information and news for disabled and older people and ... · the big carers’ tea break, cwmbran...
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Independent Living News
Information and news for disabled and older people and family carers
Edition 122 - SEPTEMBER 20161 9 9 6 – 2 0 1 6 , C e l e b r a t i n g 2 0 y e a r s o f s u p p o r t i n g d i s a b l e d p e o p l e
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Follow @S4ILiving
2 A Message from the Chief Executive
3 Wheel About Wednesday
The Three Peaks Challenge
4 SIL’s AGM and 20th Anniversary
Celebrations
5 SIL Membership
6 What’s On……
7 Snippets
8 The Big Tea Break
Careline – Help at the Push of a Button
9 Support for Unpaid Carers
For Sale…
10 Coping with and caring for Physical
Disability
11 Muggle Foot Care
The 55+ and Retirement Roadshow
12 Herefordshire Community Games
Inside this edition
w w w . s 4 i l . c o . u k2
Welcome to the latest version of our newsletter. As we approachthe end of the summer, I hope you have all had an opportunity toenjoy some of the better weather the season’s provided.
It might surprise some of you that SIL has been in existence 20years this year. The organisation was originally set up in 1996,under the name Herefordshire Centre for Independent Living(HCIL), to support people with Direct Payments.
We have certainly come a long way from those humble beginnings and it is as a result of the hard work and support of all our staff that we now supportmany hundreds of service users through a variety of services. However, we would benowhere without the people who use our services, a large number of whom havesupported SIL for many years.
We intend to celebrate our achievements at this year’s AGM, when we will be lookingback over the past 20 years. As well as having input from the country’s leadingdisabled comedian, Laurence Clark, we will also welcome local community awardwinner and disabled business man, Kris Saunders-Stowe. We are also delighted toannounce that this year the awards to SIL’s staff will be made by the Lord Lieutenant ofHerefordshire and the High Sheriff of Herefordshire.
Please come and join us if you can. The AGM starts at 12.00 noon, on the 6th October.Spaces are limited so please let us know if you intend to come by either phoning theSIL office on 01568 616653 or e-mailing [email protected] with yourname, any specific dietary or access requirements and whether you will be bringinganyone with you.
Finally, we are hoping to expand SIL’s membership over the coming year and we willbe looking at developing a range of ‘member benefits’ for people who become fullmembers. So if you want to become more involved with SIL, vote at the AGM and takeadvantage of the membership benefits we develop, sign up now by contactingShelagh using the above email or by phoning the office.
I look forward to seeing you at our AGM.
Euan McPherson
Welcome to the latest edition of the SIL Newsletter.
Caveat: Please note we print articles provided by third party organisations in good faith. SIL
takes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information or content. Dates and times of events
and activities are correct at the time of going to print.
On Wednesday the 14th September, between 11am - 3pm,
SIL is hosting an event in its Leominster offices to raise money
for the Spinal Injuries Association, (SIA). The idea is for those
who are able to walk around to take on the challenge to spend
the day on wheels.
Wheel About Wednesday will include a lunch and some sporting wheelchair
challenges, with appropriate training for those unused to manoeuvring a wheelchair!.
SIL is still in the early stages of planning the event, but hopes it will be a great
opportunity for staff and those who use our services to get together for a worthwhile
cause.
SIL has already been offered some wheelchairs for use on the day, but if you know of
anyone with a spare manual chair who would be willing to loan it for the event, it would
be much appreciated. Please contact our DP Advisers Amy Deacon, [email protected]
or Rhiannon Evans, [email protected] if you would like to attend or if you
have access to a chair that could be used.
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Wheel About Wednesday
A small team of staff from SIL are in training ready to take on the Three Peaks
Challenge in 2017. The dedicated members have been training throughout the year,
regularly giving up weekends to climb local peaks and undertake some strenuous
walking. As part of the on-going programme, the team will be undertaking the Kington
8 Peaks Challenge on the 17th September,
which involves 15 miles of walking and over
3,000 ft of climbing around Kington.
The team are fundraising on behalf of SIL,
so if you would like to sponsor them for the
8 Peaks Challenge or make a donation to
SIL, please contact Gemma Lewis, the
event organiser on 01568 616653, or email
her at: [email protected]
The Three Peaks Challenge
Photo: Rachael Wall, Christy Dallow and
Gemma Lewis some of SIL’s intrepid hill-walkers
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This is a most special year for
Services for Independent
Living, as we celebrate twenty
years of supporting people to
lead independent lives, and to
mark the occasion we are
planning a unique celebration
to support our AGM which
takes place on Thursday,
6th October. Not only have we
a packed programme of
entertainment we also have
some very special guests of
honour attending the event
including the Lord Lieutenant of
Herefordshire, the High Sheriff of
Herefordshire and local MP, Bill Wiggin.
The event, which takes place in Saxon Hall, Hereford, starts at 12 noon with a buffet
lunch before moving into the business part of the event, which will be opened by the
Lord Lieutenant, and includes the annual awards for our support workers who have
provided the best care across the year.
The remainder of the day includes key note addresses from some outstanding local
heroes, including Kris Saunders-Stowe, from Wheelie Good Fitness; a performance
from the English Symphony Orchestra’s String Quartet and a specially made cake with
some celebration drinks. However, our jewel in the crown is our final guest of the day,
award winning comedian and Edinburgh Fringe performer, Laurence Clark, who will be
delivering a specially written show for the event, which he has called A Personal View
of Independence.
This will be a popular event, but numbers are limited and places will be allocated on a
strictly first come-first served basis. If you would like to attend please contact us on
01568 616653 or by email at: [email protected]
You must have your place confirmed to ensure admittance to the event. Unfortunately,
if you are not on the guest list you will not be admitted on the day, so make sure you
register your interest early.
SIL’s AGM and 20th Anniversary Celebrations
w w w . s 4 i l . c o . u k 5
Are you a member of SIL? The
chances are you might think that
as someone who uses our
services, or cares for a SIL
service user, you are a Member.
However, unless you or someone
on your behalf, has signed an
actual Membership form, you are
not a Member and this means
that you are unable to influence
the decisions about the things
which affect the support we
deliver.
One of the biggest opportunities
for Members to exercise their
right to vote is at the AGM, when
each Member has the chance to vote on the election of the board as well as any
proposals which might be brought to the meeting. At this year’s AGM we will have
some Membership forms available for SIL service users and carers to sign, allowing
them to join on the day and to actually be a part of the voting process during the
meeting. There is no charge for being a Member and indeed we are currently looking at
introducing some real benefits to Membership.
Over the next twelve months we want to work with Members to find out what they
would find useful benefits of SIL Membership. These might include offers at certain
stores, discounts on cinema tickets, gym memberships etc. We can’t guarantee that
we can deliver everything you might like as a Member, but we will do our best to ensure
being a Member of SIL is an attractive proposition with genuinely far more to offer than
being able to vote at the AGM!
If you are not able to attend this year’s AGM but would like to become a Member of
SIL, contact us on 01568 616653 or E: [email protected] and mark your email
Membership. If you are already a Member but are unable to attend the AGM, you can
still exercise your right to vote by either choosing a proxy to vote on your behalf or
using a postal system. Please visit our website to find out how to do this at:
www.s4il.co.uk
SIL Membership
w w w . s 4 i l . c o . u k6
• 9 September, 2pm – 3pm
Become a Dementia Friend, Henllys Village Hall Henllys Village Road, Henllys, Cwmbran. Info: [email protected]
• 10 September, 9.30am – 2.30pm
The 55+ and Retirement Roadshow, St Peter’s Church, Hereford. A free exhibition hosting arange of professionals offering advice for those nearing or in retirement. Info: www.retirementroadshow.co.uk
• 14 September, 10am – 3.30pm
Herefordshire Community Games, or people with a learning disability, Hereford Leisure Centre,Holmer Road, Hereford. £5 entry. Info: 01568 620307
• 14 September, 11am – 3pm
Wheel About Wednesday, the wheelchair challenge at SIL’s offices, Leominster. Free event,includes buffet lunch. Info: 01568 616653 or E: [email protected]
• 14 September, 11am – 2.30pm
Herefordshire Disability United event, “Coping with and Caring for Physical Disability”,
Hinton Community Centre, Hereford. Free event, includes lunch. Pre-booking essential. Info: 07817 473813 E: [email protected]
• 16 September, 7pm
Colours Charity Fashion Show in aid of Marches Family Network, Luctonians Rugby Club. £5 per ticket. Info: 01568 614908
• 17 September, 10am – 4pm
Gruffalo Trail Launch Party, Queenswood Country Park. A day of inclusive children’s activities. Free entry and bus shuttle from Wellington Garden Centre.
• 29 September, 7pm
ECHO AGM. More info: 01568 620307
• 30 September
Herefordshire Carers’ Annual Day hear what HCS has been doing over the past 12 months and beentertained by the Helen Vereka Singers. Info: 01432 356068
• 30 September, 1pm – 4pm
the Big Carers’ Tea Break, Cwmbran Centre for Young People, Glyndwr Road, Cwmbran. Info: 07896 091370
• 6 October, 12pm – 4pm
SIL’s AGM and 20th Anniversary celebrations, Saxon Hall, Hoarwithy Rd, Hereford. There is no charge, but reserving your place is essential. Info: 01568 616653 or E: [email protected]
• 14 October
Marches Family Network Pudding Night in conjunction with ECHO, Grange Court, Leominster. Info: 01568 614908
• 5 November
Marches Family Network AGM, from 10.30am, Point4, Hereford. Info 01568 614908
• 25 November, 7pm – 10pm
Herefordshire Mencap’s Stay up Late gig, the Left Bank, Hereford. Free pick up and return fromLeominster. Info: 07969 524 476 or E: [email protected]
A Dip into What’s On
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Snippets
$$$$$$$$$$$$
Hereford City Life is a new website
which helps people find out what’s
happening in the city. Whether you’re
looking for accessible restaurants, new
shops and businesses in the city or how
to find the Shopmobility shop, this is the
site to visit: www.herefordcitylife.co.uk
A fire safety alert has been issued for patients being treated with a paraffin-based
emollient product that is covered by a dressing or clothing, after a recent fire death in
Leicester, in which a cigarette lighter ignited E45 emollient in contact with the patient’s
dressing and clothing. The risk is greater when these preparations are applied to large
areas of the body, or when dressings or clothing become soaked with emollient.
Anyone dressed with E45 or other paraffin-based products are advised to avoid naked
flames and change bedding and clothing regularly.
The Social Services & Wellbeing Act (Wales)
came into force this April and some parts of it
are still to be implemented. The Welsh
Government will be posting information about
these elements as they become “live” on the
Care Council for Wales Hub:
www.ccwales.org.uk/codes-of-practice-and-
statutory-guidance/
Don’t forget a whole range of information and
advice about social care can be found on the
National Citizen Portal, which is well worth a
visit, at: www.dewis.wales
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Do you care for someone with mental
health issues? If so, you are invited to join
the fun and pampering at the Big Carers
Tea Break, which takes place on the 30th
September between 1pm – 4pm at the
Cwmbran Centre for Young People,
Glyndwr Road, Cwmbran. This free event
for carers, organised by Hafal, not only
offers a lovely afternoon tea, there will also be professionals on hand to offer tips and
advice on wellbeing and combatting stress, and a range of providers with a selection of
pampering activities.
Hafal is an organisation managed by those it supports: people with serious mental
illness and their carers.
For more information about the event contact Caryl on 07896 091370 or
Rae on 07814 409093
The Big Tea Break
Careline can give you or your loved ones the
reassurance and peace of mind that if you
require help, it is not far away, enabling people
to continue to live independently in their own
homes.
The 24-hour personal emergency response service, based in Hereford, is connected to
your home through an alarm unit linked to your telephone line. In times of need, help is
just the push of a button away.
All the alarms are connected to operators who are on hand to answer your calls
instantly and get you the help you need. There are lots of products to choose from
including pendants, watches and sensors and can cost from as little as 58p per day.
For an additional 36p per day Careline can also provide a Mobile Responder Service, a
personal on-site visit should you activate your Careline alarm.
For more information about Careline call them on 01432 384100.
Herefordshire Careline is run by the Independence Trust, part of the Herefordshire Housing Group.
Careline – Help at the Push of a Button
w w w . s 4 i l . c o . u k 9
There is a clear distinction between paid care
(support) workers and those carers who look after a
family member or friend, without payment for their
time and very little support for their wellbeing.
Unpaid carers can be of any age, providing help and support to very vulnerable people,
often keeping them out of hospital and so relieving stresses on our public services; and
helping the person they care for retain some independence in their own home.
Young unpaid Carers are children and young people who often take on the practical
and/or emotional caring responsibilities that would normally be expected of an adult.
Sadly, there is often a price to be paid for this responsibility, and all too often the unpaid
Carer suffers financial consequences as well as an impact on their own health and
wellbeing.
Herefordshire Carers Support regularly hears accounts from exhausted unpaid carers
who have been unable to find the support they require, simply because the social care
system is so complicated to understand. There is the added difficulty that many unpaid
carers don’t recognise themselves as taking on this role, they see themselves as “just
being a family member” who carries out the care responsibilities.
Unable to find support, unpaid carers often sacrifice their own interests, and
sometimes their health, in placing the needs of those they care for above their own.
Herefordshire Carers Support provides access to advice, information, training, activities
and events, so if you are an unpaid carer call them on 01432 356068, or
E: [email protected] to find out how you can become a
Member and become a supported and valued carer.
Support for Unpaid Carers
An opportunity has arisen to buy an adapted car able to
carry a wheelchair and user. The vehicle, a Renault
Kangoo has an 02 registration and its MOT is valid until
July 2017. With a 1149cc engine, 79,000 on the clock and
a manual ramp at the rear the owner is asking for £1,500
or nearest offer. If you are interested in seeing the vehicle
please call Christine on 07989 055952.
Please note SIL takes no responsibility for either the advert or the vehicle. Any liabilities
lie with the owner.
For sale…
w w w . s 4 i l . c o . u k10
Coping with and caring for Physical Disability
w w w . s 4 i l . c o . u k 11
The 55+ and Retirement Roadshows are
organised by the National Careline to provide
information for people approaching, or in
retirement. On the 10th September the Roadshow
will be in St Peter’s Church, Hereford between 9.30am – 2.30pm, offering a range of
information and support from a variety of exhibitors, including Herefordshire WISH.
There will be experts on hand to talk about pensions, taxation and asset protection as
well as issues surrounding health and social care which concern many people as they
grow older, including how to plan for possible care costs in the future.
If you have a matter that you would like to discuss in private it is possible to pre-book a
10-minute slot. You can book in advance by calling 0800 0699 784, or by email:
As well as being able to talk with a range of experts, there will also be a free prize draw
which will be drawn at 2.15pm. The venue is fully accessible and the event is free to
attend.
The 55+ and Retirement Roadshow
Looking after your feet can be difficult if you have mobility issues,
but a solution is at hand from Muggle Foot Care, the foot care
wizard, who offers a range of magical solutions to your foot
problems in the comfort of your own home. Whether you need your
nails trimmed, corns removed or callous reduction, it’s all in a day’s
work for the foot care wizard, who with a wave of her chiropody
wand will also treat fungal infections, in-growing toe nails and cracked heels. This
whizz of a wizard is fully qualified and insured and is offering a special deal to SIL
service users. The wizard is offering 20% off your first treatment and
a £5 discount when you purchase a pair of massaging insoles.
For more information about Muggle Foot Care and to book your first
appointment contact the wizard, sometimes known as Jessica, on
07581 271996, or E: [email protected]
Muggle Foot Care
Registered Office:
Services for Independent Living,
1 Owen Way, Leominster Enterprise Park,
Leominster, Herefordshire, HR6 0LA
T: 01568 616653
Torfaen office, Unit 3, Raglan House,
Llantarnam Business Park, Cwmbran,
Torfaen, NP44 3AB
T: 01633 877908
www.s4il.co.uk
Herefordshire Community Games