Registered Charity Number 1123043

FREE COPYTel: 07807 210913E-mail: ccsg.group@hotmail.com

Website address: www.ccsgsupport.com

Crossroads Carers Support Group (C.C.S.G.)

INSIDE THIS ISSUEForward Pg1Health Matters Pg2Day Out /Coffee morning Pg3Money Matters / Mental Health Pg4Dementia Pg 5Fundraising Pg 6Carers Of Children & Young People Pg 7Young Carers Weekend Pg8Young Carers Pg9Out and About Pg10Carers Registration Form Pg11Useful Contact Numbers Pg12

Available Online

Every year £843 million worth of benefits go unclaimed by carers who don't realise they are entitled tothem.Look at our Money Matters section in this Newsletter or past ones on the Website where we try to keep youinformed on financial matters.

WIGAN AND LEIGH RECOVERY TEAMare holding a Celebration ofWORLD MENTAL HEALTH WEEKThursday the 13th October1-3 pmCome and talk to services in the Wigan and LeighArea that can support mental health issues.ALL WELCOMEAbram Community CentreVicarage road, Abram, WN2 5QXFor more information , contact the OccupationalTherapy Team on 01942 772116

WELCOME TO OUR AUTUMN NEWSLETTER

HEALTH MATTERSNEW BOOKLET FOR FAMILIES TO HELP THEMUNDERSTAND ‘TRANSFORMING CARE’ WORKThe National Forum of people with Learning Disabilities& the National Valuing Families Forum have developeda booklet called ‘Hospitals are not homes’. The booklethas been designed to help people understand what workis happening to provide better care and support for peoplewith learning disabilities and/or autism. The work startedafter the abuse of people at Winterbourne View.The Forums think it is really important that people withlearning disabilities and people with autism and theirfamilies can be part of the work and the booklet aims totell people what should be happening, who to speak toand what questions they can ask. The booklet can bedownloaded here:http://inclusionnorth.org/resources/information-packs/hospitals-are-not-homes

Medisafe and Pill Manager – each ofthese are designed to help you trackwhat pills the person you care forneeds to take, and account for anychange in dosage etc.

SAM – support for anxiety and methodsfor managing your own anxiety levels.This has been developed by psychologistsand users.SAM will help you to understand whatcauses your anxiety, monitor youranxious thoughts and behaviour overtime and manage your anxiety throughself-help exercises and private reflection.

Talking Point Support Forum –information and advice for people withdementia and their carers, and adviceforums. Produced by the Alzheimer’sSociety.

NHS Health and Symptom Checker –information about your symptoms andadvice for looking after yourself.Produced by NHS Direct.

Website address: www.ccsgsupport.com

WELL DONE TO OUR MEMBERTERRY BURTONWOOD FOR HIS POEM RETHE DIABETES COURSE HE ATTENDED .

Went to a Desmond meeting todayA bit apprehensive I must sayA full day talking about foodNot my idea of fun "not being rude"Sugar, Carbs, Starch my head was in a spinHow do you manage to take it all in?One of the really nice staff made me grinShe said it's hard to digest and take inShe meant the information not the foodBut it got us laughing and lightened the moodIt was a fantastic day it has to be saidNow I know how much sugars in my breadBad fats and good fats are implanted in my brainHaving smaller portions I have myself to trainEat little more often and exercise moreAnd you'll have fewer visits to your Doctors doorSo one final thing before I departToo much weight puts a strain on your heartYou'll get tons of information if you’re asked to goSo please attend don't be "a no show”.The information you receive could prolongor even save your life.

RCP Stroke Guidance – informationand advice particularly for the earlystages after someone has had astroke, and oversee theappointments/support from differentprofessionals. Also provides a forumfor talking with other carers. Producedby the Royal College of Physicians.

MOBILE APPSYOU MAY FINDHELPFULWe hope you find some of the ideasabove useful. Let us know if you comeacross any other really good apps!

Please remember to tell us if you move or change your e-mail address,We won't know if you don’t tell us and you won't get the newsletter orany other information from the group

What a great time our members had makingCandles at Cheshire Candle Factory.We had lunch and there was time tosocialise and shop.

Cheshire Candle Making Factory

Why not join us at one of our coffee mornings.What can you expect?• A friendly welcome on arrival.• Opportunity to get to know others and share experiences.• Free refreshments.• Time to socialise, make new friends.• Entertainment, quiz or an activity and a raffle.

AT KINGSLEIGH METHODISTCHURCH, KING STREET, LEIGHWE OPEN AT 11. A.M.WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 12TH

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 9TH

MONEY MATTERSThe Energy Saving TrustThe Trust’s advisers provide free, impartial advice onmaking your home more energy efficient.They can also tell you about grants for energy efficiencymeasures that may be available in your area.Call 0800 512 012 9.00am to 7.00pm Monday to Fridayand 9.00am to 12.00pm on Saturdays.www.energysavingtrust.org.uk

Free TV LicencesIf you care for someone aged 75 or over they are entitled to a freeTV licence for their home, even if they live with younger relatives.Contact TV Licensing on 0300 790 6131You will need to provide the following information:

A free TV licence will be issued within four weeks and willcover a three year period. If the person you care for hasalready paid for a full year’s TV licence but are due toturn 75 before it expires, the licence can be converted toa short-term TV licence. This will cover the person up totheir 75th birthday. Any over-payments will be refunded.If you care for someone who is blind or severely sight impaired,they qualify for a 50% concession on their TVlicence. Contact TV Licensing for more details.

National Debtlinewww.nationaldebtline.co.uk0808 808 4000

Free, confidential and independentadvice on how to deal with debt problems.

MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING DIRECTORYThis section is a dedicated online directory for Mental Health and Wellbeing Services, activities and GroupsIf you are looking for help, then the aim of the Mental health and Wellbeing directory is to help people findtheir way through the maze of mental health and wellbeing options.This site should be useful if you are looking for yourself or to help a friend or family member.More details at www.5boroughspartnership.nhs.uk/our-mental-health-and-wellbeing-directory

MENTAL HEALTH

SELF HELP THE SANCTUARYThe Sanctuary Wigan and Leigh provides a place of safety overnight for adults (aged 18+)who are experiencing panic attacks, anxiety, feeling low or suicidal.You can access this support if you are a local resident or registered with a GP in theborough, by calling 0300 003 7029.Following a conversation with the trained staff, you will be offered either telephonesupport or invited to go to The Sanctuary, between 8pm-6am, for one-to-one support.The Sanctuary is based at Claire House, Phoenix Way, Ince, Wigan, WN3 4NW.There are no beds to sleep in, but you can stay until you feel ready to leave.

RETHINK Advice team about mental health & related issues0300 5000 927 Monday - Friday 9.30am - 4pm, not including bank holidays

Samaritans – 08457 90 90 90 (24-hours a day)

Saneline – A national, out-of-hours helpline for people affected by mental health

difficulties (open every day of the year 6pm to 11pm) – 0845 767 8000

No Panic – Support for those experiencing panic attacks, compulsive disorder, anxiety

etc (open every day 10.00 am to 10.00 pm) – 0800 138 8889

Mind Legal Advice Line – Provides legal information and general advice on mentalHealth related law – 0300 466 6463 or legal@mind.org.uk

DEMENTIA

Mobile Multi-Sensory Service To provide a mobile multi-sensory service to those people living with dementia. Multisensory stimulation is the use of equipment to stimulate the senses such as touch, sight, hearing and smell. For example, specialist equipment such as bubble tubes, sensory projectors and aromatherapy, provides a calming environment in a darkened space. Call Amy on 07899924696 or email amy@sensoriel.co.uk

Dementia Buddy The Good Deeds Trust purchased Guardian Angel devices which are programmed tocontain in case of emergency details of a family member or carer (usually a name and phone number)Placing a smart phone against the tag will reveal these details on the screen of the mobile from whichthe family member or carer can be contacted.For further information please contact Mark Aldred at Good Deeds on 01942 888990or email dementiabuddy.co.uk.

3RING PLUSImagine just by mum making a cup of tea or dad turning on the TV to watch his favourite programme, that thewhole family can know that their loved ones are OK each day or alerted if things may not be. That’s what the3Rings Plug does.No Internet is needed for the Plug as it has its own built in mobile phone. Simply plug in and connect an applianceAnd the 3Rings Service alerts are sent directly to the family’s smartphones, tablets or PCs. Price from £79 with amonthly subscription.For more information visit: www.3rings.co.uk, email info@3rings.co.uk or telephone 0161 731 0081.

Magical MemoriesReminiscence and friendship sessionsAt Tyldesley Library for people withDementia and their carers. Sessionsare the 1st Wednesday of every month11.30 am till 2pm and includes a freelunch. Booking is essential.For details callMarlene Chadwick/Sandra Ashcroftat Tyldesley LibraryT: 01942 404738.

Grow for GivingBased at the Community Patchwork plot at TyldesleyAllotment delivering a 2 year dementia friendly programmefor people with dementia in the Tyldesley area, in their newpurpose built log cabin.For details call Pamela Brown at Grow for GivingT: 07772 481 421

What happens next?A Dementia Support Worker will contact you, usuallywithin two weeks of your referral. They can arrange anappointment to see you, if necessary, at your home oranother suitable location.During this time they will discuss your needs as a carer andmake a plan of support tailored to you.They can provide information about caring for a person withdementia and support

If you are caring for someone withdementia, their Dementia SupportService is here to give you practicaland emotional support.

Your Local Alzheimer’s SocietyAlzheimer’s SocietyWigan Investment CentreWaterside DriveWiganWN3 5BAE: wigan@alzheimers.org.ukT: 01942 247 837

Charity Psychic Night.

What a great time we had at our Charity Psychic Night at the Leigh Miners Club on the 16th of September.Thanks to John Booth for organising the event and to all of you who came along making this event a success.A big thank you to the Psychic mediums Karen Berrey, Gemma Yates, Sam Kirkham, Robin Lamb,Lillian Taylor, Maggie Bate, the card reader Karen Shearer, and the committee for all their support.Thanks to Janet and Alison for making the prizes for the raffle and to those people who donated prizes.£1,192.33 was raised on the night which will be used to support carers.

FUNDRAISING

MEET US AT THE CARERS RIGHTS DAYFRIDAY 25TH NOVEMBER‘Supporting Carers to Improved Health’ event isBeing held at Rose Bridge Academy, Holt Street,Ince, WN1 3HD, From 3.15pm until 6.15pm.There will be lots of information stalls for carers,health checks and free hotpot too.

We are always keen to receive any comments, suggestions and articles from carers to include in futureEditions of the newsletter because no one can speak up for carers better than carers themselves.

WHY NOT ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESSHERE AND SUPPORT OUR GROUP INTHE PROCESS..CONTACT THE GROUP BY TELEPHONEOR EMAIL TO DISCUSS FURTHER.

CARERS OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

Kidz to Adultz North

Thursday 17th November 2016,9.30am - 4.30pmEventCity,Barton Dock Road,Manchester, M17 8ASFree Entry, Accessible Parking

Planning a holiday is exciting and sometimes stressful.If you have a child with autism, a trip away may involveextra organising and preparation.This guide will help you to prepare.The word 'child' is used throughout this page, but the information provided may also be applicable to adults.http://www.autism.org.uk/about/family-life/holidays-trips/preparation.aspx

I

USEFUL CONTACTSThe National Autistic SocietyGreater ManchesterAutism ConsortiumTel: 0161 998 4667

NAS Autism HelplineTel: 0808 800 4104

NAS Parent2Parent ServiceTel: 0808 800 4106WIGAN COUNCILChildrens Services - 01942 828300Direct Payments Team 01942 404507Complex Needs Team 01942 487278

From Child to Adult :Disability Transition and Family FinancesA useful guide as young disabled people turn16, 17, 18 or 19 years of age.The guide can be downloaded fromwww.workingfamilies.org.ukin the Waving not Drowning section of the site.

Banardos Wigan Autism ServiceLorraine Price Autism Service Pathway ManagerSEND Team, Wigan Council, Progress House,Westwood Park Drive, Wigan WN3 4HHTel: 01942 486142 ext: 8612 Email: lorraine.price@wigan.gov.uk

How to make a referral to the Banardos‘s Autism ServiceTo make a referral professionals should obtain a referral form from: The Wigan SEND Team will decidewhether the referral fulfils the following criteria:Child age 3 - 19 with a diagnosis ofAutism Spectrum Condition/Aspergers.Children and young people whose needs cannot be met by targeted or universal services.

GRANTS FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES WITH DISABILITIES

Family Fund - Help families across the UK who are raising a disabled

child or young person with additional complex needs or children and

young people with a serious illness. Applications for a Family Fund

grant can be made by the parent or carer of the disabled child or

young person. Young people aged 16 and 17 can make an application

in their own right. Telephone: 08449 744 099

Caudwell Trust - provide family support services, equipment,

treatment and therapies for disabled children and their families

across the UK. They also run their Enable Sport programme for

talented disabled athletes and our Destination Dreams holiday for

children fighting life threatening conditions.

Telephone: 0845 300 1348

Buttle UK - Have a Small Grants Programme that provides essential

items to children and young people whose health, safety and well-being

are at risk. They provide a fast response to families living in crisis, when

there is no one else that can help. Telephone: 020 7828 7311.

YOUNG CARERS FESTIVAL SOUTHAMPTON 2016

What a weekend, rain, hail, thunder, lightening and of course the typical festival mud. Everyone had a goodtime at the Young Carers Festival in Southampton, where young carers from across the country came togetherfor a weekend of fun, activities and music. A joint funded activity with Wigan Young Carers.A big Thank you to to Greystone Financial Services who donated £1000 for the trip and to the staff atSANTANDER in the North West who raised money for CCSG to help fund the weekend away.

Skills SolutionsSkills Solutions is the largest work-basedlearning provider in Greater Manchester, andis one of the largest providers ofApprenticeships in the North West. Call themon 0161 233 2656 to see if they have anapprenticeship that’s right for you.

NationalApprenticeshipScheme0800 0150 600.www.apprenticeships.org.uk

National Careers Service0800 100 900.www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk

W

Looking For WORK

NationalApprenticeshipScheme0800 0150 600.www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Wigan Youth Zone 01942 612061Enterprise and Employability Youth Worker Sikander AliFrom our dedicated Enterprise Suite he runs our jobclubs, CV workshops, application and interviewtraining and apprentice opportunities.Wednesday Drop In 4-8 pm. Cost 50p

HELPLINESChildline 0800 111 ,For Anyone aged 18 or under who wants to talk day or night talk about any problem.You can make up a name, they keep everything private and it doesn’t show up on BT ‘telephone bills’.

Samaritans 0345 909090 For anyone in distress or suicidal. They will listen day or night and keepeverything private.

Talk to Frank 0800 776600 Yes Confidential advice or information for anyone with a drug problem,their own or someone in the family e-mail: frank@talktofrank website: www.talktofrank.com

AlateenAlateen is for teenage relatives and friends of alcoholics. Alateen is part of Al-Anon.For details of local Alateen meetings contact 0207 7593 2070. Website: www.al-anonuk.org.uk/alateen

Brook Confidential sexual health advice to the under 25’s 01942 614390

BABBLE is an online service for young carers were you can find other young people in a similar position, chat, share your stories and hear about others experiences.You can access information and advice to support you in your caring role and talkdirectly to Babble’s team of specialist workers. To find out more visit: www.babble.carers.org

Keep safeTransportPlan your journey to and from home. If you get a taxi or minicab, make sure it’s licensed.Only flag down black hackney carriage cabs from the street.Don’t accept lifts from someone who has taken drugs or had too much to drink.In Greater Manchester, if a young person loses their bus fare, they can get a free bus homeby showing their IGO card and giving the driver their name and address.This will be challenged if you do it too often.

YOUNG CARERS

RailcardsThere may be savings you can make on rail travel - theDisabled Person’s Railcard costs 20 for a year or 54For three years. It gives the person and an accompanyingadult one-third off most rail fares. Ask at your local trainstation or visit www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk orphone 0845 605 0525.The Senior Railcard costs 28 for a year or 65 for threeyears and is open to anyone 60 or over. Savings of up toa third on standard and first class rail fares. Ask at yourlocal train station for details or visitwww.senior-railcard.co.uk or phone 0844 871 4036

RADAR National Key SchemeThe RADAR National Key Scheme (NKS) allowsdisabled people to access around 7,000 lockedpublic toilets around the country.For a small charge you can buy a key from:Wigan Life Centre, The Wiend, Wigan WN1 1NHLeigh Town Hall, Market Street, Leigh, WN7 1DY

Out and About

Top Tips to keep yourhome secure:- Keep your doors and windowslocked even when you’re in.- Make your home look lived in – usetimer switches if you’re not home.- Keep valuables out of view.- Door chimes and burglar alarmswill deter a burglar from enteringyour property.- Restrict access to the rear ofyour property.For more information abouthome security call 101 and askto speak to your local CrimePrevention Officer.

Don’t forget while you are in or out to keep yourValuables and home safe

HOLIDAYS - Benevolent funds or charity fundingYou may be able to get help with the cost of going on holiday – either alone or with the person you carefor – from a charity or benevolent fund. Your social worker, GP, health visitor or local carers' supportgroup can give you more information on local benevolent funds and other possible sources of funding.You might find help from the following:Saga Respite for Carers Trust provides a limited number of free holidays each year for carers over theage of 50 and the people they look after.The Family Fund can provide grants towards the cost of holidays for families on a low income who arecaring for a child with a severe disability.The Family Holiday Association is a UK charity providing breaks at holiday sites, or grants to help withthe cost of a holiday, to low-income families in need of a holiday away from home. You need to be referred by your social worker, GP or health visitor, or by a charity or other welfare agent.The Children's Country Holiday Fund provides respite breaks in the countryside for young carersaged 6 to 16 and disadvantaged children and young people.

DISABLED TOILETSA new app for mobile telephones has beenintroduced. It costs £2.99 and gives the locationOf all disabled toilets in the UK. Handy when you are on holiday or days out.

Free Cinema TicketsIf the person you care for is in receipt of DisabilityLiving Allowance or holds a Disabled Persons Railcardor is registered blind, they may be entitled to a nationalConcessionary Cinema Exhibitor Association Card.This entitles the holder to a free ticket for a personwhen accompanying them to the cinema. So you only

and the CEA Card is valid for 1 year. For further detailsand an application form, please contact:CEA Card, The Card Network 0845 123 1292Network House St Ives Way, Sandicroftwww.ceacard.co.uk

CROSSROADS CARERS SUPPORT GROUPREGISTRATION FORM

CARERS DETAILS

Name:

Date of birth:

Current address:

Postcode

Email: Phone: Mobile:

CARED FOR DETAILS

Name

Address: Date of birth:

What kind of care is provided and how often:

Who do you care for? What is your relationship to them?

GP NAME AND ADDRESS

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO BECONTACTED

TED BY US

Telephone: Post: Face to Face: Email:

DO YOU WANT ANY SPECIFIC INFORMATION

Signature Date:

All the views expressed in the publication are individual and not necessarily the view orpolicy of the support group or its supporters.

Editor. Andrew Shacklady

UTILITIES Gas Escapes - Transco 0800 111 999 Electricity Supply 0800 195 4141 Water Supply - Leaks 0800 330 033

HEALTH Dental Emergency - In Normal Hours 01942 614390 Out of Normal Hours 0845 603 8504 Wigan Infirmary Accident and Emerg 01942 822 440 Continence Advisory Service 01942 482497

Drinkline 0800 917 8282 NHS Direct 111

WIGAN COUNCILPhone:01942 244991 Minicom: 01942 404141Housing Benefits Council Tax - 01942 489002Central Duty Team 01942 828 777Adult Services out Of Hours 0161-834-2436Council out of hours emergenciesFor genuine emergencies concerning drainage, flooding, street lighting,building and electrical repairs, highways. 01942 404040Emergency repairs to council houses 01942 489005

You can accessthe Website byscanning theQR CODE

Greater Manchester Police Non Emergency Ring 0161 873 5050For fire, police, ambulance emergencies Emergency Ring 999 Crimestoppers 0800 555 111

Useful Contacts For Carers

Local OrganisationsAge Uk 01942 241972Citizens Advice Bureau - 0300 330 1153Lowton, Golborne & Ashton Mencap - 01942 608 942Dementia Buddy - 01942 888990Wigan and Leigh Young Carers -Home Delivery Library Service - 01942 486985Sesoriel 0789992469

NATIONAL ORGANISATIONSCarers UK - Advice line - 0808 808 7777Lone Parent Helpline - 0800 018 502Diabetes UK Careline - 0845 120 2960Parkinson’s National helpline - 0808 800 0303Mencap - National helpline - 0808 808 1111.National Autistic Society - 020 7833 2299

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If you have anything you would like tosee in the next newsletter, a poem or astory, an article, your favourite recipe.Please E-mail it to:ccsg.group@hotmail.comor contact us on 07807 210913