spring summer 201 the junction spring / summer 2017...

The JunctionGloucester, Stroud, Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and the Cotswolds

Registered Charity Number: 1111055

Crossroads Care Newsletter: Spring / Summer 2017

The JunctionCrossroads Care Newsletter for Gloucester, Stroud,

Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and the Cotswolds


Spring / Summer 2017

Do you care for a loved one? Read our newsletter to find how we can help you and your family

01452 302 542 www.crossroadscandeg.org.uk [email protected]

Fundraising at Colesbourne Park p10

Azalea Club gets a visit p6

Independent living p12

Makeover for a wedding p12

Lunch at Gloucester Cathedral p11




call: 01452 302 542

How it all began...

In 1973, the soap opera Crossroads featured a storyline where Sandy, the son of the Crossroads Motel owner Megan, had a car accident and was paralysed. His mother had to care for him at home.

Noel Crane, a local man from Rugby, who was being cared for by his mother at the time saw the programme and wrote in, complimenting ATV, the programme makers, on their portrayal of the needs of someone with a disability.

They took him on as an adviser on disability issues and shared his concerns about the lack of support for people like his mother, whose life had undergone significant change as a result of his accident.

ATV then donated £10,000 in 1974 to set up a pilot project in Rugby with the aim of supporting carers in a practical way.

In its first year of operation, Crossroads supported 26 families. By 2012 it had grown to over 43,000 carers and their families. There were originally four Crossroads schemes in Gloucestershire; three of these have merged to form Crossroads Care Central and East Gloucestershire, covering all of Gloucestershire apart from the area looked after by Crossroads Care Forest of Dean and Herefordshire, our network partner.

On 1st April 2012 Crossroads Care and Princess Royal Trust for Carers merged to found Carers Trust. The independent charities that now came under Carers Trust became ‘network partners’. As a network partner of Carers Trust we work within a framework of national policies, procedures and guidance to ensure a high quality service to carers and the people they care for. In addition, support and guidance are available from Carers Trust on all areas of activity. We are registered with the Care Quality Commission and are a Gloucestershire County Council approved provider.

This issue 1. Dear Debbie2. No longer a carer4. The Azalea Club7. Self neglect and Hoarding8. News9. Growing old in Africa

10. Fundraising round up12. People13. Events14. Learning15. Questionaire Feedback16. Competition17. About Us18. Our services

Edited by Rosalind Cookson

Welcome to Crossroads Care Central and East Gloucestershire’s Spring/Summer 2017 Newsletter

TheJunctionGloucester, Stroud, Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and the Cotswolds



www.crossroadscandeg.org.uk




My husband Rey suffered from a stroke almost three years ago which left him with weak left upper and lower extremities and needing care. Since then, our family has had to undergo tremendous adjustments to accommodate Rey’s needs. Luckily we have people like you.

I would just like to let you know how much I appreciate you taking care of my husband to give me some rest time. You have been really helpful to me. By having you looking after my husband, I am able to do a lot of things. I can find time to go to town and relax for a bit, do my groceries, visit friends, do various household chores, and much more. Also, I am a nurse by profession and sometimes work night shifts. This respite break allows me to catch up on some much needed quality sleep. The break that you give to me refreshes me so that I am ready to take care of my husband.

Your work is essential, not only for the people you care for but also for society as a whole. In a way, I think you can be called our societal daughters as you guide, support and help my husband who needs that special attention beyond our own. Every effort you make, small or big, adds to people’s improved quality of life, and that is something to admire.

If you ever feel down, or think that your work is not being appreciated, remember, that many families in this world are grateful that you exist and all of us are thanking you from the bottom of our hearts. In spite of all the scientific advancements in medicine, the cures we find or the medical mysteries we unravel, we will always need people like you, to take care of our loved ones. More power to the dedication you are giving to your profession.

Dear DebbieCarer Fely Lluisma writes to Debbie Jones, Care manager, Stroud and Gloucester

Letters

1




call: 01452 302 542 [2]

Jean and I travelled together on the journey of dementia. Ten years of the ‘longest goodbye’ that is now over.

For ten years I have been a carer. This title was given too soon after Jean was diagnosed with vascular dementia. To be honest I knew something was happening long before that fateful day when we sat together with Jean’s consultant and were given the life-changing news. Soon after, I attended a six week training session when the title of carer was

bestowed. At first very little changed for me. Not so Jean. She was terrified of what the future held. These were dark days for both of us. Our life together slowly began to settle and we were fortunate to meet many wonderful people.

The illness progressed, but still we were able with help and support to live together at home. About 18 months ago Jean began to suffer from seizures. The seizures caused a number of stays in hospital.

No Longer a Carer

Support

In loving memory of Jean

Malcolm, who has been caring for his wife Jean for many years, was approached by The Junction to tell readers about his experience as a carer. He agreed without hesitation. This is his story.








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Malcolm’s poem to friends and carers at CrossroadsYou take time to listen You always seem to care It means so much to me To always know you’re there

I can’t tell you, I wish I could But I know you understand You fill my broken heart with joy when you smile and hold my hand.

Support

After each episode Jean lost more of her physical and cognitive abilities. The last seizure in September of last year caused serious physical injuries. In addition she became immobile and unresponsive. I was advised at the hospital that Jean was entering the final stages and would require 24 hours nursing care. I was fortunate in finding a wonderful care centre. Jean was transferred to the centre from hospital in October.

I was no longer Jean’s carer. No more routine, sleepless nights, visits from carers. The washing machine was hardly used. My days that were once filled were now empty. I visited Jean each and every day at first. I began to visit less often as I found

sitting next to a lifeless Jean distressing. Despite the care Jean continued to decline until she was virtually in a state of coma. I once had purpose, now I just felt sad. Then one day on a visit to see Jean I was introduced to a new member of staff as Jean’s husband. I was no longer a carer.

Many readers will just be starting their journeys and some will have spent a lifetime caring for a loved one. We are all different but share a common purpose to support a loved

one. I reminisce now and think about the special people who supported me. Without their help and generosity I know we would not have been able to spend as long together as we did.

I knew something was happening long before that fateful day when we sat together with Jean’s consultant

and were given the life-changing news.

If you would you like to share your story please ring us on: 01452 302 542 or talk to your Care Manager.




call: 01452 302 542 [4]

The Azalea Club

So, there I am, and it’s like going to my first day at school. I had no idea of who was going to be there, how many, or even if I would know anybody. There were so many questions going through my mind, and they were very difficult to process (dementia + questions + searching for answers = a really difficult situation!) My wife, was taking me up to the group in our car and as we approached the hospital, my nerves became extensive.

We got out of the car, got me into my wheelchair and with a quick, “Are you ready then?” from my wife, we began to make our way up into the hospital to meet everybody else in the group. In truth, I really didn’t know anybody, in reality I did know one, but he didn’t remember me.

We started off with coffees, biscuits and cakes, and an introduction of everyone in the group, and actually we start off that way every week as there is always someone new, someone who is starting afresh, and it always works out very well. We have a general discussion about what we want to do for the day, setting aside the time to complete anything from the week before. Then, after doing some of our art work, we tend to make our way down to the dining room, and enjoy some of the best food that any hospital has to offer. At this point I will mention the staff that look after us. They may be low in numbers and desperately need more to help, but the real thing about them is that each member of staff appears to do the work of two or three. They have an ability to take on crises with joviality, and often they now have to have the ability to take on me, and they do it all in their stride. They have no problems with dealing with anything and they are to be recommended I would say, pretty close to a knighthood for what they do for the group.

Looking back over the first few weeks that I was there, there was one week where I was away on respite. For the period of that week I was missing the group, but also apparently they were missing me too.

Clubs

My experience of Azalea ClubOne of our gentleman who is a regular attendee of Azalea Club writes to tell readers of The Junction what to expect








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I found that to be quite endearing and I found it very pleasing.

We decided that one of the weekly activities would be Word of the Week. Each week a word would be chosen and we would try to figure out what that word meant. Now that word could be decades old, or it could be a very new word. Both staff and members of the group would always try their best to work out what that word meant. For reasons best known to the rest of the group, I was chosen to be the wordsmith, so it was up to me to choose a word each week, and of course that meant that I had to be au fait with everything that word could mean. I didn’t try to make the words too difficult, but

similarly I didn’t want them to be too easy, so there was a mix, and this so far has worked well.

But what the group has done directly for me needs to be measured according to what I have been looking for out of the group. Everybody in the group has offered time and energy into what we are doing which has made it easier for us all, and even those of us who have been feeling less than good health, have been cared for by both staff and guests. Personally, I think that my experience has been that, without them, I may have been okay, but with them, I know that I am better than okay. They make me feel not just wanted, but in some kind of way, special. They have a knack of making you feel as if you are being put first, and that makes it feel as if it is

possible to continue, not with life as it always was, but at least with some measure of life.

We all know that our lives have been permanently changed, to the point where we feel that there is the possibility that things may happen. But the important bit is that we are built up and prepared for such possibilities. I think that without such a group, I probably couldn’t fight this world on my own.

So, as someone who wears hats frequently, I take my hat off to this group, this team, this family, and I say to them thank you for everything. I feel that I have a fighting chance, and that I will always be given every opportunity (and odd fig biscuit) to make myself known and heard. I give my heartfelt thanks to the Azalea Club, knowing that whatever happens, they will always be there for me.

Clubs

Every week as there is always someone new, someone who is starting afresh, and it always works out very well.




call: 01452 302 542 [6]

Azalea ClubsWhere to find us

Clubs

A special visitWe were delighted to receive a visit from the Mayor of Gloucester, Neil Hampson to our Azalea Day Club at Lynworth Court in Cheltenham. Neil spoke to people who attend our day club and heard about the vital breaks we provide their carers. During the morning we made bird feeders for people to take home to their gardens to enjoy. As it was St Patrick’s day we had Irish stew and homemade rice pudding on the menu.

Lynworth Court, Lynworth Place, Prestbury, Cheltenham Glos GL52 5DZ Monday 10am – 3pm

Wallace House, Windermere Road, Hatherley, Cheltenham Glos GL51 3PF Tuesdays 10am – 3pm

Cirencester Hospital Tetbury Road, Cirencester GL7 1UY Wednesdays 10am – 3pm

Jameson Court, Moreton in Marsh, Glos GL56 0EW Fridays 10am – 3pm

For more information about Azalea Clubs including how your attendance can be funded please call Liz West - 01452 302 542 (Ext3)








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At Crossroads Care we need to keep everyone we support safe and well, and that means working with the Gloucestershire Safeguarding Adults Board. When we start a service with you, your Care Manager will have talked to you about our obligation to report to the appropriate authorities any incidents we observe or become aware of, that are classed as abusive. Abuse is a horrible thing and the Care Act 2014 outlines ten different types of abuse. We are all familiar with physical or financial abuse. There is a new category, Self Neglect, which is defined by a wide range of behaviour such as neglecting to care for ones personal hygiene, health or surroundings, and includes behaviour such as hoarding.

Some of us will remember the “Life of Grime” TV series and Mr Trebus, a compulsive hoarder. The programme followed a team of environmental health inspectors and according to Wikipedia “Its appeal was based on disgust and the eccentric but often vivid and eloquent characters, most famously Edmund Trebus, encountered either hoarding rubbish or keeping huge numbers of animals.”

I watched the programme with a mixture of shock and disgust and feeling at a loss, how can anyone help? This was in 1999 and things were seen differently then. Programmes like this are still on the television and it is easy just to see piles of rubbish and a chaotic house but we are beginning to see that people who hoard are doing it for a reason. I remember watching a lady crying as she took out a plaster cast she had saved for years from when her son had broken his ankle. She was asked very

gently, “If it makes you upset why do you keep it?”

Keeping things is natural human behaviour but it can get out of control and compulsive hoarding is a serious mental disorder that has been associated with health risks, impaired functioning, economic burden, and adverse effects on friends and family members. When clinically significant enough to impair functioning, hoarding can prevent typical uses of space, enough so that it can limit activities such as cooking, cleaning, moving through the house, and sleeping. It can also put the individual and others at risk of fires, falling, poor sanitation, and other health concerns. Compulsive hoarders may be aware of their irrational behavior, but the emotional attachment to the hoarded objects far exceeds the motive to discard the items.

We are not experts at Crossroads Care on hoarding but we are all learning and developing our skills and practice. If you feel that you or someone you know needs support with hoarding or other forms of self neglect please let someone know, we are here to do what we can to help.

Self neglect and hoarding by Ruth Knight

Safeguarding




call: 01452 302 542 [8]

Elaine is a registered social worker with practitioner experience across both adult and children’s sectors. She is also an approved social worker under the Mental Health Act. She previously worked as a CEO within the children’s and families’ voluntary sector and has experience in organisational change, strategic business planning, growth, the delivery of quality services and developing strategic partnerships. Elaine has also been a trustee and Chair previously, working closely with trustees to deliver the charity’s strategic goals.

Elaine describes her experience so far I have been a carer for just over a year.

It has given a different perspective to my professional roles. I love my mother very much and admire what she and my dad achieved. They enabled me to have a very different life to the one I could have had, had they not made their brave journey to this country in the late 1950s. My dad passed away four years ago and I have returned to Gloucester from London to live with mum who has not been coping with her many ailments. It was her emotional distress and loneliness in particular, that I couldn’t over look. She loves having me as her housemate and it has had a positive emotional effect. I can’t say it’s what I would have chosen for my life but now is the time for sacrifices, and with the support of siblings I do get time out. Phew I need it! But we all appreciate that, mum included. I feel a real appreciation through my own experience for Crossroads and foresee only growing needs.’

We sadly say goodbye to: Judith Franklin, Kim Cole, Margaret Dimond, Barbara Epps, Louisa Merrick, Clive Weyman, Ian Weyman, Pam Marsh, Angela Jolley, Carole Morgan, Claire Powell, Diana Wiggins, Chez Cleaton and Theresa Spencer. And we welcome: Jenny Mills, Julie Bailey, Pat Warner and Jan Vonburg.

Barton climbs Ben NevisJulie Cooper and her husband took our friend Barton on a very special trip in January, all the way to the top of Ben Nevis! Well done to both for completing such a challenging hike.

Please visit our newsletter’s back page to find out how you can grab yourself a Barton!

A warm welcomeWe welcome Elaine Pearson Scott to our Board of Trustees

News








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Growing old in AfricaInterview with Samson Mwale, Finance Manager for Crossroads

Last year Samson Mwale went to Zambia to visit his 90 year old parents who live on a farm in a settlement near Petauke. Debbie and Samson have talked about their life and how different it is; Samson wanted to share how they live and the difficulties they face.

Who supports your parents? They live with four members of our extended family in thatched huts. Their children all live away or overseas.

What is their staple diet? Their diet consists mainly of maize meal.

Where is the nearest shop? The closest town is ten miles away. They can buy most supplies they need in a supermarket there.

Where do they get water from? They go to wells with a cart pulled by cattle, or to a borehole at a local school three miles away. Sometimes the wells dry up.

What is the climate like? Tropical with humid, wet and dry seasons.

Do they grow any crops or have livestock? They grow maize, groundnuts and cotton which they sell. They have cattle, pigs and

chickens. The husks from the maize are used to feed the animals. They have boys to look after their ten cows as they are free roaming and they take them to grazing areas. The boys are paid with food donations, and after three years they are given a calf as payment.

Where is the nearest doctor? It is ten miles to the nearest medical centre. Mr Mwale is diabetic, and has to go once a month to have his blood sugar tested. Medical treatment and medication is free, but it isn’t always in stock.

How do you help them? I sometimes send them money. I am fundraising for a borehole which will cost around £3000.

How often are you able to communicate with them? They have a mobile phone and they are able to connect to cellular provider for one hour a day. It is charged by a small solar power unit.

What would make their lives easier? Water and solar power.

What would they consider a luxury? Tea with milk.

World views




call: 01452 302 542

In October we were approached by our sister charity and Carers Trust Network Partner, Crossroads Care Forest of Dean and Hereford to take on a joint fundraising event. The mission was to gather twelve volunteers and 1000 pieces of cake to cater for the hungry visitors to Colesbourne Park for the annual snowdrop display. As Patron of Crossroads Forest of Dean and Hereford Crossroads Lady Elwes, whose home is Colsbourne Park, was keen to give us both the chance to raise money for a cause close to her heart. Each charity

would take charge of one day over the weekend of the 11th February.

The day finally arrived and armed with our 12 eager volunteers and around 600

pieces of cake which had been donated by a mixture of staff, carers, family and friends we arrived at Colesbourne Park

for what turned out to be a delightful afternoon of fundraising.

Our sincere thanks to the generosity of Sir Henry and Lady Elwes, to the volunteers who worked tirelessly pouring tea, cutting cake, washing up and chatting to the visitors, and to those who made mountains of cake. We were very grateful to receive donations for tea and coffee from Asda Gloucester and for kitchen supplies to Morrison’s Metz Way Gloucester. Cotswold Dairy supplied the dairy products for the weekend which enabled us to provide scones with proper clotted cream and plenty of milk for the tea and coffee.

We raised £1480 for both Gloucestershire Crossroads charities which will be used to support carers in Gloucestershire.

Fundraising round upIt’s been a busy six months...

Funding

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Colesbourne Park’s snowdrop display

600 pieces of cake donated by staff, carers,

family and friends

Rosalind Cookson with Claire Smeeth, Gloucestershire’s Crossroads working together








Funding

Our Christmas fundraising activityMany thanks to all of you who purchased your Christmas cards from Crossroads last year; you raised £162. We have plenty left so please consider buying from us this autumn.

We raised £166 from donated items over Christmas including a Christmas tree, two dozen bottles of beer, knitted items and handmade Christmas decorations. Many thanks to Liz Keen, Paul Holmes, Penny Sweet, and to the crafty women Araminta Fogden, Ruth Knight, Clare Lee and Jane Burriss.

We were delighted to receive two large boxes filled with Christmas food from staff at Mecca Bingo Gloucester and a gift voucher from Morrisons Metz Way Gloucester. We used these donations to provide two clients with a food parcel and lunch in the Cathedral prior to the Age UK Carol Concert.

Grant and Trust Fundraising Update

We have received £5,000 from Nationwide Community fund thanks to being nominated and supported in our application by Jen Moss, Nationwide employee and daughter of Crossroads Chair Liz Keen. The funding will be used to provide activities and transport at Azalea Club. Many thanks to Jen Moss.

In addition we are delighted to be able to announce that we have received a donation of £5,000 from Summerfield Trust towards the costs of providing arts activities at Azalea Club.

We look forward to seeing the results of this funding over the coming 18 months at Azalea Club (see pages 4-6).

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call: 01452 302 542

People

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Cheryl lives alone and with support of Crossroads Care she is able to remain living independently in the community in Stroud. Karen is one of her support workers, who has worked for Crossroads for several years. Cheryl enjoys trips out with her to the supermarket, along with support to pay her bills, do her laundry or arrange and take to appointments, topped off with a social chat and cuppa in a local garden centre or cafe. Cheryl says she enjoys a good laugh, and her weekly support visit certainly provides her with that. A familiar friendly face to cheer you up once a week is great medicine for people who are socially isolated or lonely. If you are unable to venture too far without support then please call or write to us for advice and support with any of the above, and more. See our back page for contact details.

UnveiledOur Care Support Workers

have hidden talents...

Hazel’s family requested support to get her ready for a family wedding. We were able to send along Emily who enjoys doing hair and makeup and has some experience having studied beauty at FOD college. Emily helped Hazel to get her outfit for the day ready, styled her hair, painted her nails and did her makeup. If you have something out of the ordinary that you would like some help with please ring the office, we are always happy to help.

Client profile:Supporting Cheryl’s indepenence








Events

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The Dean of Gloucester Cathedral has kindly agreed to dedicate Evensong on Wednesday 14th June to the many people who care for loved ones at home giving the opportunity for us all to reflect on the role of carers and pray for their ongoing work in supporting so many people in the County.

Please join Crossroads as we celebrate and reflect on the hard work of carers in our communities during Evensong followed by refreshments in the Chapter House at 6.15pm. Please call the office to let us know if you can come, and if you would like to stay for refreshments.

Carers Week EventWednesday 14th June 5.30pm

GIFT VOUCHERS

We are happy to announce the continued sale of our gift vouchers which may be the answer to the dreaded question of what to give as a gift to a loved one.

These are sold in multiples of £20 and could be used to give someone a special break or just to help with everyday living tasks.

New clients will need to have an assessment. If you or anyone you know is interested, please call or write to your local Crossroads office for more details.

01452 302 542 | [email protected]




call: 01452 302 542 [14]

Learning

Tell us a little about yourself

I’m caring for my wife who has dementia. She was diagnosed in September 2009, so I’ve been doing this for the best part of six years. The first two or three years I would say were fairly stable but she’s gone downhill really the last six months. So things got a lot tougher.

How did you get involved with Positive Caring?

Good question! I think it might have been through Crossroads - it wasn’t something I stumbled across myself, someone told me about it.

What were your hopes/expectations?

Going in I thought that this was all to do with information, what was I going to learn? A lot of it was social, you go along for seven sessions and it’s the same group of people, so you get to know them and of course you bat ideas off each other.

Describe a typical session: what different things did you do?

The sessions were a couple of hours and the first thing that happens when you get there is you’ll want a cup of tea which is laid on for you. We had some very good facilitators in Judith and Dawn and the two of them basically taught you everything you want to know! It was quite informal, although there was definite structure to each session. And each week you came away with a pile of leaflets and

Positive CaringCarers Gloucestershire have kindly provided The Junction with this interview with Chris, a carer who has taken part in the Positive Caring Programme.

The Positive Caring Programme is a series of friendly, free, group sessions held around the county, provided by Carers Gloucestershire, for people who look after a relative, friend, neighbour or child with a disability. It is an opportunity to meet others in similar situations and gain and share information. It provides an opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills required by a carer and to find solutions to problems.








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Feedback

course book that covered the topic you’ve just done, and I would read through and find things that I’d missed in the session.

Has anything changed for you because of the course?

I learnt that you are not alone in these things, that there is help out there which doesn’t necessarily come to you, you have to go and find it. We worked through topics such as healthy eating, moving and handling, first aid, learning things: all extremely useful.

What was the best thing for you about Positive Caring?

I think the best thing overall was the comradeship that we are all in it together. In fact at the end of the sessions we

were given the opportunity to share contact information so that we can all get together after the course. And don’t forget the refreshments and a change of scene.

If a carer was thinking of signing up for Positive Caring, what would you say to them?

You’ve got to learn things. You’ve got to realise there is information and help out there. And if you get facilitators like Judith and Dawn who put that information over in a very easy way, and easy manner, easily understandable and all the rest of it, you’ve got nothing to lose. I enjoyed all of the sessions I went to.

Thanks to all who completed our Annual QuestionnaireQuestions receiving 100% satisfaction include: How well do you feel you were informed in the setting up of your care?

Do you feel the Support Workers who look after you appreciate the need to be kept safe and well?

Do you feel we maintain your privacy and that of the person you care for?

People continue to use Crossroads to get important errands done or have a rest, with nearly 9% using us to support employment.

The Questionnaire shows that 20% of people

do not know how to make a complaint, whilst 30% say they do not know how to request a review. This is a concern to us. The complaints leaflet is issued with the “in home folder” and as a result of this survey, we will be sending everyone a new one.

Reviews are easy to request at any time, simply telephone the office and ask them to visit to undertake a review of your care needs.

We had a 43% return rate, it would be lovely to see more next year. Your responses are used to improve our service to you so every response helps.

Please call if you would like a copy of the full results on 01452 302542.

If you would like to take part in the Positive Caring Programme or would just like to find out more about it then please call Sarah or Karen on01452 500885 or email [email protected] FREE replacement care and transport available on request








Our Spot Barton competition is back! Look through and note down where you can spot Barton on each page for a chance to win a free respite break! Send your competition entry to [email protected] or put your answer on a postcard to the Gloucester office on the back page. Barton is available to purchase from the Gloucester office £5

Enter our Spot Barton Win a free break! Closing date 31st August 2017

BABOON

CHEETAH

GAZELLE

GIRAFFE

HIPPOPOTAMUS

HYENA

JACKAL

LION

OSTRICH

RHINOCEROS

TERMITE

WEAVERBIRD

WILDEBEEST

ZEBRA

African AnimalsCan you spot these 14 African animals hidden in the wordsearch?

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Competition











Who we are?Crossroads Care Central and East Gloucestershire is a specialist

organization providing support to carers and the people they care for in their own homes and in the community. We operate as an independent

incorporated charity working in Gloucestershire. Crossroads Care Central and East Gloucestershire provides services that respond to the needs of

carers and the people they support, offering them peace of mind and understanding and works with them and stakeholders to influence

service innovation and growth.

Our Charitable ObjectivesOur charitable objectives are to relieve the stresses experienced by carers (any person involved in the provision of care for a person with care needs)

and anyone who has care needs as a result of a disability, illness or age.

Our VisionOur Vision is of a community where the role and contribution of family carers

and people with care and support needs are recognised and they have access to a range of quality care and support services they need to live their own lives and

maintain their health and wellbeing.

Our MissionOur mission is to provide a range of services that recognise and respond to

the individual needs of family carers, and people with care and support needs. To offer carers peace of mind and understanding so they may improve their

own health and well-being by having time for themselves and to take a break from caring.

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About us




call: 01452 302 542

We are here for you

Care at Home

One to one support and personal care for people living in their own homes.

Out and About

Support to go on an outing, carers may come along or take a break.

Memory Clubs

Activities for those with memory problems and their carers.

Carers Emergency Scheme

A free service providing 48 hours of cover in the home for carers in an emergency.

Azalea Club

Enabling carers to ‘take care of themselves’ while their loved ones are supported.Travel and lunch can be provided.

Funding may be available for all of these services, please call us at the office and ask.

Our Services

Call the number below and our friendly office staff will be happy to answer any of your queries, or direct your call.

Crossroads Care Gloucester OfficeCheltenham, Gloucester, Tewkesbury, Stroud and the Cotswolds local authority [email protected] 4 St James Court 285 Barton Street Gloucester GL1 4JE

Call us on 01452 302 542 (Extension numbers below)

1 Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and Cotswolds 2 Stroud and Gloucester

3 Out and about and Azalea Club 4 Finance 5 Fundraising

spring summer 201 the junction spring / summer 2017...

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