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caretimeThe newsletter for carers in Bath & North East Somerset

SUMMER 2015 www.banescarerscentre.org.uk FREE

‘I remember Paul would come home from his job in construction and say that some of the young guys at work were hiding his tools. At the time I didn’t think much of it, but now I realise it was the start of his memory problems.’

Tracey Seymour’s husband Paul was just 54 when he was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

‘A few things started to happen at home – Paul would leave the fridge door open, forget his keys, or couldn’t remember what I’d asked him to get at the shop – and the penny dropped for me that something wasn’t right,’ says Tracey.

After a visit to his GP, Paul was referred to the RICE Memory Clinic.

‘When we walked in there was a lot of information about dementia and I thought, this is it. I knew why we were there. All the information, the posters, though, were all directed at the elderly. Everyone was old. Paul noticed this and he just looked at me and burst into tears. I knew then he was frightened; I knew that this was the path we were going to go down.

Carer Passionate About Alzheimer’s Awareness

‘The consultant was upset when she delivered the news. She said we were very young to be seeing her, which made it hard for her to say that it was Alzheimer’s.’

The couple, who have been happily married for 32 years, initially had difficulty accepting the news.

‘We had a fortnight or so of shock, disbelief and ‘why me’. But then we decided that these are the cards we’ve been dealt, so let’s get on with it. Part of that for me is getting the word out there that it can happen in your 50s.

Continued from page 1 Carer Passionate About Alzheimer’s Awareness

‘There might be a lot of people that age feeling ‘forgetful’ and not getting the support they need because they just don’t think it could ever be dementia or Alzheimer’s,’ Tracey says.

Tracey said initially when she was offered support as a carer she felt like a fraud. ‘I didn’t think I was a carer, and I do feel it is my duty as his wife to look after Paul as he has looked after me through the years. But I realise how important that support is and I’m lucky to be in an area where there is so much support. And I do know now that I’m doing more than I would – Paul needs a routine and I play a big role in managing that, plus running the household and working part time.

‘Paul is still working which is wonderful and everyone at work is supportive and understanding. But I do think of the future, when he won’t be able to continue, and I wonder about what life will be like and how we will manage financially.’

Ultimately for Tracey it’s important to find the balance between living life normally, and accepting that Paul has Alzheimer’s.

‘We do make jokes,’ Tracey says. ‘When Paul has a mishap my son might say ‘honestly, Dad!’ and Paul will say, ‘well I’m allowed, I have Alzheimer’s!’ I think it’s helpful for Paul to have some sense of normality and openness.’

Five percent of all Alzheimer’s cases are classed as early-onset, which is defined as ‘under 65’.

‘It’s not a lot - but I’m in that five percent and I think people just don’t see us. I want to take this and help people understand that it’s not just old people, it’s not just people who are grey who can get Alzheimer’s. I would love to see a picture at the Memory Clinic of someone younger, someone who is still working, someone with a mortgage and children. Because that is the reality.’

I would love to see a picture at the Memory Clinic of someone younger, someone who is still working, someone with a mortgage and children. Because that is the reality.

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A Note From Sonia‘It is great to be back and to find the organization flourishing and the team working as hard as ever to support carers. I had a fantastic 6 month career break and lived mostly in Lake Tahoe, a beautiful and mountainous region of California. I managed to achieve all of my aims; I increased our funding contacts and put in over 200 funding bids and letters in my time away, helping to create a sustainable basis as we continue to increase the number of ways we help carers. I worked on my PHD which is enabling me research my own practice as the leader of the Carers’ Centre, though I still have a long way to go and I won’t be Dr. Hutchison until at least 2018! Most importantly of all I had a wonderful break both from work and from caring for my mum who has severe mental health and addiction issues. The greatest learning I gained as I spent my days skiing, hiking and boarding was that we need to look after ourselves. I have come back determined to be a role model for staff, volunteers and most importantly carers. I look forward to seeing many of you over the next few months and let’s remember that whilst we are all working hard in our roles to check on each other and make sure we are all looking after ourselves.’

Betty Long, 83, is a passionate pianist and music lover, and has been a carer for most of her life. Before her husband Cliff had a stroke more than 25 years ago, Betty cared for her mother.

‘It’s very hard,’ says Betty. ‘I don’t do as much as I did, as I have my children and paid carers who come in to help me, so I usually look after him between six and ten in the evening. But there’s still a lot of worry about the situation, and sometimes I feel guilty that I’m not doing enough.’

After getting in touch with the Carers’ Centre, Betty was introduced to the idea of a befriender, a volunteer who would come and spend time with her to talk about her caring role. Alex Hurley is one of the Carers’ Centre’s volunteer befrienders and now meets with Betty weekly for a couple of hours.

‘We’ve been meeting for about a year now, and I’ve definitely seen a change in Betty,’ says Alex. ‘It’s allowed her to be more open and allow herself to have time just for her,’ she says.

‘It’s been a tough road, with Cliff being quite unwell over the last few months, it’s been hard on all the family who have had to pull together,’ says Alex. ‘It’s an opportunity for Betty to just talk and offload with someone who understands what’s going on, without any judgement.’

Cliff’s stroke left him unable to speak, so he and Betty sometimes struggle to communicate.

‘I can’t have conversations with Cliff,’ says Betty. ‘It really, really helps to have someone to talk to, or sometimes we’ve managed to go out for a cup of coffee if someone’s here with Cliff, as I daren’t leave him on his own.

‘Alex and I get on really well, it’s marvellous. I look forward to seeing her and our two hours just fly by,’ says Betty.

‘It’s a really powerful, good thing to do,’ says Alex of volunteering. ‘Just by giving someone time and letting them chat you can see how much it helps.

‘It can be very isolating being a carer and not being able to get out, so having someone to talk to helps them to keep going.’

The Carers’ Centre’s befriending team provides a hugely valuable service, offering a friendly presence to people who may be going through a challenging time caring for someone they love. If you would like more information about volunteering at the Carers’ Centre, please phone 0800 0388 885 or visit our website banescarerscentre.org.uk/volunteer

National Volunteer Week is this June 1st – 7th to celebrate and recognise the wonderful work of volunteers across the UK.

Befriending Leads to True Friendship for Alex and Betty

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Carers Week at Dorothy HouseThe Family Support Team at Dorothy House are organising two canal boat trips on the Kennet and Avon Canal for carers of hospice patients on Thursday 11th June. It will be a chance to relax, have some time out and eat cake! To book please phone 01225 722 988. Stop Adult Abuse Information Sessions16th June: Advice on financial abuse at Swallow, Midsomer Norton, 10am - 1pm. 17th June: Afternoon tea for mental health carers, at Oriel Hall, Larkhall, 1:30pm - 4:30pm

Exciting new ways to volunteer!Over the past few months we’ve developed some new ways that you can get involved to help other carers. These include volunteering at a brand new Carer Hub at the RUH; supporting our Community Activator project; helping out at some of our breaks and of course, helping out in our garden. We’d love to have you as part of our team, so if you’d like to find out about these or any of our other volunteer opportunities please get in touch! 0800 0388 885 or info@banescarerscentre.org.uk

Carers Week 2015 Events for you 8th – 14th June

Carers’ NewsfeedWhat’s new in your community

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It’s not necessary to RSVP

to any of these events, however, if you would like more information please

contact the Carers’ Centre on 0800 0388 885 or email

info@banescarers centre.org.uk

There’s nothing like going for a walk or getting some sun to perk up your mood and take a moment to reflect on your day. New research has shown that spending time in green spaces has a sustaining, positive effect on mental and emotional wellbeing.

In a study of over 1,000 people, the University of Exeter Medical School found that those who moved to greener areas – places with accessible parks and gardens – experienced an immediate improvement in mental health that lasted for at least three years.

In 2012, the World Health Organization cited depression as the leading cause of disability worldwide, and this study builds on research that has found natural environments act as vital resources to improve health and wellbeing. People with access to quality parks and gardens displayed fewer signs of depression and anxiety and reduced stress.

With this in mind, we are incredibly fortunate to have the garden at our Bath centre on Lower Bristol Road. One carer, Gill Pitman, was very involved in getting the garden installed and now volunteers maintaining it.

Gill, who cares for her husband, said of the garden ‘for me this is spectacular and wonderful, it [is] a retreat from my caring role both working in the garden and just sitting and relaxing.’

The garden, along with our indoor lounge, is open every weekday from 10am – 3pm for carers to come and enjoy. Bring a book (or choose one from our selection), make a drink and spend some time in natural surroundings.

If you prefer something more hands on, our gardening work group meets every Thursday, from 10am – 12pm, to maintain our plants, fruits and vegetables, or you can come along at a time that suits you.

This summer we are also running a sunflower competition if you are feeling green fingered! Pick up your seeds from us for £1 and then take photos of your flower’s progress – there will be prizes for the tallest, smallest and funniest looking!

Over the summer we will be running more structured events to make use of the garden, for which there will be transport and replacement care cover available on request – watch this space for more details.

Gardens Are Good For You – And Your Mental Health

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JUNE

Wellbeing & Fitness Drum it Up!Explore and create rhythms and soundscapes using drums and percussion from around the world. A relaxed and informal group to meet and share experiences with other parents. No musical / drumming experience necessary and all equipment provided. 3 weeks starting Tues 9 June10.00am to 12noon Threeways School, Frome Road, Bath BA2 5RF

Skills & KnowledgeWild Orchid Photography DayMorgan’s Hill Special Site of Scientific Interest is a great site to learn about British orchids, many of which are highly photogenic. It’s a magical place to visit where you’ll see many species of orchid. Bring a camera if you can, it will be the peak orchid flowering time! Thurs 11 June 11.00am to 3.00pm Small Grain Plantation, Near Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 2LP – directions will be provided

Wellbeing & Fitness Active DadsCalling all Dads! Come along to this Father’s Day celebration with Sporting Family Change and enjoy fun activities with your children. Meet other Dads and their young ones. All welcome with kids aged 5 - 14. Regular sessions may be possible if there’s enough interest.Sat 13 June 10.30am to 12.30pm Odd Down Sports Ground, Chelwood Drive, Bath BA2 2PR

Wellbeing & Fitness YogaCreate balance in the mind and body with yogic exercise, breathing and meditation. Improve fitness and wellbeing and reduce stress. Suitable for beginners and the person you care for can come into the Centre and have time for themselves. This course is in partnership with the Wellbeing College. Tuesdays starting 16 June 10.30am to 11.30am Southdown Methodist Church Centre, The Hollow, Southdown, Bath, BA2 1NJ

Summer 2015 – June to AugustWe’ve compiled our exciting range of FREE events, activities, training opportunities and trips for carers throughout Bath & North East Somerset (B&NES).

Where to find us: Bath Carers’ Centre, The Woodlands, Lower Bristol Road, Bath BA2 9ES Radstock Carers’ Centre, 1 Riverside Cottages, Radstock BA3 3PS

Two’s Company: Bring either the person you care for, a friend or relax on your own.

Interest Groups: Please note no transport or replacement care is available for these breaks.

Family Break: Bring your young family members to these family-friendly breaks.

Our information workshops (in blue squares) and support groups (in green squares) do not count towards your three breaks per quarter – please feel free to sign up to as many of these as you would like.

6 Please contact the Carers’ Centre by email (info@banescarerscentre.org.uk)

7phone (01761 430930) or post to book your FREE place on any of these events

Skills & KnowledgeWell Aware and HealthwatchLearn about Well Aware (a free information and signposting service) and Healthwatch (giving children, young people and adults across B&NES a powerful voice locally and nationally). Find out how they can help you in this fun and interactive workshop. Stay and chat with others afterwards for tea and cake. Wed 17 June10.00am to 11.30am Bath Carers’ Centre ANDThurs 2 July2.00pm to 3.30pm Radstock Carers’ Centre

Art & CraftWillow WeavingJoin expert willow weaver Andy Southwell to work with Somerset Willow. Enjoy a whole day creating unique sculptures for the Carers’ Garden or to take home. Suggested course donation of £5.Fri 19 June 10.00am to 4.00pmBath Carers’ Centre Garden

Art & CraftFun with FlowersBe inspired with this fun, informal workshop and learn how to design and produce three different floral table arrangements, basic floristry techniques and simple advice on how to get the best from your flowers!Sat 20 June 11.00am to 1.00pm Bath Carers’ Centre

Skills & KnowledgeBuilding Personal ConfidenceThis relaxed and friendly workshop will help you increase confidence in your life and caring role, set and achieve goals, meet new people or take steps into work. Led by a Life Coach in partnership with the Community Learning Service.3 weeks starting Wed 24 June 9.45am to 1.00pmBath Carers’ Centre

Two’s CompanyNo.1 Royal Crescent Come along for a talk and tour of No. 1 Royal Crescent – a beautifully restored Georgian town house, offering a wonderfully vital picture of life in Georgian Bath. Thurs 25 June10.30am to 12.30pmNo.1 Royal Crescent, Bath BA1 2LR

Art & CraftCarving with Jeff Body Work on small plaster blocks which will then be cast in concrete so you don’t need to be physically strong to do it. As well as taking a masterpiece home you’ll also create a sculpture for the Carers’ Garden. All tools and materials provided. Suggested course donation of £10. 4 weeks starting Tues 30 June 10.00am to 12noonBath Carers’ Centre Garden

JULY

Wellbeing & Fitness Smoothie and Juice Making Workshop Making smoothies and juices is easy, fun and a great way to boost your energy. Learn how to enjoy them on a budget with tips from Sue Judge. Fri 3 July 11.00am to 12.30pm Bath Carers’ Centre Garden

Wellbeing & Fitness Jimmy Deane Talk & Social EventBath native and Spirit of Rugby award recipient Jimmy Deane will speak about his personal journey as a carer, and his foundation, Sporting Family Change, and how sport can empower, inspire and motivate local families and create opportunities for all. Fri 3 July 7.00pm to 9.00pm Odd Down Sports Ground, Chelwood Drive, Bath BA2 2PR

Wellbeing & Fitness Finding the Balance – Juggling Life and Caring A warm and relaxed workshop to meet other carers, share tips and learn life skills to help you in your caring role. Therapist and trainer Bindi will focus on effective communication, problem solving, managing stressful situations & exploring change. Mon 6 July9.45am to 1.00pm Radstock Carers’ Centre

8 Please contact the Carers’ Centre by email (info@banescarerscentre.org.uk)

Skills & KnowledgeIndian Cookery Demo Bini is the founder of Sweet Cumin, an award-winning Indian cookery school nestled in the Somerset countryside. Enjoy a journey from traditional Gujarati Indian cookery techniques to spices and their uses, with hints and tips throughout. Tasters and drinks will be on offer after the demonstration. Tues 7 July7.00pm to 9.00pm Beacon Hall, French Close, Peasedown St John, Bath BA2 8SN

Wellbeing & Fitness Gardens Are Good For YouGet some summer inspiration for your garden. With expert tips and advice from gardening guru John Tucker from Prior Park Garden Centre. Wed 8 July2.00pm to 3.00pmPrior Park Garden Centre, Prior Park Road, Bath BA2 4NF

Two’s CompanyBristol Zoo and Gardens Venture into this exciting animal kingdom, set within 12 acres of beautiful gardens. With over 400 species and nine animal houses under cover, it’s a great day out in Bristol whatever the weather. Fri 10 July11.30am to 3.00pmClifton, Bristol BS8 3HA

Wellbeing & Fitness Whitchurch Car Boot SaleA great day out of shopping and bargain hunting! Includes rides for the kids, refreshments, ice cream vendors and much more.

Sat 11 July11.30am to 1.30pmHengrove Park, Whitchurch, Bristol, BS14

Wellbeing & Fitness Wellbeing Workshop Small changes can have a big impact on your overall wellbeing. Learn about foods that can help reduce stress, anxiety and depression. There will be a range of foods to try and recipes to take home. Mon 13 July11.00am to 1.00pm Radstock Carers’ Centre

Wellbeing & Fitness Ston Easton Park Take a leisurely stroll through the only remaining Repton landscape in Somerset, wander along the banks of the cascading River Norr, explore the impressive kitchen gardens or search for the old Ice House whilst keeping watch for the three resident deer. Donation of £4 p/p to be made to the National Garden Scheme on arrival.Wed 15 July2.00pm to 4.00pmSton Easton, Somerset BA3 4DF

Skills & KnowledgePlanning for the Future Join Stone King and Money Wise for legal and financial tips and information about care funding reforms, inheritance tax planning, will planning and Lasting Power of Attorney Thurs 16 July3.00pm to 5.00pmBath Carers’ Centre

Art & CraftGet Crafty!Immerse yourself in this social and varied art and craft workshop with Marie Hillcoat. Learn something new or bring a creative project from home.Fri 17 July 11.00am to 1.00pmClaremont Methodist Centre, Eastbourne Avenue, Fairfield Park, Bath BA1 6EN

Wellbeing & Fitness Refreshing Day at AmmerdownA relaxing day away from caring with therapy sessions and a choice of workshops. Refreshments and lunch provided.Tues 21 July 10.00am to 4.00pmAmmerdown Retreat Centre, Ammerdown, Nr Radstock BA3 5SW

9phone (01761 430930) or post to book your FREE place on any of these events

Skills & KnowledgeFirst Aid A practical workshop with the British Red Cross to gain the skills and knowledge including basic resuscitation, treating cuts and grazes, sprains and strains and what to do in an emergency Wed 22 July 10.00am to 12noonBath Carers’ Centre

Art & CraftPhotographyExplore the countryside and wildlife through the lens with artist Karen Dews. Learn basic IT and digital photography techniques at the Bath City Farm studio with stunning views across Bath. 4 weeks starting Wed 29 July 10.00am to 12noonBath City Farm, Kelston View, Bath BA2 1NW

AUGUST

Wellbeing & Fitness University of Bristol Botanic Garden A beautiful garden filled with a huge diversity of plants set in inspirational displays against the backdrop of a striking Victorian house. The University of Bristol Botanic Garden is the first of its kind to be created in the United Kingdom for nearly forty years!

Tues 4 Aug 11.00am to 1.00pmStoke Park Road, Stoke Bishop, Bristol BS9 1JG

Art & CraftAncient Pewter SmithingEnjoy a memorable and inspiring experience on this one-day pewter smithing course. You will create a piece of unique jewellery or a decorative spoon using the ancient cuttlefish bone technique. Tools, materials and refreshments provided - please bring a packed lunch. Suggested course donation of £5.Sat 8 Aug 10.00am to 4.00pmBath Carers’ Centre Garden

Wellbeing & Fitness Ramble in Chew Valley Get out and about with Community Activator Jane Harvey this summer and enjoy the spectacular views of Chew Valley Lake. Finish off with a well-earned rest at the new Sea and Malt café. Sat 8 Aug 1.00pm to 4.00pmWalley Lane, Chew Stoke, Bristol BS40 8TF

Two’s CompanyWeston-Super-Mare Trip Come along together on a trip to the seaside and enjoy fish and chips on the pier.Fri 21 Aug 12noon to 3.00pmGrand Pier, Weston-Super-Mare, North Somerset, BS23 1AL

Family TimeFamily Fun DayA fun day out for the whole family – with workshops, games and arts & crafts. Enjoy some lunch and relax in the garden.Sat 29 Aug 11.00am to 2.30pmBath Carers’ Centre

ONGOING / VARIABLE DATES

Wellbeing & Fitness Body MassageTake some time out with a relaxing body massage. Massage therapist Laila prefers to work with oil on skin, but she can offer massage fully clothed. Rhythm, movement and stretches with touch and deep pressure help gently ease tension and relieve aches.Mondays – 15 June / 13 July / 10 Aug 10.00am, 11.10am, 12.40pm and 1.50pmRadstock Carers’ Centre

Wellbeing & Fitness Indian Head Massage Experience some time for you with a relaxing non-invasive, fully clothed treatment of shoulders, head, arm and hand massage.

Radstock Carers’ CentreTues 9 June / Tues 11 Aug 1.00pm to 3.00pmWed 10 June / Tues 7 July / Wed 15 July 10.00am to 12noon

Bath Carers’ Centre Wed 8 July / Wed 12 Aug 10.00am to 12noonTues 14 July 1.00pm to 3.00pm

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StargazingInterested in joining the Bristol Astronomical Society for an evening of stargazing? You don’t need to know anything about astronomy to enjoy the beauty of the heavens. The visit would take place at Failand Observatory, a few miles from the Clifton Suspension Bridge. We are planning an evening in August for a 9.00pm start. Please let us know if you are interested so we can send you further details.

REGULAR EVENTS

Carers For Each Other A support group for carers with learning disabilities.Mondays – 8 / 22 June, 20 July, 3 / 17 Aug 12.00pm to 2.00pmLater time 6 July 12.45pm to 2.45pmCall the Carers’ Centre for details

Employment Support Group and Workshop Meet other carers looking for work or starting a business: with guest speakers, support and advice on career planning.Thursdays / 25 June / 16 July / 27 Aug 9.45am to 1.00pmBath Carers’ Centre

Memory Café Come along for a fun, friendly and relaxing time at the new Memory Café, with activities and advice about your memory or the memory of a loved one. Themed sessions include 40s&50s dance show (8 June), cream tea (13 July) and relaxation (10 Aug).Mondays - 8 June / 13 July / 10 Aug 2.00pm to 4.00pmBath Carers’ Centre

Think Tank A support group for carers of people with mood disorders.Fridays 26 June / Tuesday 4 August / Friday 21 August 2.30pm to 4.00pmBath Carers’ Centre

Keep Safe Keep Sane A peer-led support group for carers of people with more challenging mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.Tuesdays – 9 June / 14 July / 11 Aug 7.00pm to 9.00pmBath Carers’ Centre

M.E. / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Support & Social Group A peer led support and social group for parents and carers of children with M.E. / CFS Thursdays – 11 June / 9 July (no group in August)7.30pm to 9.00pmBath Carers’ Centre

Interest GroupThe Inspiration Space 2015Be inspired to make changes, become more positive and regain control. Find practical ways of meeting your needs using your innate resources, skills and mutual support in this peer-led group.Ongoing Every Thursday (excluding 16 July) 10.30am to 12.30pmBath Carers’ Centre

Interest GroupArt Club If you would like somewhere to paint, draw and meet other people in a relaxed and friendly space then this could be the club for you. The last Friday of every month 10.30am to 12.30pmBath Carers’ Centre

CANCELLATIONSIf you need to cancel an activity – please remember to give us at least 5 working days’ notice. We can then offer your place to another carer. This will help ensure that every carer receiving support from the Carers’ Centre has the opportunity to take some time out from caring. If we do not receive notification a cancellation charge of £5.00 may apply in order to cover some of our costs. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Ruth Sexton, a trained counsellor and supervisor, shared some of her thoughts on carers accessing counselling.

‘For many carers requesting emotional support is challenging, they may feel that they should be able to cope or that their needs are less important than those of the person they care for. Many have struggled to cope, often feeling isolated and emotionally exhausted. They can feel an overwhelming need to manage their stress, their sense of isolation, their fears and anxieties on their own in order to minimise the impact on others.

‘Some will speak of the tension between needing support and someone to talk to and also needing to maintain friendships as friendships and not, as they can perceive it, burdening others with what they manage day to day.  Carers often feel they need more strategies, better ways of coping, what we hope they find is a space to be, freedom to talk and to be truly heard.

‘Through the therapeutic relationship counsellors can offer support, empathy, non-judgement, respect and compassion. Their focus is on the person in the room, on their story, their needs and their hopes and wishes. Counsellors and carers are about the business of developing, and sometimes restoring, compassion for the self as well as compassion for others. ’

Tricia Doyle, who works with children who are in a caring situation, also penned some thoughts on how children respond to her sessions.

‘From my experiences it seems that children who help to care for a sibling or a parent appreciate the time in counselling to focus on themselves rather than others.  Some issues I often encounter are feeling older than their age or feeling too grown up, loneliness, not being listened to, getting into trouble or being unhappy at school, anger, low self-esteem, relationships with friends and extended family and people who support them.  

‘I have not yet finished counselling with any of the children I am working with.  However, I’ve had comments from clients to tell me that they feel they can tell me anything, and that it’s a chance to get out of the house and be away from the family.’

Ultimately it’s a different experience for everyone, but there is a real benefit to having the time dedicated to you and your feelings.

Becky Belben, a parent-carer who has been through counselling with us, said ‘it was absolutely what I needed. I needed someone to sit and listen to me, for a change. I learned that I needed to look after myself again.’

Carers and Counselling – An Opportunity to Talk

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Here at the Carers’ Centre we offer free counselling with a number of trained counsellors who generously volunteer their services to us. Counselling can be a daunting prospect, so some of our counsellors have sat down to share some of the potential benefits of meeting with someone trained to listen.

Support Our SkydiversSix brave women are leaving their comfort zones here on the ground to SKYDIVE for the Carers’ Centre! These daredevils will be jumping on July 4th, 2015. To support them and help raise money for the Carers’ Centre, please visit our JustGiving page. You can find the individual pages of each of our Skydivers there, so make your choice and give a fiver (or more!) www.justgiving.com/banescarerscentre.

Westfield Ladies Choir These generous songbirds are holding a charity concert in support of the Carers’ Centre on Saturday, 27th of June 2015. It will be held at the Somer Centre, Midsomer Norton. Join us from 7:30pm for an eclectic mix of old and new favourites. Tickets £7 – to buy, please phone 01761 419540 or pay at the door. All proceeds to the Carers’ Centre.

Summer Bucket Collections We are holding two bucket collections over the summer to help fundraise for the Centre; the first on Saturday, 13th June at Bath and Midsomer Norton, and the second on Wednesday 1st July at Bath Racecourse. If you have half an hour or so to spare on these dates and would like to volunteer, please get in touch!

Help Us Raise Money By Recycling Your Unwanted Stuff!You can now help us raise money by bringing us your unwanted or even broken jewellery, mobile phones, cameras & gadgets as well as outdated/foreign currency and used stamps. We now have recycling points at both the Bath & Radstock centres for you to leave unwanted items.

So don’t throw it out – bring it to us and help us raise vital funds to support carers! For more information email info@banescarerscentre.org.uk

We Love Our Supporters

If you’d like to learn more about how the Carers’ Centre can help you, please contact us on the details above, or fill in your information and send it to The Carers’ Centre, FREEPOST BANES CARERS CENTRE (no stamp required).

Name Phone Number ( )

Address Post Code

Relationship to the person you care for what is the nature of their care needs (e.g. disability, illness) what is their Post Code

By sending us these details you agree that the Carers’ Centre can store your information so that we can keep in touch with you. You can request to have your information removed at any time by contacting us. You can request to view the information on your file at any time.

If you look after someone, who looks after you?Contact us on 0800 0388 885 or banescarerscentre.org.uk

The ongoing support of our volunteers, donors and sponsors is invaluable to the running of the Carers’ Centre and helping us in our mission to care for carers. We have lots of activities planned for Summer so if you would like to get involved please contact us.