact Liz on 07936380127 Sudbury group 1.30-3.30pm - Sudbury Community Health Centre, CO10 2DZ. Second Tuesday of each month Contact Caroline on 07882871654 Wickhambrook group 1.30-3.30pm - Wickhambrook Memorial Centre, CB8 8XP. First Wednesday of each month Contact Gloria on 07581712421 or Ruth on 01440 820631 Woodbridge group 1.30-3pm - Framfield Medical Centre, IP12 4FD. Third Tuesday of each month Contact Fiona Baker on 01394 384028

Courses to help you in your caring role

Moving and HandlingDo you help the person you care for to move around the home? Do you have to support them to move safely in and out of the car, bath or bed for example? Is this putting a strain on your own health?We commission a qualified occupational therapist to visit you in your own home to provide information and guidance on how to move and handle the person you care for in a safer way.If you would like to receive moving and handling training, please complete the contact form on our website by using this link https://suffolkfamilycarers.org/contact-us/ and someone will be in touch.

Caring with ConfidenceThis information programme is open to all family carers over the age of 18. It is a friendly, informative and safe place to meet others in a similar situation and gain information to make your caring role easier to manage. Caring with Confidence is usually run over 3 weeks, with family carers attending one 3 hour session each week for 3 weeks. We cover a variety of topics including managing the emotions of caring, understanding family carer rights and entitlements, regaining balance and control in a caring role, effective communication and useful resources.

We have courses running in the next few months Kesgrave Community Centre - 16th, 23rd and 30th April 1.30 - 4.30pmSudbury Community Health Centre - 3rd,10th and 17th May 1.30 - 4.30pmThe Centre, Bury St Edmunds - 9th, 16th and 23rd May 10.30am - 1.30pmThe Kirkley Centre, Lowestoft - 4th, 11th and 18th June 1.30 - 4.30pm

New sleep workshops - understanding sleep and how to get better sleepWe recognise that being a family carer can cause problems with sleep. This new programme offers a perfect opportunity for you to learn more about sleep and gain strategies to help get better quality sleep. This programme will have interactive elements and the facilitator has asked that all attendees bring their own pillow.These sessions are taking place at - Castle Hill Community Centre, Ipswich on 21st of April and 12th May, 9.30am – 1.00pm

Wellbeing for MeThis programme focuses on enabling you to look at how your caring role can impact your own emotional wellbeing. The programme looks at different exercises to help you concentrate on how they can fit in your own needs as well as those of the person you care for.

Family carers who have attended this programme have said...“This course has helped me to start thinking about myself and my needs and I have begun to make positive changes.”“It is valuable, informative and re-assuring to express anxieties and behaviours and try to unpack and understand them.”Our next ‘Wellbeing for Me’ programme is running in Ipswich at the Cooperative Education Centre on Fore Street on the 7th, 14th and 21st June, 2pm - 4pm.

If you wish book on to any of the programmes above please email us on cwc@suffolkfamilycarers.org or call 01473 835446.

NEW Pilot Forest School Experience programmeThis programme will enable you to spend time with the young person you care for. Forest schools provide the chance to get in touch with nature and find out about yourself along the way. They can help with self-confidence & self-esteem as well as encouraging team work and risk taking (in a safe way!). (Cared for aged 4 – 10 years, one cared for per parent carer)

The programme will take place on 30th May 1pm - 3pm, venue to be confirmed

To access this programme, please either email wellbeing@suffolkfamilycarers.org or call 01473 835478.

Autism Spectrum Disorder/ADHD Family Carers ProgrammeThis programme concentrates on the specific issues faced by family carers who care for either a child (or children) or an adult with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and/or ADHD. Content includes finding time for themselves, improving knowledge and coming up with strategies to help their situation within their caring role.

We are running a day’s workshop for family carers of children with Autism in Ipswich at the Cooperative Education Centre on Fore Street in Ipswich on Monday 21st May 9.30am – 3pm.

Family carers who have attended our ASD/ADHD programmes have said ‘Very informative and full of knowledge. Also lots of advice for looking into other help’‘Knowing other parents are in the same situation. Learning from others. Being aware of how I explain things to my child. Taking time for myself.’

If you wish to book on this workshop please email asd@suffolkfamilycarers.org or call 01473 835438.

We also want to hear from you about any further information or education programmes you may like to see us produce. Your ideas can help shape future programmes and our direction. Please contact us via either of the email addresses above with any ideas you may have.

Information, advice, guidance and emotional supportOur IAGES team is here to helpIAGES is a FREE & confidential service for family carers, families & friends of people with mental & emotional wellbeing needs. We aim to help you maintain your caring role & look after your own wellbeing by providing information, advice, guidance & emotional support.

One-to-one with an IAGES workerIf you would like some emotional support, the team offers one-to-one support with an IAGES worker. This may be via the telephone or face to face.

Open Space sessions for mental health family carersThese four sessions focus on the issues and needs of family carers caring for someone with mental health/emotional wellbeing need. They will provide an opportunity to receive information, share ideas and experiences and meet other family carers who may be in a similar caring role.

The session plan is as follows: Session 1 - Introduction and carers rights and services Session 2 - Mental health awareness and positive change Session 3 - Coping strategies, communication and boundariesSession 4 - Emotional needs and resourcesPlease note: the order of these sessions may change from the above depending on the availability of external speakers. The next session is being held at Waveney Room, The Kirkley Centre, 154 London Road South, Lowestoft NR33 0AZ. Tuesday 10 April 2018 10.30am-12.30pm.Open Space will also be coming to Sudbury soon so watch out for more information.

Peer-led information sessionsDeveloped from our programme & other group activities, these sessions provide an opportunity to receive & share information & peer support. Currently there are groups held once a month in Stowmarket (Richmond Fellowship, Cricket Meadow, The Lounge, 9 Finborough Road, Stowmarket, IP14 1PN) - last Wednesday of each month 2-4pm Bury St Edmunds (The Oakes Barn, The Community Meeting room, St Andrews Street South, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3PH) - last Tuesday of the month 6-8pm Ipswich (Quay Place, St Mary at the Quay, Ipswich, IP4 1BZ) - second Wednesday of every month 10am-12pm.How to book If you are caring for someone with a mental health need and you would like some help and support from our team, please email MH@suffolkfamilycarers.org or call 01473 835420.

Navigating the Road to Recovery - coming to Ipswich in AprilAre you affected by someone else’s drug or alcohol use? Would you like information and support? Our substance misuse team is here to help and support you!Navigating the Road to Recovery is a five-session programme designed to give information and support to those affected by someone else’s drug or alcohol use. The workshops will focus on drug and alcohol use and effects, the impact of substance misuse on family carers’ wellbeing, understanding recovery and support, communication, exploring ways to cope, caring for yourself and signposting to other agencies.

These programmes are evaluated to have a positive impact on family carers’ lives. We support people to explore difficult issues such as controlling and enabling, manipulation and social isolation. It also provides an opportunity to meet others in a similar situation and share viewpoints and discuss different strategies.Coming up - Navigating The Road to Recovery programme comes to Claydon, Ipswich, on 17th April 2018.

Drop-in Sessions/ 1-2-1 AppointmentsWe hold regular drop-in sessions at Turning Point Ipswich, Bury St. Edmunds and Lowestoft to support family carers with the challenges of having a drug or alcohol user in their family.

Come in and talk to Rachel Nightingale, our Family Support Worker, for basic information and advice, registration with Suffolk Family Carers, referral onto our Family Support programme and signposting to other agencies.

Please contact Juanita by email subsmisuse@suffolkfamilycarers.org or call 01473 835411 for more details.

NOMINATION FORM

Your full name...........................................................................................................................

Your email address...................................................................................................................

Your telephone number............................................................................................................

Award category School/College/Workplace Health Community(please tick)

In 100 words, please tell us your story and how someone has made a difference to your caring role - this could be someone in your community, a friend or professional. We will use this information to shortlist for the Carer Recognition Awards so please give as much detail as possible. If your entry is shortlisted, we will be back in touch for further details.

Once complete, please return this form to Carers Recognition Awards Suffolk Family Carers, Fund A, Freepost Nate 853, Ipswich, IP6 0ZZ