Contact us:Unit 1F, Enterprise House,Valley Street, Darlington,Co. Durham DL1 1GY.

Telephone: 0300 030 1215 Email: admin@darlingtoncarers.org Web: www.dccarers.org www.facebook.co.uk/darlingtoncarerssupport @dccarers

Charity No: 1069278Company No: 3534933

Darlingtoncarers support

in Darlington

May 2018

CaringMatters

Your local charity supporting carers

Carers WeekSee Page 4

2

Telephone0191 338 5155to see how you can join our

caring workforce and be part

of a team that makes a real

difference to real lives in

your area

Rates of pay up to £7.30 an hour.Full training provided.

Telephone01388 768 271to see how you can join our

caring workforce and be part

of a team that makes a real

difference to real lives in

your area

Rate of pay £8.40 an hour.Full training provided.

Blue Bridge Centre, Newton Aycliffe DL5 6DSTelephone: 01325 300212

Email: sales@newtonpress.net

Professional In-House PRINT Service

Contact us to discuss any print requirement

Newton Press Provide Much More:• Business Stationery • Invitations • Labels •• Leaflets • Business Cards • Raffle Tickets •

• Signs • Wire/Book Binding • Mail Sort •• Framing • Punching • Folding •

• Photocopying • Collating • Eyeletting •• Dissertation Print & Bind • Label Making •

• Shrink Wrap/Sealing • Posters •• Envelopes • Web Design • Canvas Prints •

• Mass Leaflet Promotion • CD Printing •• Laminating/Encapsulating (any size document) •

• Car/Van Livery • Banners • Posters •

All In-House, Under One RoofProduced to your specification and delivered on time

3

First Year AnniversaryWe are fast approaching our first year anniversary and I would like to take this opportunity to update you with the great success the team have achieved within our first year.We have been working hard over the last year building up partnerships with private, public and voluntary organisations within the Darlington Area, and have forged strong bonds with all organisations.

Achievements within our first year

We currently have over 700 Carers registered with our service and are getting a steady stream of new carers every week finding out about the support available.

We have supported Carers with the carers break fund, this has enabled Carers to take a break from their caring role. We have funded breaks such as Spa breaks, holistic therapy, Cinema and garden vouchers right through to Crafting equipment or even Gym membership.

Having reviewed our Carer Groups through surveys and face to face discussions we made some changes. We now have a main Carer group along with the mental health carer group. We have arranged themed talks and discussions around a variety of subjects which have been requested by carers such as Age UK, Alzheimer’s, Mental Health workers and Welfare benefits to name a few. More will be planned later in response to carers requests.

During the year we organised successful and well attended events/trips for our carers to Beamish Museum along with Cares Rights Day. Providing the right information at the right time can make a huge difference when you are looking after someone. Each year we work with Carers UK and other local organisations to help carers in our local community know their rights and find out how to get the help and support they are entitled to.

We have also held two “Stress Less and Relax” days which many carers enjoyed immensely and learned some valuable techniques on how to relax more and to take time out for themselves from their busy caring roles.

The team work hard to find other possible funding streams for Carers and this year we have been successful in securing funding for two local families to go on a much needed holiday.

The team in Darlington carers support are here to help you meet the challenges of being a Carer without losing sight of the fact that you are all individuals, and that you all deserve to be cared for, listened to and supported to carry on with all aspects of your life such as work and hobbies.

The team can help you as a Carer in a variety of ways including;• Specialist advice and information• Home visits offering one to one support• Practical help in completing forms for grants or

other funding• Monthly carer groups with the opportunity to chat

and socialise with other carers• Help you navigate the maze of services available

from the NHS, Social care and other voluntary and community agencies.

• Making sure that all Carers have the opportunity to have their voices heard and take apart in meaningful consultation

• Access to Carer breaks funding and carers discount card

• Workshops and training opportunities that support you to improve your health and well being.

We are looking forward to supporting many more carers within the next year and building upon existing partnerships.

Charity No: 1069278Company No: 3534933

Darlingtoncarers support

4

Free First Aid course for carers registered with Darlington Carers Support Thursday 14th June 2018 from 11am to 2pm including a healthy lunch at St Augustines Hall, Larchfield Street, Darlington DL3 7TG.Places are limited, and to secure your place please complete the slip below and return to the office no later than 1st June 2018. We will inform you via letter if you have secured your place.Darlington Carers Support are working in partnership with JD training solutions to deliver First Aid training. Especially tailored for carers to equip carers with the knowledge and confidence to administer first aid.The JD trainers deliver the training in a calm and relaxed atmosphere and ensure that people leave the training feeling confident and have the knowledge to deal with an emergency situation.During the course you will learn how to:-• Assess an emergency situation• Respond to an emergency situation• When and how to summon the emergency services• Manage an unresponsive casualty• Perform effective CPR• Use and awareness of a Defibrillator• Place a casualty in the recovery Position• Respond to a person who is choking• Recognize and respond to a person suffering a heart attack• Stroke and Shock

At the end of the course the attendees will: -• Have an understanding of first aid and feel confident in

dealing with an emergency situation.

What’s On...

Darlington Carer support planned activities for Carers Week. This year’s theme is “Help build carer friendly communities”

11-17 June 2018

First Aid Training CourseName: ......................................................................................

Address: ...................................................................................

................................................................................................

Contact details: .........................................................................

Email: ......................................................................................Please return to Darlington Carers Support,Unit 1F ENTERPRISE House, Valley Street,Darlington DL1 1GY. #

Supporting Carers to be Healthy and ConnectedCome along and meet the team and other providers within Darlington and see how we can help you in your caring role. Have a chat around the support we can offer along with any benefit enquiries you may have.Refreshments will be provided along with a light lunch and pick up your free goody bag This is an opportunity to find out more about any caring issues you may have caring for an older relative to a younger family members, in a friendly in a relaxed atmosphere.Why not pop in and meet us between10am to 2pm on Tuesday 12th June.We will be at:Firthmoor Community Centre59 Burnside Road, Darlington, DL1 4SUIf you would like more details please contact the office on 03000301215

Quote from Jenny Chapman, MP for Darlington“I pledged my support to carers across Darlington ahead of the National Carers Week 2018 Awareness Campaign, which runs from 11-15th June.

I appreciate the vital contribution that Britain’s millions of unpaid carers make to those with care needs, our local communities and our economy. I also believe that for far too long carers have been ignored and that too many carers remain unable to get the help and financial support they need in order to help others.

It was great to speak with Darlington Carers Support at my office again this month and hear about their fantastic plans for Darlington this year”.

5

Firth Moor Community Centre Drop-In

Why not come along to our Family Carer drop in at Firth Moor Community Centre - have a chat with a member of our staff and find out how

we can support you, with information and advice around your caring role!

The drop in will be on the 1st Thursday of each month in the cafeteria area between:

11.30am and 1.30pm.

The Drop-in is held at: Firthmoor Community Centre

56 Burnside Road Darlington

DL1 4SU

For more Information please contact Darlington Carer Support on:

0300 030 1215

Darlingtoncarers support

6

Darlingtoncarers support

#

Whitby Trip Reply Slip

Name: ............................................................

Address: .........................................................

......................................................................

Postcode: .......................................................

Contact Number: .............................................

Email: ............................................................ Please return to:Darlington Carers Support,Unit 1F Enterprise House, Valley Street,Darlington DL1 1GY

WhitbyTrip Tuesday21st August2018We have places available to Carers registered with Darlington Carers support on a trip to Whitby. The cost of the trip is £5.00 including transport which will be leaving the Dolphin Centre at 9.30am.

Places are limited and will be offered on a first come first served basis. Payment can be made by cheque or postal order and should be made payable to Durham County Carers Support. Return transport will be leaving at 3.30pm.

If you would like more information please call us on 0300 030 1215.

To apply for a ticket please complete the form and return with payment by the 27th July 2018. We will contact you via a letter to let you know if you have a place. Where applications are unsuccessful we will return your payment.

7

ARE YOU A CARER? DO YOU LOOK AFTER A FAMILY MEMBER WITH MENTAL ILL

HEALTH?

WOULD YOU LIKE SOME SUPPORT FOR YOURSELF? TIME TO TALK ABOUT YOU!

Why not come along to our Family Carer drop in at West Park Hospital -

have a chat over a cuppa and find out how we can support you with information and advice and maybe even help you to get a

break of your choice! The drop in will be held on the 1st Monday

of each month (or Tuesday, if the Monday is a Bank Holiday) in the cafeteria area

between 1pm and 3pm.

Monday 4th June Monday 9th July Monday 6th August Monday 3rd September Monday 1st October

Darlingtoncarers support

8

Mental Health Group This will be held on the last Tuesday of each monthly from 1pm to 2pm at Darlington Friends Quaker Meeting House,Darlington DL3 7NB

29th May 2018 Darlington Credit Union will be giving a presentation on the support and advice they can offer individuals with all debt issues.

26th June 2018 The Alzheimer’s Society will be coming along to discuss their service and to tell Carers more about support they offer to people with dementia and their Carers

31st July 2018 Advocacy service for Carers of individuals who suffer with mental health issues. Come along and see what support they can provide.

28th August 2018 Sam Stimpson, our Welfare Benefits Development worker will join us to look at the Benefits changes including universal credit. So if you would like to know about how this might affect you please come along.

Carers Support Group This will be held on the first Wednesday of each month from 1pm to 3pm. The group meet at St Augustine’s Hall, Larchfield Street, Darlington DL3 7TG. Why don’t you come along to the groups which are very friendly, an ideal opportunity to meet other people in similar situations along with learning new things.

2nd May 2018 Sam Stimpson, our Welfare Benefits Development worker will join us to look at the Benefits changes including universal credit. So if you would like to know about how this might affect you please come along.

6th June 2018 Come along for a cuppa and a chat. A support worker will be available to offer support if required.

4th July 2018 Co-op will be delivering an entertaining session called Tax and Toy Boys! This will give support and advice around power of attorneys.

1st August 2018 Neca will do a talk about their service to enable individuals to sustain long term recovery from substances and gambling misuse, information and advice tailored to meet the needs of both adults, young children and their carers.

Darlington Carers Support GroupsDarlington Carers Support currently have two Carers groups meeting:

Some of our Fantastic carers who attend our Carers Group took part within the recent training arranged via Darlington Carer Support to become dementia friends with Kathryn Hardwick Dementia advisor from Alzheimer’s society.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the training and feel that I have gained a greater understanding of this awful condition”“This has enabled me to understand the condition better and has given me the correct information to continue with my caring role““Fantastic training, I am happy to become a dementia friend”

9

Fantastic News!Appointments are now available within Darlington Carers Support office to Support registered Carers (with Darlington Carer Support).

Alison Donoghue, Project Team Leader “I am delighted to announce this new initiative and look forward to working with Citizens Advice Vureau to offer this much needed service.”

All appointments need to be booked in advance via contacting our office on 03000301215

The campaign is to ensure people across Darlington are claiming the benefits to which they are entitled.

The campaign, called Darlo Millions, seeks to target assistance to client groups who have the greatest difficulty ensuring they get the correct rate of benefit.

One of the groups we are focusing on will be Carers.

In order to better meet the needs of carers we will be running sessions at Darlington Carers Support office twice a month to help individuals claim all the benefits they, and the person they care for, are entitled to.

The sessions will be held on the first and last Thursday in every month starting on the 3rd of May 2018 and 24th May. If you require an appointment please contact Darlington Carers Support on 03000301215 to arrange one.

Mike Robinson who works on the project says: “It is often difficult for carers to get the time to seek advice for themselves and, yet people with caring responsibilities are often significantly under-claiming their benefit entitlement. For instance many people are not aware that they can get financial help to care for people”.

To arrange your appointment please contact the Darlington Carers office on 03000 30125.

What is Universal Credit?Universal Credit (UC) is a new means-tested benefit that provides help to those who do not have enough money to live on. Like all means-tested benefits UC is not taxable. UC will replace all of the following “Legacy” benefits:

• Income Support• Income-based Jobseekers Allowance

(becomes “New style JSA”)• Income-related Employment and

Support Allowance (becomes “New style ESA”)

• Housing Benefit• Working Tax Credit• Child Tax Credit

The migration process for existing claims will begin in 2019 and should be completed in 2022 according to the latest updates. This may be subject to change as Full Service roll-outs continue. UC is an “Evolving Benefit” You will not be automatically changed to Universal Credit at this time, only when your existing benefit claim has certain changes. This change may be things like starting work, being in work and having an increase or a reduction in hours, becoming a Carer and making a “top up” claim from another benefit (previously Income Support or Housing Benefit) For more information, and to see the support available n your area visit https://www.durham.gov.uk/universalcredit or speak to Jobcentre Plus staff in your local office. Darlington Jobcentre Plus Office will become Full Service in June 2018.

Roll out of Universal Credit within Darlington forJune 2018

All material published in Caring Matters, including adverts, editorials, articles and all other contentis published in good faith. Durham County Carers Support accepts no liability for any errors or

omissions and does not endorse any companies, products or services that appear in this publication.This publication is available in alternative formats and large print. To let us know your requirements, please contact 0300 005 1213.

10

#

Darlington Carer Support50:50 Club (formerly known as the 500 Club Lottery)We’ve changed the name to help show how the funds are allocated.50% of the funds raised per month is given back out to 3 lucky winners, average prizes are:1st £107 2nd £70 3rd £35Joining the 50:50 Club gives you the opportunity to support our FREE counselling for Carers and gives you a very good chance of winning a monthly prize. 50% of funds raised will be used to support our FREE counselling service to Carers. Our Counsellors create a comfortable non-judgmental environment that is characterised by the counsellor being genuine, displaying empathy and having an acceptance of the person regardless of circumstance. The result is that the client gains better coping skills and confidence through various techniques. If you require any information about this service please contact Andrea Emerson on 0191 5006010 or email andrea.emerson@dccarers.org

Lottery Registration Number LOT142 Charity Number 1069278

50:50 Club MembershipApplication FormCarers’ 50:50 Club MembershipPlease complete in BLOCK CAPITALS

Name ...................................................................

Address ................................................................

............................................................................

.................................... Postcode ..........................

Telephone .............................................................

Email ....................................................................

We would prefer payment by Standing Order but are happy to accept cash or cheque. Please note if you are paying by cash or cheque you must join for a minimum of 1 year (£12). Please make your cheque payable to: Durham County Carers Support and return this completed membership application form to: Durham County Carers Support, Enterprise House, Meadowfield Avenue, Spennymoor, DL16 6JFMinimum stake is £1 per month, but remember, the more stakes you take, the more chance you have of winning!

Monthly or Annual Standing OrderYour Bank Name ..........................................................Bank Address .................................................................................................... Postcode ................................Account Name .............................................................Account No.: ................. Sort Code ................................Please send this completed form to:Durham County Carers Support,Enterprise House, Meadowfield Avenue, Spennymoor, Co Durham, DL16 6JF oremail it to: Jacqui.coulson@dccarers.org

Please debit my account and pay:Durham County Carers SupportAcc. No. 20132424 Sort Code 60-83-01The sum of .............................................................On the (start date) ..................................................And then on the same day (please tick):Monthly Annually Signed ....................................................................Date .......................................................................

Previous WinnersFebruary 20181st Prize - Lisa Outhwaite2nd Prize - Craig Perry3rd Prize - Ray HamblyMarch 20181st Prize - M Eadsforth2nd Prize - J Clennell3rd Prize - Steven PerryApril 20181st Prize - Thomas Forster2nd Prize - D Weatherspoon3rd Prize - Brian Shearer

11

Charity No. 1069278Company No. 3534933

Become a supporterof Darlington Carers Support by making a regular donation

A regular gift of between £2 and £10 per month will help us to continue our work in supporting Carers, it also allows us to plan ahead for our future projects. 100% of funds donated are used to support Carers living in County Durham and Darlington.

Changes/cancellations can be made at any time to your regular gift by contacting your bank.

If you have any questions about making a regular donation, please call0300 005 1213

Banker’s Order

To: (your bank name & address) ................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................................................Please pay to: Unity Trust Bank, Nine Brindley Place, Birmingham, B1 2HB for the credit of Durham County Carers Support, Account Number 20132424, Sort Code: 08-60-01

The sum of £ ...........................Commencing: ................................................. (date of first payment) and

thereafter every month until further notice, debit my account accordingly.

Name of account to be debited: .................................................................................................................

Account No: ......................................................................... Sort Code:.....................................................

Your signature: ...................................................................Date: .............................................................

Your address: ............................................................................................................................................

.................................................................................. Post code: .............................................................

Please return the above completed form to: FREEPOST RTSU-LJRT-HZBEDurham County Carers Support, Enterprise House, Meadowfield Avenue, Spennymoor DL16 6JF

#

12

Keep up-to-date with our latest information and Carer Discount Card Offers on Facebook

Darlington Carers Support

Follow us on: @dccarers

CarerSmart is a new club from Carers Trust, the UK’s largest carers charity, and is open to carers, people with care needs and staff and volunteers across the Carers Trust network.Joining is easy and free, once you’re a member, you can benefit from a wide range of offers including:

• Cash back on shopping from numerous high street retailers.

• Best rates from energy providers.

• Reductions on insurance renewals.

• Discounts on holidays and travel arrangements.

• Reduced price lifestyle activities.

• Free legal advice services.

And much much more!

There really is something for everyone.Register today and use our online calculator to see how much you could save. CarerSmart, making life a little easier for carers.

Did you know there are offers, benefits and discounts available exclusively for carers and people with care needs?

www.carersmart.org

13

Name: .....................................................................

Address: ..................................................................

...............................................................................

..........................................Postcode: ......................

Telephone Number: ..................................................

Mobile Number: .......................................................

Email: .....................................................................

What would you like to apply for? ..............................

If you would like to applyplease ring 0300 030 1215We have helped Carers by organising breaks such as spa days, cinema and theatre vouchers, garden furniture and equipment, sporting equipment and memberships, ironing and cleaning services, art and craft materials, horse riding lessons, music lessons, gardening services and respite services.

What previous applications have said:“ Excellent service, someone to stay with my

husband for the hour while I was out was a tremendous help.”

“ Lovely women, very talkative, gave me advice and a deep tissue massage and very relaxing - thank you.”

“ Crafting really is a diversion from everyday problems.”

“ I can become very impatient with my partner, mostly when I feel tired. The netbook focuses my

mind on other things and helps me to be calmer.”“ The enormous financial burden that paying for

driving lessons would have put upon us would have been too great to carry.”

“ I did enjoy the break and I think it did me good. People have said I am dealing with things a bit better since my return.”

Darlingtoncarers support

Darlington Carers Support,Unit 1F, Enterprise House,Valley Street, Darlington DL1 1GYCharity Number 1069278 #

Darlington CCG Personalised Carer Breaks fund may be able to help you take a break from your caring role.

You shop. Amazon gives.Amazon donates 0.5% of the net purchase price (excluding VAT, returns and shipping fees) of eligible purchases to the charitable organisation of your choice. AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service. Support your charitable organisation by starting your shopping at www.smile.amazon.co.ukSign in to www.smile.amazon.co.uk on your desktop or mobile phone browser.

From your desktop, go to Your Account from the navigation at the top of any page, and then select the option to Change your Charity. Or, from your mobile browser, select Change your Charity from the options at the bottom of the page.

Enter Durham County Carers Support then press search.

14

This newsletter is produced 3 times a year and is sent to over 1,000 supporters. If you have any comments we would very much like to hear from you. If you would prefer to receive the newsletter by email or not to receive it at all please email, telephone or write to us using the details below.Freepost RTXA-HHGH-SAGE, Durham County Carers Support, Enterprise House, Enterprise City, Meadowfield Avenue, SPENNYMOOR DL16 6JF. Telephone: 0300 030 1215. Email: admin@darlingtoncarers.orgWebsite: www.dccarers.org Charity Number 1069278. Registered Number Company 3534933

Carers UK needs your help to give us the evidence to support their campaigns and give them a real-time picture of what it’s like to be a carer in 2018.

This is the most extensive survey into carers’ experiences in the UK. As a result, it will take at least 20 - 30 minutes to complete. This year Carers UK is campaigning for Carers to be able to access a break from their caring role, for a rise in Carers Allowance and for stronger rights for Carers who are juggling work and care. They want to make sure that pressure on carers is at the centre of discussions about more funding and they need evidence to do this.

You can complete the survey by following the link - https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/StateofCaring2018

State of CaringSurvey

Volunteering For AllVolunteers’ Week is a chance to say thank you for the fantastic contribution millions of volunteers make across the UK. It takes place 1-7 June every year and is an opportunity to celebrate volunteering in all its diversity.We will be celebrating with our volunteers too, invitations to follow.If you are interested in volunteering with us then please contact our Volunteer Coordinator Andrea Emerson onandrea.emerson@dccarers.org

Each year Carers UK run the State of Caring Survey to help show the reality of what it means to care for a family member or friend.

15

Carers Discount CardThe County Durham and Darlington Carers card, developed in partnership with Darlington Borough Council, NHS County Durham and Darlington and Durham County Council, recognises and rewards the support Carers provide to their neighbours, friends and family.The Carers Card is available to any Carer registered with Durham County Carer Support. Visit our website for the Full Directory, http://www.dccarers.org/carers-card.htmlHere is a selection of businesses that are offering discounts to Carers- If you haven’t got a card contact us for more information.

All stores in County Durham & DarlingtonProvide a 10% Discount in store however not

available on sale items

61 Cornmill CentreDarlington

DL1 1LT01325 467225

S & CL Wilkinson provides 10% Offcomplete pairs & spectacles.

4 StonebridgeDarlington

County DurhamDL1 1PB

01325 463479

Footprints is backing the Carer’s Cardwith a 10% Discount on all purchases

6 SkinnergateDarlingtonDL3 7NB

01325 487366

Cleancare is a Laundry and Drycleaner’s who provide a 20% discount and also Free collection

and delivery (in a 30 mile radius of store)

Cleancare 39 Skinnergate

Darlington DL3 7NR

Head of steam provides Free entry forCarer Concessionary rates for all other

members of a carer’s party.

North station roadDarlington

DL3 6ST01325405060

NJS Provides a 10% discount Off originalquoted prices in addition to free

quotations and advice

11 Westerhope court DarlingtonDL3 0TD

01325 253003

Shopping &High Street

Yorkshire Linen

OpticianS & CL

Wilkinson

Book ShopFootprints Christian

Bookshop

Cleaning & LaundryCleancare

MuseumHead of Steam

Darlington Railway

SecurityNJS Ltd

Designed & Printed by Newton Press, Blue Bridge Centre, Newton Aycliffe, Co. Durham DL5 6DSTel. 01325 300212 - www.newtonpress.net

30 - 31 Bondgate, Darlington DL3 7JJ 01325 46330347 - 49 Main Street, Shildon DL4 1AF 01388 772671

Email: hackettandbaines@btconnect.com

ELECTRIC RISE RECLINERSby Sherborne and

Celebrity with5 years warranty.

Other brands include:Vale Bridgecraft

and Cotswold Chair Company

with2 year warranty.

Over 30 in stock for immediate delivery.

Manual recliners and settees to match.

A large selection of high seat chairs, occassional

furniture and accessories.Prices to suit all pockets by a company established in 1898.

30 - 31 Bondgate, Darlington DL3 7JJ 01325 463303

Park outside and shop at leisure or aselection can be brought to your door

ELECTRIC RISE

A large selection of high seat

furniture and accessories.Prices to company established in

A large selection of high seat

Prices to company established in

ELECTRIC RISE RECLINERSby Sherborne and

Celebrity with 5 years warranty.Other brands include: Vale Bridgecraft

and Cotswold ChairCompany

with 5 years warranty.

Over 30 in stock forimmediate delivery.

Manual recliners andsettees to match.

A large selection of high seatchairs, occassional

furniture and accessories.Prices to suit all pockets by a

company established in 1898.

Big size Menswear 2X - 8Xnow in stock at Shildon.